Japanese cityscape

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

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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.

Required 1
JAPAN 301Fifth Semester Japanese4
JAPAN 302Sixth Semester Japanese4
JAPAN 401Seventh Semester Japanese4
JAPAN 402Eighth Semester Japanese4
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) 38
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is strongly encouraged 4
Total Credits30
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

JAPAN 100Introduction to Japanese Literature3
JAPAN 110Japanese Popular Culture3
JAPAN 221Japanese Film: Themes and Methods3
JAPAN 297Study Abroad:1-12
JAPAN 310Enhanced Knowledge & Skills for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test 13
JAPAN 312Japanese Conversation II3
JAPAN 331Reading Japanese Short Stories (if not selected above)3
JAPAN 332Extensive Reading in Japanese1
JAPAN 345Japanese News Media3
JAPAN 351Japanese Performance Traditions3
JAPAN 352Japanese Performance Traditions: Readings1
JAPAN 355Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture:3
JAPAN 361Translating Japanese Media (if not selected above)3
JAPAN 370Fun Kanji2
JAPAN 397Study Abroad:1-12
JAPAN 416Introduction to Translation: Japanese to English3
JAPAN 441Business Japanese I (if not selected above)3
JAPAN 489Internship in Japanese, Upper Division1-6
JAPAN 497Study Abroad:1-12
JAPAN 699Advanced Independent Study1-3
ANTHRO 325Japanese Culture and Society3
ARTHIST 383Japanese Art and Architecture3
HIST 284Buddhism Across Asia3
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 (or virtually for online students) 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.

Contact

Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.

Current Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the College advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Japanese, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Asst. Prof. Aragorn Quinn.

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