Getting Started (Majors Guide) - Japanese

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2018)  

How to Explore / Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

Under the new guidelines students are still required to take two courses, one in U.S. Diversity and one in Global Diversity. Students entering in Fall 2018 are expected to take one of these diversity courses, either U.S. or Global, in their first year on campus.  For Fall 2018 Registration, look for courses with DU (formerly U) and DG (formerly G) to help students stay on track.  Any course labled DU will satisfy the requirement for a U.S. diversity course and any course labeled DG will satisfy the the requirement for Global diversity course. Course planning guidelines, including guidelines for students, are available at www.umass.edu/gened.

ANTHRO 104 (SBDG), ANTHRO 105 (SBDG), ASIAN 135 (HSDG), HISTORY 116 (HSDG), JAPANESE 135 (IDG), JAPANESE 143 (ALDG), JAPANESE 144 (ALDG), LINGUIST 201 (R2), SOCIOL 212 (R2)

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

The prerequisite for this major is a 24-credit language sequence: JAPANESE 126*, 246, 326 and 327.

*Japanese 126 can be replaced by a combination of Japanese 110 and Japanese 120.

  • JAPANESE 126, then JAPANESE 246
  • JAPANESE 135, 143, 144, 197C, 197K, 197L, 197N (select one or two courses)

Language courses require a grade of "C" or better in specific prerequisites. 

How to Declare the Major

The best time to apply is during the freshman year, but students can also apply as sophomores. Students should meet with either Stephen Forrest or Reiko Sono for advising at the beginning of the semester; do not wait for the advising period. Simply drop by during office hours, or email to make an appointment.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # of credits required: 61-64 (including the four-semester, 24-credit language sequence in intensive modern Japanese)

  • Thirty credits (usually six semesters) of modern Japanese.
  • Twelve credits in advanced Japanese language.
  • Nine credits in advanced Japanese literature, culture, and classical language.
  • Six credits in Japanese literature/history/culture in translation.
  • Junior Year Writing and Integrative Experience

Is there a minor? If so, what are the requirements?
Yes. A total of 24 credits are required for the minor as follows:

  • Two semesters of intensive modern Japanese: JAPANESE 126 and JAPANESE 246 or two semesters of non-intensive modern Japanese: JAPANESE 110 and 120 followed by one semester of intensive modern Japanese: JAPANESE 246.
  • Twelve credits in Japanese language, literature or culture/literature in translation.

For further information, contact:
Professor Stephen Forrest or Professor Reiko Sono
East Asian Languages and Cultures
440 Herter Hall; 545-4950 (Forrest) or 545-4947 (Sono)
sforrest@asianlan.umass.edu or rsono@asianlan.umass.edu