Committee Interdisciplinary Major, BA: Japanese Language and Culture BA
As Japan is one of the five largest world economies, professional opportunities exist for individuals who are proficient in the Japanese language and who can understand and integrate into Japanese culture.
A Committee Interdisciplinary Major with a focus on Japanese language and culture can be the first step towards a career path in teaching, translation, interpretation, government relations, social services, the travel or hospitality industry, business, technology, finance or sales. Many students are also interested in careers related to Anime or computer technology, both large industries in Japan. A major in Japanese combined with technology and science training is excellent preparation for entry into those fields.
Many students now can find Japanese instruction in their high schools. At UWM, students can continue their high school studies or begin from the first semester of Japanese language instruction. We offer eight semesters of Japanese language plus the vitally important courses about Japanese culture, business practices, values, politics, history, and religions.
While the study of any Asian language is challenging for native English speakers because of their vast differences from English, students often find it is less difficult than they lead themselves to believe. Successful students of Japanese will dedicate the necessary daily time to practice and repeat...and practice and repeat.
Japan is a very popular destination for study abroad, and Japanese majors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available through UWM. Programs vary in length from a few week immersion, to semester-long, to even a full year. Because of the complexities of planning a study abroad experience, students are encouraged to start planning early in sophomore year. Most students engage in study abroad during the second half of sophomore year or during their junior year.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Major Requirements
The Japanese Language and Culture program requires completion of 30 credits in approved Japanese and related courses. Students in the major must complete the fifth- through eighth-semester Japanese courses as the core of the program. In addition, culture-related courses that are taught using the target language are required. Students must complete 30 credits to graduate, at least 15 of them at the advanced (300 and above) level taken in residence at UWM. The major requires a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 level or above taught in Japanese. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required 1 | ||
| JAPAN 301 | Fifth Semester Japanese | 4 |
| JAPAN 302 | Sixth Semester Japanese | 4 |
| JAPAN 401 | Seventh Semester Japanese | 4 |
| JAPAN 402 | Eighth Semester Japanese | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Japanese Language and Culture | ||
| Reading Japanese Short Stories | ||
| Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture: | ||
| Translating Japanese Media | ||
| Business Japanese I | ||
| Research | ||
| Select one of the following courses to satisfy the research requirement of the L&S degree: | 3 | |
| Japanese Performance Traditions 2 | ||
| Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture: 2 | ||
| Translating Japanese Media 2 | ||
| Research and Research Writing in Japanese | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 8 credits (see below) 3 | 8 | |
| Study Abroad | ||
| Study Abroad is strongly encouraged 4 | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Students whose language skills allow them to begin their study of Japanese beyond the fifth semester course must discuss with the advisor appropriate substitute courses in order to complete the required 30 credits.
- 2
Japanese majors wishing to use this course for the research requirement must notify the instructor that they will complete an independent research project.
- 3
At least one course must be taken outside the Japan curricular area.
- 4
Up to 12 credits from study abroad programs will be accepted for the major. Any language credits acquired from study abroad must not duplicate language credits acquired from classes taken at UWM.
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAPAN 100 | Introduction to Japanese Literature | 3 |
| JAPAN 110 | Japanese Popular Culture | 3 |
| JAPAN 221 | Japanese Film: Themes and Methods | 3 |
| JAPAN 297 | Study Abroad: | 1-12 |
| JAPAN 310 | Enhanced Knowledge & Skills for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test 1 | 3 |
| JAPAN 312 | Japanese Conversation II | 3 |
| JAPAN 331 | Reading Japanese Short Stories (if not selected above) | 3 |
| JAPAN 332 | Extensive Reading in Japanese | 1 |
| JAPAN 345 | Japanese News Media | 3 |
| JAPAN 351 | Japanese Performance Traditions | 3 |
| JAPAN 352 | Japanese Performance Traditions: Readings | 1 |
| JAPAN 355 | Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture: | 3 |
| JAPAN 361 | Translating Japanese Media (if not selected above) | 3 |
| JAPAN 370 | Fun Kanji | 2 |
| JAPAN 397 | Study Abroad: | 1-12 |
| JAPAN 416 | Introduction to Translation: Japanese to English | 3 |
| JAPAN 441 | Business Japanese I (if not selected above) | 3 |
| JAPAN 489 | Internship in Japanese, Upper Division | 1-6 |
| JAPAN 497 | Study Abroad: | 1-12 |
| JAPAN 699 | Advanced Independent Study | 1-3 |
| ANTHRO 325 | Japanese Culture and Society | 3 |
| ARTHIST 383 | Japanese Art and Architecture | 3 |
| HIST 284 | Buddhism Across Asia | 3 |
- 1
No more than 3 credits of JAPAN 310 may count towards the total elective credits.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors, and success coaches. Letters and Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional College Advisors and Faculty Advisors. L&S College Advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental Faculty Advisors focus on the major.
College Advisors are located in Holton Hall and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College Advisors will:
- assist you in defining your academic and life goals;
- help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals;
- assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures;
- provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate; and
- monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty Advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a Faculty Advisor when you declare your major. Faculty Advisors are an important partner and will:
- help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department;
- explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences; and
- serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their College Advisor and Faculty Advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.