The Language
Japanese (Nihongo) is a fascinating and challenging language. Engaging with the intricacies of spoken and written Japanese will open you up to new dimensions of social and cultural experience. The intensive, interactive classroom experience, with class size limited to 15 students, is aimed at fostering natural fluency and cultural competence from the very beginning stages of study.
The Literature and Culture
Your studies will introduce you to the full range of Japan’s 1500-year history, with its unique mix of Buddhism, Confucianism, aristocratic elegance, earthy traditions, warrior culture, and high-tech modernism. You will be exposed to enduring works of literature, art, and drama – the inspiring poetry of the Imperial court, the plays of bunraku puppet theater, the wide-ranging novels and stories of modern Japan, and examples of Japan’s internationally-known popular culture.
Career Options
Majors will be able to pursue numerous career options that utilize their language skills. Some of our graduates have gone on to pursue academic careers in Japanese literature and culture. Others have pursued careers in law, diplomacy, international business, media, and trade. Still others have gone on to jobs in Japan in international relations or teaching. In short, the opportunities are virtually limitless. Whichever path you choose, fluency in Japanese will serve as a valuable asset in the job market, in addition to being a significant achievement in its own right.
Features of the Program
Japanese is one of the seven languages taught in the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures (ANELL). The Asian “division” includes Chinese and Korean, in addition to Japanese. As a Japanese major, you will be part of a large and growing contingent of language learners that span many cultural borders.
There is also the possibility of completing a double major in Japanese and another discipline or area, such as history, economics, religious studies, biology, etc. Many students choose to combine their language and culture skills in this manner.
Outstanding majors are encouraged to pursue Senior Honors, which will involve them in a research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The project will culminate in the submission of an Honor’s Thesis.
Japanese majors and other students in the language program will have the opportunity to converse informally with native speakers of Japanese and their peers as part of our monthly“Café Washuu” gatherings. Interested students may also wish to get involved with our local Taiko ensemble and learn the art of traditional Japanese drumming.
Study Abroad
As a Japanese major, you will have several excellent study abroad opportunities from which to choose: the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS), based in Kyoto; and the Waseda University study abroad program, based in Tokyo. These year-long programs focus on intensive language instruction combined with a selection of Japan-related course work. Each program features home-stays with Japanese families. You may also apply for summer language study in Japan. These experiences are invaluable for refining conversational skills and gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture.
Course Sampler
- Five levels of modern Japanese, in addition to courses on classical Japanese language
- Japanese Civilization
- Japanese History from its Origins to Present
- Surveys of Japanese Literature, from the Classical to the Contemporary
- Women in Japanese Culture
- Courses on Buddhism, Asian Art History, Comparative Literature
- A range of courses on China and Korea
For additional information contact
Asian and Near Eastern Languages and Literatures
Washington University
Campus Box 1111
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-5156
Fax: (314) 935-4399
e-mail: anell@artsci.wustl.edu