Japanese
Enhance your Japanese language and cultural proficiency with a Japanese minor from UWEC.
Explore the Japanese Language and Culture
As global connections continue to expand in business, travel, and beyond, proficiency in Japanese language and culture offers both personal and professional advantages.
The Japanese minor provides students with immersive and hands-on learning experiences. Study abroad is strongly encouraged, with popular destinations including Osaka and Nagasaki. Students can also collaborate with faculty on research in Japanese language pedagogy, exploring effective teaching and learning methods. In addition, hands-on cultural experiences such as Japanese calligraphy and tea ceremony deepen students’ understanding of traditional arts and customs.
Pairing a Japanese minor with a major in international business, technology, education, or government opens doors to diverse career paths. Whether helping companies expand into new markets, working as a bilingual educator, or pursuing roles in translation, tourism, or diplomacy, you’ll graduate with valuable skills and experience to make a meaningful impact.
Program Details
The ability to explore a variety of topics within the Japanese minor allows you to personalize your education and discover new passions. Study the evolution of Buddhism or learn about various Japanese religions.
Several Japanese courses are offered either online or in a hybrid format, giving you flexibility when working on coursework. Courses in special topics or credit gained at a study abroad site may also be used to fulfill part of the minor.
You'll find extensive reading materials in our library, helping you become fluent in Japanese. Resources range from graded books to novels to children's books to Japanese comic books. Our expert professors will also be here for you every step of the way!
Blugold Stories
Languages are windows of opportunity that give people additional ways to look at the world. That’s just one of the reasons why Dr. Tomomi Kakegawa, professor of Japanese at UW-Eau Claire, loves teaching students another language.
Justthe
facts
Where can the Japanese program lead me after graduation?
Knowing multiple languages is highly valued by employers, making this degree a sought-after one. Our alumni go on to pursue a variety of interesting and rewarding careers and are well-prepared for graduate school.
Example Careers
- Tourism
- Social Services
- Government
- Education
- Global Higher Education
- Translation and Interpretation
- Library or Museum work
- Consulting/Strategic Communications
- International Business
- Health Professions
As a Japanese minor, you will expand your language skills through spoken and written interpersonal communication, allowing you to understand, interpret, and craft messages in a new language. You will also broaden your cultural perspective in the classroom — through elective courses exploring history, religion, and economics — as well as beyond through studying abroad or by completing a research project.
Here are a few courses in Japanese at UW-Eau Claire.
JAPN 101
Beginning Japanese I
A foundation in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. Introduction to hiragana, katakana, and some kanji characters.
JAPN 201
Intermediate Japanese I
Review of Japanese grammar and vocabulary with focus on the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Students gain an understanding of Japanese culture through a variety of topics.
JAPN 301
Advanced Japanese Language and Culture I
Designed to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writings skills. Students gain an understanding of Japanese culture and current events through a variety of topics.
Get More Info
Sign up to receive additional information about our campus.
Meet the Faculty
What's Next?
