Japanese Language and Culture Minor

Loyola's Japanese Program offers three years of Japanese language instruction, courses in Japanese literature-in-translation, and courses on Japanese film, history, culture, contemporary society, religion and art.

Why study Japanese at Loyola?

Students study Japanese for a variety of reasons. Some view learning the language and culture of over 126 million people, who make up the world's 3^rd largest economy, as a way to way to open career opportunities in, for example, business, international relations, or education. Others see the Japanese minor as step toward more advanced studies in fields such as international relations, gaming and software engineering, or the arts. Perhaps the majority study Japan and the Japanese language out of a love for Japanese art, food, fashion, music, popular culture, martial arts or video games—that is because it’s fun!

Requirements of the Japanese Minor

The Japanese Language and Culture minor requires students to complete 18 credit hours. 12 credit hours (4 courses) must be Japanese language courses. The remaining 6 credit hours can be additional language courses, courses in Japanese Literature in Translation or other courses focused on Japanese society and culture.

Courses Satisfying the Japanese Language Requirement (4 are required)

JAPN 101: Japanese I

JAPN 102: Japanese II

JAPN 103: Japanese III

JAPN 104: Japanese IV

JAPN 250: Japanese Conversation and Composition

JAPN 251: Advanced Japanese Conversation and Composition

Courses Satisfying the Literature and Culture Component

LITR 245	Survey of Japanese Literature
LITR 245	Identity in Modern Japan
LITR 245	Contemporary Japan
LITR 284	Introduction to Japanese Film
ANTH 215	Contemporary Japanese Culture
ANTH 223	East Asian Pop Culture
FNAR 359	Japanese Art and Culture
HIST 208	East Asian since 1850
HIST 349	Contemporary Global Issues
HIST 349A	Women in East Asia
HONR 209	Encountering Asia (Honors students only)
PHIL 335	Asian Philosophy
THEO 297	Buddhism
THEO 352	Topics in Buddhism

Ways to complete the Japanese Language & Culture Minor
Option	Language Courses	Literature, History, or Culture Courses
1	6	0
2	5	1
3	4	2

Study in Japan

Students minoring in Japanese are encouraged to study in Japan. Many attend our prestigious sister Jesuit school, Sophia University in Tokyo for one or two semesters. Others students have studied at Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, and International Christian University in Tokyo. Study abroad programs are available in many parts of Japan.

Co-curricular and Extra-curricular Activities at Loyola Japanese Table, Japanese Movie Night, Anime Club, Japanese Culture Club, Karate Club

Japanese Social, Cultural and Economic Resources in Chicago

Japanese Consulate-General & Japan Information Center Chicago Japanese Consulate
JET Japan Exchange and Teaching Program JET Program
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago JCCC
Japan America Society Japan America Society
Japanese Language Proficiency Test at DePaul University Japanese Proficiency Exam
Japanese Culture Center Japanese Culture Center
Chicago Art Institute Japanese and Asia art collection CAI: Japan
Chicago-Osaka Sister Cities Program Chicago-Osaka Sister Cities

Tsukasa Taiko Performers at Loyola’s Bunkasai culture festival

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Janet K. Fair

Japanese Language and Culture Program Director

Department of Modern Languages Crown 206D; jfair@luc.edu 773-508-8553

Links to Japanese Faculty