Naperville, USA
DEGREE TYPE
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Why pursue a Japanese degree at North Central College?
North Central is one of the few colleges or universities in Illinois offering a Japanese major. With a full range of courses in Japanese for all four years and a vibrant Japanese study abroad program, the College offers a rigorous, distinctive experience in a small, friendly environment. You’ll learn Japanese culture while improving your proficiency in oral and written communications in Japanese.
You can also:
- Study in Japan through one of our numerous exchange programs.
- Participate in cultural events and activities (like trips to Japanese cultural centers) with the Japan Club.
- Apply for international study scholarships, including North Central’s Omron Scholarship for Study in Japan.
- Strengthen your language skills as you get to know the Japanese international students on campus.
- Earn a TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) minor if you hope to teach abroad after college.
- Access online audio and video resources for Japanese via the Roberta I. Myers Language Resource Center.
- Qualify for induction to the Japanese Honor Society or Phi Sigma Iota, for students who study more than one language.
Curriculum
Major Requirements
The Japanese major consists of at least 33 credits at or above the 201-level, with at least 28 credits taught in Japanese, including:
- JPST 240 - Japanese Culture and Society
- JAPN 480 - Capstone Portfolio
- One of the following:
- JAPN 410 - Japanese Through Multiple Media
- JAPN 420 - Japanese for Written Communication
- JAPN 490 - Topics
Semester Study Abroad
Complete a semester study abroad program in Japan, with a minimum of eight credit hours taught in Japanese, or complete the following 16 credit hours:
- JPST 280 - Japanese Pop Culture
Eight credits in JAPN courses taught in Japanese
One of the following:
- HIST 265 - Japanese History
- HIST 330 - East Asian Thought
- RELG 265 - Religious Pluralism in Japan
Additional Requirements for the BA Degree
Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language.
Career Opportunities
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Unique opportunities for North Central College students are available in Japan with our partner institutions.
Careers
Recent graduates in Japanese include:
- English teacher, Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
- International relations coordinator
- Librarian/information technology
- Positions with Chicago-based Japanese companies