Japanese (JPN)

JPN 101. First-Year Japanese. 4 Credits.

First course in the first‑year Japanese sequence. Introduces basic Japanese vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation; begins literacy with hiragana and katakana; includes cultural practices supporting effective, contextual communication. Sequence with JPN 102, JPN 103.

JPN 102. First-Year Japanese. 4 Credits.

Second course in the first‑year Japanese sequence. Consolidates JPN 101 skills; develops communicative ability; introduces kanji; expands basic literacy; strengthens cultural understanding for effective interaction in everyday contexts. Sequence with JPN 101, JPN 103.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 101.

JPN 103. First-Year Japanese. 4 Credits.

Final course in the first‑year Japanese sequence. Builds on JPN 101–102; expands vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and kanji; emphasizes applying language in meaningful, culturally appropriate everyday contexts. Sequence with JPN 101, JPN 102.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 102.

JPN 151. Introduction to Japanese Film. 4 Credits.

Introduction to Japanese cinema from silent films to the present day. No background in Japanese required. Course taught in English. English subtitles.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 160. Japanese Cultural Literacy for Travel and Business. 4 Credits.

This course is for students with no or little prior knowledge of Japanese, who plan to travel to Japan for business or/and for pleasure, and/or those who are interested in the Japanese language and culture.

JPN 196. Field Studies: [Topic]. 1-2 Credits.

A series of practical experiences on or off campus to understand principles or develop skills in performing selected tasks.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 198. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-2 Credits.

An intensive experience, limited in scope and time, in which a group of students focus on skills development rather than content mastery.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 199. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Experimental course - topic varies.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 201. Second-Year Japanese I. 4 Credits.

Additional training in oral-aural skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of basic proficiency in reading and writing Japanese. Sequence with JPN 202, JPN 203.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 103.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 202. Second-Year Japanese II. 4 Credits.

Additional training in oral-aural skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of basic proficiency in reading and writing Japanese. Sequence with JPN 201, JPN 203.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 201.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 203. Second-Year Japanese III. 4 Credits.

Additional training in oral-aural skills designed to build listening comprehension and fluency. Development of basic proficiency in reading and writing Japanese. Sequence with JPN 201, JPN 202.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 202.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 BA Language Satisfying Course
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 250. Manga Millennium. 4 Credits.

Surveys the 1,000-year history of visual-verbal narratives—comics—in Japan, ranging from medieval picture to modern manga.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 260. Workplace Communication in Japan I. 4 Credits.

Students will acquire essential linguistic skills, social etiquette, and practical knowledge to effectively perform basic business tasks in a Japanese context. This course covers fundamental aspects of Japanese business culture and its perception, alongside an exploration of cultural differences and potential communication and business challenges with Japanese counterparts. Key topics include first-time meetings, building business relationships, and understanding workplace hierarchies. JPN 260 and JPN 261 don't replace JPN 201/202/203, and won't count towards the BA 2nd Language requirement. JPN 260 and JPN 261 do not need to be taken in order.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 103.
Additional Information:
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 261. Workplace Communication in Japan II. 4 Credits.

Students will acquire essential linguistic skills, social etiquette, and practical knowledge to effectively perform basic business tasks in a Japanese context. This course covers fundamental aspects of Japanese business culture and its perception, alongside an exploration of cultural differences and potential communication and business challenges with Japanese counterparts. Key topics include entertaining business partners, promoting inclusiveness in the workplace, understanding company benefits, and effective workplace communication. JPN 260 and JPN 261 don't replace JPN 201/202/203, and won't count towards the BA 2nd Language requirement. JPN 260 and JPN 261 do not have to be taken in order.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 103.
Additional Information:
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 301. Third-Year Japanese I. 4 Credits.

Provides a solid foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prepares students for advanced study. Sequence with JPN 302, JPN 303.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 203.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 302. Third-Year Japanese II. 4 Credits.

