Japanese Major

The major in Japanese provides students with a solid foundation in the disciplines of Japanese language, literature, and culture through extensive language training and broad exposure to Japanese literary and cultural traditions. Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to begin their Japanese language study during their first year at Colgate and to participate in the Japan Study Group.

Major Requirements

In order to encourage exposure to a wide range of approaches to Japanese studies, the department strongly recommends that students elect a section of CORE 167C taught by a member of a department other than East Asian languages and literatures, and enrich their major by taking ECON 339 - The Japanese Economy and HIST 264 - Modern East Asia (AS).

Upon completion of JAPN 202, a minimum of eight courses is necessary to fulfill the requirements for a Japanese major:

Required Courses

• CORE 167C - Japan or CORE C167 - Japan.
• JAPN 222 - Japan through Literature and Film or JAPN 255 - Hidden Japan: Tea Ceremony  
• JAPN 301 - Advanced Japanese I (language and literature course)
• JAPN 302 - Advanced Japanese II (language and literature course)

Two Courses from the Following 400-level Language Courses

• JAPN 401 - Readings in Japanese I
• JAPN 402 - Readings in Japanese II
• JAPN 455 - Advanced Grammar in Japanese

Two Courses from the following Literature, Linguistics, and Culture Courses

At least one course must focus on Japan

• CHIN 222 - China through Literature and Film
• CHIN 299 - Chinese Medical Culture and Practice
• JAPN 222 - Japan through Literature and Film
• JAPN 233 - Japanese Popular Culture and Media
• JAPN 240 - Gender and Sexuality in Japanese Culture
• JAPN 255 - Hidden Japan: Tea Ceremony
• JAPN 455 - Advanced Grammar in Japanese
• JAPN 481 - Topics in Japanese Culture (Study Group) (in Japan)
• JAPN 482 - Cultural Studies: The Japanese Village (Study Group) (in Japan)

GPA Requirement

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better to count toward the major.

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the East Asian Languages and Literatures department page.

East Asian Languages and Literatures Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the East Asian Languages and Literatures catalog page.