Why Learn Japanese?

The Japanese language is the ninth most widely spoken primary language in the world with more than 125 million speakers. Being the third-largest economy in the world, Japan has close economic connections with the US. Studying Japanese means getting to know a culture that is known for its passion for design and mastery, which brings us Annie, manga, Hello Kitty, karate, Nintendo, and more. The Japanese language is very different from most European languages. While it is less commonly taught in universities, it is easier than many people may think. One does not need to worry about plurals, grammatical gender, definite or indefinite articles, and the pronunciation is extremely easy. Knowing Japanese will set you apart from the crowd and open many doors! It will develop your multicultural perspectives, open up job opportunities, and provide skills for traveling the globe.

The Japanese Program at TTU

TTU offers both courses and a minor in Japanese, as well as a new minor in Korean. Japanese courses include Beginning (JAPN 1501, 1502) and Second Year (JAPN 2301, 2302) Japanese language courses, along with a repeatable advanced course (JAPN 4300). The minor in Japanese consists of 22 hours of Japanese language courses: JAPN 1501, 1502, 2301, 2302, JAPN 3306 Introduction to Japanese Culture, and two 4000-level courses, one of which must be taken in residence at TTU.

• Japanese Language Courses can be used to satisfy TTU Foreign Language Requirements.
• Japanese Language Courses can be used to complete minors in Japanese or Asian Studies.
• These courses also can prepare you for exotic and exciting study-abroad opportunities. (see www.studyabroad.ttu.edu)

Students will have opportunities to engage in cultural activities and practice Japanese outside of the classrooms, including the following:

• Japanese Conversation Hour: this weekly event introduces Japanese cultures and provides opportunities for practicing Japanese conversational skills.
• Global Readiness Through Language and Culture (GRLC): the project connects students with university students in Japan. Students and their peers in Japan can collaborate on projects, discover more about each other's culture, and help each other improve language skills.
• Genki Club: it is a club devoted to improving students' Japanese skills through fun games and activities; More events are coming soon in future semesters!

Courses

Instructors

Contact

Stephanie Santos
Academic Advisor
stephanie.santos@ttu.edu

Dr. Meixiu Zhang
Program Coordinator
meixiu.zhang@ttu.edu

Jinsol Cosper
Program Coordinator
jinsol.k.cosper@ttu.edu