¶¶Òõ̽̽

Program Overview

Why Study Japanese?

Japan is a global leader in technology, business, and culture, making the Japanese language an invaluable skill for students pursuing careers in a wide range of fields. As the world’s third-largest economy, Japan offers countless opportunities for international collaboration, from business and engineering to arts and education. Beyond its economic significance, Japan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, from classical literature and traditional arts to contemporary pop culture phenomena like anime and video games.

Learning Japanese not only opens doors to understanding this vibrant and influential society but also enhances cognitive skills, fosters cross-cultural communication, and provides a deeper appreciation of the world’s diversity.

Our Program

The Japanese Language Program at ¶¶Òõ̽̽ offers a dynamic and supportive environment for students to develop their linguistic and cultural fluency. With an active faculty committed to excellence in teaching and research, students benefit from engaging courses designed to accommodate a variety of learning levels and interests.

Our program emphasizes a holistic approach to language learning, combining rigorous classroom instruction with rich extracurricular opportunities. Students can participate in cultural events, conversation tables, service learning, language exchange, and study abroad programs, as well as join clubs such as the Japanese Language and Culture Club, the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Taiko (Japanese drumming) Club, and the Anime Club.

In addition to the Japanese language courses, students can explore a broad range of classes that delve into Japanese history, literature, politics, art, and society. This interdisciplinary approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Japan and its global connections, preparing students for careers in academia, international business, government, and more.

Discover the world of Japan through our program, and join a community passionate about language, culture, and connection!

Curriculum

From ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Catalogue:

Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.A. With major in Japanese degree, students will be able to:

• Speaking/Listening: Understand spoken Japanese and express one's opinion concerning a variety of social topics, and be able to conduct an oral presentation in Japanese.
• Reading: Read and comprehend written texts in Japanese from a variety of forms and contexts (e.g., newspapers, essay collections, novels).
• Writing: Express own thoughts and summarize readings in one's own words in written Japanese.
• Literature: Identify and describe major authors, works, features, forms, and styles of Japanese literature from premodern and/or modern eras.
• Analyze and interpret works of Japanese poetry, prose, and drama, read both in translation and in the original Japanese, using terms appropriate to each genre.
• Situate and evaluate Japanese literature in its social, historical, intellectual, and religious contexts.
• Research: Use a variety of Japanese reference works and sources, including dictionaries and encyclopedias in digital and hardcopy form.
• Conduct independent research on topics in Japanese literature and/or Japan related topics, and effectively communicate the results.

Where Alumni Work

• Arts: Manga Artist, Photographer/Videographer in Japan
• Bank: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, FXSpotStream
• Entrepreneur/Business Owner: Archer, Q2 Japan
• International Business: NEXCO West USA, Burton Corporation, GIB Co., Ltd
• International Relations and Education: Saint Michael’s College, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University
• Government: Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, Consulate General of Japan in Boston
• Law: Rincon Law Group, PC
• Medicine, Medical Research, and Pharmaceutical Company: University of Vermont Medical Center, Oregon Health & Science University, SNBL, CMIC, UMass Chan Medical School
• Military Service: U.S. Air Force, U.S. Armed Forces
• Teaching: Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, AEON, Interac, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, University/College
• Technology: Asurion
• Tourism: Akita Inu Tourism, Chikyuu no Arukikata T & E Inc.

Graduate Schools

• Akita University
• Columbia University
• Suffolk University Law School
• Saint Michael’s College
• Savannah Law School
• School for International Training
• Tokyo University of the Arts
• University of Nottingham
• University of Saint Andrews
• University of San Francisco
• University of Vermont
• University of Washington