Requirements for the minor are designed to give you a solid foundation in the Japanese language, as well as a broad and nuanced understanding of its culture, history and society.  In addition to completing the degree requirements, minor are encouraged to take courses in Japanese premodern, modern and contemporary culture, as well as to participate in education abroad programs and Asia and Japan-related cultural events at Michigan State University and beyond.

Note on Education Abroad and Course Substitutions: The Japanese Studies Program strongly encourages and supports Education Abroad in Japan. However, note that JPN369 may NOT be replaced with courses taken outside of MSU. Similarly, students seeking language course credits while in Japan (with the exception of JCMU programs) may need to take a placement test upon return to determine course equivalencies. If you have questions regarding language course equivalencies, please plan to consult with the department advisor as soon as possible when planning your Education Abroad experience in Japan.

Japanese Minor (16-17 credits)

  1. All of the following courses:
    1. JPN 201: Second-Year Japanese I (5 credits)
    2. JPN 202: Second-Year Japanese II (5 credits)
    3. JPN 369: Introduction to Japanese Literature and Culture (3 credits)
  2. One of the following elective courses (or approved substitution):
    1. JPN 301: Third-Year Japanese I (4 credits)
    2. JPN 302: Third-Year Japanese II (4 credits)
    3. JPN 350: Studies in Japanese Language (3 credits)

Teaching Minor in Japanese

(24 credits)

  1. All of the following courses (19 credits):
    1. JPN 202: Second-Year Japanese II (5 credits)
    2. JPN 301: Third-Year Japanese I (4 credits)
    3. JPN 302: Third-Year Japanese II (4 credits)
    4. JPN 350: Japanese Language in Society (3 credits)
    5. JPN 369: Introduction to Japanese Literature and Culture (3 credits)
  2. All of the following courses (5 credits):
    1. LLT 307: Methods of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (3 credits)
    2. TE 409 Crafting Teaching Practice in the Secondary Teaching Minor (1 credit)
    3. TE 503 Internship in Teaching Diverse Learners in Additional Endorsement Areas (1 credit)