Mar 18, 2024  
Catalog 2021-2022 
    
Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Japanese Language & Culture, Minor


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The Japanese Language and Culture minor is ideal if you have completed your World Culture and Language Requirement in Japanese (up to Japanese 201-level or equivalent) while majoring in another field, but also want to work in Japan or with the Japanese in your future career.

This minor allows you to continue developing your Japanese ability while enriching your language knowledge through in-depth study of the Japanese culture. You will acquire an understanding of the dynamic history and and the diverse peoples of the Japanese archipelago.  You are introduced to philosophical and psychological perspectives (ideas, beliefs, attitudes, values), practices, customs, and creative works such as literature, art, and music of the Japanese culture. You also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the Japanese-American experience from both Japanese and American historical perspectives.

A Japanese Language and Culture minor integrates well with all other CSUMB majors,including but not limited to science and technology, the arts, education, and business. Some of our students have been attracted to trilingual media and environmental science opportunities (Japanese-Spanish-English) and other interesting career fields throughout the Pacific Rim.

Required Courses


Please note: Twelve of the units taken to complete a minor (6 of which are upper division) may not be used in fulfillment of other minors, concentrations, or major requirements.

You must successfully complete at least 12 units that include both language and culture courses from the following lists:

*Courses completed during Study Abroad may be counted toward this minor with approval from a faculty advisor in the Japanese program.

Learning Outcomes


Language Proficiency

Students will demonstrate an Intermediate-Mid proficiency level in the four major skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) according to American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines.

Cultural Knowledge

Students will be able to provide a comparative description and basic analysis of the people, history and culture of Japan; engage in learning about the evolution of cultural customs and practices from the traditional into the modern; attain an appropriate knowledge base and other skills necessary for cross-cultural communications acquired by exploring non-western ways of thinking and perspectives as revealed in such topics as social issues, popular culture, Japanese Mind, Anime, literature and other related topics.

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