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Japanese

Introduction to Japan

Japanese is spoken by an estimated 130 million native speakers, and is approximately the 9th most spoken language in the world. Japan has the second largest economy in the world by GDP standards, and is currently the only Asian country in the G8 forum.

In the fields of technology and scientific research, Japan is one of the leading nations in the world, producing and using more than half of the world’s robotic technology, and up until recently was the largest producer of automobiles in the world.

With its strong business presence in the U.S., along with long running and well-established trade and communication networks, students of the Japanese language have access to many opportunities in international business and relations.

Alongside its modern achievements, Japan is well known for the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. Expressed through classical texts and modern popular culture, they key to unlocking the door to Japan and gaining a deeper understanding lies in learning its language.

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What do we offer?

The Department of Modern Languages at FIU does not currently offer a degree in Japanese; however, the credits earned from Japanese language classes can be used to fulfill the following through the Asian Studies Program: Certificate in Japanese Studies Certificate in Asian Studies Asian Studies B.A. For more information, please visit the Asian Studies Department. We also offer several Study Abroad opportunities in Japan. For more information, please visit the Study Abroad Page.

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Check out some of the videos produced by the Japanese Program on YouTube!

 

 

 

  • Course Offerings

    JPN 1130 Japanese I (5). Provides training in the acquisition and application of basic language skills.

    JPN 1131 Japanese II (5). Provides training in the acquisition and application of basic language skills.

    JPN 2200 Intermediate Japanese I (3). Provides intermediate training in the acquisition and application of basic language skills. Prerequisites: One year prior study at college level or permission of the instructor.

    JPN 2201 Intermediate Japanese II (3). To help students maintain and further improve their speaking, writing, listening, and reading skills in Japanese in more complex situations. Students learn how to use useful expressions of experience and thought in advanced level of Japanese. Prerequisite: JPN 2200.

    JPN 3140 Japanese for Business (3). A study of Japanese language in a context of Japanese business practices, values and customs.

    JPN 3242 Japanese Conversation and Composition I (3). Helps students develop their proficiency in speaking, reading and writing through reading and discussion of Japanese texts on various topics. Prerequisite: JPN 2200.

    JPN 3243 Japanese Conversation and Composition II (3). Continuation of Conversation and Composition. Provides intermediate training in the acquisition and application of the language skills. Prerequisite: JPN 3242.

    JPN 3400 Advanced Japanese I (3). Continuation of Intermediate JPN II which provides the beginning level of advanced training in the acquisition and application and application of the language skills. Prerequisites: JPN 2201 or equivalent.

    JPN 3401 Advanced Japanese II (3). Continuation of Advanced Japanese I which provides advanced training in the acquisition and application of the language skills. Prerequisites: JPN 3400 or equivalent.

    JPN 3420 Japanese through Technology (3). Provides training in the acquisition and application of the language skills in reading, listening and typing. Prerequisites: One year prior study at college level or permission of the instructor.

    JPN 3500 Japanese Culture and Society (3). To give students sociocultural knowledge and well-rounded understanding of the culture and society in Japan. Students also have an opportunity to experience Japanese traditional arts including Japanese Calligraphy.

    JPN 4930 Special Topics in Japanese (3). Topics will be selected to meet academic needs for studies doing research on Japanese language. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

    JPT 3521 Japanese Literature and Cinema (3). An introduction to modern Japanese literature and cinema which compares literary and cinematic approaches by focusing on Japanese society, culture and aesthetic sense.

    JPW 4130 Reading Japanese Literature (3). Reading and analysis of selected literary texts in contemporary Japanese with an introduction to poetry (haiku and waka). Prerequisites: JPN 3401 or permission of instructor.

    JPW 4131 Reading Japanese Non-Fiction (3). Advanced writing and reading of non-fictional text focusing on Japanese culture and society. Prerequisites: JPN 3401 or permission of instructor.