Majoring and Minoring in Japanese

Special Major in Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture

At least ten total credits, including at least one credit outside the department, are required for a Special Major in Japanese. Majors should complete at least 6 semesters of Japanese language training or its equivalent. Japanese majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad in a program approved by the Section; transfer credits normally may be counted towards the major.

Majors should complete at least two courses on Japanese culture of level 015 and higher, and at least two additional courses of level 30 and higher, or their equivalent in coursework outside the department. Students are encouraged to combine their study of Japanese literature and culture with coursework in Japanese history, anthropology and sociology, religion, art, music, economics, political science, education, comparative literature, and other related fields within the tri-college consortium. At least two courses on Japanese literature and culture should normally be taken within the department.

All majors will complete a culminating project.

Course Minor in Japanese Language, Literature, and Culture

A minimum of five credits of courses numbered 4B and above is required for
the Course Minor.

At least one credit must be taken in Japanese literature, film, or culture
in translation, either in coursework offered by the Japanese Section or
its equivalent in coursework outside of Swarthmore, with the approval of
the Section.

A minimum of three credits should be taken at Swarthmore.

The Section strongly encourages study abroad in a Section-approved
program; transferred credits normally may be counted toward the minor.

One credit may be earned from another department on a Japan-related
subject with the approval of the Section.

Honors Majors and Minors in Japanese

Honors Study for qualified students may be substituted for the culminating project in the major. Students are encouraged to consult with the Japanese Section Head to discuss honors majors and minors.

Advanced courses for 2008-2009 offered by the Japanese Section

Fall semester 2008:
  • JPNS017/LITR017J. The World of Japanese Drama and Performance. (Gardner and Hanayagi)
Spring semester 2009:
  • JPNS083/LITR083J. War and Postwar in Japanese Culture. (Gardner)

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