BA(Hons) Japanese with Teaching Endorsement Option

This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the Japanese language and culture, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to teach Japanese in secondary schools. Students will learn to read, write, and speak Japanese, as well as gain an understanding of Japanese customs, traditions, and history. The teaching endorsement option provides students with the training and experience needed to become effective teachers of Japanese in a variety of educational settings.

Additional Information

Students in this program will have access to state-of-the-art language learning resources, including a language lab and opportunities for study abroad. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers as Japanese language teachers or to continue their education at the graduate level.

Discover the Unique Blend of Academic Rigor and Personalized Attention at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers a unique blend of academic rigor and personalized attention, providing students with a supportive and stimulating learning environment. Located in Bellingham, WA, the university is situated in a beautiful coastal setting that offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural exploration. The university's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility makes it an ideal choice for students who are passionate about making a positive impact on their communities.

In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages trains in two areas: language structure and literary analysis. Language structure is taught both holistically and analytically. Holistic language learning is facilitated by modern methods and multimedia technology, as well as study abroad opportunities. The department supports the analytical instruction of language structure through a full range of language skills courses, as well as a significant number of courses in linguistics. Literary analysis is essential to a student’s understanding of the highest achievements in aesthetic expression of a culture’s values.

The department provides instruction in history and culture, as well as literary theory, with an end to enabling the student to gain access to the intellectual life in the culture. The department imparts skills to future world language teachers so that they may similarly enable high school students to begin the acquisition of world languages.

Why Consider a Teaching Endorsement in Japanese Major?

The department provides students the skills to learn firsthand about major world societies. The department believes that the best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. The modern languages offered in the department are spoken natively by nearly two billion people. The multifaceted programs of the department provide an opening to the world through language, literature, culture and civilization. It is a meeting place for true diversity.

The BA in Japanese leads to a BA degree without teacher certification. In order to receive a recommendation for state of Washington certification students must complete the “teacher certification” program which is offered by the Department of Secondary Education.

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

• Completed application form

• Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

• Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

• SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5

• Personal Statement or essay

• One letter of recommendation

• List of extracurricular activities(if any)

• Portfolio