East Asian Studies: Japanese Language Emphasis

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies allows students to focus on one of two areas: language or culture. The Japanese Language Intensive emphasis teaches language proficiency on three levels, from beginning to advanced, as well as offers specialized instruction in advanced reading, writing, and conversation. Students might be asked to take a placement exam to determine their level. Upon graduation, students can communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with Japanese speakers. They also display competency in reading materials in Japanese. Additionally, the program provides enriching opportunities for study abroad.

Learning Outcomes

• Communication: Students will be able to express themselves effectively in written and verbal communication.
• Use Information Effectively and Critically: Students will be able to identify, locate, and evaluate sources for the study of East Asian cultures.
• Argument Construction: Students will be able to articulate the commonalities, complexity, and diversity within and across East Asian cultures.
• Critical Thinking: Students will be able to articulate and apply appropriate disciplinary methods to the study of East Asian languages and cultures.
• Cultural Understanding: Students will demonstrate an understanding of tradition and transformation in at least one cultural region of East Asia and will explain and value differences between cultures.
• Proficient Communication in an East Asian Language: Students will learn to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with speakers of Chinese, Japanese, or Korean and to read materials in the target language.

Program Details

Sample Courses

• JPN 202: Intermediate Japanese
• JPN 304: Introduction to Japanese Language and Linguistics
• JPN 422: Advanced Practice in Japanese

Career Fields

• Education
• Diplomacy
• International law
• Politics
• Translation

Level of Math

• General Knowledge

This strand involves the general understanding and appreciation of how mathematics is used to solve problems in everyday life. The G-strand does not prepare a student for any further work grounded in mathematics and assumes the student will not proceed beyond the basic Foundations level noted above. Thus only those students whose major requires the most general knowledge of mathematics should take this strand.

Level of Second Language

• 4th Semester Proficiency

Fourth-semester skill level in a second language is required. B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options:

• Scoring the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona.
• Completion of a two-course sequence beyond the second semester of post-secondary language instruction.
• Completion with a C or higher of a 300- or 400-level language course at the post-secondary level.
• Completion of one course beyond the third semester in combination with an AP (Advanced Placement) score, IB (International Baccalaureate) score or a CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) score determined by the individual language department.
• An AP, IB, or CLEP language score determined by individual language departments
• A minimum of one semester study abroad in a language program approved by the appropriate language department as the equivalent of fourth-semester skill level.

Pre-major Required?

• No

This Major's College

• College of Humanities

Degree

• Bachelor of Arts

Sample Plans

2025, East Asian Studies: Japanese Language Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework

First Year

1st Semester

• ENGL 101 - First Year Composition (3)
• JPN 101 - Elementary Japanese (5)
• MATH (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course) (1)
• General Elective (1)

2nd Semester

• ENGL 102 - First Year Composition (3)
• JPN 102 - Elementary Japanese (5)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

Second Year

3rd Semester

• JPN 201 - Intermediate Japanese (5)
• EAS 201 - Myth, Mind, and Memory (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)

4th Semester

• JPN 202 - Intermediate Japanese (5)
• EAS 202 - Symbol, Society, and Social Change: Contemporary East Asia (3)
• GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections (3)
• General Education Portfolio (Exit Course) (1)
• General Elective (2)

Third Year

5th Semester

• JPN 301- Advanced Japanese (3)
• Upper Division Japanese Elective (3)
• General Elective (3)
• Minor Course (3)
• General Elective (3)

6th Semester

• JPN 302- Advanced Japanese (3)
• Upper Division Japanese Elective (3)
• Minor Course (3)
• Minor Course (3)
• Upper Division General Elective (3)

Fourth Year

7th Semester

• JPN 405 or JPN 421 (3)
• Upper Division Japanese Elective (1)
• Upper Division Minor Course (3)
• Upper Division Minor Course (3)
• General Elective (3)
• General Elective (3)

8th Semester

• EAS 498 - Capstone (2)
• Japanese Elective (3)
• Japanese Elective (2)
• Upper Division Minor Course (3)
• General Elective (3)

---

Degree Overview:

The Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies allows students to focus on one of two areas: language or culture. The Japanese Language Intensive emphasis teaches language proficiency on three levels, from beginning to advanced, as well as offers specialized instruction in advanced reading, writing, and conversation. Students might be asked to take a placement exam to determine their level. Upon graduation, students can communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing) with Japanese speakers. They also display competency in reading materials in Japanese. Additionally, the program provides enriching opportunities for study abroad.

---

Outline:

---

Japanese Language Intensive Emphasis

---

Coursework:

• JPN 202: Intermediate Japanese
• JPN 304: Introduction to Japanese Language and Linguistics
• JPN 422: Advanced Practice in Japanese

---

Course Schedule:

• First Year: JPN 101, JPN 102
• Second Year: JPN 201, JPN 202
• Third Year: JPN 301, JPN 302

---

Careers:

• Education
• Diplomacy
• International law
• Politics
• Translation

---

Other:

• Students may be required to take a placement exam to determine their level.
• The program provides enriching opportunities for study abroad.

University of Arizona

---

Overview:

The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, is the state's land-grant institution and its first university. It is known for its world-changing research and discovery, with a focus on innovation and impact. The university boasts a diverse student body and offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.

---

Services Offered:

The University of Arizona provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Resources:

Libraries, class registration, academic advising, and international engagement opportunities.

Student Life:

Housing, dining, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and campus amenities.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships and financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students.

Research Opportunities:

Hands-on research experiences for students across various fields.

Campus Safety:

Emergency information, Title IX resources, and annual security reports.

Accessibility:

Resources and support for students with disabilities.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Arizona can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university fosters a strong sense of community through its numerous student clubs and organizations, athletic events, and traditions. The campus is located in Tucson, a city known for its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and proximity to the Sonoran Desert.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

World-Class Research:

The University of Arizona is a top-ranking research institution with a strong focus on innovation and discovery.

Diverse Academic Programs:

Students can choose from over 150 majors and programs of study across 21 colleges and schools.

Engaging Campus Life:

The university offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and athletic events.

Tucson Location:

The campus is located in a vibrant city with a rich culture and diverse amenities.

Strong Alumni Network:

The University of Arizona has a large and active alumni network that provides support and opportunities for graduates.

---

Academic Programs:

The University of Arizona offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Majors:

Over 150 majors across various disciplines, including business, engineering, science, humanities, and the arts.

Graduate Programs:

A variety of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees.

Professional Education & Certification:

Programs for professional development and certification in various fields.

---

Other:

The University of Arizona is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it strives to build sustainable relationships with Native Nations and Indigenous communities. The university also has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.