Japanese, B.A.

(120 UNITS)

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese learn about linguistics, literature, culture, history, business and society in Japanese-speaking communities in Japan, the United States and beyond. The courses not only prepare students to express themselves in spoken and written Japanese in culturally appropriate ways, but also help to develop analytical and critical thinking skills and expand their knowledge of the Japanese-speaking world. The program’s graduates have gone on to successful careers in a variety of fields, including business, K-12 and post-secondary education, and translation and interpretation, among others. Students have access to all of the professions open to a person with a Bachelor of Arts in the humanities, but with the added benefit of being able to accomplish those same jobs both in English and Japanese. Students receive personalized attention from dedicated faculty advisers to determine their best paths.

For incoming students with no prior experience or course work in Japanese, the Bachelor of Arts in Japanese consists of 54 units. Depending on prior experience, course work and/or demonstrated proficiency in the language, some or all lower-division course work may be waived. Students should consult with a Japanese adviser to be placed in the appropriate course(s) (please refer to the Japanese Advisement page).

In addition to the requirements for the major, students must meet all other university requirements for a bachelor’s degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree  section in this catalog for complete information.