World Languages and Cultures

Japanese Language Program

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Program Overview

The Japanese Language Program at Spelman College is an interdisciplinary program. It offers  the courses not only for students to meet the general foreign language requirement but also for them to satisfy the Japan Studies Minor. All the uplevel language and culture courses are counted as core or elective courses of the Japan Studies Minor in the Asian Studies Program. The program also offers courses in traditional and contemporary Japanese society and culture. It also hosts various programs, such as the Japan Summer Study Program and the Spelman-Japan Student Exchange Program in cooperation with Japan Studies Program.

Why Study Japanese?

Japan is one of the largest economies in the world. It is also one of the significant contributors to the global market and technology. Japanese culture is known as a “soft power”. Studying Japanese becomes essential for students to acquire foreign language competence for their cross-cultural awareness and career opportunities.

Study Abroad Programs

The Japanese program in cooperation with the Japan Studies Program hosts a 4-week summer study abroad program at Josai International University in Japan, which is close to Tokyo. All students will receive 8 hours credits for one language course and one culture course. In addition, students have opportunities to apply for studying abroad at our sister schools as an exchange student at Tsuda University in Tokyo or Fukuoka Women’s University in Fukuoka, Japan.

Japanese Language Program

Contact Info

World Languages and Cultures

350 Spelman Lane, S.W.
Atlanta, GA. 30314

404-270-5541
xliu@spelman.edu

Mon. - Fri. | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Courses

Elementary Japanese 101-102
These courses introduce the Japanese language with a focus on pronunciation, basic sentence patterns, common expressions, and basic writing systems of hiragana, katakana, and kanji as well as an appreciation of Japanese culture.
Intermediate Japanese 201-202
These courses develop proficiency in essential skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They introduce more complex sentences patterns requiring the use of verb conjugation and modifiers to enrich expressions.
Advanced Japanese 303-304
These courses help students develop more advanced reading comprehension ability, grammatical knowledge and writing skills using sufficient kanji. They introduce Japanese linguistic politeness and strengthen proficiency in language skills.
Advanced Japanese in Cultural Contexts 401-402
These courses introduce the Japanese language, culture, and society. They enhance situational conversations and literary reading comprehension ability. It provides writing exercises and Japanese language proficiency test (JLPT) practice.

 

Introduction to Japan and China for Business and Travel 200 (Taught in English)
This course introduces the essential Japanese and Chinese business cultures in relation to their respective traditions and etiquettes. It increases students’ cross-cultural understanding and valuing of the similarities and differences between Asia and the United States.

 

Special Topics in Japanese Culture 378 (Taught in English)

This course introduces the Japanese traditional and contemporary culture, including its popular anime and manga in their social contexts. It focuses on the value and significance of the Japanese culture and its global influence.

 

Independent Study 400

This course is for independent reading and writing assignments or research projects in particular areas of the Japanese language and culture as supervised by the instructor.

Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program

This program hosts the JET Program information session with the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta at Spelman College. It offers an opportunity for senior students to work in Japan.

The JET Program is a competitive employment opportunity that allows professionals to live and work in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Being a JET is an opportunity to work and to represent the United States as cultural ambassadors to Japan. Most participants serve as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and work in public and private schools throughout Japan; some work as Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs) as interpreters/translators.

Applications for 2026 departures to Japan will open Fall 2025.

Learn More About JET