Major
Minor

Japanese Studies

Download Japanese Studies Declaration Form

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.

Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies (42-48 credits)

To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies, you must complete all the requirements listed below.

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. 

Complete all of the following

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
3
Sub-Total Credit Hours
11

One advanced-level language course at 300 or above

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
4

One of the following advanced history courses

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
3-4

One additional advanced literature courses

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
3

One off-campus study program in Japan (full year or one semester)

Sub-Total Credit Hours
15-18

Two additional JPNS elective courses

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
6-8

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.

To earn a minor in Japanese studies, you must complete all of the following:

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
7

One Japanese language course at the intermediate level:

Course Code
Title
Credit Hours
Sub-Total Credit Hours
5

Two JPNS courses of 3 or more credits each

An off-campus study program in Japan (May Term, one semester, or full year)