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

J201-J202: Second-Year Japanese I (3 cr.) & II (3 cr.)

J301-J302: Third-Year Japanese I (3 cr.) & II (3 cr.)

Elective Courses

Japanese Language Sustainable Global Peace
Electives (30 cr. or more) Electives (27-30 cr. or more)
EALC J201-202: Second-Year Japanese EALC J201-202: Second-Year Japanese
EALC J301-302: Third-Year Japanese EALC J301-302: Third-Year Japanese
EALC J401-402: Fourth-Year Japanese EALC J401-402: Fourth-Year Japanese
EALC J310: Japanese Conversation EALC J310: Japanese Conversation
EALC J330: Business Japanese EALC J330: Business Japanese
EALC J498: Individual Studies in Japanese EALC J498: Individual Studies in Japanese
EALC J495: Japanese Translation Seminar EALC J495: Japanese Translation Seminar
EALC E231: Japan Living Tradition EALC E231: Japan Living Tradition
EALC E271: Modern & Contemporary Japanese Culture EALC E271: Modern & Contemporary Japanese Culture
EALC E351: Studies in East Asian Culture EALC E351: Studies in East Asian Culture
EALC E384: East Asian Nationalism and Cultural Identity EALC E384: East Asian Nationalism and Cultural Identity
Note: EALC E351(Studies in East Asian Culture) must focus on Japanese Culture. Note: Other courses from World Language and Culture, other department and schools, and Study Abroad courses, as approved by the program director.

What Japanese Studies Did for Me?

KimWalsh“In Japanese language class, we also learned about Japanese culture. Japanese class easily became my favorite subject. I currently work for Nippon Express (Indianapolis office), a global Japanese logistics company. On a daily basis at work, I communicate with our customers (many of them Japanese companies), create quotations and also arrange international shipments. From my experience working at Nippon Express, I have learned there are a lot of Japanese companies in Indiana. Therefore, I think a Japanese major can be a good choice for someone who would like to either live and work in Japan or stay in the United States to work for a Japanese company.”

— Kimberly Walsh, ’14, B.A. in Individualized Major in Japanese Studies

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.