German, Russian, and Asian Languages and Literature

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• Chinese
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• Japanese
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• Affiliated Programs
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Program Activities

The Japanese Program at Brandeis University provides students with many opportunities to learn Japanese in context through speech presentations, participation in cultural activities, language practice with native speakers, and the use of technology. The Program also aims to broaden student perspectives on Japan by inviting special guest speakers.

The bi-annual Japanese Program Newsletter showcases students' work and the many activities in which students are involved each semester. For example, the Boston Area Speech Presentation is an annual event that invites students from colleges and universities in the greater Boston area to present in Japanese on topics of their choice. Brandeis students have engaged their audiences with challenging issues, including racial discrimination, immigration, identity, and the differences between men's and women's language in Japan.

Students also actively participate in the rich heritage of Japan through presentations on calligraphy, origami, food, and films. Celebration of the New Year and traditional displays of culture, such as the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri) and the Bean-Throwing Festival (Setsubun), are events not to be missed.

To reinforce in-class learning and provide an opportunity for self-expression, the Japanese Program has developed a peer-tutoring system in which students are paired with a Japanese native speaker for one hour each week. In addition, all students learn how to create a simple web page in Japanese to introduce others to their special interests in Japan.

Context for language learning is also provided through special guest lectures. Over the past few years, the Program has welcomed Tufts University Professor, Dr. Hosei Hirata, who spoke about the Cultural Legacies of the Atomic Bomb; Boston University Professor, Dr. Merry White, who shared her research on Cafe Society in Japan; and Wellesley College Professor, Dr. Eve Zimmerman, who offered her perspective on The Lizard, the Warrior, and the Princess: Girls in Popular Japanese Culture.