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Japanese Studies

Course Catalog

Requirements for a major

Japanese Studies

Total courses required Ten
Core courses

Four Courses in Japanese language

One course covering Japanese culture: ARTH 133, ARTH 135, ARTH 234, ASIA 197, ASIA 281, ASIA 282

ASIA 480

Other required courses

A minimum of four courses from among the following (at least two of the four courses should be solely on a Japanese topic).
ARTH 232, ARTH 233, ARTH 236, ARTH 331, ARTH 332, ARTH 333, ARTH 334, ASIA 290 (when a Japanese topic), ECON 330, HIST 252, HIST 254, HIST 255, JAPN 351, JAPN 352, JAPN 451, REL 130, REL 258, REL 259, an Extended Studies course about Japan

A number of other courses may be applied toward the Japanese Studies program. See the Schedule of Classes each semester for a complete listing.

Number 300 and 400 level courses Three including ASIA 480 (where Japan is substantial in the content)
Senior requirement and capstone experience All Japanese Studies Majors must complete the Asian Studies Senior Seminar (ASIA 480), which includes a substantial essay, with a grade of "C" or above. All students are expected to give a public presentation of their work.
Additional information

A maximum of 3 courses per term (and 5 in total) may be counted toward the major from semester-long study abroad programs.

All Japanese Studies Majors are strongly encouraged to experience Japan through a semester or year-long study abroad program, an approved summer language program, an Extended Studies course in Japan, or an internship in Japan.

A maximum of 6 language courses can count toward the Japanese Studies major.

Writing in the Major Majors in Japanese Studies complete the writing in the major requirement by preparing a portfolio of their writing from courses taken in Japanese Studies. The portfolio should include the following items: 1) an analysis of a cultural product, perception or practice, 2) a thesis or research paper, 3) an essay written in Japanese, 4) an essay reflecting on the intellectual trajectory in Japanese Studies. Students complete items 1 and 2 in their normal courses, and 3 in JAPN 252 or an advanced Japanese language course. The only additional writing for the portfolio is item 4. Students should consult with their advisor or the director for details about the portfolio.

Requirements for a minor

Japanese Studies

Total courses required Five
Core courses None
Other required courses The minor requires a minimum of five courses in Japanese language at the Elementary Japanese II (JAPN 152) level or above. Only one of the courses toward the minor may be taken off-campus.
Number 300 and 400 level courses Two-three

Courses in Japanese Studies

JAPN 151

Elementary Japanese I

Introduction to the Japanese language with emphasis on development of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. JAPN 151 is open only to beginners in Japanese or those with two years or less of high school Japanese.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language 1 course

JAPN 152

Elementary Japanese II

A continuation of the study of JAPN 151. Open to students who have successfully completed Japanese I or who are placed into this level by test results. Prerequisite: JAPN 151 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language JAPN 151 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course

JAPN 197

First-Year Seminar

A seminar focused on a theme related to Japanese Studies. Open only to first-year students.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
1 course

JAPN 251

Intermediate Japanese I

Further study of Japanese language and practice in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prerequisite: JAPN 152 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language JAPN 152 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course

JAPN 252

Intermediate Japanese II

A continuation of JAPN 251. Prerequisite: JAPN 251 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language JAPN 251 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course

JAPN 351

Advanced Japanese I

Readings and discussion of advanced Japanese materials. Exercise in speaking the language and in writing compositions. Prerequisite: JAPN 252 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language 1 course

JAPN 352

Advanced Japanese II

Further study of the Japanese language. Prerequisite: JAPN 252 or qualifying score on the placement test.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language JAPN 252 or qualifying score on the placement test 1 course

JAPN 451

Advanced Readings and Projects in Japanese

Open to advanced students in Japanese. May be repeated for credit.

Distribution Area Prerequisites Credits
Language 1/2-1 course