The Bachelor of Arts in Japanese is a four-year interdisciplinary program that immerses students in the Japanese language, literature, history, and culture. The program emphasizes developing advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese, while fostering an understanding of the social, historical, and cultural contexts of Japan. Students explore classical and modern literature, film, art, and contemporary societal issues, gaining a holistic perspective on Japanese culture and its global significance. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, research, and intercultural communication, preparing students to engage with Japan and the broader East Asian region in both academic and professional contexts.
Students participate in interactive language courses, cultural studies, and experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad programs in Japan. These experiences provide firsthand exposure to regional dialects, societal norms, and traditional and contemporary practices, enhancing students’ linguistic and cultural competence. By integrating language mastery with historical and cultural studies, the program equips graduates with the analytical, communicative, and intercultural skills necessary to navigate global environments and apply their expertise in professional, academic, and cross-cultural settings.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Japanese
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 01 January 2026
- Location: Emory University, United States
- Field of Study: Asian studies
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations of Japanese Language and Culture
• Elementary Japanese I & II
• Introduction to Japanese Culture
• Academic Writing and Research
• Survey of East Asian History
Year 2 – Intermediate Language and Literature
• Intermediate Japanese I & II
• Japanese Grammar and Composition
• Classical and Modern Japanese Literature
• History of Japan
Year 3 – Advanced Language and Cultural Studies
• Advanced Japanese Conversation
• Japanese Linguistics
• Japanese Film and Media
• Elective: Japanese Philosophy / Gender and Society in Japan
Year 4 – Integration and Capstone
• Seminar in Japanese Studies
• Independent Research Project or Senior Thesis
• Advanced Literature or Culture Elective
• Optional Study Abroad / Internship
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Japanese program are prepared for careers requiring language fluency, cultural literacy, and analytical skills, including international business, diplomacy, translation and interpretation, education, journalism, cultural programming, and global development. They may also pursue graduate studies in Japanese studies, linguistics, international relations, or comparative literature, expanding their professional and academic opportunities. Employers value graduates’ ability to navigate complex cultural contexts, communicate effectively across languages, and analyze social, political, and economic phenomena in Japan and the East Asian region.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students passionate about Japanese language, culture, and society, offering a rigorous and immersive learning experience. Emory University provides expert faculty mentorship, study abroad opportunities, and interdisciplinary coursework, enabling students to combine linguistic mastery with cultural and historical understanding. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and practical application, preparing graduates to excel in professional, academic, and international contexts. Students leave the program with cross-cultural competence, analytical skills, and language proficiency, ready to contribute meaningfully to global, professional, and scholarly endeavors.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 404 727 6123
Email: contentedit@emory.edu
Address: University of Emory, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
