Bachelor of Arts in Japanese

Japanese at WMU gives you more than one way to build language proficiency while exploring Japanese culture, literature and society. You can make Japanese the center of your degree or add sustained Japanese study to another academic field.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University offers:

• Japanese major: Move from intermediate Japanese into increasingly sophisticated communication, reading and writing. Intermediate Japanese III expands your grammar, kanji and written Japanese, while Intermediate Japanese IV emphasizes conversation through activities such as role play, film discussion, speeches and debates. In Japanese Life and Culture, you can explore linguistic, literary, philosophical, artistic and religious dimensions of Japan. As you advance, Advanced Readings in Japanese I introduces essays, fiction, biography and verse, while Advanced Readings in Japanese II brings in nonfiction, historical writing and an introduction to classical Japanese grammar and vocabulary.
• Japanese minor: Build 23 credit hours of Japanese study alongside another major while choosing courses that let you explore the language from different angles. Extensive Reading in Japanese offers an opportunity to strengthen your ability to work with Japanese texts, while Structures of Modern Japanese lets you take a closer look at how the language itself works. Students interested in pushing their language skills further can also explore Advanced Japanese Language. The minor can complement interests in business, international studies, history, political science, media, education and other fields where Japanese language and cultural knowledge can broaden your perspective.

Beyond the major and minor sequences, students may have opportunities to explore Japanese through courses such as Japanese-English Translation Practicum, Studies in Japanese Culture, Topics in Japanese Linguistics and Language Science or Independent Study in Japanese, allowing advanced students to pursue particular interests in language, translation, culture or research.

Language majors complete WMU’s baccalaureate-level writing requirement through an approved course such as Global Issues through Literature and Film or East and West Literary Relations, connecting Japanese study with wider literary, cultural and cross-cultural questions.

Program requirements may vary by WMU undergraduate catalog year, and only courses completed with a grade of C or better count toward the Japanese major. No student may graduate under a catalog that is more than 10 years old. Students with previous Japanese experience should follow the department’s placement guidelines to begin at the level that best matches their preparation.

Go into greater detail on program outcomes and include job positions and companies/organizations for recent WMU graduates. Introduce WMU's Career and Student Employment Services and the resources offered by that office specifically related to this program. 

From Academic Undergraduate Programs Page:   Recent WMU graduates with degrees in Japanese are working in many different industries and types of organizations, including:

• Airlines
• Businesses and banks
• Charitable organizations
• Education, all levels
• Hotels
• International exchange programs
• Media
• Museums
• Non-governmental organizations
• State and federal government
• Travel and tourism

Sample job titles include:

• Artist
• Author
• Cultural officer
• Customs or immigration officer
• Diplomat
• English teacher in Japan
• Filmmaker
• Foreign correspondent
• Guide

What others have achieved

Explore recent accomplishments and opportunities that show how Japanese at WMU can open doors through language study, interdisciplinary learning and engagement with the wider community.

Japanese students at WMU can take their learning far beyond the classroom through study abroad, cultural programming, language practice and academic support. Exchange programs throughout Japan allow you to use Japanese in everyday life while experiencing the culture and communities you study firsthand. On campus, the Michitoshi Soga Japan Center, Japan Club, language activities and special events provide additional opportunities to practice Japanese and connect with others interested in Japan. Advising, tutoring, placement services and university-wide academic resources can help you build confidence and make these experiences part of your larger academic goals.

Advising

For questions about Japanese coursework, program requirements or language placement, students can contact Dr. Rika Saito if their last name begins with A through M or Dr. Carlos Pimentel if their last name begins with N through Z. Students interested in study abroad or education minors can work with Dr. Jeffrey Angles. Students are encouraged to reach out early when choosing future courses, considering international study or reviewing requirements for their catalog year.

For general degree planning, scheduling and graduation requirements, students can also work with Tom Mills.

Tutoring and academic support

The department offers free tutoring for students in 1000- and 2000-level language courses. Japanese tutoring can provide additional practice with grammar, vocabulary, kanji, reading, writing, conversation and preparation for assignments or exams.

Students can also use Student Success Services for broader academic support, study strategies and resources available across the University.

Placement

Students who have previously studied Japanese should follow the department’s placement guidelines before enrolling. Placement helps students begin at the course level that best reflects their previous experience and preparation and can prevent unnecessary repetition of material they have already studied.

Study abroad

Japanese students are strongly encouraged to consider an approved study abroad experience, with opportunities ranging from intensive summer language study to semester- and academic-year exchanges. Students may study at Keio University, Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Daito Bunka University in the Tokyo/Saitama area, Nihon University in Tokyo, Otaru University of Commerce in Otaru or Rikkyo University in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. These programs offer different combinations of Japanese language study, culture, literature, business, economics, politics and other academic subjects, allowing students to select an experience that fits their language level and academic goals.

Students can also participate in the faculty-led Religion and Culture in Japan summer program, which travels through Tokyo, Kamakura, Yokohama and Kyoto while introducing students to temples, shrines, museums, religious traditions and contemporary Japanese life.

Students interested in applying study abroad credit toward the Japanese major or minor should speak with Dr. Jeffrey Angles before making plans. Students should review the Japanese Program Comparison information when considering their options and be prepared to rank their top three program choices as part of the WMU study abroad application. Programs and courses must be approved before the experience begins.

Japanese language and cultural opportunities

You do not have to travel abroad to make Japanese part of your life at WMU. The Michitoshi Soga Japan Center supports programming related to Japanese language and culture, while the Japan Club gives students another way to meet people with similar interests and participate in cultural activities. Language activities, special events and occasional field trips provide additional opportunities to practice Japanese, encounter new aspects of Japanese culture and build connections outside the classroom.

WMU offers institutional scholarships and grants that can help make a college education more affordable. Students interested in scholarship opportunities should review WMU’s financial aid resources and speak with the appropriate advising office about available options.