Japanese
The study of Japanese at Waikato involves the acquisition of Japanese language and the study of the history and culture of Japan.
Japan's 2000 year old civilisation boasts such achievements as the world's first novel and other rich contributions to the fine arts. Japan ("Nihon" – the Land of the Rising Sun) was the first Asian country to modernise, rivalling the West just forty years after making the decision to do so. It made remarkable recovery after World War II and has developed into one of the world's dominant economic forces. While this growth has been driven largely by the Japanese capacity for technological development, Japan is increasingly influential in international politics and the arts.
Japan is a major trading partner of New Zealand and there is a large Japanese business community here. New Zealand is a popular Japanese tourist destination and many of our more advanced students have been able to get holiday jobs tour-guiding. Studying Japan's fascinating culture and language continues to provide a valuable basis for a career and a stimulating insight into an important Asian country.
Key information
| Study Location: | Hamilton |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Japanese as a specialisation of
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Sciences with Honours
- Bachelor of Music
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Graduate Certificate
- Master of Arts (Applied)
- Master of Management Studies
- Master of Science
- Master of Science (Research)
- Master of Science (Technology)
- Master of Social Sciences
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Hospitality Operator
- International Lawyer
- Tour Guide
- Translator or Interpreter
- Travel Agent
Papers
Available Japanese papers
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN131 | Japanese for Beginners | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper assumes no previous knowledge of Japanese. It takes an integrated approach to the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN231 | Basic Japanese 1 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This language acquisition paper is designed as a continuation from JAPAN131, a paper designed for absolute beginners. Students will acquire further basic written and spoken communication skills in Japanese language. | |||
| JAPAN232 | Basic Japanese 2 | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This language acquisition paper follows JAPAN231, a paper designed for learners with a rudimentary knowledge of Japanese. Students will acquire further basic written and spoken communication skills in Japanese language. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| INTLC301 | Research Methods in International Languages and Cultures | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| After workshops covering intercultural contexts in research, bibliography, literature reviews, ethics, data collection and editing, students will prepare a research report. | |||
| INTLC303 | Visual Cultures of East Asia | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper critically examines key forms of East Asian visual culture, with a focus on film and art, and within a comparative context. | |||
| INTLC380 | Study Abroad 1 | 15.0 | 24G (Block), 24I (Block) & 24X (Block) |
| This paper will enable students to undertake appropriate individual study abroad programmes as part of their undergraduate degree. Each study programme should have a significant component of time spent offshore, with a series of assessments being agreed in advance with the paper convenor. | |||
| JAPAN331 | Japanese for Communication 1 | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
| This paper focuses on advanced Japanese language learning and is a continuation of JAPAN232. | |||
| JAPAN332 | Japanese for Communication 2 | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
| This paper is the continuation of JAPAN331. | |||
800 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN800 | Japanese MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 24X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
900 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN900 | Japanese PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 24I (Hamilton), 24J (Hamilton), 24K (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton) |
| No description available. | |||
Scholarships and prizes
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships
Subject links
Subject requirements
Expand to read Subject requirements
Japanese is available as a specialisation within the International Languages and Cultures major for the BA, and as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, or as a minor in any other degree, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
The aim of the specialisation is to provide students with an element of linguistic and cultural competence that better equips them for the professional and personal challenges of a globalised environment; as well as to encourage the study of languages.
International Languages and Cultures major with a specialisation in Japanese
International Languages and Cultures is available as a major for the BA, and may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees. A major in International Languages and Cultures with a specialisation in Japanese requires a total of 135 points and students must complete JAPAN131, JAPAN231, JAPAN232, JAPAN331 and JAPAN332.
For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information.
Japanese in other majors
A minor, or specialisation in other majors requires 60 points above 100 level in Japanese, students must complete JAPAN231, JAPAN232 and JAPAN331. Within the BSc and BSc(Tech) a specialisation in Science International in Japanese is available.
Entry
The point of entry into the Japanese programme depends on previous experience. Students with little or no previous experience will start with JAPAN131. Students with 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Japanese, or good results in NCEA Level 2 Japanese should start from JAPAN231. Students who are uncertain about where to start should contact the Convenor of Japanese.
If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone:
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
School of Arts
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]