BA(Hons) Japanese

The BA(Hons) Japanese program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Japanese language, culture, and society. The program focuses on developing advanced language skills, cultural competency, and an appreciation for the complexities of Japan. Students will engage in intensive language training, cultural immersion experiences, and interdisciplinary coursework to gain a deeper understanding of Japan's history, literature, philosophy, and contemporary society. The program is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in international relations, business, or education, or those who simply want to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture.

Additional Information

The BA(Hons) Japanese program at Western Washington University has a small class size, which allows for personalized attention and instruction. The program also offers study abroad opportunities in Japan, as well as courses taught in Japanese, providing students with a unique and immersive learning experience. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue successful careers in fields such as international business, education, and government.

Discover the Beauty and Complexity of Japanese Culture at Western Washington University

Western Washington University is an ideal location for studying Japanese due to its proximity to Seattle, a major hub for Japanese culture and commerce in the United States. The university's diverse student body and faculty provide a dynamic learning environment, with opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Additionally, the university's location in the Pacific Northwest offers easy access to outdoor activities and cultural events, providing students with a well-rounded education.

In keeping with the aim of providing the skills needed to learn about a culture in depth, the department 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 Japanese Major?

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages 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.

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