Major and Minor in Japanese
The Japanese programs provide students with an opportunity to concentrate on acquiring expertise in an important modern language and its culture. As Penn State's first major in a non-European language, the Japanese major or minor will strengthen a student's overall skills in internationalism and provide a focus on one of the world's most important nations.
The Japanese programs allow students to acquire a strong working knowledge of the Japanese language, understand important aspects of Japanese culture, with an emphasis on contemporary Japan; prepare themselves for graduate study in Japan-related fields, and prepare themselves for work in context where the language and culture are pertinent; prepare themselves to visit Japan, or to live and work there, as informed and capable individuals equipped with appropriate intercultural skills and awareness; and prepare themselves for work or further study in any field where international experience or a knowledge of Asia may be useful.
Japanese majors may seek employment in government service, domestic and foreign offices, the United Nations, the Peace Corps, the U.S. Information Agency, or other international agencies. Employment may also be available with import and export trade organizations, international banking houses, or U.S. companies abroad. In addition, an increasing number of domestic and multinational companies are seeking employees who have backgrounds in multicultural studies as a way of dealing with the global market.
Study Abroad in Japan: All Japanese majors must study abroad, and are encouraged to do so during their third year. Penn State's stated goal is to make studying abroad no more expensive for students and their families than a semester studying at the University Park campus. For information on scholarships and other programs, please see our Study Abroad page.
Charlotte Eubanks has developed a Powerpoint presentation that outlines options for Penn State undergraduates who want to major or minor in Asian Studies programs and go abroad. Find it here.
Requirements for the major
Forms for admission to the Japanese major can be obtained in 427 Burrowes Building or here, online. After getting the form, make an appointment to see Juliana Chaszar, the advisor for Japanese. You can reach her via e-mail at jxc50@psu.edu. She will help you complete the form and answer any questions you have. After obtaining your advisor's signature, return the form to the department.
The Japanese major requires 36 credits of study. Students must receive at least a C grade in all their courses in the major, which are allocated as follows:
Prescribed courses: JPNS 110 (4 credits) and JPNS 120 (3 credits)
Language courses: 21 credits in language study at the 400 level.
Study abroad: All Japanese majors are expected to study abroad, preferably in their junior year, and must earn at least 12 credits abroad, 8 of which must be in language study.
Related courses: Select 9 credits pertaining to Japan, such as courses in art history, comparative history, geography, history, philosophy, political science, religious studies, theatre arts, or other fields, selected from departmental list. (Sem: 1-8)
A list of some of the available courses appears below, but ourses not on this list may also count.
Requirements for the minor
You can apply for a Japanese minor online. You can also make an appointment to see Juliana Chaszar, the advisor for Japanese.. You can reach her via e-mail at jxc50@psu.edu. She will help you complete the form and answer any questions you might have concerning the minor. After obtaining your advisor's signature, return the form to the department.
Students must earn a C or better in all courses to remain eligible for the minor.
Core courses: JPNS 001 (4 credits), JPNS 002 (4 credits), JPNS 003 (4 credits)
Additional courses:
- 3 from JPNS 110, JPNS 296, JPNS 297, JPNS 299
- 6 from JPNS 401, JPNS 402, JPNS 496, JPNS 497, JPNS 499
Advising
Advising for the language programs is taken care of by Julianna Chaszar <jxc50@psu.edu>. You can make an appointment to meet with her using this web-based calendar.
For other information on the Japanese major, please contact Bonnie Rossman <bjr19@psu.edu>.
