Japanese - Ask questions thread

Basically if you have a question about the language, ask it and fellow 4channers might see it and answer it for you.

To start it off. When an animate object (iru) dies, is it considered inanimate(aru)?

Just a general question about study.  My University offers some Japanese classes.  I've completed the first year, but felt as if I would have learned more if I did self study.

Do you think it'd be better for me to go to class, if nothing else, just to hear a native Japanese speaker once a week, or practice on my own through books, podcasts, etc?