Japanese

As soon as students have a UNCW ID, they become able to access the JPN placement test. For more information or any questions on the Japanese program, please contact Dr. Ryan Lidster.

The Japanese minor is an ideal complement to almost any major, from international studies and communication studies to business, computer science, digital arts, marine biology and psychology. By learning how to apply what you have learned in an intercultural context, you will increase your depth and breadth of knowledge and skills. The minor consists of 18 credits (usually 6 courses), divided up as follows:

• Six credits for basic Japanese language proficiency: JPN 201 and JPN 202 (Intermediate Japanese language) or equivalent proficiency
• Twelve credits from courses at the 300-level or higher on Japanese language, literature or culture. Example courses:
  
  
• JPN 294 – Study Abroad in Japan (for courses taught in Japan in English, repeatable for up to nine credits towards the minor)
• JPN 301 – Grammar and Composition I
• JPN 302 – Japanese Writing and Cultural Studies
• JPN 307 – Phonetics, Phonology, and Pronunciation
• JPN 311 – Perspectives on Modern Japanese Culture
• JPN 394 – Study Abroad in Japan (courses taught in Japanese, repeatable for up to 12 credits)
• JPN 491 – Special Topics in Japanese
• FST 385 – Japanese Cinema
• INT 338 – Modern Japan Through Film
• INT 339 – Japan Encounters the World
• PAR 374 – Japanese Religions
• Other courses as approved by the minor advisor. For example, HST 362 – History of Pre-Modern East Asia, and HST 363 – History of Modern East Asia rotate their focus between Japan and other regions. When the subject matter focuses on Japan, it can be used toward the Japanese minor.

Study Abroad (Intermediate Only)

Intermediate level students have opportunities to interact with Japanese peers on campus. They can also connect with students at our partner universities for cultural and learning exchanges.

There are summer, single-semester and full-year study abroad programs in Japan.

Students can take advantage of study abroad programs through the Office of International Programs. These programs are arranged to further develop Japanese language skills.

Learn More About Studying Abroad

Most students in the Japanese program are involved with various engagement opportunities on campus, in the community, and through our study abroad partners, and it is strongly encouraged as part of developing language proficiency and intercultural competence. Here is a short and incomplete list of ways to get involved, learn more about Japanese culture, and meet other Japanese speakers:

• Join the Japan Club on WaveLink, UNCW's campus activities and involvement website. UNCW Japan Club is also active on Instagram and Discord.
• Attend or help organize one of our annual Japanese program events. For example, every fall, we collaborate with the Physics Club to host お月見 (the Moon-Viewing Festival), where we hand-make hundreds of mochi and bring them to Wrightsville Beach. There, we use the telescopes to watch the harvest moonrise, eat mochi and watermelon, reflect on our place in the large universe, and make friends. Every spring, we host a Setsubun Festival where we make ehomaki and experience other traditions like bean-throwing to wish for good luck. The Japanese word for "trivia" (豆知識) literally translates to "bean-knowledge," so we also hold a trivia contest with prizes for the winning teams. There are other events almost every month, so there are plenty of chances for involvement.
• Become a conversation partner with international students attending UNCW's English Language Center.
• Go to local K-12 schools for our outreach activities to help them learn about Japanese pastimes and cultural events.