Ancient Tradition and Modern Innovation
Expand your view by getting a taste of the nation that embraces ancient tradition and modern innovation! Learn Japanese through experience-focused language classes. Discover new ways to understand manga, literature, and even perform in world-renowned kabuki.
Degree Programs
We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese, a Minor in Japanese, a Master of Arts in Japanese, and a Certificate in Teaching Japanese as a Second Language.
We also offer a Certificate in Intercultural Competence for the Workplace, a Certificate in Pedagogy in World Languages, and a Certificate in Comparative Literary and Cultural Studies.
Capstone
We offer a Senior Capstone class, Japanese and Chinese Language Program for Elementary Students, that provides students an opportunity to work with elementary school programs that offer Japanese and Chinese in the Portland area. Students often assist a classroom teacher, help develop teaching materials, and work on promotion of second-language education at the elementary level. The class itself addresses various issues pertaining to second-language learning and teaching, including multiple intelligences, Japanese/Chinese language/culture, and diversity. For more information, contact Suwako Watanabe at watanabes@pdx.edu.
Upcoming Japanese Courses
Use the Schedule of Classes to help you plan your course schedule.
Advising and Placement
Visit the Japanese Advising and Placement page for instructions on how to:
- Take a placement test, if you have previously taken Japanese and have questions about which course is appropriate for you
- Request a faculty advisor for majors and minors, if you plan to major or minor in Japanese
- Access the Japanese major/minor advising worksheets
Japanese Tutoring Services
The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers drop-in tutoring services for 100- and 200-level language students. See the schedule here. Non-PSU students, please see our list of community tutors and translators here.
Japanese Scholarships
The Department of World Languages and Literatures has 20 scholarships available to students, including ones for specific languages and study abroad.
Second Language Requirement
Japanese meets the Second Language Admission Requirement and the Second Language Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Master of Arts (MA) Requirement.
Study Abroad
PSU's Education Abroad offers study abroad programs in Japan.
Resources