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Japanese Language & Culture ClassesCheck more details : https://www.asianculturetn.org/japanese-outreach-program/
Introductory Part 1:
8 Saturdays 9:30-11:30am
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/5 (no class on 8/29)
Introductory Part 2:
8 Saturdays 12:30-2:30pm
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/5 (no class on 8/29)
Introductory Part 3:
8 Saturdays 3:30-5:30pm
7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/5 (no class on 8/29)
Elementary Part 6*:
8 Wednesday evenings 7:00-9:00pm
7/8, 7/15, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26
* Not sure which level to take? Write to <mlacure>
* Depending on enrollment, the Part 6 class may be moved to Saturday afternoons on 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 9/5 (no class on 8/29)
Mahagi LaCure
Japanese Language instructor
Mahagi was born and raised in Toyama, Japan, a city known for the majestic Japan Alps and its exceptional seafood brought in from the Japan Sea. After graduating from Kobe Women’s College with a major in English, she apprenticed with a master weaver in Kyoto. Around that time, she met her future husband, Jon. Upon moving to the United States, Mahagi became a self-employed weaver, creating hand-dyed and handwoven wall rugs that she sold through craft galleries and fairs.
In 1991, Mahagi and her family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, when her husband accepted a position teaching Japanese literature at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This transition opened the door for her own teaching career. She earned an M.S. in Foreign Language Education from UTK and went on to teach Japanese for 30 years, offering courses from beginner to advanced levels.
After retiring from the university, Mahagi embraced a new challenge in 2023: designing and teaching community Japanese classes. She is grateful for the deep interest the local community shows in Japan and its culture, and she feels fortunate to continue fostering mutual understanding and respect through language learning and cultural exploration.
While her university teaching emphasized organization and engagement—qualities frequently reflected in student evaluations as “challenging, but fun”—Mahagi recognizes that adult learners bring different backgrounds, schedules, and needs. She continues to refine her approach, always seeking the right balance of encouragement and support, and improving her classes through reflection after every session.
Beyond the classroom, Mahagi is actively involved in outreach programs with the Asian Culture Center. She also coordinates Shamisen Knoxville, a group dedicated to sharing and celebrating the traditional Japanese banjo-like instrument.</mlacure>
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