JAPAN RELATED COURSE OFFERINGS
SUMMER 2026
Classes begin June 22, 2026
JPN 344U: Masterworks of Manga: The Great Graphic Novels of Japan
Asynchronous; No scheduled meetings (first four weeks of summer quarter)
Professor Jon Holt
4 credits
This four-week online course examines four masters of Japanese comic books (manga), including Tezuka Osamu (Astro Boy; Buddha), Mizuki Shigeru (Kitaro; NonNonBa), Hagio Moto (Heart of Thomas; A Drunken Dream) and Higashimura Akiko (Blank Canvas). What do manga stories written and drawn in the past fifty years tell us about what Japan was like in the 20th century and contemporary times? What do graphic novels tell us about the kind of people the Japanese want and wanted to be? Looking at the early masters of manga adventure and boys’ stories like Tezuka and Mizuki as well as seminal women’s and girls’ comics geniuses Hagio and Higashimura, we will survey a wide diversity of Japanese comic books and in the process consider issues of humanity, nationality, and gender through the lens of manga.
No Japanese language ability or background in Japanese culture is required. This course counts towards the Japanese major and minor, can be used to satisfy Junior cluster (Global Perspectives or Pop Culture) or Comics Studies requirements.
FALL 2026
Classes begin September 28, 2026
JPN 101 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) OR Tu/Th/F 11:00 - 12:40 pm (Friday session only 11:00-12:05) OR Tu/Thu/F 1:30-3:10 pm (Friday session only 1:30 - 2:35 pm)
Instructor: Karen Curtin
5 credits
An introduction to the Japanese language with emphasis on listening comprehension, speaking, grammatical patterns, the syllabaries, and characters in elementary reading and writing. This is the first course in a sequence of three: Jpn 101, Jpn 102, and Jpn 103.
JPN 201 Second Year Japanese Term 1
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)
Instructor: Suwako Watanabe
5 credits
Begins 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 first course in a sequence of three: Jpn 201, Jpn 202, and Jpn 203. Prerequisite: Jpn 103.
JPN 301 Third Year Japanese: Speak & Listen Term 1
T/Th 11:00 - 12:40 PM
Instructor: Suwako Watanabe
4 credits
Development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills working with semi-authentic and authentic materials of various contents. This is the first course in a sequence of three: Jpn 301, 302, and 303. Expected preparation: Jpn 203.
JPN 345U: Manga Now!
Tu/Thu: 9:00 - 10:40am
Instructor: Professor Jon Holt
4 credits
Readings of new, critically acclaimed Japanese comic books and analysis of recent writings about the graphic-novel form. Readings of the manga are followed by a discussion of the artistic style, questions about Japanese society, and what kind of new developments are happening in the genre. Readings and discussions are in English.
JPN 370: Japan Asia Lecture Series
Although listed as Thursdays 6:00-6:50pm, no actual regular class meetings.
Times vary, but a set number of evening lectures (usually Tuesday or Thursday).
Instructor: Professor Jon Holt
1 Credit
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 371: Reading Japanese Sci-Fi
Asynchronous; no scheduled meetings
Instructor: Professor Jon Holt
1 credit
In this “no-classroom" course, Dr. Holt will lecture and record into the zoomisphere a 30- to 60-minute lecture each week about the canonical science-fiction (“SF”) author/literary work; students then read the book or short stories and then do an end-of-the-week quiz. On alternating weeks students "talk back" to Dr. Holt through your own recordings. Thus JPN 371 students will 1) gain familiarity with Japanese SF and 2) develop their
ability to speak about SF. This new kind of JPN 1-credit class allows for maximum schedule flexibility for students and helps them accelerate their PSU degrees.
JPN 411/511: Advanced Japanese
T/Th 1:30 - 3:10 PM
Instructor: Professor Jon Holt
4 credits
Development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills with complex patterns in informal and formal situations. This is the first course in a sequence of two: Jpn 412 and Jpn 413. Expected preparation: Jpn 303.
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.