Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Phone: (405) 325-1465
Email: statsuzawa@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/modlang
Many students begin studying Japanese out of an interest in Japanese culture, including anime and Japanese video games. Students, however, will soon learn that contemporary Japanese culture consists of a diverse mix of the old and the new, the East and the West, and traditions and cutting-edge technology.
No prior experience in Japanese is necessary to study at OU. However, high school study of foreign languages and cultures is helpful.
The Japanese program will introduce students to the dynamism and flexibility of Japanese culture and language, which has been developed by absorbing and assimilating Western and Eastern cultures and languages. Today, Japan, as the world's second-largest economy, is a center of business, trade, education, and culture in East Asia. Thousands of U.S. companies have established successful operations in Japan. The need for Japanese speakers is greater than ever today, and knowledge of the language is beneficial in building cultural links while working in commerce and developing markets in Japan.
The study of Japanese language, literature, and culture will equip Japanese minors with daily communication skills and an understanding of cultural and social differences between the U.S. and Japan. Beyond the practical advantage of acquiring speaking, listening, writing and reading skills, students of the Japanese language will exercise the mind in unique ways and learn to see the world though the eyes of a very different culture, with very different ways of thinking.
Currently, OU offers a Major and a Minor in Japanese. Many Japanese minors are majoring in Asian Studies in the School of International Area Studies or in International Business in the Price College of Business.
Faculty members in the Japanese program have won prestigious university awards as well as research grants from multiple institutions. Many recent Japanese minors have won university scholarships and awards, as well as Fulbright Scholarships and The Association of Teachers of Japanese Bridging Scholarship.
Members of the faculty of the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics are active in publication and research, and can present their students with the most current research findings, changing critical perspectives and scholarly debates. Many professors offer students the chance to participate in research through independent study and Honors Research Assistantships. Each spring, Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics students present papers at the Honors College Undergraduate Research Day.
OU has numerous study abroad opportunities for students of all majors. Whether you want to take electives, lower-division courses, or major requirements, be sure to check out what education abroad opportunities are available to you through the College of International Studies.
Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.
Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Phone: (405) 325-1465
Email: statsuzawa@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/modlang
