Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Adviser Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2013-2014 Catalog Program: Japanese, BA Minimum Credits Required:__________________

Japanese, BA

Department of Modern and Classical Languages, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

55 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Japanese?

In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the department trains in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically. Holistic language learning is facilitated by modern methods and multimedia technology, as well as study abroad opportunities. The department supports the analytical instruction of language structure through a full range of language skills courses, as well as a significant number of courses in linguistics. Literary analysis is essential to a student’s understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture’s values. The department provides instruction in history and culture, as well as literary theory, with an end to enabling the student to gain access to the intellectual life in the culture. The department imparts skills to future foreign language teachers so that they may similarly enable high school students to begin the acquisition of foreign languages.

Why Consider a Japanese Major? 

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages provides students the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture and civilization. It is a meeting place for true diversity.

 

 Contact Information

Japanese Advisor
Dr. Massimiliano Tomasi
Miller Hall 222C
360-650-3339
Massimiliano.Tomasi@wwu.edu

Modern and Classical Languages
Department Office

Miller Hall 223
360-650-3918

 Sample Careers

Interpreter | Foreign Correspondent | Foreign Service Officer | FBI Agent | Educator | Linguist | Travel Writer | All careers involving communication

 Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Make an appointment with the Japanese advisor.

When meeting with the advisor, you should bring:

  • An “Official Declaration of Undergraduate Major” form (available at the Department Office)
  • An unofficial WWU transcript
  • Documentation for courses taken at other colleges or universities
  • Documentation for any study-abroad credits earned

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. A GPA of 2.50 or above in major is required.

Requirements

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed

❑ Maximum of 15 credits at the 200 level

 JAPN 201 - Second-Year Japanese
 JAPN 202 - Second-Year Japanese
 JAPN 203 - Second-Year Japanese
 JAPN 301 - Third-Year Japanese
 JAPN 302 - Third-Year Japanese
 JAPN 303 - Third-Year Japanese
 JAPN 350 - Japanese Culture, History and Society
 JAPN 401 - Advanced Japanese (must be taken on campus)
 JAPN 402 - Topics in Japanese Literature (must be taken on campus)
 JAPN 403 - Topics in Japanese Thought (must be taken on campus)

NOTE: While not required, study abroad in Japan is strongly encouraged.

Electives

Course NameTerm TakenGradeGen Ed
 HIST 484 - Women in Japanese History
 HIST 485 - Japanese Military History: Samurai Fact and Fiction
 HIST 486 - Religion in Japanese History
 ANTH 460 - Culture and Society of Japan
 EAST 368 - Japanese Literature in Translation
 HIST 374 - Premodern Japanese History
 HIST 375 - Modern Japanese History
 JAPN 314 - Japanese Phonetics
 JAPN 330 - Japanese Culture Through Film

University Graduation Requirements

General University Requirements (GURS) 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
180 Minimum Total Credits
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
Residency Requirement
Minimum Grade Requirements
Final Quarter Requirement

Notes: