As one of the five largest world economies, professional opportunities exist for individuals who are proficient in the Japanese language and who can understand and integrate into Japanese culture.

A minor in Japanese can part of the first step towards a career path in teaching, translation, interpretation, government relations, social services, the travel or hospitality industry, business, technology, finance or sales. Many students are also interested in careers related to Anime or computer technology, both large industries in Japan. A Committee Interdisciplinary Major with a focus in Japanese Language and Culture, combined with technology and science training, is excellent preparation for entry into those fields.

Many students now can find Japanese instruction in their high schools. At UWM, students can continue their high school studies or begin from the first semester of Japanese language instruction. We offer eight semesters of Japanese language plus the vitally important courses about Japanese culture, business practices, values, politics, history, and religions.

While the study of any Asian language is challenging for native English speakers because of their vast differences from English, students often find it is less difficult than they lead themselves to believe. Successful students of Japanese will dedicate the necessary daily time to practice and repeat...and practice and repeat.

Japan is a very popular destination for study abroad, and Japanese majors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities available through UWM. Programs vary in length from a few week immersion, to semester-long, to even a full year. Because of the complexities of planning a study abroad experience, students are encouraged to start planning early in sophomore year. Most students engage in study abroad during the second half of sophomore year or during their junior year.

Requirements

A minimum of 9 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 9 credits must be taken in residence at UWM. Students entering with no previous Japanese language experience should enroll in JAPAN 101. Students entering with previous knowledge of, or high school preparation in, Japanese, or transfer students who have studied Japanese in other colleges, are assigned to courses on the basis of a departmental placement consultation with the Japanese program coordinator. Students placed into a course beyond the 101 level who complete their first course with a grade of at least a B may receive retroactive credits earned at the 200 level or above to a maximum of 16 credits, for the courses leading to the one into which they are placed. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor credits attempted, including any transfer work.

Those who are able to begin their study of Japanese beyond the third-semester level will take additional elective credits, approved by the Japanese language coordinator, to complete at least 18 credits in the minor. Students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in language courses. The following (or equivalent or exemption) are required: