Japanese
Why pursue a degree in Japanese at North Central College?
Japanese speakers are in high demand in international business, marketing, education, government and travel industries worldwide. Learning Japanese extends beyond language fluency building critical thinking skills that are transferable to many career fields. Individuals that can speak, read, write and understand Japanese will find that the knowledge of the Japanese language is often a priority to a potential employer over other job skills for positions they may be applying for. This program is designed to provide robust language skills along with the experiences necessary to succeed in a global work environment. At North Central College you will acquire the skills necessary to live and work in an international community. You will also gain exposure to cultural perspectives that will provide an in depth understanding of the Japanese culture and how to operate within it. Whatever you choose to do with what you learn, studying Japanese is sure to provide a wide variety of rewarding employment opportunities as a result of this in demand skill.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Researching information related to foreign markets, humanitarian service, law, labor relations, marketing and news to assist international companies with making informed business decisions
- Providing leadership in the travel industry for hotels and airlines with locations, clients or customers in Japan
- Working or studying abroad using both English and Japanese languages to educate others
then a degree in JAPANESE might be for you.
Why study Japanese at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 28 or more credit hours taught in Japanese
- East Asian Thought
- First-Year Japanese
- Japanese Culture and Society
- Japanese Enrichment
- Japanese History
- Japanese Pop Culture
- Japanese Through Multiple Media
- Japan Today
- Japanese for Written Communication
- Religious Pluralism in Japan
- Second-Year Japanese
Beyond the Classroom
As a Japanese major, you can:
- Study in Japan through one of our numerous exchange programs.
- Apply for international study scholarships, including our Omron Scholarship for Study in Japan.
- Participate in cultural events and activities including trips to cultural centers with the Japan Club.
- Earn a TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) minor.
- Strengthen your language skills as you get to know the Japanese international students on campus.
- Participate in the Japan Club and help promote cultural awareness.
- Take advantage of on-campus tutoring options and the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center for individualized tutoring or audio and video support
- Qualify for induction into the Japanese Honor Society, or Phi Sigma Iota for students studying more than one language.
Japanese, B.A.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
The Japanese major consists of at least 33 credits at or above the 201-level, with at least 28 credits taught in Japanese including the following coursework. This major will automatically satisfy the elementary competency in a foreign language requirement of the B.A. degree as noted in the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.
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JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
4.00 credit hours
A study of the cultural and social structures that have historically defined Japanese civilization and continue to shape the contemporary Japanese experience with regard to areas such as family, education, ritual, art, politics and economics. Taught in English.
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JAPN 480 - Capstone Portfolio
JAPN 480 - Capstone Portfolio
1.00 credit hours
Preparation of a collection of documents including revised work from prior courses, reflections on the student's growth as a Japanese major and intercultural questions. Additional assignments may be included but the portfolio must represent all five skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening and cultural competencies) and include evidence of the student's extracurricular participation in the Japanese program. Required for the Japanese major. Taught in Japanese.
One of the following:
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JAPN 410 - Japanese Through Multiple Media
JAPN 410 - Japanese Through Multiple Media
4.00 credit hours
Focuses on the further development of communicative competence in all areas (speaking, reading, listening, writing and cultural understanding) with continued emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary and kanji. Materials utilized in this course may include short stories, manga, video clips, films, advertisements and articles from online magazines and newspapers. Taught in Japanese. Repeatable with different content.
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JAPN 420 - Japanese for Written Communication
JAPN 420 - Japanese for Written Communication
4.00 credit hours
Focuses on the development of fluency in written Japanese through reading, discussing, and writing various types of texts. Continued emphasis on expansion of grammatical understanding, vocabulary and kanji for enhancing communicative competence. Taught in Japanese. Repeatable with different content.
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JAPN 490 - Topics
JAPN 490 - Topics
4.00 credit hours
An advanced course in a selected topic. Taught in Japanese.
Semester Study Abroad
Complete a semester study abroad program in Japan, with a minimum of eight credit hours taught in Japanese or complete the following 16 credit hours:
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JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to the academic study of Japanese popular culture. Through careful attention to forms of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, films, TV dramas, short stories, and popular music/video, students develop a deeper understanding of contemporary Japan. Historical background and traditional values are also examined to critically analyze the different manifestations of Japanese popular culture. Taught in English.
- Eight credits in JAPN courses
One of the following:
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HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
HIST 230 - East Asian Thought
4.00 credit hours
This course examines the evolution of the East Asian intellectual tradition with a particular focus on the development of sociopolitical ideals during two periods of fundamental transformation: the establishment of "Imperial China" in 221 BCE and East Asia's encounter with the West in the nineteenth century. Each focal point will be explored through a role-playing game in which students take on the roles of historical figures and debate the issues that shaped East Asian civilization.
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HIST 265 - Japanese History
HIST 265 - Japanese History
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the political and cultural evolution of Japanese civilization from prehistory to the present. Topics explored include the emergence of Japanese traditions within an East Asian context, the rise of samurai power, and Japan's development as a modern industrial power.
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RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
4.00 credit hours
An examination of the major religious traditions of Japan (Shinto, Buddhism and the so-called "New Religions") with a particular focus on the harmonious co-existence of diverse religious beliefs and practices from ancient times to the contemporary period.
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the
Japanese Minor
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Modern and Classical Languages.
A minimum 24 credit hours, with at least 20 credit hours of courses taught in Japanese, including:
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JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
4.00 credit hours
A study of the cultural and social structures that have historically defined Japanese civilization and continue to shape the contemporary Japanese experience with regard to areas such as family, education, ritual, art, politics and economics. Taught in English.
Four credit hours from the following:
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JAPN 301 - Third-Year Japanese I
JAPN 301 - Third-Year Japanese I
4.00 credit hours
Development of reading and writing skills, with continued emphasis on listening and speaking. Introduction of intermediate-level grammar, vocabulary and kanji for communicating on topics beyond daily life. Taught in Japanese.
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JAPN 302 - Third-Year Japanese II
JAPN 302 - Third-Year Japanese II
4.00 credit hours
Continued development of communicative skills in Japanese, including expansion of intermediate-level grammar, vocabulary and kanji. Students deal with various topics relevant to Japanese culture and society. Taught in Japanese.
Japanese Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
- Unique opportunities for North Central College students are available in Japan with our partner institutions.
Careers
Recent graduates in Japanese include:
- English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- International relations coordinator
- Librarian/information technology
- Positions with Chicago-based Japanese companies
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