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 2024, Fall 2021, Fall 2020, Fall 2019.
- JAPAN 101 First Semester Japanese
- 5 cr. Undergraduate.
- Beginning Japanese for students with no previous knowledge of the language.
- Prerequisites: none.
- Last Taught: Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.
- 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 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
- 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: Fall 2024, Summer 2024, Spring 2024, Spring 2023.
- 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 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.
- 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 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
- 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 with courses in other disciplines (Anthropology, History, Political Science, etc.).
- Prerequisites: JAPAN 202(P) or consent of instructor.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change 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 and consent of 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 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Summer 2024.
- 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 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.
- 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 2025, Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022.
- 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.
- Last Taught: Spring 2025.
- 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 2024, Fall 2017, Fall 2016, Fall 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: Spring 2025, Fall 2023, Spring 2022, Fall 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: OWCB, HU
- Last Taught: Spring 2025, Spring 2022, Fall 2019, Spring 2018.
- 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: Summer 2025, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2024.
- 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 2024, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.
- 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 2025, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.
- 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: junior standing, 2.50 GPA, and consent of 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 2025, Spring 2024, Fall 2023, Spring 2023.
- JAPAN 499 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: junior standing; additional prerequisites may be assigned to specific topic.
- Course Rules: May be retaken with change 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: junior standing, 2.0 GPA, and 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.