This December the Department will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary with a banquet to be held at the Renissance Hotel downtown, join us for a night of more...
Each year the department offers a variety of topics under the course numbed 360B. This year we are offering courses in Modern Japanese Literature, Cultures of Manga and Anime More...
Frequently Asked Questions - Japanese
A. Major/Minor in Japanese Language
B. Japanese Profiency (Language Exemption) Examination
C. Changes on Japanese Course Numberings
D. Japanese Course Descriptions
E. Japanese Language Course Advising/Placement Sessions
F. Registration / Registration & Restriction Guides
A. Major/Minor in Japanese Language
1. How do I declare my major/minor?
You may declare online through the SIS by going to specialization, and entering the appropriate 4-digit code.
2. What do I have to do to major/minor in the Japanese Language?
You don't need to meet with an advisor for permission to major in Japanese. Declare your major using the SIS when you register for third year classes, then look up the Department of Asian Studies' requirements for majors. You can find the requirements on the web:
3. Can I major in Japanese Language if I am a native speaker of Japanese?
Usually, the answer is no. We will not give you academic credit or a degree for something you already know. Although, there may be some exceptions, permission has to be granted by the department. Consult with an undergraduate advisor.
4. Can I have a double major when both majors are in the Department of Asian Studies?
The Department strongly discourages double majors when both majors are in our department and even more strongly discourages double-counting course credit when both majors are in our department (for example, an Asian Studies and Japanese language major, or a Japanese language and Chinese language major).
5. What kind of job can I find with a major in Japanese Language?
We do not train you for specific occupations. We train you to think critically and learn skills you will need in whatever job you choose after graduation. Our graduates work in the fields of business, education, journalism, government, and a variety of other professions. Many of our graduates will also go on to further professional training in law, education, business, or journalism.
B. Japanese Language Exepmtion Examination
1. I am a native speaker of Japanese. Does this exempt me from the Arts Language requirement? No.
You have to pass the Japanese language exemption examination, which exempts you from the Arts Language requirement. See Schedules for Proficiency Exam (Language Exemption) on the department web (www.asia.ubc.ca) under Registration Guide.
2. When and where can I take the Japanese Proficiency (Language Exemption) Examination?
We schedule two examinations each year; one in August and one in September. You can check the dates on the web. Please come to the Department's office to pre-register.
3. Will credits be granted if I pass the Language Exemption Examination? No.
No course credits will be awarded for satisfaction of the language requirement in this manner.
C. Changes on Japanese Course Numberings
1. Are there any changes in the Japanese course numberings?
Yes, new course numbers were introduced in 2002 Winter. Please refer to Japanese Course Descriptions and Conversion Chart.
D. Japanese Course Descriptions
1. Where can I find information on a specific course?
You can find information on a course in the Course Descriptions from our website.
E. Japanese Language Course Advising/Placement Session
1. I don't know what Japanese course is appropriate for my level. What do I do?
Please see Japanese Registration Guide.
F. Registration / Registration & Restriction Guides
1. How do I enroll in a Japanese course?
On your registration day, you enroll online into the course(s) you wish to take.
2. Why are some Japanese courses listed in the calendar not available?
In any given year, some of our faculty will be away on sabbatical leave. Others will be on campus but will be too busy with administrative duties to teach all of the courses they normally teach. However, courses in the calendar which are not offered every year are usually offered every other year.
3. What do I do when the course I want to enroll in is full?
You should keep on trying to enroll in it, as it may just temporarily be full. Usually quite a few students will drop out of courses before school starts.
4. When a course is full, is there a waiting list?
Yes. You may enter your name on the waiting list in the department office, but the department is not obliged to process the registration for you; the list is just for gathering information for consideration of setting up a new section. Therefore, you should keep trying to enroll in course(s) through SIS before classes start in September.
5. Is guidance provided for registration in Japanese language courses?
Yes. You can find it on the website under Registration Guide.