Japanese

The Bachelor of Arts program in Japanese at CSULB is designed to provide students with linguistic and cultural preparation supported by international perspectives and understanding of humanities for personal, social, intellectual and cognitive development as well as development of skills for economic self-sufficiency in the ever-intertwining world of global economy.

The program is different from a traditional literature-oriented language program. It emphasizes pragmatic language studies aiming for acquisition of communication skills through communication-oriented and content-based instruction. The program provides knowledge of language and culture to develop appropriate understanding and attitudes for intercultural communication.

Students with background in Japanese language competency gained through home use or through primary or secondary school work in the U.S. or Japan must take a placement test administered by the Department.

Requirements beginning in Fall 2014

A minimum of 36 units is required, including at least 15 units earned in residence at CSULB. JAPN 201 and 202 are prerequisite to the major and may be satisfied by appropriate high school preparation or by examination. A “C” grade in all required and elective classes in the major is required for continuation of the program.

Lower Division Requirements Core Courses (11 units):

  • AAAS 100 Asian Eats (3)
  • JAPN 201 Intermediate Japanese (4)
  • JAPN 202 Intermediate Japanese (4)

Upper Division Requirements (33 units):

*Take all of the following courses:

  • JAPN 301 Advanced Japanese (3)-  Prerequisites:  JAPN 202 or equivalent as determined by instructor.
  • JAPN 302 Advanced Japanese (3)-  Prerequisites:  JAPN 301 or equivalent as determined by instructor.
  • JAPN 311 Advanced Spoken Japanese (3)-  Prerequisites:  JAPAN 202 or equivalent as determined by instructor.
  • JAPN 312 Advanced Spoken Japanese (3)-  Prerequisites:  JAPN 311 or equivalent as determined by instructor.
  • AAAS 492 Senior Research Seminar (3)-  Prerequisites:  Upper-division standing in Asian Studies, Japanese, Chinese Studies or Asian American Studies programs; Students must have scored 11 or higher on the GWAR  Placement Examination or completed the necessary portfolio course that is a prerequisite for a GWAR Writing Intensive Capstone.

*Take 15 units from selection A and 3 units from selection B:

  • A.  Language and Language Related Courses (15 units) selected from:

JAPN 350, 370, 371, 385, 421, 422, 451, 452, 453, 461, 462, 463, 471, 481, 490, 492, 497.

  • B.  Japanese or Japan-related Civilization and Intercultural Courses (3 units) selected from:

ASAM 319, 330, 335, 340, 345, 407;  AST 306, 307, 309, 320, 336, 393;  CHIN 321, 370, 390, 421

Minor in Japanese Language and Culture (18-26 units)

This Minor requires a minimum of 18-25 units of required and elective courses focusing on the study of Japanese culture, communication, and language. These courses should be selected in consultation with the Japanese program adviser. Students may use AP credit or test out of JAPN 101 and 102 (8 units). This Minor is available to any student not majoring in Japanese. A “C” grade in all required and elective classes in the Minor is required for continuation in the program. Questions about this minor should be directed to with Prof. Chinen, the Japanese Adviser (k.chinen@csulb.edu).

Required courses*:

  • JAPN 101: Fundamentals of Japanese (4)
  • JAPN 102: Fundamentals of Japanese (4)
  • JAPN 201: Intermediate Japanese (4)
  • JAPN 202: Intermediate Japanese (4)
  • JAPN 301: Advanced Japanese (3)

Choose any two from the following courses:

  • JAPN 302: Advanced Japanese (3)
  • JAPN 311: Advanced Spoken Japanese (3)
  • JAPN 312: Advanced Spoken Japanese (3)
  • JAPN 350: Japanese Language, Culture, and Communication (3)
  • A/ST 393: Japan: Continuities and Transformations (3)

*If the student is placed in a level above JAPN 201 in the placement test, they can take an other 300 or 400 level Japanese course to replace the skipped course(s).