Q: If I took Japanese in high school, what level should I enroll in at CWRU?
A: The answer to this question is different for each student. Please contact the Japanese section head for consultation/placement. If this is not possible, we recommend that you enroll in 101 and, if we believe you should be placed at a higher level, we will switch you in the first few weeks of the semester. You can also make an appointment to take a placement exam (by contacting the Japanese section head) during the first week of the semester.
Q: What courses from your department would you like to designate as a) appropriate for any first-year student and/or b) a ideal for first-year students who would like to explore your program.
A: Ideal courses for first year students include JAPN101, JAPN102, JAPN225 pop culture, and JAPN245 Classical Japanese literature in translation.
Q: If an incoming first-year student is interested in your program, what are the most essential courses for them to take in the fall semester? In other words, if your program generally recommends a set of classes for students to take in their first semester and a student could not take ALL of them for any reason, which course(s) would you suggest they prioritize?
A: Students should prioritize their language study, usually beginning at the 101 or 102 level (although sometimes students may place into the 200 or 300 level in their freshman year).
Q: What courses should I take for a Japanese major?
A: For students beginning Japanese at the introductory level: 101, 102, 201, 202, and one 300-level course.
A: For students beginning Japanese at the 200-level: five courses at the 200- and 300-level approved by the section head, major/minor advisor, and/or section academic representative as appropriate.
Q: Is there a study abroad program for Japanese?
A: Yes, The Japan Experience: Kyoto – Language, Culture & Exchanges
Q: Are there any special awards for students of Japanese?
The Japanese Book Prize for highest achievement in Japanese
Open to all languages in DMLL
The Emile B. DeSauze Award for attaining the highest honors in Modern Languages and Literatures
Department of Modern Languages and Literatures Award for outstanding achievement
The Florence Keuerleber Prize to an undergraduate student who has seriously pursued and excelled in the study of a modern language while majoring in another area