Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Japanese with a Teaching Endorsement, BA
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 Should I Consider this 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.
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 as one of the following
- a part of the undergraduate BA degree
- a post-baccalaureate program
- a part of the Master’s in Teaching degree.
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.
How to Declare:
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
Applying to the Secondary Education Professional Program
Admission to both Western Washington University and Secondary Education is required before a teacher candidate may begin taking courses in education. Post-baccalaureate teacher candidates must apply to WWU and Secondary Education for the same quarter. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate teacher candidates should have completed all GUR’s and 60-80% of their major endorsement credits. Those with less than 60% should contact a secondary faculty advisor before applying.
- Post baccalaureate teacher candidates should have a degree in their academic major.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- WEST-B test scores. This test is offered 6 or 7 times a year at various sites in the State. For details on registration and fees refer to the WEST-B website www.west.nesinc.com.
- Two letters of recommendation addressing your potential for success in teacher education. One letter must be from someone who can attest to your academic ability and knowledge in your academic major (ie: professor).
- Completion of an English composition course with a grade of B or higher
Application materials: Printable from www.wce.wwu.edu/AdmissSee Also: Secondary Education Professional Program Guide.
Coursework
A. Language Component
- Japanese, BA
B. Endorsement Requirements (10 credits)
- LANG 410 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method I
- LANG 420 - World Language Instruction: Theory and Method II
- JAPN 425 - Teaching-Learning Process in Elementary Japanese
- Be recommended by a faculty member in the major field
- Pass the departmental foreign language oral proficiency exam given during spring quarter
- Complete the professional preparation program in secondary education. See the Secondary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teacher certification requirements.
Secondary Education Professional Program Requirements (68 credits)
- EDUC 301 - Educational Psychology I: Development and Individual Differences
- EDUC 302 - Educational Psychology II: Motivation, Learning and Assessment
- EDUC 310 - Education, Culture, and Equity
- IT 444 - Classroom Use of Instructional Technology (Secondary)
- SEC 410 - Dynamics of Teaching
- SEC 411 - Philosophical Foundations of Education
- SEC 425 - Developmental Reading, Writing and Learning in Secondary Schools
- SEC 430 - Secondary School Methods I - Instructional Strategies, Daily Planning, and Standards
- SEC 431 - Secondary School Methods II - Assessment and Long Term Planning
- SEC 432 - Secondary School Methods III - Management, Motivation and Discipline
- SEC 433 - Teaching Laboratory
- SEC 435 - Middle Level Practicum
- SEC 436 - Secondary School Practicum
- SEC 495 - Internship - Secondary
- SPED 363 - Secondary Students With Special Needs
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- BCOM: JAPN 201
- ACGM: JAPN 202, 203, 301, 302, 303, 401
Note: To fulfill the HUM requirement, courses must be from at least two departments.
Sample Careers
- Interpreter
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- FBI Agent
- Educator
- Foreign Diplomat
- Travel Writer
- All careers involving communication
Department
Contact
Japanese Advisor
Dr. Massimiliano Tomasi
MH 222C
360-650-3339
World Languages – Education
Advisor
Shaw Gynan
MH 215A
360-650-4853
Modern and Classical Languages Department Office
MH 223, 360-650-3918
Secondary Education
Program Manager
Janna Cecka
MH 401C; 360-650-3327
Secondary Education
Program Coordinator
Debbie Gramm
MH 401A; 360-650-3327