Study Japanese

Introduction

Japan's relationship to the United States and the rest of the world is so significant that it becomes increasingly helpful to acquire the linguistic skills that enable one to gain a fuller access to this important cultural, economic, and political force. Japanese also offers an exciting way to meet the Dickinson language requirement.

Advice to Students New to the Program in Japanese

To continue with the study of Japanese:  First-year students who have had Japanese in high school should see Prof. Akiko Meguro meguroa@dickinson.edu, about determining their levels of proficiency and possibly moving directly into higher levels of Japanese. A placement test is given during the orientation period before the fall semester and by appointment.

Introductory Courses 

The four-semester sequence is intended for students with limited or no prior knowledge of Japanese. The goal is to provide the student with the essential tools for conversation, reading and writing in modern Japanese, and the foundation for further study, whether for full fluency or to use Japanese as a useful research tool in other fields of study.

Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements

Language Requirement: Completion of 212, Intermediate Japanese fulfills the College's foreign language requirement.

Major and Minor

Although there is no major or minor offered in Japanese language, study of Japanese is an integral part of such majors as East Asian Studies and International Studies.

General

The four-semester sequence in Japanese covers language texts in spoken and written Japanese, dictionary use in translating, and oral practice with language tapes and videotapes. Students who continue in their Japanese language study would find themselves in a desirable position for careers either in the United States or in Japan since few Americans have Japanese fluency. Study of Japanese is an integral part of such majors as East Asian Studies and International Studies. See the College Bulletin at www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/eastasian.html for course descriptions.

Opportunities for Off-Campus Study

Students may take their junior year abroad at the Dickinson Program at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan or elsewhere. Interested students should contact Prof. Akiki Meguro.

Further Information

For additional information, see the College Bulletin, East Asian Studies.

Refer to www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/eastasian.html

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Updated June 22, 2005