Japanese Minor

Program Coordinator: Ryan Lidster, Ph.D.

Through intensive study, students minoring in Japanese acquire a minimum of an Intermediate-High level of language proficiency on the ACTFL scale, enabling them to manage most straightforward interactions in familiar contexts in speaking, listening comprehension, reading, and writing. Students prepare for success in intercultural communication contexts through interaction with other Japanese speakers, by studying the history and contemporary culture of Japan, and by examining differences and similarities between the cultural practices of groups within Japan in contrast to those in other countries. The Japanese minor complements the skills graduates obtain in other fields, increasing their marketability and demonstrating clearly how students are able to acquire a broad set of transferrable skills.

Admission Requirements

Current UNCW Undergraduate Students

See University Admission Requirements

Requirements for a Minor in Japanese

Completion of 18 semester hours including 6 hours of core courses and 12 hours of electives consisting of any JPN course at the 294 level or higher, or other upper level courses approved by the minor advisor whose primary focus is on Japanese language, history, culture, or society.

Core Courses (6 Credit Hours)

The Japanese minor is grounded in a basic command of the Japanese language, and it is encouraged that students complete the core language proficiency courses as early as possible. These core requirements describe only the base level of Japanese proficiency required of all minors, and it is highly encouraged for students to continue to pursue more advanced language coursework.

Elective Courses (12 Credit Hours)

Twelve hours of elective courses related to any aspect of Japanese language, culture, or historical and contemporary society from the list below, as well as approved study abroad courses. A grade of “C-” or better is required in each course counted toward the minor, and the average of all courses counted toward the minor cannot be below a “C” (2.00) average.