Provides a solid foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prepares students for advanced study.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 301.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 303. Third-Year Japanese III. 4 Credits.

Provides a solid foundation in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Prepares students for advanced study.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 302.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 305. Japanese Literature 8-16th Century. 4 Credits.

Lectures, readings and discussions in English. Survey of premodern Japanese literature and culture from 8th through 16th centuries – beginnings through the medieval period. Covers influential works from a variety of genres including myth, legend, fiction, poetry, drama, and personal essay. Works will be considered in their historical and cultural context.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 306. Japanese Literature 17th Century-World War II. 4 Credits.

Lectures, readings and discussions in English. Survey of premodern Japanese literature and culture from 17th through early 20th centuries – early modern period up to World War II. Covers influential works from a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, drama, film, essay, and comics. Works will be considered in their historical and cultural context.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 307. Japanese Literature World War II-Present. 4 Credits.

Lectures, readings and discussions in English. Survey of modern and contemporary Japanese literature and culture from the end of World War II to the present day. Covers influential works from a variety of genres including fiction, poetry, drama, film, essay, and comics. Works will be considered in their historical and cultural context.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 315. Introduction to Japanese Linguistics. 4 Credits.

Survey of general characteristics of the Japanese language in the aspects of sound structure, vocabulary, writing system, meaning, and sentence constructions. Offered alternate years.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 103.
Additional Information:
 Arts & Letters Area
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 320. Japanese in Music. 4 Credits.

Study of a variety of Japanese music since the 1970s. The goal is to help students develop Japanese language skills as well as cultural understanding through music.
Requisites: Prereq: one from JPN 102, JPN 103, JPN 201, JPN 202, JPN 203, JPN 301, JPN 302, JPN 303, JPN 411, JPN 412, JPN 413, JPN 414, JPN 415, JPN 416.
Additional Information:
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 399. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Experimental course - topic varies.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 401. Research: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.

Disciplined inquiry of a topic with varying techniques and assignments suited to the nature and conditions of the problem being investigated. Often pursued in relation to a dissertation or thesis.
Repeatable 11 times for a maximum of 12 credits

JPN 403. Thesis. 1-6 Credits.

A written document resulting from study or research and submitted as a major requirement for a degree.
Repeatable 5 times for a maximum of 6 credits

JPN 405. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

A particular selection of material read by a student and discussed in conference with a faculty member.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 406. Field Studies: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

A series of practical experiences on or off campus to understand principles or develop skills in performing selected tasks.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 407. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.

Studies and projects in Japanese literature or linguistics. Sources are in Japanese, English, or both.
Repeatable 99 times when topic changes

JPN 408. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

An intensive experience, limited in scope and time, in which a group of students focus on skills development rather than content mastery.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 409. Terminal Project. 1-12 Credits.

A presentation incorporating the knowledge and skills acquired from course work completed for a degree.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 410. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Experimental course - topic varies.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 411. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 303.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 412. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 411.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 413. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 412.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 414. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 303.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 415. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 414.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 416. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 415.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 425. Japanese Culture: [Topic]. 4 Credits.

Investigates topics relevant to Japanese cultural studies in a comparative context. Recent topics include youth culture, postwar literature, and contemporary literature.
Repeatable 2 times for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes
Additional Information:
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 434. Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Reading modern Japanese literature in Japanese. Students acquire proficiency in reading, writing, and translation as well as knowledge of literature.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 416.

JPN 435. Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Reading modern Japanese literature in Japanese. Students acquire proficiency in reading, writing, and translation as well as knowledge of literature.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 434.

JPN 455. Japanese Business Culture and Language. 4 Credits.

Provides extensive training in communication skills in all formats (oral and visual) in a business setting. The goal is a successful interview of local Japanese business people conducted in Japanese.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 303.

JPN 460. Japanese Minority Voices. 4 Credits.

Explores minorities in Japan from late 1800s to the present day. Topics include: colonialism, migration, national identity, race, language, Japanophone literature. Taught in English. No Japanese language required.
Additional Information:
 Cultural Literacy: Global Perspectives

JPN 473. Japanese Environmental Cinema. 4 Credits.

