Japanese Language Program

The Japanese Language Program of the Department of German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literatures offers a three-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 Japan through hands-on classroom activities and special presentations. We invite students of all majors not only to explore this uniquely complex language but also to acquire an invaluable perspective on cultural diversity.

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 seventeen-year history of the program, many students have participated in study abroad programs, such as the CIEE Program at Sophia University and Kansai Gaidai. This academic year marks the first time Brandeis students will study with the Associated Kyoto Program at Doshisha University and the Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies.

Japanese program alumni have entered graduate studies at such institutions as the London School of Economics, Cambridge University (UK), Harvard University, and MIT. Alumni have also developed professional interests in Japan in translation/interpretation, software development, business, law, art, and international relations with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.

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 and minor in the East Asian Studies.