Japanese Studies v. Japanese Language & Lit.

zapfino
Tue, 19 Jun 2012 20:59:46 +0000

Not necessarily. It depends on the specific course requirements for the minor, how many credits are required, how many of those credits are electives, and what courses qualify as electives. All that can’t be determined without reference to the program at a particular school.

Usually, Japanese Studies refers to an interdisciplinary major or minor that combines language studies with Japan-focused courses in the humanities/arts and social sciences. A Japanese L&L major or minor usually will require at least some coursework in history. It might allow you to count a certain number of other courses that are outside language and literature. Often pre-modern history and certain cultural courses (e.g., popular culture, film, etc.) are offered by the Japanese dept. itself. Courses in other aspects of culture, e.g., art, music, religion, modern history, etc. usually are offered in depts. that focus on those topics.