Japanese Courses

This is a list of all courses offered in the program. Visit the Upcoming Courses page for a list of courses offered for the current and next semester (when available).

JAPAN 100 Introduction to Japanese Literature: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Survey of Japanese literature from the Heian Period to the present day.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Last Taught: Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019, Fall 2018.
JAPAN 101 First Semester Japanese: 5 cr. Undergraduate.
Beginning Japanese for students with no previous knowledge of the language.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.
JAPAN 102 Second Semester Japanese: 5 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 101.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 101(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (4 retro cr).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
JAPAN 110 Japanese Popular Culture: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Elements of popular culture that have come to define modern-day Japan. In English.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Spring 2021, Fall 2014, Spring 2013, Spring 2011.
JAPAN 111 Elementary Japanese I: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Non-intensive Japanese language course for students who have no prior Japanese.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
JAPAN 112 Elementary Japanese II: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Non-intensive Japanese language course for students who have completed JAPAN 111.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 111(P).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022.
JAPAN 113 Elementary Japanese III: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Non-intensive Japanese language course for students who have completed JAPAN 112.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 112(P).; Course Rules: JAPAN 113 is equivalent to JAPAN 102.; Last Taught: Spring 2023.
JAPAN 192 First-Year Seminar:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Specific humanities topics are announced in the Schedule of Classes each time the class is offered.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: Open only to freshmen. Students may earn cr in just one L&S First-Year Sem (course numbers 192, 193, 194).
JAPAN 197 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.; Prerequisites: acceptance in Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAPAN 199 Independent Study: 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Independent work under supervision of faculty or academic staff member. For further information, consult dept chair.; Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.; Course Rules: May be retaken to 6 cr max.
JAPAN 200 Japanese Culture and Its Effect on Language: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Through various forms of media, examination of different aspects of Japanese culture and how it impacts language.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Course Rules: No credit for students with credit in LINGUIS 200 with similar title.; Last Taught: Fall 2019, Spring 2016, Spring 2014, Spring 2012.
JAPAN 201 Third-Semester Japanese: 5 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 102, with some emphasis on the practice of Japanese writing.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 102(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (8 retro cr).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.
JAPAN 202 Fourth-Semester Japanese: 5 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 201, with some emphasis on the practice of Japanese writing.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 201(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (12 retro cr).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
JAPAN 220 Introduction to Japanese Food Studies: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Cultural, historical, geographic, and sociological aspects of Japanese food culture as related to everyday Japanese culinary practices.; Prerequisites: none.; General Education Requirements: HU; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
JAPAN 221 Japanese Film: Themes and Methods: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Major films representing milestones in Japanese film history, from the 1930s to the turn of the twenty-first century.; Prerequisites: none.; Last Taught: Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
JAPAN 277 Japanese Discussion Section:: 1-2 cr. Undergraduate.
Discussion in Japanese, designed to broaden perspectives, improve language skills. Offered in conjunction w/courses in other disciplines (Anthro, Hist, Pol Sci, etc.).; Prerequisites: Japan 202(Linguis 242)(P) or cons instr.; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic to 6 cr max.
JAPAN 289 Internship in Japanese, Lower Division: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of Japanese in business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.; Prerequisites: 2.50 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.; Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hrs in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.
JAPAN 296 UROP Apprenticeship: 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Undergraduate research participation in a project developed with a supervising member of the faculty or staff.; Prerequisites: acceptance to UROP; prior or conc reg in UROP seminar.; Course Rules: One cr for 45 hrs research. May be retaken to 9 cr max in any combination of UROP apprenticeship courses. Not open to jrs & srs.
JAPAN 297 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work levels, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.; Prerequisites: acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.
JAPAN 299 Ad Hoc:: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires department and associate dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one additional semester.; Prerequisites: none; additional prerequisites may be assigned to specific topic.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Fall 2020, Spring 2018, Spring 2017, Spring 2016.
JAPAN 301 Fifth Semester Japanese: 4 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 202.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 202(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro cr).; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.
