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Japanese Studies


Japanese Studies offers an introduction to the main elements of the modern Japanese language — both oral and written — with opportunities to study the history, culture, economy, and geography of Japan.

Overview

Japanese Studies offers an introduction to the main elements of the modern Japanese language with opportunities to study the history, culture, economy, and geography of Japan.

Japanese is known to be one of the most unique and complex languages in the world — with a high degree of inflections, three sets of scripts in its writing system, etc.

Only available as a minor.

At a Glance

Degree options
Minor only

Curriculum

At ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison, Japanese Studies students are guided step by step to study this language with clear instruction and materials.

Courses include introductory and intermediate Japanese*

Although primarily a language program, an interdisciplinary minor in Japanese Studies includes courses in:

Cultural aspects are also explored through film, TV, music, and fine arts.

*You are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Japanese.

Japanese Studies is available as a minor only.

Not sure about the difference between a major, a minor, an honours, and a certificate?

Students at the Atlantic Canada Japanese Speech Contest (ACJSC) 

Related programs:

Careers

Whether you're entering the job market or continuing your education, your ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison degree will stand out.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison has been recognized by Maclean's as the top primarily undergraduate university in Canada more times than any other university.

With and career development opportunities available in every degree, you'll also graduate with hands-on learning and real-world experience.

Our graduates also boast extraordinarily high acceptance rates to top graduate programs and professional schools such as law and medicine.

 

Popular career paths for Japanese Studies graduates include:

  • foreign service officer
  • public policy analyst
  • immigration officer
  • international business analyst
  • research assistant
  • international education assistant
  • import/export co-ordinator
  • management consultant

 

Testimonials

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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A provides great opportunities in Japanese Studies because of the MASSIE program. It was an opportunity to focus on the Japanese language plus I made a lot of Japanese friends.


Ke Yang (Kim)
Pan
'17
Psychology and Asian Studies, minor in Japanese Studies
Shanghai, China

Extras

Language Lab

The Language Lab, located within the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, provides students studying languages with a dedicated space to practice their language skills in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish.

MASSIE partner program

There are opportunities to practise Japanese by being partnered with a Japanese student studying English at ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison through the MASSIE (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison Semester Studies in English) program.

If you have superior language skills, you may also be able to work on campus as a private language tutor.

Speech contests

Sponsored by the Japan Foundation, Japanese speech contests are held annually at universities across Canada.

ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison students regularly win prizes in the Atlantic Canada Japanese Speech Contest (ACJSC) in the beginners and intermediate categories.

Study abroad and exchange

You may choose to further your experience in Japanese Studies by participating in ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison’s exchange programs. Transfer credits may be earned and applied toward the fulfillment of your course requirements for Japanese Studies.

Exchange partners include:

Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU)
A year-long program consisting of intensive Japanese language studies and Japan/East Asia studies

KGU Cross-Cultural College (CCC)
Students from four universities (ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison, KGU, Queen’s University, and University of Toronto) work together on multicultural studies and international relations with course activities taking place in Japan and Canada throughout the year

Senshu University
This 12-week program (Sept. to Dec.) includes language, business, and culture studies

Waseda University
A one-year study abroad program

/current-students/department-modern-languages-and-literatures

Bachelor of Arts

Admission Requirements

Our admissions decisions are based on your academic record, leadership skills, a high level of commitment, and the potential for personal growth. The drop down menu below will help you find information on what pre-requisites are recommended for a Bachelor of Arts; however, a minor in Japanese Studies can be combined with any degree.

Academic Awards

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ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ A is #2 in student awards


²Ñ²¹³¦±ô±ð²¹²Ô’s ranks ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison second in student and faculty awards in its latest University Rankings. To date, 56 ÃÛÌÒÊÓƵ Allison students have become Rhodes Scholars — one of the best per capita records in Canada.

Next Steps

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