Japanese Language Program (JLP)  Undergraduate   Graduate

The Japanese Language Program, offered by the Center for Japanese Studies, is for undergraduate and graduate students who would like to focus on Japanese language learning. The curriculum is designed to assist students in attaining the high level of Japanese proficiency required for research and other academic activities in specialized disciplines.

<Subjects offered by JLP>

There are four different kinds of subjects in JLP: “Core Subjects”, “Subjects with a Specific Focus”, “Japanese Studies on Society and Culture”, and “Optional Subjects”. Subjects required for Program completion are “Core Subjects”, “Subjects with a Specific Focus”, and “Japanese Studies on Society and Culture”. “Optional Subjects” do not contribute to Program completion.

All JLP students are required to take a placement test at the beginning of each semester to place them in an appropriate learning level for courses.

1. Core Subjects

“Core Subjects” are intended to develop a student’s fundamental ability in Japanese needed for Japanese study at each level. There are 12 levels (split into the categories: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Advanced Levels) in JLP. Each student’s level is determined by the result of the placement test and an interview with a class coordinator and an academic advisor.

2. Subjects with a Specific Focus

The goal of “Subjects with a Specific Focus” is to improve the “Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing” skills of each student. These subjects are divided into “Elementary Level”, “Intermediate Level”, “Advanced Level”, and “Higher Advanced Level” subjects. Students are expected to take the subjects which correspond to their core subject ability level.

3. Japanese Studies on Society and Culture

“Japanese Studies on Society and Culture” subjects are offered to provide students with the knowledge necessary to understand Japanese society and culture. In general, students in or above Level 8 can take these subjects. Students in Levels 4 to 7 who wish to take these courses need to consult with and receive special permission from class instructors.

4. Optional Subjects

<Japanese/International Studies Courses, The Professional Career Programme (PCP>

“Japanese/International Studies Courses” offered by the International Center and “The Professional Career Programme (PCP)” offered by the Faculty of Economics are available as Optional Subjects in JLP. These subjects are conducted in English.

<Undergraduate and Graduate Students>

Students who are in Level 8 or above may take Undergraduate and Graduate Subjects. In general, these subjects are counted as Optional Subjects. However, two subjects (four credits) for each semester may be counted as credits in JLP if a student so wishes.

JLP comprises two course paths:

(1) The Comprehensive Course, and

(2) The Alternative Course.

In the Comprehensive Course, students will comprehensively study “Core Subjects”, “Subjects with a Specific Focus”, “Japanese Studies on Society and Culture (Level 8 or above)”, and/or Undergraduate and graduate Subjects (Level 8 or above).  For the Comprehensive Course, the minimum number of subjects for registration per semester in each level is listed below.  Note that the credits for graduate and undergraduate courses are different.

Students in the Alternative Course, open to those in Level 4 or above, may take only “Subjects with a Specific Focus”, “Japanese Studies on Society and Culture (Level 8 or above)” and/or “Undergraduate and Graduate Subjects (Level 8 or above)”. Students are required to take at least 7 subjects (7 credits).