Introduction
Japan's relationship with the United States and the rest of the world is so significant that it becomes increasingly helpful to acquire the linguistic skills that enable one to gain an access to this important cultural, economic, and political force. The study of Japanese also offers an exciting way to meet the Dickinson language requirement.
To continue with the study of Japanese:
First-year students who have had Japanese in high school should contact Professor Alex Bates to determine their levels of proficiency to enroll in the appropriate level of Japanese.
To begin Japanese:
Students should select JPNS 101, Elementary Japanese. The four-semester sequence begins in the fall.
The introductory four-semester sequence is intended for students with limited or no prior knowledge of Japanese. The goal is to provide the student with the essential tools for conversation, reading and writing in modern Japanese, and the foundation for further study, whether for full fluency or to use Japanese as a useful research tool in other fields of study. A five-course minor in Japanese is available for students who take the language to the advanced level.
Language requirement: Completion at the intermediate level, JPNS 202, or above.
Introduction
The Japanese major is an interdisciplinary program within the East Asian studies department with a focus on Japanese language and culture. Japan, the world’s third largest economy, plays a critical role in global political, economic, and cultural affairs, affecting the US government, military, corporations, non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens (e.g. How many of you recognize Pokemon?). Students who study Japanese as a major or who take courses in the department as part of other majors are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, including anthropological, artistic, literary, political and historical. The Japanese major strongly emphasizes the importance of language study as a critical gateway to deeper understanding of this fascinating country
Recommended Courses and Requirements for Minors and Programs
Five courses: Four Japanese language courses beyond Intermediate JPNS 202. One additional, 300-level (or higher) Japanese language course or one non-language East Asian course on Japan.
NOTE: The Japanese minor is open to non-East Asian Studies majors only.
For course descriptions, refer to the
Courses appropriate for prospective majors
The gateway to the Japanese major is the language. We encourage prospective students to register for a language course appropriate to their ability. First-year students who have had Japanese in high school or significant self-study should contact Professors Alex Bates (LINK) or Akiko Meguro (LINK) to determine their levels of proficiency. Each Japanese major must complete JPNS 361.
In addition, most 200-level EASN topics courses with a Japan focus are open to first-year students and all fulfill major and Global Diversity requirements. Students concerned about the level of difficulty should check with the instructors of specific courses.
Students might also consider a summer course when offered (EASN 208, Japan Practicum, typically once every two years). This course includes intensive study of Japan on site with topics varying depending on the year.
For course descriptions and requirements for the major, refer to the
Courses that fulfill distribution requirements
Humanities (Division I B):
EASN 202 & 203, Japanese Literature
EASN 205, Topics in East Asian Humanities (when appropriate)
Arts (Division I A):
EASN 204, Topics in East Asian Cinema
EASN 205, The Japanese Woodblock Print
EASN 205, Introduction to the Art of Asia
Social Sciences (Division II):
EASN 206, Topics in East Asian Society (when appropriate)
EASN 206, History of Modern Japan
EASN 206, Medicine and the Body in East Asia
EASN 236/ANTH 236, Japanese Society
EASN 259, Law, Politics, and Society in Asia
Sustainability:
EASN 206, Asian Urban Ecology
EASN 206, Six East Asian Cities
EASN 305, Nature and the Environment in Japanese Literature and Film
EASN 306, The Politics of Environmental Protection in Asia
Global Diversity:
EASN 202 & 203, Japanese Literature
EASN 205, Electives in East Asian Humanities (when appropriate)
EASN 206, Electives in East Asian Society (when appropriate)
Suggested curricular flow through the major
The Japanese major is designed to ensure a strong foundation in Japanese language and culture for on-campus course work and study abroad. To that end, at least one semester of Advanced Japanese is required (JPNS 361). Students who enter the college with prior instruction in or knowledge of Japanese may enroll in the language course suitable to their needs. The Japanese program offers four levels of language instruction, from elementary to the advanced, with the possibility of further independent study. One of the electives required for the major can be an advanced language course (e.g. JPNS 362 or similar level course abroad). We strongly encourage students to take advantage of the option to spend one or two semesters abroad, normally during their junior year. Most students take this option at our partner institutions: Nanzan University in Nagoya (Central Japan) or Akita International University in Northern Japan.
Students normally begin their major with language classes and electives at the 200 level. Students are required to take electives in both the humanities and social sciences. EAS also offers a range of 300-level courses designed to prepare students for the research and independent study at the core of the department’s capstone Senior Research sequence (EASN 480 and 490), typically taken in a student’s senior year. Here is a guide to the kinds of suggested courses a typical EAS major takes during the four years:
First and Sophomore Years
Japanese language courses through 202
Two 200-level courses in the humanities and/or social sciences
Junior Year
Study abroad for one or two semesters
Additional 200-level electives and requirements
300-level course if on campus
Senior Year
300-level course during the fall semester (if not already taken)
Complete EASN 480 in the fall in preparation for the EASN 490 research seminar in the spring
For information regarding the suggested guidelines, please feel free to contact the chair of EAS or any member of the Japanese program.
Honors
Honors within the major is determined by the quality of the senior thesis, which must display outstanding writing and analytical skills, and mastery of the research subject and its context. In addition to the written thesis, honors in Japanese takes into account GPA within the major, overall GPA, the oral presentation of the thesis project, and the fielding of questions, but is neither precluded nor guaranteed by them. On the basis of a composite of these factors, the East Asian Studies faculty may decide to award honors to deserving students. Students interested in honors are encouraged to talk to their advisors no later than fall pause of their senior year for guidance to help them craft a thesis project able to meet the standards. Students who receive honors will be notified before the Thursday preceding graduation.
Additional Remarks
Related activities: The Japanese program offers films and lectures that are coordinated with the core courses, but which are open to the entire community.
Other events include field trips, food preparation, and celebrating various Japanese holidays and festivals. The East Asian studies department also supports club activities and Clarke Forum events. See more on our unofficial Facebook page
Clubs/Organizations:
The Japanese program supports the Aesthetic Club (includes the Japanese tea ceremony and Bonsai, and Ikebana arrangement)
The Majors Committee plays an active role in the work of the East Asian Studies department. Committee members help organize and promote a wide variety of departmental programs and events. They also meet with and help to evaluate job candidates, and gather information and advise the department when faculty are being considered for contract renewal, tenure, and promotion.