JAPAN 302 Sixth Semester Japanese: 4 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 301.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 301(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credit for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro cr).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
JAPAN 310 Enhanced Knowledge & Skills for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Preparation for levels N2 and N3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Exam.; Prerequisites: May be retaken to 12 credits max. Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro credits). Prereq; JAPAN 202(P) or equivalent.; Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2019, Fall 2018, Fall 2017.
JAPAN 312 Japanese Conversation II: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Training in advanced Japanese conversation skills for a wide variety of social settings.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 201(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2021, Spring 2019.
JAPAN 314 Japanese Immersion: 1 cr. Undergraduate.
Concentrated, structured practice of spoken Japanese on varied contemporary topics; small-group setting with native speakers, simulates immersion experience. Build vocabulary, improve communication skills. May be offered in short-term sessions.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 101(P).; Course Rules: Repeatable to 3 cr max.
JAPAN 321 Analyzing Hollywood-Japan Film Remakes: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Critical knowledge and understanding of Japanese society and elements of Japanese culture acquired through an investigation of Hollywood-Japan film remakes.; Prerequisites: junior standing.; Course Rules: In English. Counts as a repeat of JAPAN 499 with the same topic.; Last Taught: Fall 2011.
JAPAN 330 Japanese Language and Culture: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Japanese expression and culture; influence of Japanese history, customs, and geographic features on the Japanese language.; Prerequisites: Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro credits). Prereq; JAPAN 202(P) or equivalent; Last Taught: Spring 2017, Spring 2015, Spring 2013.
JAPAN 331 Reading Japanese Short Stories: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Introduction to Japanese short stories to improve reading skills, vocabulary, and understanding of Japanese culture.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 202(P).; Course Rules: Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (14 retro crs).; Last Taught: Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Spring 2015.
JAPAN 332 Extensive Reading in Japanese: 1 cr. Undergraduate.
Reading practice utilizing easy readers, children's books, manga, and novels. Counts as repeat of JAPAN 299 with similar topic. May be retaken with change in topic to 3 cr max.; Prerequisites: junior standing and JAPAN 101(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2023, Fall 2021, Spring 2021, Fall 2020.
JAPAN 345 Japanese News Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Training in reading and consuming Japanese news media in a variety of formats.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 301(C) or consent of instructor.; Course Rules: Retakeable with change in topic to 9 credits max.; Last Taught: Fall 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 2020, Spring 2020.
JAPAN 351 Japanese Performance Traditions: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Japanese performance of drama and comedy from noh and kabuki to modern performance.; Prerequisites: junior standing and satisfaction of Oral and Written Communication - Part A.; General Education Requirements: HU, OWCB; Last Taught: Spring 2022, Fall 2019, Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
JAPAN 352 Japanese Performance Traditions: Readings: 1 cr. Undergraduate.
Readings in Japanese performance texts from medieval noh scripts to modern Japanese theater.; Prerequisites: junior standing or consent of instructor, JAPAN 351(C), and completion of Oral and Written Communication Part A (OWC-A).; Last Taught: Spring 2018, Spring 2017.
JAPAN 355 Seminar in Japanese Literature and Culture:: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Readings and discussion in English on selected topics in Japanese literature and culture.; Prerequisites: junior standing and completion of Oral and Written Communication (OWC) Competency Part A.; General Education Requirements: OWCB; Course Rules: May be retaken to a max of 9 crs.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Spring 2021, Spring 2020, Spring 2019.
JAPAN 356 Seminar in Japanese Literature: Readings: 1 cr. Undergraduate.
Readings of Japanese literature in Japanese, offered as an optional lab to JAPAN 355.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 301(C) or consent of instructor.
JAPAN 361 Translating Japanese Media: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Development of the vocabulary, grammar knowledge, translating skills, and cultural sensitivities necessary to produce viable translations.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 202(P).; Course Rules: Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (14 retro crs).; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2021, Spring 2020, Fall 2017.
JAPAN 370 Fun Kanji: 2 cr. Undergraduate.
