(My class was over zoom)

I've had Nogami Sensei for al 3 quarters (J4-J6), and while she may have the reputation of being scary and tough, she is one of the best professors I've ever had. It is definitely not an easy A, but without a doubt your Japanese will get exponentially better. The class was very participation-oriented where she would constantly call on random people and ask questions based on what you're studying, and if you didn't know the answer or took too long she would move on to someone else. If this happens do not take it personally; she's just trying to get the class going. If she sees that you're genuinely trying, she will do all that she can to help you get better. If she sees that you're constantly failing to speak/read Japanese and answer questions, she will have less patience with you. This can all be avoided if you do your part and review, which I highly recommend you don't skip (review grammar, vocab, kanji, dialogue & yomimono). If you're ever struggling, I recommend emailing sensei about what you're having trouble with and scheduling an office-hour meeting so she doesn't just assume that you're not trying.

We had a schedule of the quarter which we followed to the tee, so the class as a whole was very structured and organized. The tests were textbook-oriented and we had a packet of homework due about once a week, along with a few essays and speeches (all doable).

If you are truly passionate about learning the language and want to truly get better (ESPECIALLY if you're a Japanese Major), do yourself a favor and take this professor.

(My class was over zoom)

I've had Nogami Sensei for al 3 quarters (J4-J6), and while she may have the reputation of being scary and tough, she is one of the best professors I've ever had. It is definitely not an easy A, but without a doubt your Japanese will get exponentially better. The class was very participation-oriented where she would constantly call on random people and ask questions based on what you're studying, and if you didn't know the answer or took too long she would move on to someone else. If this happens do not take it personally; she's just trying to get the class going. If she sees that you're genuinely trying, she will do all that she can to help you get better. If she sees that you're constantly failing to speak/read Japanese and answer questions, she will have less patience with you. This can all be avoided if you do your part and review, which I highly recommend you don't skip (review grammar, vocab, kanji, dialogue & yomimono). If you're ever struggling, I recommend emailing sensei about what you're having trouble with and scheduling an office-hour meeting so she doesn't just assume that you're not trying.

We had a schedule of the quarter which we followed to the tee, so the class as a whole was very structured and organized. The tests were textbook-oriented and we had a packet of homework due about once a week, along with a few essays and speeches (all doable).

If you are truly passionate about learning the language and want to truly get better (ESPECIALLY if you're a Japanese Major), do yourself a favor and take this professor.

Nogami Sensei is wonderful! She's so witty and funny, it really makes class quite enjoyable. She's very quite confident and can be kind of intimidating, but in a language class, you really need an extra push, sometimes, to practice and use the language to learn it. The tests are very fair and if you study and participate in class, if should be just fine. Oral tests are kind of tricky, you have to always think about what grammar point to use on your own because she will most likely not prompt you for it. It's really casual and cool to take her class and you do learn a lot of Japanese for sure. When she asks questions that seem like "yes" or "no" questions, don't just answer "yes" or "no" and simply repeat the question...she definitely is trying to get you to expand on the topic and she's very patient in waiting for you to get your sentence out. She's very reasonable in class and very approachable outside of class. It's hard to get to know other students in the class, but you do learn a lot and have a great time with Nogami Sensei.

Easily the best Japanese professor I have ever had. Firstly, she has a great sense of humor, and one that can easily exist withing the bounds of our studies. Her integration of the chapters into discussion is amazing, because she ~never~ uses a term or character that you wouldn't know (provided that you study and pay attention). The course work is demanding, but comes in reasonable amounts, spread out over the weeks. Her organization is astounding, and she's very easy to speak with. Quizzes and exams are straightforward and with no surprises. A very playful and kind professor.

hilarious professor. excellent at getting you to not only understand, but practice the difficult content. Small class makes for a lot of fun. it will be the highlight of your quarter. very fair in grading too