JNS Courses

If you're interested in studying the Japanese language and advancing your linguistic ability, you're free to pick any university for study abroad, but if you're interested in taking classes for your major, it's best to consider the university's specialties and speak with a study abroad advisor. 

It is also important to note that many of these universities have semesters that overlap and do not start or end with UNCG's semesters. Thus, many programs will only start in Spring semester. 

Kyoto Sangyo University

Students with previous study in Japanese may continue their language learning while also taking English-taught courses in Japanese Culture/ History.

Nagoya University of Foreign Studies - Nagoya

NUFS offers 3 study programs, with a focus on language, culture, or global perspectives, which could work for either an LLC or IGS major.

Nanzan University (ISEP summer program) - Nagoya

This program is run through UNCG's partnership with International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a non-profit organization based out of Washington DC. Deadlines for ISEP programs may vary from UNCG study abroad deadlines.

Students interested in ISEP programs must meet with an IPC advisor for an Options appointment and to initiate an ISEP application well in advance of the deadline. Contact IPC at 336.334.5404 or visit the IPC office in Foust 207 to speak with an advisor and schedule your Options appointment.

Nara Women's University - Nara

NWU offers courses for casual and intensive language study, courses in English on literature and culture, history and society, modern literature and media, and courses in Japanese on the city of Nara, gender studies, traditional sports, art history, culture and theory, anthropology, and others. 

Seinan Gakuin University - Fukuoka

SGU offers courses in Japanese language, culture, history, traditions, politics, and business. SGU also offers summer sessions for intensive language study open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced Japanese language students. 

Ritsumeikan University - Kyoto

RU offers study tracts for intensive language, global studies, Japanese culture, or business courses. 

Okayama University - Okayama

Okayama’s EPOK program is a great option for students who want to combine language study with  courses in Japanese culture or other global topics.

JNS 102 - Elementary Japanese II

Continued introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Kanji), active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

Prerequisite: JNS 101 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 204 - Intermediate Japanese II

Second course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of Kanji, on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary. 

Prerequisite: JNS 203 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 210 - Current Topics Conversation

The course provides students with oral training for effective communication over current topics of global interest. Intended as a supplementary course for the JNS 300 courses.

Prerequisite: JNS 204 (or equivalent proficiency) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for up to three (3) semester hours

JNS 302 - Third-year Japanese Language Conversation and Composition

The course is designed to improve students communication skills through intensive lectures, grammar retention drills, and oral and writing exercises. Students deepen their understanding of cultural logics behind Japanese language. 

Prerequisite: JNS 301 (or equivalent proficiency)
May be repeated for credit when topic varies. 

JNS 306 - Current Issues in Japan

The course focuses on current issues in Japan and non-traditional aspects of Japanese society. The course materials include literary texts, film, and other interdisciplinary materials. 

Prerequisite: none
May be repeated for credit when topic varies
Taught in English

JNS 101 - Elementary Japanese I

Introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), as well as on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary. 

Prerequisite: none
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 203 - Intermediate Japanese I

The first course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of kanji, active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary. 

Prerequisite: JNS 102 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 210 - Current Topics Conversation

The course provides students with oral training for effective communication over current topics of global interest. Intended as a supplementary course for JNS 301.

Prerequisite: JNS 204 (or equivalent proficiency) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for up to three (3) semester hours

JNS 230 - Women in Japanese Literature and Film

The course focuses on various aspects of women's lives in modern Japanese society, providing an overview of modern Japanese society through representation of women's culture in literature and film. 

Prerequisite: none
May not be repeated for credit without department permission
Taught in English

JNS 301 - Advanced Grammar and Conversation I

Advanced language course that aims at improving students communication skills in Japanese and enhancing their global awareness. The course work involves grammar retention drills, reading/writing assignments, and various speaking exercises.

Prerequisite: JNS 204
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 101 - Elementary Japanese I*

Introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), as well as on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

Prerequisite: None
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 102 - Elementary Japanese II*

Continued introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Kanji), active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

Prerequisite: JNS 101 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 203 - Intermediate Japanese I*

First course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of Kanji, active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

Prerequisite: JNS 102 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 204 - Intermediate Japanese II*

Second course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of Kanji, on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

Prerequisite: JNS 203 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 210 - Current Topics Conversation 1

The course provides students with oral training for effective communication over current topics of global interest.

Prerequisite: JNS 204 (or equivalent proficiency) or permission of instructor
May be repeated for up to three (3) semester hours.

JNS 220 - Modern Japan

Introduction to Japanese culture and society. This course examines Japan's modern development through selected topics on modern history, society, and pop-culture including media culture, film, and literature.

Prerequisite: none
Taught in English

JNS 230 - Women in Japanese Literature and Film

The course focuses on various aspects of women's lives in modern Japanese society, providing an overview of modern Japanese society through representation of women's culture in literature and film.

Prerequisite: none
Taught in English

JNS 301 - Advanced Grammar and Conversation*

Advanced language course that aims at improving students' communication skills in Japanese and enhancing their global awareness. The course work involves grammar retention drills, reading/writing assignments, and various speaking exercises.

Prerequisite: JNS 204 (or equivalent proficiency)
May not be repeated for credit without department permission

JNS 302 - Third-year Japanese Language Conversation and Composition*

The course is designed to improve students' communication skills through intensive lectures, grammar retention drills, and oral and writing exercises. Students deepen their understanding of cultural logics behind Japanese language.

Prerequisite: JNS 301 (or equivalent proficiency)
May be repeated for credit when topic varies

JNS 305 - Topics in Japanese Culture

Focus on Japanese civilization to improve linguistic and/or cultural proficiency.
Previous topics: Tokyo, Children in Japan, Cats in Japan

Prerequisite: none
May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Taught in either English or Japanese

JNS 306 - Current Issues in Japan

The course focuses on current issues in Japan and non-traditional aspects of Japanese society. The course materials include literary texts, film, and other interdisciplinary materials. 

Prerequisite: none
Taught in English

JNS 499 - Practicum

The course provides students with civic engagement opportunities. Students will deepen their understanding of the Japanese language, culture and society through service learning.

*Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.