Japanese Program

The Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures offers a minor in Japanese studies.

The minor requires at least five units of study at or beyond the 300 level. An approved study abroad experience is also required. Students looking to begin their study of Japanese at the introductory level can consider 100- and 200-level courses.

Independent study is available for students who wish to extend their study of Japanese language and culture beyond the courses being offered.

Interest in Japanese has grown significantly over the past decade.  As various aspects of Japanese culture have permeated into the larger global society, many have become motivated to learn this language spoken by over 100 million people.  The University of Richmond’s Japanese Program offers a unique perspective on the Japanese language, different from many other Japanese programs across the nation.  In this program, you will learn the inner workings of Japanese through a systematic breakdown of the grammar and syntax. This organizational approach is crucial to communicating in the language.  Students acquire foundational skills in learning Japanese that will help them across their entire language education journey. The program includes both lecture classes that go in depth into how Japanese works, as well as drill classes that help solidify the material for productive abilities.  In the upper-level Japanese courses, students also encounter central concepts and periods from Japanese culture and history. They also gain the requisite skills and confidence to have advanced conversations, and express their opinions about more nuanced topics in Japanese.