Japanese Language and Culture Minor

Learn Japanese. Connect with Japan. Build your future.

The UCCS Japanese Program takes learning beyond the classroom through exciting opportunities to use Japanese, connect with people, and experience Japanese culture firsthand.

· Study abroad at several partner universities in Japan

· Travel to Japan on our annual 20-day summer program, including homestays and interaction with Japanese university students

· Connect with Japanese students through exchange students from Japanese universities and annual spring visits from a Kanazawa University student group

· Compete and succeed in the Colorado Japanese Speech Contest — UCCS students have won numerous awards since 2023

· Join the Japanese Club for events and activities throughout the year

· Practice Japanese weekly through conversation tables and activities at the Excel Languages Center

· Gain real-world experience through internships and collaborations with local Japan-related organizations such as Japan-America Society

· Build a career in Japan through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program— UCCS Japanese minor students can gain an advantage when applying to the JET Program, using their Japanese language and cultural knowledge to pursue opportunities to teach English in local schools throughout Japan.

Ready to take your Japanese to the next level? Join the UCCS Japanese Program and start your journey today! Contact Teaching Professor Mioko Webster at mwebste2@uccs.edu for more information.

Required Courses: JPNS 3000 Advanced Japanese I, JPNS 3010 Advanced Japanese II

Upper-Division Japanese Culture Courses

Complete 3 additional hours from the following list:

JPNS 3210 Learning to Live in Japan (Japan trip preparation course)
FCS 3490 Internship in Foreign Cultures
AH 3450 Art in Japan
AH 3210 Life and Works of Yoko Ono
FILM 4250 Director in Focus: Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki Hayao
HIST 4750 Modern Japan
HIST 4760 Shoguns, Samurai, and Seppuku

Japanese Language and Culture Electives

Complete 9 additional hours of unused upper-division (3000+ level) Japanese Culture and Language electives from the following list:

JPNS 2110 Intermediate Japanese I
JPNS 2120 Intermediate Japanese II
JPNS 3210 Learning to Live in Japan
FCS 3490 Internship in Foreign Cultures
AH 3450 Art in Japan
AH 3210 Life and Works of Yoko Ono
FILM 4250 Director in Focus: Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki Hayao
HIST 1140 Asian History – Japan
HIST 4750 Modern Japan
HIST 4760 Shoguns, Samurai, and Seppuku

ACTFL-Aligned Proficiency Development

· Develop proficiency across Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational Communication.

Speaking & Interaction
· Communicate in everyday Japanese using formal and informal expressions.
· Participate in conversations, ask and answer questions, and exchange information.
· Use appropriate gestures, aizuchi, and culturally appropriate expressions.
· Express and support opinions in social and professional settings.

Listening & Interpretation
· Understand the main ideas and key details in everyday conversations with native Japanese speakers.
· Interpret spoken Japanese in familiar social, academic, and cultural contexts.
· Understand authentic Japanese through conversations, videos, films, and other media.

Reading & Writing
· Read and write Hiragana and Katakana.
· Recognize and read 500-600 Kanji.
· Understand written texts on familiar and academic topics.
· Present information and ideas clearly in written Japanese.

Presentational Communication
· Give organized presentations on familiar and cultural topics.
· Describe, explain, and express opinions in Japanese for different audiences and settings.
· Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and cultural conventions in presentations.

Intercultural Communication
· Compare Japanese and American cultures and perspectives.
· Demonstrate appropriate cultural practices in Japanese communication.
· Explore contemporary life in Japan through authentic media and cultural materials.
· Discuss current events using Japanese and U.S. media.
· Present and discuss Japanese cultural topics from multiple perspectives.

Expand Your Opportunities

Japanese language skills can open doors to business and career opportunities, especially in technology and other global industries. Japanese also provides a foundation for learning other Asian languages, including Chinese and Korean, through shared writing systems and grammar patterns.

Connect Language and Culture

Language and culture are deeply connected. Learning Japanese helps you understand both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture and experience anime, manga, TV shows, video games, and other pop culture in their original context. You’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how Japan’s traditional culture influences today’s society.

To learn more about admission requirements and the application process, please visit the UCCS Admissions page.

Additional Resources for Admissions:

• Tuition Rate
• Cost of Tuition Estimator
• Financial Aid
• Scholarships