Japanese Studies

The Major

Students seeking to major in Japanese Studies should take JPNS 236 before participating in an off-campus program in Japan. Because of the off-campus study requirement, students should work closely with their advisers to shape a four-year course of study that will make it possible for them to satisfy all requirements for the College and the Program. Students pursuing a major in Japanese Studies should choose either Focus One or Focus Two.

Focus One: Japanese Culture and Society

Students must complete:

  • JPNS 236 Introduction to the Study of Japan

  • One advanced-level language course at 300 or above. (Note: Courses on Teaching Japanese as a Second Language do not satisfy this requirement.)

  • Five courses selected from Japan/Asia-related courses. These courses must demonstrate a balance between the Humanities and Social Sciences. At least three must be advanced-level courses, and at least three must be taken on campus.

    In addition to the Japanese Studies courses listed in the catalog, students may:

    • Apply certain courses taken off campus with the approval of the Japanese Studies faculty.

    • Petition the program to count non-Japanese Studies courses taken at Earlham. These petitioned courses must contain at least 25% Japan content. In addition, course assignments must be adjusted to include Japan content whenever possible. Students interested in pursuing this option must gain the approval of the instructor and the convener of Japanese Studies early in the semester in which the course is taken.

  • Off-Campus Study Program in Japan (full year or one semester)

  • JPNS 488 Senior Capstone Experience

Focus Two: Japanese Language and Linguistics

Students must complete:

  • JPNS 236 Introduction to the Study of Japan.

  • Three advanced-level language courses at 300 or above. Note: Courses on Teaching Japanese as a Second Language do not satisfy this requirement.

  • Two JAPN linguistics or pedagogy courses.

    In addition to courses listed in the catalog, students may apply certain courses taken off campus with the approval of the program convener.

    JAPN 352 may not be applied toward meeting requirements of the Japanese Studies Major.

  • One additional JAPN linguistics or pedagogy course or JPNS course.

  • Off-Campus Study Program in Japan (full year or one semester)

  • JPNS 488 Senior Capstone Experience