Japanese
Immersed in Japanese Language and Culture
Want fluency in Japanese? Want to explore the culture of Japan? Etown’s Japanese program is distinctive. We offer a standalone program focused on the Japanese language. Etown’s program is one of the only Japanese major programs in central Pennsylvania. You will study in Japan in a culminating and immersive study abroad experience at places like Nihon University in Tokyo or Kansai Gaidai. As you complete the program, you will work one-on-one with a faculty mentor to complete a research project in areas like translation, cultural study, or history.
What Can I Do With a Degree in Japanese?
You’ll build your language skills through a series of eight language courses and a study abroad experience in Japan. The majority of our students double major in a variety of disciplines that build a unique resume for future success! Students often pursue studies in:
- Asian Studies
- International Business
- Political Science
- Computer Science
- Professional Writing
- Graphic Design
You will also be afforded opportunities to take electives in Japanese culture, art and aesthetics, literature, and popular culture. These classes also fulfill some of the requirements of an Asian Studies major or minor.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
The best way to study Japanese in the region
As a Japanese major at Etown, you’ll experience the richness of immersive education. As you pursue eight levels of Japanese study, you will take field trips, build friendships in our Japanese language table, study abroad, and complete a year-long Senior Research Project. Our combination of personalized mentorship and immersive education is what sets our program apart.
Real-world experiences in the culture you love
Besides our academic programs, we also have many extra-curricular activities:
- Shofuso (Philidelphia) Field Trips
- Nihongo Table
- Cultural Workshops (Calligraphy, Origami, Cooking, Printmaking)
- Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies
- Cherry Blossom Festival Trips
- Japanese Supermarket Visits
- Anime Club Watch Parties, Games, and Crafts
- Annual Jaycon Anime Convention
- Three Week Faculty-led Japan Study Abroad (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kamakura)
- Asian Students Cultural Association (Celebrates Asian festivals, and advocates against bigotry towards Asian peoples)
Real-world Learning Experiences
Studying abroad with Japanese is easy. The major requires that all students study abroad for one full year or two semesters. Students have the option of studying in four sites in Japan: three in Tokyo, including the prestigious Nihon University, or in Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan. We recognize that many of our Japanese students are double majors, so these students can petition to shorten their study abroad to one semester.
Japanese Minor
Japanese minors are only required to take six levels of Japanese with the option of studying abroad. Students also have the option of studying Japanese culture in depth from courses that are offered in English. Students minoring in Japanese can study abroad for a full semester, or they can choose from a 3-week May Term trip to Japan where they go to some of most important travel sites in Japan like Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nikko and others near Tokyo.
Modern Language Clubs and Organizations
Learning another language is about being able to connect with people in another language, understand and appreciate different cultures, and learn more about how the world fits together. We provide our students ways outside of a traditional classroom to practice their skills and gain cultural awareness through our on-campus clubs and organizations. From sit-down talks with native speakers to cultural events, we offer our students a variety of ways to chase their passions.
German Klub
The German Klub at Etown College offers several regular events and outings. The Klub holds a bi-weekly Stammtisch (German Table) where German majors and others with an interest in the language enjoy lunch together and practice the language. The group also plans field trips and hosts film nights. Contact Frau Snyder for more information!
Spanish Club
You can practice immersive interactions at Spanish Club events. You’ll learn about Spanish-speaking cultures and current events in the Spanish-speaking world. Join us for fun and enlightening field trips and events, including, frequent conversation hours.
Japanese Club
Japanese Language Table meetings are held on a weekly basis throughout the Fall and Spring semesters. Contact Dr. Takahashi or Dr. Bhattacharya for more information.
French Club
Contact Dr. Borilot to get involved with this exciting student club and their fun-filled events.
Anime Club and K-Pop Club
Contact Dr. Bhattacharya to get involved with these exciting student clubs and their fun-filled events. The Anime Club is instrumental in planning Jaycon, our annual anime convention here on campus.