COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s program in Japanese Studies at the University at Albany is designed to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of Japan through an integrated study of language, culture, history, and literature. The curriculum combines structured Japanese language training with interdisciplinary coursework that explores both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese society. Students begin with foundation courses that introduce key themes in Japanese culture and heritage, as well as specialized topics such as traditional and modern Japanese literature, pop culture from the Edo period to the present, and research and bibliographic methods in Japanese Studies. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to language development, requiring 16 credits that include intermediate and advanced Japanese courses, ensuring students achieve strong proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension. In addition, students complete an information literacy course focused on East Asian Studies research methods to strengthen their academic research skills. Upper-level coursework allows students to deepen their expertise through advanced classes in Japanese and East Asian studies, covering topics such as modern Japanese history, literature, cultural studies, global conflicts like World War II, and comparative regional studies. The program culminates in a capstone course, the East Asian Studies Research Capstone, where students conduct independent research on a focused topic. Overall, the program equips students with advanced language skills, cultural knowledge, and analytical abilities, preparing them for careers in international business, government, education, communications, and other fields requiring strong global and regional expertise.