Minor in Japanese Studies

Studying a language like Japanese shows that you have a multicultural perspective that goes beyond the familiar. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you possess determination, patience, and the ability to take on great challenges.

The minor in Japanese Studies may be of particular interest to students in business, social sciences, and other languages and interdisciplinary subjects. It includes both language and literature and other Japanese area studies courses.

Requirements for Minor

The Minor in Japanese Studies consists of fifteen (15) credit hours in Japanese Studies or related courses approved by the program coordinator, excluding courses at the 100 level. To earn a minor in East Asian Studies, you must have:

  • Minimum grades for the minor are C or better.
  • At least six credits at 300 level or above.
  • At least nine credits are taken at IU Indianapolis.
  • First-year Japanese is a prerequisite.

Required Courses

Students can choose any electives.

Elective Courses

Electives (30 cr. or more)
EALC J201-J202: Second-Year Japanese
EALC J301-302: Third-Year Japanese
EALC J401-402: Fourth-Year Japanese
EALC J310: Japanese Conversation
EALC J330: Business Japanese
EALC J498: Individual Studies in Japanese
EALC J495: Japanese Translation Seminar
EALC E231: Japan Living Tradition
EALC E271: Modern & Contemporary Japanese Culture
EALC E351: Studies in East Asian Culture
EALC E384: East Asian Nationalism and Cultural Identity
Note: EALC E351(Studies in East Asian Culture) must focus on Japanese Culture.

What Japanese Studies Did for Me?


“My name is Shawn Scott, and I studied Japanese from the fall of 2020 to the spring of 2024 as part of my undergraduate education. Over the course of these four years, I had the opportunity to participate in numerous cultural events, language exchanges, and immersive experiences that greatly enhanced my Japanese language proficiency. One of my childhood dreams was to live in Japan, and I had the chance to experience a glimpse of that dream through a study abroad program. I studied at Hakuoh University in Tochigi Prefecture, where I spent four unforgettable months. During my time there, I formed lasting friendships and developed a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and daily life. For anyone passionate about the Japanese language and culture, I highly recommend this kind of immersive experience. It offers a unique and enriching way to explore Japan firsthand. I feel incredibly fortunate to have continued pursuing my dream through the JET Program, which has allowed me to live and work in Japan, further deepening my connection to the country and its people.”

— Shawn Scott, B.A. in Japanese Studies IMP, 2024

How to enroll

To declare the minor in Japanese Studies, complete the online declaration.

More Info

Contact Dr. Izumi Harris, Director of the Program in Japanese Studies.