Japanese with Teaching Endorsement Option, BA

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

63 credits (58 additional credits for teacher certification)

Introduction

In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages 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 Teaching Endorsement in Japanese Major?

The department 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.

The BA in Japanese leads to a BA degree without teacher certification. In order to receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification students must complete the “teacher certification” program which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education.

See the Secondary Education  section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements. Regulations for teaching endorsement are subject to change. For teaching endorsement program, contact the foreign language endorsement advisor.

Contact Information

Modern and Classical Languages Department Office Miller Hall 223 360-650-3918	Japanese Advisor Please see the department for the most up-to-date information. Miller Hall 223 360-650-3918	World Languages - Education Advisor Paqui Paredes Miller Hall 223B 360-650-2038 Maria.ParedesMendez@wwu.edu
Secondary Education Website wce.wwu.edu/sec/ secondary-education	Secondary Education Program Manager Janna Cecka Miller Hall 401C 360-650-3327 Janna.Cecka@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

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

Major/Career Resources

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

Students must earn a grade of C (2.0) or better in the secondary education professional program and in all courses required for the endorsement.

A GPA of 3.00 is required in the language major and a GPA of 3.00 or above is required in endorsement courses.