Japan Related Courses

JAPAN RELATED COURSE OFFERINGS SPRING 2026

Classes begin March 30, 2026

PSU is switching to a new time-slot system this quarter. Please be sure to verify the course times with your instructors.

JPN 103 First Year Japanese

M/W/F 9:00-10:40 am (Friday session only 9:00 - 10:05 am) OR M/W/F 11:00 - 12:40 pm (Friday session only 11:00-12:05) 
5 credits
Instructors: Karen Curtin, Nana Kawada, Kana Ito 

JPN 203 Second Year Japanese Term 3

M/W 9:00-10:40 am (Friday session only 9:00 - 10:05 am) OR M/W/F 11:00 - 12:40 pm (Friday session only 11:00-12:05 pm)
5 credits
Instructors: Suwako Watanabe, Keiko Sugiue, and Natsuko Llewellyn
Continued work in the Japanese language with emphasis on listening comprehension, speaking, grammatical patterns, the syllabaries, and characters in elementary reading and writing. This is the third course in a sequence of three: Jpn 201, Jpn 202, and Jpn 203. Prerequisite: Jpn 202.

JPN 303 Third Year Japanese: Speak & Listen Term 3

T/Th 11:00 - 12:40 PM
4 credits
Instructors: Suwako Watanabe and Natsuko Llewellyn
Developing skills to work with semi-authentic materials with focus on reading and writing. This is the third course in a sequence of three: Jpn 301 and Jpn 302 and Jpn 303. Expected preparation: Jpn 302.

JPN331 Japanese Traditional Drama

Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 3:30-4:35 p.m.
4 credits
Instructor: Professor Laurence Kominz
Learn about traditional Japanese drama like kyogen and kabuki and then, learn how to do it.  Students will train in roles on stage and off and the end-project will be the special one-night performance.

JPN 361U:  Japanese Literature thru Film

Wed (evenings) 6:00-9:20pm
4 credits
Instructor: Dr. Patrick Terry
Explore Japanese literature through classic film adaptations.  Read the source material and then experience the film with afterwards discussion.  No prerequisties, course taught in English.  Good for the "U" Junior Cluster requirement in either Pop Culture or Global Perspectives (if not applied to the JPN  major).

JPN 370: Japan Asia Lecture Series

Although listed as Thursdays 6:00-6:50pm, no actual regular class meetings.
1 Credit
Times vary, but a set number of evening lectures (usually Tues. or Thursday).  
Instructor/Supervisor:  Dr. Karen Curtin
For this 1-credit course, students will attend all three regular Center for Japanese Studies lectures and events per quarter in order to learn about Japanese culture and history from both cutting-edge scholars and successful business leaders in Portland and greater Oregon. Ten hours of attendance and participation are required for students, but they will have options on how to do their work to demonstrate their broadened awareness and deepened understanding of Japan and Asia today. This course is listed as meeting 1800-1850 on Thursdays but actually days and meetings will vary. Please consult the instructor for actual class time information.  Course taught in English.

JPN 399: Japan and Society

T/Thu 1:30-3:10 p.m.
Instructor: Professor Karen Curtin
4 credits (Taught in English, No Japanese language skills required)
In this course, students will learn about several Japanese cultural concepts and how they play out in modern day Japanese society from school, to homelife, to work. Some of the concepts we will read about and discuss include: omoiyari (‘consideration’); kawaii (‘cute’); washoku and kateiryoori (‘Japanese food’ and ‘home food’); nichijooseikatsu (‘everyday life’); kisetsu (‘seasons’); honne/tatemae (‘true feelings/public face’); and more. Students will read excerpts about Japanese culture from various sources provided for them, go into more in-depth detail and examples in lecture classes, and participate in group discussions. By the end of class, students will be able to identify how various key Japanese cultural concepts influence and shape modern day life in Japan as well as better navigate cross-cultural communication.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers a vast array of Japanese language classes, from beginning to advanced Japanese.  WLL's Japanese language department was ranked 9th nationally for graduating the most Japanese majors, according to a 2019 Chronicle of Higher Education Report. To see the robust offerings and opportunities to learn Japanese and about Japanese culture, please visit the World Languages and Literatures website.

Opportunities exist for non-traditional students to take a variety of courses about Japan, including Japanese language courses at PSU. Additionally, individuals over 65 years of age can audit courses at PSU for free on a space available basis.