Japanese Major
DESCRIPTION
The Japanese Program at the University of Maryland offers a wide range of courses on the language, literature, and linguistics of Japan. The program features Japanese language instruction from beginning to advanced levels, and provides training in both spoken and written Japanese. Additionally, several courses in Japanese language for special purposes are offered on a rotating basis, including Business Japanese, Translation, and Classical Japanese. We welcome students with no prior exposure to Japanese as well as those with extensive backgrounds, including heritage speakers.
REQUIREMENTS (See TESTUDO for the current list of JAPN course offerings)
| All students new to SLLC courses must take the online Foreign Language Placement Test (FLPT) before registering for classes. Click here for more specific information about the Japanese language placement assessment. |
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Prerequisite Courses for the Japanese Major (12 Credits) |
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Course # |
Course Name |
Credits |
Prerequisites |
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JAPN 101 |
Elementary Japanese II |
6 |
None |
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JAPN 102 |
Elementary Japanese II |
6 |
JAPN 101 |
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Language Acquisition Courses (24 Credits) Students who place at a level above JAPN 201 must take additional courses in Japanese language, and/or other Japan-related topics, to earn the equivalent total of 24 credits. Please consult with the major advisor for specifics. |
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Course # |
Course Name |
Credits |
Prerequisites |
|
JAPN 201 |
Intermediate Japanese I |
6 |
JAPN 102 |
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JAPN 202 |
Intermediate Japanese II |
6 |
JAPN 201 |
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JAPN 301 |
Advanced Japanese I |
6 |
JAPN 202 |
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JAPN 302 |
Advanced Japanese II |
6 |
JAPN 301 |
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Civilization & History Courses (6 Credits) Students must take a total of two courses; one must be a pre-modern history and one a modern history course. Of these, one must be an East Asian Civilization course, and one a Japanese history course. Possible combinations are outlined below. |
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Option 1 |
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Course # |
Course Name |
Credits |
Prerequisites |
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HIST 284 |
East Asian Civilization I |
3 |
None |
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HIST 483 |
History of Japan Since 1800 |
3 |
None |
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Option 2 |
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HIST 285 |
East Asian Civilization II |
3 |
None |
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HIST 482 |
History of Japan to 1800 |
3 |
None |
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Electives at 300-level or above (12 Credits) One class (3 credits) must be in Japanese literature or cultural studies, and one class (3 credits) in Japanese linguistics. The remaining two classes (6 credits) must be on a Japan-related topic, although EALL 300 can count toward the requirement. Note that linguistics courses typcially have JAPN 201 as a prerequisite. Courses on Japan in departments outside of ours, such as HIST or ARTH, may count toward the non-literature, non-linguistics electives, with permission of the advisor. See TESTUDO for the current list of JAPN course offerings |
Notes:
- While many courses are not open to fluent or native speakers of Japanese, others may be. Please talk to the program advisor before registering.
STUDY ABROAD
For information on study abroad programs see the Undergraduate Advisor and contact UMD Education Abroad. Depending upon the program you select, it is possible to transfer credit back to UMD to your Japanese major.
DECLARING A JAPANESE MAJOR
We recommend that interested students declare their major as early as possible
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Step 1 |
Download the JAPN Major Requirements handout and the Major Sign-Up Form from our website and carefully read all requirements. |
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Step 2 |
Read through all information carefully, and pencil in a sequence of courses to discuss with the program advisor, Ms. Makiko Inoue (minoue@umd.edu). Make an appointment to meet with the advisor and complete paperwork, including the 4-year plan form, which you will receive and go over at your appointment. |
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Step 3 |
Contact the Office of Student Affairs at the College of Arts and Humanities (301-405-2108) to make an appointment to discuss the non-Japanese aspects of your 4-Year plan (bring signed form from previous step), including CORE or General Education courses. Walk-in hours are also available. |
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Step 4 |
If you are adding Japanese as an additional major, check with your home department and college to identify paperwork you may need to complete. |
ADVISOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Advisor: Ms. Makiko Inoue
Office: 4218 Jiménez
Phone: 301-405-0495
Email: minoue@umd.edu
For more information about advising, please visit the advising section of our website.
