Japanese
Our Japanese minor combines a thorough grounding for the language with a knowledge of the culture and literature of Japan.
We offer a range of courses in Japanese language and literature, which are part of both the world languages and literatures and Asian studies departments. In addition, our Japanese minor combines a thorough grounding for the language with a knowledge of the culture and literature of Japan. Our classes encompass four years of instruction, from beginning Japanese to advanced readings, allowing students of all abilities to immerse themselves in all four areas of language. Literature in translation courses explore both premodern and modern fiction, exposing students to the rich tradition of Japanese writing to contemporary writers like Haruki Murakami. Every semester, there is one cultural workshop where you can learn Japanese culture, such as Kendo and Ikebana, through hands-on experiences. Nearly all of our students experience life in Japan through our study abroad programs, offered for a single semester or for a full year. Programs are available at Hokusei Gakuin University in Sapporo, Waseda University in Tokyo, and Osaka Gakuin University or Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka.
Dexter Tatsukawa BA ’24More about DexterInstructor Satomi Newsom. In learning a new language, it often feels like you’re learning something novel with each lesson because so much is unfamiliar. The sense of discovery is very rewarding.
Erika Hutchinson BA ’22More about ErikaThe class that I’ve been talking about nonstop ever since taking it is The Art of Tea in Japanese Culture. I really only wanted to take it because I love tea, but that class ended up being a lot more than just learning about matcha. There were the historical elements and the movements of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, both of which I truly enjoyed.
Helen Guyton BA ’23More about HelenIn the fall of my sophomore year, I took my first sociology class and immediately knew that sociology and anthropology was for me. Since then, I have taken an incredible breadth of classes within the major, and have loved each one partially due to the incredible faculty in the department.
