威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校

The Japanese program offers students a range of courses and activities which impart an understanding of the culture and civilization of Japan. With the completion of the four basic years of the language, students will be prepared to handle various types of colloquial Japanese. Most of our majors pursue advanced studies in Japanese linguistics or literature, while others combine an interest in Japan with a degree in business, engineering, history, or international studies.

Majors are urged to begin coursework early, ideally in the freshman or sophomore year. If, however, this is not possible, summer courses at UW–Madison or elsewhere are available which speed the student's progress. Those who have Japanese credits from high school or summer sessions may enter advanced courses on the basis of placement tests.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the content and cultural context of written texts and video materials with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of comprehension to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively.
• Spontaneously exchange ideas about various topics with relative ease.
• State and support one’s own opinion while acknowledging others’ viewpoints.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of pragmatic, sociolinguistic, and rhetorical features of the target language.
• Conduct library and/or internet-based research on topics relating to their particular interests and special fields of expertise, collecting and selecting relevant information using English and target language source materials.
• Synthesize and critically evaluate source materials in both English and the target language.
• Present (orally or in written language) their experiences and their introspection on these experiences in a coherent and effective manner.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness across historical epochs.
• Produce effective academic writing in English.