Extensive practice in use of kanji, in order to enhance students' ability to read Japanese materials fluently.; Prerequisites: junior standing and JAPAN 101(P).; Course Rules: Counts as repeat of JAPAN 299 with similar topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2019, Spring 2018.
JAPAN 397 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before coursework level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially-prepared program coursework.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Summer 2023, Spring 2023.
JAPAN 401 Seventh Semester Japanese: 4 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 302.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 302(P) or equivalent.; Course Rules: Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro crs).; Last Taught: Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019.
JAPAN 402 Eighth Semester Japanese: 4 cr. Undergraduate.
Continuation of JAPAN 401.; Prerequisites: grade of C- or better in JAPAN 401(P).; Course Rules: Generates L&S credits for demonstrated equivalent preparation (16 retro crs).; Last Taught: Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021, Spring 2020.
JAPAN 416 Introduction to Translation: Japanese to English: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Basic skills for translating texts from Japanese to English; focus on articles and documents encountered in business, banking, legal, medical, and academic contexts.; Prerequisites: junior standing; grade of B or better in 300-level or above Japanese language course.; Last Taught: Fall 2013, Fall 2012, Fall 2011.
JAPAN 441 Business Japanese I: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Language and cultural studies that develop the practical knowledge and skills needed for doing business with Japan.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 302(P).; Last Taught: Fall 2016, Fall 2015, Fall 2014, Fall 2013.
JAPAN 489 Internship in Japanese, Upper Division: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Application of basic principles of Japanese in business, organizational, educational, political, or other appropriate setting.; Prerequisites: jr st; 2.50 gpa; cons supervising faculty member.; Course Rules: One cr earned for academic work based on 40 hrs in internship. May be retaken to 6 cr max.; Last Taught: Fall 2021, Spring 2015, Fall 2014.
JAPAN 497 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate.
Designed to enroll students in UWM sponsored program before course work level, content, and credits are determined and/or in specially prepared program course work.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance for Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.; Last Taught: Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023, Fall 2022.
JAPAN 499 Ad Hoc:: 1-6 cr. Undergraduate.
Course created expressly for offering in a specified enrollment period. Requires only dept & assoc dean approval. In exceptional circumstances, can be offered in one add'l sem.; Prerequisites: jr st; add'l prereqs may be assigned to specific topic.; Course Rules: May be retaken w/chg in topic.; Last Taught: Fall 2016, Spring 2013, Fall 2010.
JAPAN 500 Research and Research Writing in Japanese: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Capstone course for Japanese major. Students conduct research in Japanese and produce a thesis and presentation based on that research.; Prerequisites: grade of B- or better in JAPAN 401(P); pass level N3 of Japanese Language Proficiency Test; or consent of instructor.; Course Rules: Not open to students who have completed Japanese capstone req under FLL 499 or JAPAN 699.; Last Taught: Spring 2017, Spring 2016, Spring 2015, Spring 2014.
JAPAN 516 Seminar in Advanced Translation: Japanese to English: 3 cr. Undergraduate.
Translation of ideas and conceptual knowledge in subject areas that include economics, law, society, culture, and history.; Prerequisites: JAPAN 416(P).; Last Taught: Spring 2014.
JAPAN 597 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
JAPAN 597G Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
JAPAN 697 Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
JAPAN 697G Study Abroad:: 1-12 cr. Undergraduate/Graduate.
Designed to enable students studying language abroad to receive course credit at appropriate level.; Prerequisites: junior standing and acceptance in Study Abroad Program.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic.
JAPAN 699 Advanced Independent Study: 1-3 cr. Undergraduate.
Advanced level independent work under the supervision of a Japanese faculty or academic staff member.; Prerequisites: jr st; 2.0 GPA; consent of instructor, department chair, and Assistant Dean for Student Academic Services.; Course Rules: May be retaken with change in topic to 9 cr max.; Last Taught: Spring 2022, Spring 2020, Fall 2017, Summer 2016.