UB, University at Buffalo, State University of New York

• Japanese - Minor
• Course Descriptions

You are here: Undergraduate Catalog 2005 - 2006 > Academic Programs > Japanese

Department of Linguistics

College of Arts and Sciences
609 Baldy Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-1030

Phone: 716.645.2177
Fax: 716.645.3825
Web: http://linguistics.buffalo.edu/japanese/jpnhome

About the Program

†This area of study is available as a special major through the College of Arts and Sciences. It is not a separately registered degree program. Refer to the Special Majors section (page TK or http://undergradcatalog.buffalo.edu/undergraduateeducation/academic.shtml) for more information. For information on the minor, contact the department.

Once a distant and remote land, Japan has burst into American awareness, reflecting Japan’s significant economic and political relationship with the United States. While English continues to be the primary language for international communication, the Japanese language is acquiring status as a major foreign language, particularly for those who aspire to pursue relationships with East Asia as well as Japan. The Japanese language is spoken by the entire population of Japan - about 125 million - and ranks sixth among the languages of the world in terms of the number of native speakers. It is also studied widely as a foreign language in East Asia. Contrary to a common belief that asserts the uniqueness of the Japanese language, it is a very typical human language with respect to grammatical structure.

The Japanese curriculum provides a solid foundation for an understanding and appreciation of the rich and diverse culture of Japan. The language, culture, linguistics, and pedagogy courses offered are useful to students who aspire to an East Asia–related academic or professional career in education, government, communications, or business, as well as in other fields in the United States and abroad.

The curriculum of the Japanese program includes:

Courses designed to develop or improve competence in spoken and written Japanese through the advanced level
Courses on Japanese culture
Courses on Japanese linguistics and pedagogy
Courses that examine Japanese business culture and vocabulary

Degree Options

The program combines language learning with cultural and linguistic studies. The program offers a minor, and a special major in Japanese studies can be arranged in consultation with the program director and the director of special majors (in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement and Services office). Students interested in Japanese linguistics may want to pursue a special major in language and linguistics with a concentration in Japanese. For more information, contact the program director, Mitsuaki Shimojo, in the Department of Linguistics, (716) 645-2177.

The courses offered in the Japanese program give students the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a strategic Asian language and to study the people and culture of Japan. Many students opt to combine a minor in Japanese with a major in the social sciences, engineering, the humanities, the sciences, or management.

Advisement

The Japanese language program offers four years of classroom instruction, as well as advanced-level independent study options. The first three years of instruction are characterized by an effective team-teaching approach that enables students to benefit from the experience and expertise of several instructors. Optional tutoring is provided as part of the program.

Practical Experience and Special Opportunities

Serious students are strongly encouraged to take Japan-related courses across the university curriculum, and to study in Japan for a summer or a full academic year.

For study abroad options, contact the Study Abroad Programs office at (716) 645-3912.

Of interest to students enrolled in Japanese language courses is the Asian Studies Program, which offers a major in Asian Studies and a minor in Asian studies. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Burkman, Director, 714 Clemens Hall at (716) 645-3474 or burkman@buffalo.edu.