The "Land of the Rising Sun" is one of the world's most vital political and economic forces. Understanding Japan's role in a rapidly changing world requires knowledge of all aspects of Japanese life: language, society, history, culture and economics. Japanese language courses are increasingly popular throughout the world.

While in Asia, Japanese language students benefit from the opportunity to practice their language skills daily. Other Japanese studies courses will help you understand your host country. If your job involves extensive contact with Japanese people, Japanese studies courses may provide insights and skills to improve your performance at work. And your knowledge of Japan–its people, language, culture and traditions–will enrich your personal experience in Japan and other Asian countries.

Recent changes in international affairs will almost certainly expand private sector employment opportunities for people knowledgeable about Asian countries and cultures. Those who are familiar with Japanese language, culture, and society have become increasingly valued by employers. Fluency in Japanese language is especially prized in international business and trade.

The Japanese studies programs are complemented by courses in Asian studies, business and management, sociology, government and politics, and history.

For more information on career opportunities, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Peterson’s Job Opportunities, and other specialized guides to the job market.

University of Maryland University College has one of the largest Japanese language programs of any American university. Experienced UMUC instructors offer Japanese language courses frequently at Education Centers throughout mainland Japan and Okinawa.

UMUC Asia offers certificates and associate degrees in Japanese studies. Beyond the associate degree, students can earn a bachelor of arts degree in Asian Studies. (See the Asian Studies brochure.)

A certificate requires 18 credits of coursework, of which at least 9 credits must be taken with UMUC.

• Core courses (12 credits)


JAPN 111 Elementary Japanese I (3)
JAPN 112 Elementary Japanese II (3)
JAPN 114 Elementary Japanese III (3)
or Any course related to Japanese studies
JAPN 115 Elementary Japanese IV (3)
or Any course related to Japanese studies
 

• Courses related to Japanese studies (6 credits)



• Detailed Certificate Description

Total credits for a Certificate in Japanese Studies: 18

Requirements for the Japanese Studies Curriculum

The associate of arts in Japanese studies requires completion of 60 credits of coursework, of which at least 15 credits must be taken with UMUC, including:

• First Courses (within first 18 credits):


LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
MATH 107 College Algebra (3)
or MATH 106 or a higher-level math course
Δ JAPN 111 Elementary Japanese I (3)
 

• Introductory Courses (take within first 30 credits)


• Additional Required Courses for the Associate of Arts Degree (taken after first and introductory courses)


• Elective courses (Choose any course to complete the 60 credits for the degree) (1)



• Detailed Degree Description

Total credits for AA with Japanese Studies Specialization: 60

Employers and the military recognize a college degree as a major academic achievement. An associate or bachelor's degree from UMUC distinguishes you as a graduate of one of America's leading public universities.

UMUC participates in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Programs for Military Personnel, so you can complete your degree in Asia or at a future duty location.

Your UMUC degree may be closer than you realize. Learning acquired through military experience, examinations, and course work from other schools may be applied to your degree. UMUC may accept as many as 45 credits from these sources toward an associate degree and up to 90 credits toward a B.A. or B.S. degree.

A wide variety of online courses in computer studies and other fields are available through UMUC's distance education (DE) programs, and are helping many students make progress towards UMUC degrees. For lists of courses offered, visit the UMUC Asia DE Web site and click on “Schedule of Classes.”

Contact a UMUC Academic Advisor to arrange for an evaluation of your course work and experience to determine where you stand in your degree program.

1. Start with JAPN 111 Elementary Japanese I. For a certificate in Japanese Studies, you must complete both JAPN 111 and JAPN 112 Elementary Japanese I & II. An associate degree in Japanese studies requires two more language courses, JAPN 114 and 115 Elementary Japanese III & IV.

 

2. Along with your Japanese language courses, take courses in Japanese culture, history, and politics. JAPN 105 provides a useful introduction to Japanese culture and language, with emphasis on practical material. This course also applies to the General Education Requirement in Arts and Humanities. In addition to JAPN 105, two courses entitled Japanese Life and Culture, JAPN 333 and JAPN 334, cover the origin and historical background of contemporary Japan.

 

3. To satisfy the UMUC General Education Requirements, take basic courses in English and the social sciences to supplement your Japanese studies courses, most of which earn arts and humanities or behavioral and social sciences credit.

 

4. Remember that the field of Japanese studies–and Asian studies in general–is multidisciplinary. Courses in a variety of disciplines have been approved for credit in the Japanese studies program. Examples are: ASTD 150/160 Introduction to Asian Studies I & II, HIST 284/285 East Asian Civilization I & II, and GVPT 453 Recent East Asian Politics.

 

5. Take advantage of your stay in Japan. You can enhance your Japanese studies program by immersing yourself in Japanese life and culture. Ask your Japanese studies instructors for suggestions on how to enrich both your experiences and your studies.

UMUC Asia Academic Advisors are based at Yokota, Kadena, and Yongsan, and also travel frequently to most education centers. They advise students in person, by telephone, and by e-mail, and prepare evaluations of students’ academic progress. Your local UMUC Asia Field Representative can put you in touch with an Academic Advisor.

UMP-104 (4M 9/06)