Japanese
Studies

日本言語文化学科

We are a team of dedicated faculty members with multi-disciplinary expertise and a wide range of experiences, including literary, cultural, and language studies as well as Japanese language pedagogy. We are committed to providing our students with multifaceted paths toward exploring and actualizing their career aspirations and life goals.

We foster a student-centered learning experience that values and supports students’ individual goals, while creating an inclusive community for all.

Three ethnically diverse students

Intimate Learning Community

Students have the opportunity to engage with instructors and classmates within small classroom settings, forming lasting relationships which will support them through their time at MSU and afterwards. Within this intimate setting, you will have the opportunity to explore Japanese language and culture in a manner that is meaningful and relevant to your own learning and professional goals.

Global Reach through Intercultural Connections

Whether or not you choose to take advantage of our numerous study abroad opportunities in Japan, you will quickly form connections that introduce you to new cultural horizons and vistas. Students in the Japanese Program come from diverse backgrounds—a strength which the program builds upon by creating opportunities to connect with classmates in the classroom, as well as international students from Japan outside the classroom.

Hands reaching towards a globe

Preparation for Success Beyond MSU

Fluency and cultural competency in Japanese language and culture, as well as digital and media literacy, is in high demand. The Japanese program strives to equip each student with these competencies, while providing venues for experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom. From exposure to business Japanese to hands-on manga translation, the Japanese Program provides our students with productive opportunities through which they can build a strong foundation for success beyond MSU.

Degree Areas

Major

専攻

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese equips students with proficiency in the language, as well as cultural sensitivity to and factual knowledge about Japan. We encourage study abroad as a way for students to gain firsthand experience of Japanese culture and deepen their Japanese ability. Students, who plan to complete the requirements for the major (120 credits), should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures.

double major additional Major

二重専攻
追加専攻

The Double Major is for students who pursue two primary majors in different disciplinary fields. When you choose Japanese as your double major, both of your degrees will appear in your transcript.

The Additional Major is designed for students who wish to combine a major in Japanese with a primary major in another field.  Students electing an additional major must complete requirements in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Japanese and fulfill the requirement of 28 credits. If you select Japanese as an additional major, only your primary major will show in your transcript.

minor

副専攻

The Minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University other than the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Japanese.  With the approval of the department and college that administers the student’s degree program, students can use courses, which satisfy the minor, to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor (16-17 credits) should consult an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures.

Student and Faculty Voices

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Olivia Hale

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Arts and Humanities & Additional Major in Japanese

Japanese National Honor Society Inductee, Spring 2020

Recipient of the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in Japanese

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Andrea King

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Japanese & Minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Foreign Languages)

Japanese National Honor Society Inductee, Spring 2020

JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program), from Fall 2020

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Tim Chapin

Bachelor of Arts

Major in Japanese
Master of Ceremony for the 2020 Michigan Japanese Speech Contest

JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program), from Fall 2020

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David Humphrey

Phd

Assistant Professor of Japanese Studies and Global Studies

Department of Linguistics, Languages, and Cultures
Michigan State University

statistics

from 2019-2020

47

Graduates

6

Selected for JET

8

Japanese National Honor Society Inductees

38

Primary Majors

4

Double Degrees

15

Additional Majors

80

Minors

550+

Students Enrolled

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