DEFINITION OF THE FIELD
Students majoring in Asian Languages with a concentration in Japanese study the language, literature, and culture of Japan. They gain a respectable measure of competence in reading, writing, and oral/aural skills in the Japanese language. They also are required to take a number of related courses on topics such as Japanese history, art, religion, government, and international business.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
To graduate from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), a student must satisfy: (1) university General Studies requirements, (2) CLAS graduation requirements (which include demonstrated proficiency in a second language), and (3) major/department requirements. These requirements ensure that a CLAS graduate has a well-rounded education. The university General Studies requirements consist of introductory and advanced courses selected from an approved menu of courses. There are five "core" areas (Literacy and Critical Inquiry, Mathematical Studies, Humanities and Fine Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Natural Sciences) and three "awareness" areas (Global, Historical, and Cultural Diversity in the United States).
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
The Asian Languages major with a concentration in Japanese consists of a minimum of 45 semester hours, of which at least 30 hours are in Japanese (JPN) courses and 15 are in related courses to be selected in consultation with a departmental advisor. Of the 30 hours required for the major, a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at the 300 or 400 level and must include at least nine hours at the 400 level. First-year Japanese courses (e.g., JPN 101 and 102) are not applicable to the major but may be applied to the degree as electives. Of the fifteen hours of related courses, at least six must be in Chinese or Korean language or literature.
Recommended electives
With approval of the departmental advisor, a selection of courses related to East Asia is recommended.
Career opportunities in the field
Graduates have a variety of opportunities. Many work for firms that deal with international trade for U.S. companies that have branches in Japan or for Japanese companies located either in the United States or Japan. Other graduates work for government agencies or teach (usually English) in Japan. Some pursue graduate work in Japanese studies, eventually teaching the language and/or culture in universities or colleges. High school and elementary teaching is also possible with certification.
Uniqueness of the program at ASU
In the four years leading to the B.A. degree in Asian Languages with a concentration in Japanese, students first develop basic skills in Japanese, initially gaining an oral/aural competence that encompasses most grammatical constructions in the language. The third year begins a transition from basic skills development to advanced skills development. The fourth year focuses on specialized areas of competence (such as literature, business, current issues, and classical Japanese). Throughout the program, students take courses in either Chinese or Korean and related courses in Japanese and East Asian culture. Students are encouraged to spend one year abroad on special ASU ex-changes with various universities in Japan.
High school or college preparation
High school graduates should be well prepared in English, history, and math. Previous study of a foreign language is strongly encouraged.
Applying to the major
Persons desiring to major in Asian Languages with a concentration in Japanese should be regularly admitted to the university and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Contacts
For more information, call 480-965-6281 orwrite:
Asian Languages Coordinator
School of International Letters and Cultures
Arizona State University
Box 870202
Tempe, Arizona 85287-0202