Getting Started - Japanese

College: HFA

 (Revised Spring 2019)  

Information below is meant to guide first year students in getting starting with this major and choosing appropriate courses.  More advanced students interested in this major would also likely start with proposed foundation/pre-requisite courses. Please refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn about the full major requirements.

How to Explore/Get Started in the Major

Suggested General Education Courses

All Undergraduates are required to satisfy the General Education Requirements. Guidelines for students are available at https://www.umass.edu/gened. Students should choose a wide variety of Gen Ed courses, providing breadth of experience.

ANTHRO 104 (SBDG), ANTHRO 105 (SBDG), HISTORY 116 (HSDG), JAPANESE 135 (IDG), JAPANESE 143 (ALDG), JAPANESE 144 (ALDG), LINGUIST 201 (R2), SOCIOL 212 (R2)

Suggested Major and Pre-requisite Courses

The prerequisite for this major is a 24-credit language sequence: JAPANESE 126*, 246, 326 and 327.

*Japanese 126 can be replaced by a combination of Japanese 110 and Japanese 120.

  • JAPANESE 126, then JAPANESE 246
  • JAPANESE 135, 143, 144, 197C, 197K, 197L, 197N (select one or two courses)

Minimum GPA or grades in prerequisite courses:
Language courses require a grade of "C" or better in specific prerequisites. 

How to Declare/Change into the Major

For current & admitted students: This major is unrestricted, which means any student may declare the major. Unrestricted majors may still have an entry process such as meeting with an advisor or attending an informational meeting.

The best time to apply is during the freshman year, but students can also apply as sophomores. Students should meet with either Stephen Forrest or Stephen Miller for advising at the beginning of the semester; do not wait for the advising period. Simply drop by during office hours, or email to make an appointment.

Summary of Requirements for the Major

Minimum total # of credits required: 61-64 (including the four-semester, 24-credit language sequence in intensive modern Japanese). Refer to the Major page located in the left menu bar to learn more.

  • Thirty credits (usually six semesters) of modern Japanese.
  • Twelve credits in advanced Japanese language.
  • Nine credits in advanced Japanese literature, culture, and classical language.
  • Six credits in Japanese literature/history/culture in translation.
  • Junior Year Writing and Integrative Experience

Is there a minor? 
Yes, a minor is available! Refer to the Minor page located in the left menu bar to learn more

For further information, contact:

Professor Stephen Forrest     OR     Professor Stephen Miller
East Asian Languages and Cultures   East Asian Languages and Cultures
441 Herter Hall; (413) 545-4950   336 Herter Hall; (413) 545-0208
sforrest@asianlan.umass.edu   smiller@asianlan.umass.edu