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.

Study Levels

The Japanese Language Program is divided into 12 study levels.

Levels 1-3 (Elementary)

Levels 4-7 (Intermediate)

Levels 8-10 (Advanced)

Levels 11,12 (Higher Advanced)

Each student's study level is determined according to the results of a placement test.

Subjects offered

The Japanese Language Program comprises four types of subject: "Core Subjects", "Subjects with a Specific Focus" , "Japanese Studies on Society and Culture" and "Optional Subjects". Credits in "Core Subjects", "Subjects with a Specific Focus" and "Japanese Studies on Society and Culture" all count towards Program completion. Credits in "Optional Subject" do not count towards Program completion.

1. Core Subjects

Core Subjects are intended to develop fundamental proficiency required at each level in the study of the Japanese language. Core Subjects are divided into 12 study levels. Each student is assigned to a study level on the basis of the results of a placement test and interviews with a class coordinator or an academic advisor at the beginning of each semester.

2. Subjects with a Specific Focus

Subjects with a Specific Focus are designed to improve the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. Subjects with a Specific Focus are divided into four levels: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Higher Advanced. Students take each Subject with a Specific Focus at the level corresponding to their assigned study level in the Core Subjects.

3. Japanese Studies on Society and Culture

Japanese Studies on Society and Culture subjects are designed to increase students' understanding of Japan's society and culture. In principle, these subjects are open only to students at study level 8 and above. However, students at study levels 4-7 wishing to take these subjects may do so on condition that they obtain permission from the instructor for each subject.

4. Optional Subjects

<Undergraduate and Graduate Students>

Students at study level 8 or above may also take up to 2 subjects (for a total of up to 4 credits) offered under Keio University's regular undergraduate and graduate programs, per semester. Subjects from the regular undergraduate and graduate programs are treated as Optional Subjects, but if requested at the time of course registration, the credits earned can be counted towards completion of the Japanese Language Program. However, this applies only to subjects taught in Japanese.

Courses

The Japanese Language Program offers two course paths: a Comprehensive Course and an Alternative Course.

On the Comprehensive Course, students study a comprehensive curriculum including the Core Subjects and Subjects with a Specific Focus and/or Japanese Studies on Society and Culture subjects.

On the Alternative Course, students take only Subjects with a Specific Focus and/or Japanese Studies on Society and Culture subjects. This course path is open only to students at study level 4 upwards.

Numbers of Subjects and Credits Required

The required numbers of subjects/credits that students on the Comprehensive and Alternative course are required to take each semester are as follows.

＜Comprehensive Course＞

＜Alternative Course＞

On the Alternative Course, students take a combination of Subjects with a Specific Focus, Japanese Studies on Society and Culture subjects and Undergraduate and Graduate Program Subjects (open only to students at study level 8 upwards), to suit their study level. Students are required to take a minimum of 7 subjects.

Program Completion
JLP students who complete two different levels during the one year program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.