Japanese BA
Program Purpose
The objective of the Japanese major is to develop an understanding of and appreciation for Japanese culture and to develop language knowledge and skills to facilitate significant interaction in Japanese society personally and professionally. The program seeks to foster self-managed learning skills for life-long learning and provide a university experience consistent with the mission and aims of Brigham Young University.
The program accommodates those with no previous experience with Japan, its culture and language, as well as those who have received previous instruction at other institutions and/or who have otherwise had prior exposure to the language and culture, including heritage learners. The major is designed to help learners develop sound thinking and effective communication skills, as well as a sense of historical perspective and global awareness relative to Japan.
As part of the College of Humanities, the major seeks to foster an understanding of and respect for the meaning and significance of life as a Japanese. The program also seeks to provide a spiritual foundation for Japanese studies in light of scriptural injunctions to gain 'knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms' (Doctrine and Covenants 88:79) and to 'study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people' (Doctrine and Covenants 90:15).
Curricular Structure
The Japanese major builds on the foundation of two years of basic Japanese language study. Major courses also provide opportunity for advanced development in the four language skill areas. Students are required to take a conversation course, courses dealing with reading expository and narrative texts, courses in linguistics and literature, and a course in pre-modern Japanese language and literature. Electives include additional courses in linguistics, literature and culture. A capstone course provides exposure to important Japanese works not encountered in previous courses. See program MAP and Catalog description for additional details.
Co-Curricular Activities:
- Study Abroad: offered each spring term to provide students with the opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand in order to further develop language skills and cultural awareness. Participants live and study in Japan and spend part of the time traveling together to significant historical and cultural sites.
- Language Immersion Student Residence: provides the opportunity for learners to live with a native speaker and foster language skills and cultural knowledge. Participants speak only in Japanese in the apartment.
- Japanese Student Association: provides an opportunity for students of Japanese to associate with native Japanese students and others interested in Japan. A variety of activities enable interaction in the language and exposure to cultural events and career opportunities.
- Internships: each year students have the opportunity to work as an intern in Japan. This experience provides participants with exposure to Japanese society, culture, and business while gaining academic credit and valuable experience in areas of professional interest.
- Bunkasai: Cultural event held each fall that provides the opportunity for classes and individual students to showcase in creative and entertaining ways what they are learning in their courses.
- Language Fair: Each year the program hosts students of Japanese in secondary schools in the Intermountain area at a fair designed to help them apply what they are learning in fun and educational activities. Students in the Japanese major help to host and conduct various events.
- International Cinema: This series, hosted by the College of Humanities, presents several Japanese films each year, providing exposure to the language and culture and a springboard for discussion of linguistic and cultural issues.
- Class activities: Individual courses also have regular extracurricular activities to promote language use and cultural awareness (e.g. sushi parties, undookai activities, karaoke, Family Home Evenings, etc.).
Learning Outcomes
Oral Communication
Students will speak advanced-level Japanese (as defined by ACTFL guidelines) on a broad range of topics, and in both interpersonal and presentational settings. They will use spoken Japanese to communicate effectively and persuasively, adapting to social and cultural norms, context, and audience. Through both classroom learning and real-world experiences, they will be able to use oral communication skills to participate actively in bridging cultures and solving important professional and social problems.
Students will interpret and analyze Japanese texts at an advanced level across a range of genres, including literary and creative works as well as news and current events. They will also compose Japanese that demonstrates both creative expression and logical reasoning, communicating complex information in clear and well-reasoned ways. Through effective and persuasive writing, students will provide thoughtful critical and moral analysis grounded in cultural and textual understanding.
Students will analyze and interpret key aspects of Japanese history and culture-including literature, thought, religion, aesthetics, and the arts-and articulate their influence in contemporary society. They will demonstrate the ability to navigate cultural difference with respect and humility, appreciating diverse perspectives while gaining a clearer sense of their own values and Gospel truths. Students will apply this knowledge in handling linguistically, socially, and culturally diverse situations, building communities, seeking what is good and truthful (13th Article of Faith), and deepening their respect for the divine worth of all people.
Evidence of Learning
Direct Measures
1. critical analysis papers (Outcomes 2, 3) [325, 326, 345, 350, 351, 352, 443, 444, 495]
2. essays in written Japanese (Outcomes 2, 3) [321, 325, 411, 443, 444, 495]
3. presentations in spoken Japanese (Outcomes 1, 3) [302, 321, 390, 411, 441, 443, 444, 495]
4. capstone presentation, portfolio, and essay exams (Outcomes 1, 2, 3) [495]
5. ACTFL WPT examination (Outcome 2) [495]
6. ACTFL OPI examination (Outcome 1) [495]
7. Japanese Language Proficiency Practice Test (Nihongo n?ryokumogi shiken) (Outcomes 1, 2) [495]
Indirect Measures
1. participation in experiential learning, including LISR, study abroad, internships, and mentored research (Outcomes 1, 2, 3)
2. entry survey (Outcomes 1, 2, 3)
3. exit survey (Outcomes 1, 2, 3)
4. exit interview (Outcomes 1, 2, 3)
5. alumni tracking survey (Outcomes 1, 2, 3)
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
The department curriculum committee, comprised of the department chair and the section heads, meets regularly, discusses curricular issues, and shares ideas among the sections in the department. Faculty members in the Japanese section also, on an informal basis, regularly discuss program status and recommendations for improvement. We continue to seek ways to implement additional assessment measures to track individual student progress and to provide a more complete global measurement of the program. We are exploring economical options for oral proficiency interviews and we are discussing the implementation of a cultural literacy measurement. Individual faculty members carry out assignments relating to curricular changes. These are discussed and approved within the Japanese section, then submitted to the department curriculum committee for approval. The section head monitors the process to completion. Minor improvements are cleared with the department curriculum committee and the faculty of the section involved. Formal requests for major curriculum changes are forwarded to the college and university committees early in the Fall Semester.