Japanese Major

The major in Japanese provides students with a solid foundation in the disciplines of Japanese language, literature, and culture through extensive language training and broad exposure to Japanese literary and cultural traditions. Prospective majors are strongly encouraged to begin their Japanese language study during their first year at Colgate and to participate in the Japan Study Group.

Major Requirements

In order to encourage exposure to a wide range of approaches to Japanese studies, the department strongly recommends that students elect a section of CORE 167C taught by a member of a department other than East Asian languages and literatures, and enrich their major by taking ECON 339 - The Japanese Economy and HIST 264 - Modern East Asia (AS) .

Upon completion of JAPN 202 , a minimum of eight courses is necessary to fulfill the requirements for a Japanese major:

Required Courses

CORE 167C - Japan
JAPN 222 - Japan through Literature and Film or
JAPN 255 - Hidden Japan: Tea Ceremony
JAPN 301 - Advanced Japanese I (language and literature course)
JAPN 302 - Advanced Japanese II (language and literature course)

Two Courses from the Following 400-level Language Courses

Two Courses from the following Literature, Linguistics, and Culture Courses

At least one course must focus on Japan

GPA Requirement

All courses must be passed with a grade of C or better to count toward the major.

Honors and High Honors

Students interested in pursuing honors can find the additional requirements on the East Asian Languages and Literatures department page.

East Asian Languages and Literatures Department

For more information about the department, including Faculty, transfer credit, awards, etc., please visit the East Asian Languages and Literatures catalogue page.