JapaneseProgram Description
Gain a deeper understanding of a culture beyond your own through the study of Japan’s language, literature, and society. This dynamic and interdisciplinary program fosters intellectual curiosity, forward-thinking perspectives, and a broad range of academic opportunities tailored to individual student interests.
In addition to comprehensive Japanese language instruction, students explore Japan’s rich cultural heritage through diverse coursework. Topics may include Japanese linguistics, classical and modern literature, intellectual and popular culture, theater and performance, and visual media such as anime and manga. To culminate their studies, all students complete a practicum, an experience intended to give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a meaningful and integrative way through independent research, community engagement, an internship, or studying abroad.
The University’s Japanese program provides exceptional preparation for graduate study and a wide array of careers where critical reading, writing, and analytical thinking skills are paramount.
The Student Experience
Learning Abroad is a popular opportunity for students in the Japanese program at the University of Utah, and there are many ways for students of Japanese to study or intern abroad. Students can learn abroad through a three-week faculty-led program in Tokyo, Japan, which provides students the opportunity to explore Japan through culturally rich excursions and site visits around Tokyo. Students can also learn abroad through exchange partnerships with the Akita International, Doshisha, Kansai Gaidai, and Waseda Universities where they’ll study alongside Japanese students. There are also many affiliate Learning Abroad programs throughout Japan in cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima where students can study or intern as well.
On campus, students in the Japanese program can network and meet like-minded peers through the Japanese Culture Association where weekly conversation tables and activities build community. Students can also participate in the Virtual Learning Table (VLT) Japanese program where they connect virtually with native Japanese speakers abroad and other Japanese language learners throughout the United States. Students can also connect with the Utah Japanese Community (UJC) to meet native speakers of Japanese on campus.
Career Opportunities
Upon graduation from the Japanese program, you will be prepared for careers in a number of fields. Work for the government domestically or abroad as a translator, linguist, diplomat, immigration or customs specialist, or journalist. Or, enter the world of international business as a supply chain manager, logistics specialist, or HR representative. Jobs in travel and tourism—as an airline employee, travel guide, or translator—are possible, as are careers in education and administration. With additional education at the graduate level, you can also find work as a professor, lawyer, bilingual speech pathologist, among other paths.
More Info
- Japanese Program
- Department of World Languages & Cultures
- College of Humanities
- Department Advising
- U Career Success
Catalog
Exploratory Classes
- WLC 2010 - Intro to the Study of Literature & Culture
- WLC 2020 - Language in Society
- JAPAN 1010 - Beginning Japanese I or above
- JAPAN 4540 - Japanese Popular Culture
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