Scholarship on Japan and training in Japanese language have a long history at Earlham, and our connections with Japan run deep. For more than 50 years, Earlham has been a leader in undergraduate education focused on Japan.
Japanese studies at Earlham is about encountering the complex history, society and culture that both comprise and are embodied in the nation of Japan.
In addition to a cross-disciplinary curriculum on campus, Earlham offers two study-abroad programs in Japan: Japan Study and Studies in Cross-Cultural Education (SICE) and a double-degree program with Waseda University. Earlham also houses the Institute for Education on Japan, which coordinates all Japan-related outreach activities conducted by the College and offers additional learning and post-grad opportunities, including placements as an Assistant Language Teacher in Morioka or as a teacher at the Friends School in Tokyo.
Within our Japanese studies major, students choose between two foci: Focus One - Japanese Culture and Society and Focus Two - Japanese Language & Linguistics.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies, you must complete the following courses, in addition to general education requirements.
Before participating in an off-campus program in Japan, students should take JPNS 236. Because of the off-campus study requirement, you should work closely with your adviser to shape a four-year course of study that will make it possible for you to satisfy all requirements for the College and the program.
Focus One - Japanese Culture and Society
Complete all of the following:
*Capstone projects should reflect prior coursework and your Japanese studies major focus.
In addition to the Japanese studies courses listed in the catalog, you may:
- Apply certain courses taken off campus with the approval of the Japanese studies faculty.
- Petition the program to count non-Japanese studies courses taken at Earlham. These petitioned courses must contain at least 25% Japan content. In addition, course assignments must be adjusted to include Japan content whenever possible. If interested in pursuing this option, you must gain the approval of the instructor and the convener of Japanese Studies program early in the semester in which the course is taken.
One advanced-level language course at 300 or above:
Four JPNS courses of 3 or more credits each.
-
At least two must be advanced-level courses (JAPN 430 or JAPN 431 may be used for one of the four courses).
-
One must be in the Humanities:
-
One must be in the Social Sciences:
One off-campus study program in Japan (full year or one semester)
Focus Two - Japanese Language and Linguistics
Complete all of the following:
*Capstone projects should reflect prior coursework and your Japanese studies major focus.
In addition to the Japanese studies courses listed in the catalog, you may apply certain courses taken off campus with the approval of the program convener. JAPN 352 may not be applied toward meeting requirements of the Japanese studies major.
Three advanced-level language courses at 300 or above:
Two JAPN linguistics or pedagogy courses from the following:
One additional JAPN linguistics or pedagogy course, or JPNS course
One off-campus study program in Japan (full year or one semester)
To earn a minor in Japanese studies, you must complete all of the following:
One Japanese language course at the intermediate level:
Two JPNS courses of 3 or more credits each
An off-campus study program in Japan (May Term, one semester, or full year)
95% of recent Japanese studies graduates were working or in graduate school within six months of graduation.
70% of recent Japanese studies graduates were working in Japan within six months of graduation.
93% of work seekers who majored in a cross-divisional major between 2018-2022 were employed, pursuing graduate school or volunteering within six months of graduation.
Outcomes
Top job industries for Japanese studies majors include education and nonprofit work.
What kind of research experience and internships are available?
Recent Japanese studies majors have interned at the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum, Good Neighbors Japan and other nonprofits and companies in Japan. Funding is available through the Center for Global and Career Education for summer internships in Asia and elsewhere.
Learn more about available programs via our Center for Global and Career Education.