Study of Japanese environmental cinema since the 1970s. Examines environmental themes and film genres. Readings, films, and discussion in English.

JPN 480. Early Modern Comics. 4 Credits.

Focuses on comic books in 18th and 19th century Japan and their place in the "floating world" of popular culture.

JPN 490. Translation and Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Explores the theory and practice of translation as it relates to Japanese literature. Students produce their own translations and critique existing translations.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 412 or JPN 416 or JPN 303.
Additional Information:
 BA Language Satisfying Course

JPN 503. Thesis. 1-6 Credits.

A written document resulting from study or research and submitted as a major requirement for a degree.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 507. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.

Studies and projects in Japanese literature or linguistics. Sources are in Japanese, English, or both.
Repeatable 99 times when topic changes

JPN 508. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-21 Credits.

An intensive experience, limited in scope and time, in which a group of students focus on skills development rather than content mastery.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 510. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Experimental course - topic varies.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 511. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent.

JPN 512. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 511.

JPN 513. Fourth-Year Spoken Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of speaking and listening skills related to concrete and abstract topics. Emphasis on sociolinguistic skills.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 512.

JPN 514. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 303 or equivalent.

JPN 515. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 514.

JPN 516. Fourth-Year Reading and Writing Japanese. 4 Credits.

Development of reading skills, vocabulary, and knowledge of kanji. Writing exercises include message writing, letter writing, and short essays.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 515.

JPN 525. Japanese Culture: [Topic]. 4 Credits.

Investigates topics relevant to Japanese cultural studies in a comparative context. Recent topics include youth culture, postwar literature, and contemporary literature.
Repeatable 2 times for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes

JPN 534. Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Reading modern Japanese literature in Japanese. Students acquire proficiency in reading, writing, and translation as well as knowledge of literature.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 516.

JPN 535. Advanced Readings in Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Reading modern Japanese literature in Japanese. Students acquire proficiency in reading, writing, and translation as well as knowledge of literature.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 534.

JPN 560. Japanese Minority Voices. 4 Credits.

Explores minorities in Japan from late 1800s to the present day. Topics include: colonialism, migration, national identity, race, language, Japanophone literature. Taught in English. No Japanese language required.

JPN 573. Japanese Environmental Cinema. 4 Credits.

Study of Japanese environmental cinema since the 1970s. Examines environmental themes and film genres. Readings, films, and discussion in English.

JPN 580. Early Modern Comics. 4 Credits.

Focuses on comic books in 18th and 19th century Japan and their place in the "floating world" of popular culture.

JPN 590. Translation and Japanese Literature. 4 Credits.

Explores the theory and practice of translation as it relates to Japanese literature. Students produce their own translations and critique existing translations.
Requisites: Prereq: JPN 512 or JPN 516.

JPN 601. Research: [Topic]. 1-10 Credits.

Disciplined inquiry of a topic with varying techniques and assignments suited to the nature and conditions of the problem being investigated. Often pursued in relation to a dissertation or thesis.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 603. Dissertation. 1-16 Credits.

A written document resulting from study or research and submitted as a major requirement for a degree.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 605. Reading and Conference: [Topic]. 1-16 Credits.

A particular selection of material read by a student and discussed in conference with a faculty member.. Repeatable as approved by the faculty.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 606. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.

A series of clinical experiences under academic supervision designed to integrate theory and principles with practice.
Repeatable 17 times for a maximum of 18 credits

JPN 607. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.

Studies and projects in Japanese literature, linguistics, or pedagogy. Sources in Japanese, English, or both.
Repeatable 99 times when topic changes

JPN 609. Terminal Project. 1-12 Credits.

A presentation incorporating the knowledge and skills acquired from course work completed for a degree.
Repeatable 99 times

JPN 610. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.

Experimental course - topic varies.
Repeatable 99 times