Japanese majors will possess proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Intermediate-High level as well as metalinguistic and intercultural awareness of the use of Japanese language in different social milieus.
Typical First-Year Schedule
Fall
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Asian Conversation Program
- JAPAN 111*
- OLE Core/Elective**
- OLE Core/Elective**
january term
- OLE Core/Elective
Spring
- FYS 120 or WRIT 120 or Asian Conversation Program
- JAPAN 112*
- OLE Core/Elective**
- OLE Core/Elective**
Additional Information
*Assumes that the individual has no prior experience in Japanese; higher coursework can be taken if prerequisites are met.
**Potential majors ideally should take at least one non-language course related to Japan or Asia in their first year. Please see the department’s online list of approved available courses.
Potential majors can enroll in both 100-level and 200-level non-language courses related to Asia or Japan. Please see the department’s online list of approved available courses.
CREDIT FOR PREVIOUS COURSEWORK
- One elective credit is given for a score of 4 or 5 on AP Japanese, a score of 5-7 on IB, or an A on Cambridge A-Level. To fulfill the WLC requirement, students must successfully complete either JPN 231 or above [score of 4] or JPN 301 or above [score of 5].
- Credit for transfer courses or other programs is done in consultation with the Registrar, the Japanese Section Head, and the Asian Studies Department Chair.
Placement
- Students are encouraged to follow their language placement results provided by the department and found on the Student Information System (SIS).
- Students needing placement help should contact the Japanese Section Head, Joanne Quimby (quimby2@stolaf.edu).
Informational Events
The Asian Studies Dept. hosts an informational event outlining Asian Studies and the study of Chinese and Japanese at St Olaf College in late September in conjunction with Confucius’ Birthday. An email invitation will be sent to all those who express interest or are in Chinese, Japanese, and Asian Studies classes fall term. Email Laurel Brook (brookl@stolaf.edu) to sign up for the “asia_interest” email alias to receive occasional emails from the department about fun and interesting events!
CONTACT INFORMATION
Section Head, Japanese – Joanne Quimby (quimby2@stolaf.edu)
Department Chair, Asian Studies – Ying Zhou (zhou1@stolaf.edu)