Why do you need to take Japanese language courses consecutively?

If you have taken Japanese this semester, you are encouraged to continue taking Japanese in the next semester. We advise not to skip a semester if possible because it will be tough going back to where you left off. Please read on to find out more reasons why you should take Japanese courses one after another in consecutive semesters.

Reason #1: Be able to accumulate necessary units quickly for a junior-level transfer

You need to complete a minimum of 60 UC/CSU transferable semester units/90 quarter units to be eligible for a junior-level transfer to UC/CSU. It would make more sense to advance to an upper level of Japanese courses rather than taking an entirely new course since you are familiar with our teaching methods. As you know, having more than one semester of a foreign language looks strong in your transfer application.*

Reason #2: Be able to focus on studying subjects of your major after transfer

For instance, most UC campuses cap the maximum number of units you can transfer from CC to satisfy graduation unit requirements at 70 semester/105 quarter units. You should earn as many transferable units as possible while you are at SBCC. So if you have already completed all Japanese courses at SBCC, you can focus on classes for your major, once you transfer to a 4-year college. ​

Reason #3: Major in Japanese at a 4-year college

If you want to major/double-major in Japanese, Japanese linguistics, or some specific majors such as global studies (which requires 1 or 2 years of two foreign language collegiate courses) in a 4-year college, it would be best to keep taking Japanese courses till you finish JAPN104 at SBCC. Also, even after JAPN 104, you can take advanced levels of classes at UCSB through Cross Enrollment. Cross Enrollment can provide SBCC students with the opportunity to enroll without formal admission to UCSB, in a maximum of one UCSB course per quarter on a space-available basis for some fee (as of Fall 2018, $46.00 per unit). This way if you want to keep studying Japanese, the transition to a four-year college is smooth. You will be able to meet degree requirements for your major sooner while you are at SBCC.

For more details, see the section "After JAPN104: Cross Enrollment".