Japanese, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

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.

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

Coursework

  • Maximum of 15 credits at the 200 level. While not required, study abroad in Japan is strongly encouraged.
  • 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)

Electives

  • 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

GURs:

The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.

  • BCOM: JAPN 201
  • ACGM: JAPN 202, 203, 301, 203, 301, 302, 303, 401

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

Modern and Classical Languages Department Office

MH 223, 360-650-3918