Japanese Minor

Requirements

A minor in French, Japanese or Spanish requires the completion of four courses in the language beyond the basic foundation sequence (Language 1001, Language 1002, and Language 2101). Transfer students must complete at least two courses for the minor at UMSL. All courses must be passed with a grade of C- or better.

Heritage Speakers

For departmental purposes, heritage speakers are defined as individuals who have been raised in a family or social environment in which the target language is habitually used for day-to-day communication but have not completed their secondary schooling in the target language. 

Students will take a nationally-normed proficiency test (STAMP or equivalent) to determine placement. 

Students who receive a score at or above Intermediate Mid across all skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) must complete 9 credits in the language, including the following courses: 

• Any 3-credit hour course at the 2xxx level above 2101

• Any 2 3-credit hour courses at the 3xxx level or above 

• Students who receive a score below Intermediate Mid in any skill must meet with an advisor to determine proper placement. 

​Native Speakers 

For departmental purposes, native speakers are defined as individuals who completed their secondary education or above in the target language. Students will submit an official transcript to the University. 

The Modern Language Minor is not an option for Native speakers.

 Specific Requirements for the Japanese Minor

Course Number	Title	Hours
JAPAN 2102	Intermediate Japanese II	5
JAPAN 3201	Intermediate Japanese III	4
JAPAN 3202	Intermediate Japanese IV	4
Select one course in Japanese Studies		3
Total Hours		16

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a minor in Japanese from the University of Missouri-St. Louis can use the language to interact with native speakers on familiar topics related to their daily lives.  They have an emerging understanding of Japanese culture fostered through engaging courses and opportunities such as study abroad.  They can apply their linguistic and cultural competencies in real-life situations such as travel and work. 

Skills and Knowledge Areas

Upon completion of the Japanese minor, students should be able to:

Linguistic Goals

• In listening/speaking:
  • demonstrate comprehension of the main ideas and supporting details of everyday conversations on familiar and concrete topics, both formal and informal;
  • take part in conversations on topics related to work, school, home, leisure activities, culture, and media;
  • narrate short anecdotes using Japanese conversational conventions; and,
  • function in real-world situations in culturally-appropriate ways.

• In reading/writing:
  • interpret basic authentic texts, such as menus and schedules;
  • apply reading strategies to glean key information from more challenging texts;
  • compose simple practical messages, such as personal emails and letters; and,
  • assess language reference resources and use them effectively.

Cultural Goals

• recognize and describe some of the key historical, social, economic, and political forces that shape Japanese society;
• analyze and critique the products of Japanese culture (film, media, literature, art, etc.) in socio-historical context.

The linguistic goals are based on the National Standards For Foreign Language Learning and the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.  In speaking and listening, minors are expected to reach the Intermediate-Mid level proficiency at a minimum.  For detailed descriptions of sublevels, see the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.