College of Arts and Humanities
Japanese
Bachelor of Arts | Major
Japanese, BA
ようこそ！Immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture with Japanese Studies at CWU, designed to provide you with a deep understanding of Japan's rich history, vibrant culture, and dynamic society.
The Japanese Program at CWU is designed to support learners from various backgrounds, combining your language studies with insights into Japanese history, literature, arts, and society. You’ll have opportunities for study abroad in Japan and cultural exchanges, enhancing your skills while immersing yourself in Japanese culture through events, film screenings, guest lectures, and workshops led by dedicated faculty.
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World Languages and Cultures
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What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | World Languages and Cultures Website
Courses
Second-year Japanese
- JAPN 251 - Second-year Japanese
- JAPN 252 - Second-year Japanese
- JAPN 253 - Second-year Japanese
Composition, Grammar and Conversation
- JAPN 361 - Composition, Grammar and Conversation I
- JAPN 362 - Composition, Grammar and Conversation II
Department-approved Japanese Electives
- AST 310 - Japan Today
- ECON 349 - Economic Development of Asia
- HIST 380 - Modern East Asia
- HIST 383 - East Asian Civilization
- HIST 468 - Modern Japanese History: Tradition and Change
- HIST 485 - Trauma, History, and Memory in East Asia
- JAPN 311 - Manga and Anime: Japanese Visual Culture
- JAPN 363 - Composition, Grammar and Conversation III
- JAPN 396 - Individual Study
- JAPN 397 - Honors
- JAPN 398 - Special Topics
- JAPN 399 - Seminar
- JAPN 442 - Translation and Interpretation
- JAPN 462 - Japanese Cinema
- JAPN 496 - Individual Study
- JAPN 497 - Honors
- KRN 311 - Korean Cinema and Visual Culture
- POSC 366 - Government and Politics of East Asia
- POSC 367 - Politics of Japan
- RELS 351 - Religions of China and Japan
- WLC 250 - Language and Power
- WLC 311 - Popular Cultures of the World
- WLC 427 - Cross-Cultural Competence in a Globalized World
Culminating Experience
Culminating Experience is required for all majors in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and General Education Program.
- WLC 487 - Culminating Experience
Manga and Anime
Discover the world of Japanese pop-art in this engaging course, where you'll explore manga, anime, and graphic novels. Learn about their evolution from the Edo Period to today, uncover recurring themes, and understand how Japanese culture influences contemporary American culture.
Clubs and Organizations
Join over 10 student clubs and organizations at CWU that focus on world languages and cultures. These clubs offer chances to practice languages, join cultural events, and attend workshops. Whether you want to learn more about a specific language, explore new cultures, or build leadership skills, these clubs help you connect and grow in your studies.
Community Events
Our community is rich in diversity and opportunities for learning. You'll get to know your peers in other language programs through events like International Karaoke Night, Lunar New Year celebrations, and Global Halloween movie nights.
Flexible Options
Every program lets you take online classes, so you can fit your studies into your busy schedule from anywhere. You also have the chance to study abroad in many different countries. Whether you want to explore a new culture or gain international experience, these flexible options help you shape your education to match your personal and career goals.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Abroad
at over 100 sites worldwide and earn academic credit while exploring new cultures with CWU.
Classes
at CWU mean more individualized attention from professors, helping you improve your Japanese language skills and understand Japanese culture better.
Visitors
come to CWU annually to participate in World Languages Day, our department’s biggest event.
Why Study Japanese at Central?
- Learning Japanese offers numerous benefits, especially as Japan is a key ally of the United States, with the language considered essential for national security and economic success
- Japan plays a significant role in global culture, influencing fields like religion, entertainment, technology, and manufacturing
- Proficiency in Japanese will boost your competitiveness for programs such as the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, along with other professional opportunities in Japan
- By studying Japanese, you will deepen your appreciation for both traditional and contemporary culture while opening new pathways for global business and communication
Alumni Success
Translator/Interpreter
International Relations Specialist
Language Instructor
Cultural Advisor/Consultant
Content Creator/Editor