ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces ways to create a humanities course in which language study can be incorporated effectively into a sociolinguistic theme, thereby allowing for cross-disciplinary connections. The language in focus is Japanese, and the sociolinguistic theme selected is the language contact phenomenon between Japanese and English. The chapter offers concrete ideas about how to conceive, prepare for, and execute the course within an undergraduate humanities curriculum. The language contact phenomenon is constructed within a theme-based pedagogical framework within which selected material is presented using the Japanese language. This framework affords the flexibility to introduce language study to an audience who may not have had any previous language background. The sample lesson plan illustrates the use of elementary level Japanese in a thematic unit related to language contact and advertising in Japan. With some creativity, the course content and format can be easily adapted to any foreign language, and as such, this chapter will be of interest to anyone involved with foreign language teaching and learning.
