The Japanese Language Program of the Department of German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literatures offers a four-year curriculum in Japanese language study. The Program emphasizes the acquisition of proficiency in four areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. At the same time, the Program aims to develop an awareness of the distinct culture and heritage of
Our courses utilize audio, video, and Internet resources to support comprehensive learning of the Japanese language and to create a dynamic learning community. Each semester, students develop their own Japanese-language web pages and a Newsletter of student work is created and displayed within the Program's electronic blackboard.
During the twenty-year history of the program, many students have participated in study abroad programs, such as the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, the CIEE Program at Sophia University, IES Nanzan University, and Kansai Gaidai University. For summer courses, students have participated in such summer programs as Japanese Language School at Middlebury College, Summer Courses in Japanese at ICU and Hokkaido International Foundation.
To find out more about study abroad, please visit Brandeis Study Abroad Website.
Japanese program alumni have entered graduate studies at such institutions as the London School of Economics, Cambridge University (UK),
The Japanese Program invites guest speakers and presenters on topics ranging from traditional arts to popular culture, through the support of the Department of German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature.
The four-semester sequence of Japanese language courses (JAPN 10a, 20b, 30a, 40b) is a requirement for the major in the East Asian Studies.
Japanese Courses offered in Fall 2008:
Language Courses
Beginning Japanese (JAPN 10a)
For students with little or no previous knowledge of Japanese. This course offers intensive training in the basics of Japanese grammar, listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Students acquire Japanese language proficiency through various interactive classroom activities, workbook, audio, video and computer-assisted exercises.
Section 1: M-F 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM Section 2: M-F 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM
Intermediate Japanese (JAPN 30a)
Continuation of JAPN 20B. This course aims to further develop student's skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing Japanese at intermediate level. Students who successfully complete JAPN30a will fulfill the foreign language requirement.
Section 1: M-F 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM Section 2: M-F 12:10 PM - 1:00 PM
Advanced Conversation and Composition I (JAPN 105a)
Designed for advanced students of Japanese who wish to enhance and improve their skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will develop their proficiency in writing, reading, and speaking through reading and discussion of Japanese texts on various topics of relevance. Listening and speaking skills are reinforced through audio, video, guided conversation, discussion of texts, and oral presentation.
M, W, Th 1:10 - 2:00, Th 2:10 - 3:00
Japanese Literature Courses
Readings in Contemporary Japanese Literature (JAPN 120a)
This course corresponds to the fourth year level of Japanese language instruction and offers advanced students of Japanese the chance to read, analyze, and discuss short fiction by contemporary authors. Film adaptations of these literary works are used for additional listening practice. Course is conducted in Japanese.
T,F 1:40 PM - 3:00 PM
The World of Classical Japanese Literature (JAPN 145a)
A survey of some of the most important works of Japanese literature from its origins to the late sixteenth century, including a wide range of genres: fiction, essays, travelogues, poetry, and drama. All readings are in English.
T,F 12:10 PM - 1:30 PM
Japanese Courses offered in Spring 2009:
Continuing Japanese (JAPN 20b), continuation of JAPN 10a
Advanced Intermediate Japanese (JAPN 40b), continuation of JAPN 30a
Advanced Conversation and Composition II (JAPN 105b), continuation of JAPN 105a
Classical East Asian Poetics (Comp Lit 146b)
This course introduces students to the classical poetic forms of China, Japan, and Korea. Special consideration is paid to issues of canonization, classical theories of literature, and the development of multilingual literary traditions. All readings in English.
The "West" Through "Eastern" eyes (USEM 66b)
The late 19th and early 20th century saw a profusion of Japanese and Chinese works about life in the "West." This class considers diaries, reports, literary travelogues, and works of fiction set abroad, examining the significance of their authorship, genre, audience, and narrative structure. All readings in English.