Experience the Japanese culture by learning the Japanese language. Learn to communicate in Japanese, read non-verbal cues and develop awareness of yourself and others.
Students can choose to earn an Associate in Arts and follow the Japanese Transfer Pathway or take Japanese courses to meet general education requirements.
COD offers Japanese courses in the traditional format where classes meet weekly and student have the opportunity to interact with an instructor and their peers.
Students will take courses in Japanese civilization and culture, elementary and intermediate Japanese and conversation and composition.
Studying Japanese also offers the opportunity to live and study abroad in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Determine Your Path
By studying Japanese, you demonstrate determination, patience, and a willingness to challenge yourself to your limits.
College of DuPage offers a world of educational opportunities in your own backyard. At COD, you'll find:
- Dedicated instructors with years of professional experience.
- Instruction utilizing our state-of-the-art facilities.
- Affordable courses to help you achieve success without creating overwhelming debt or draining your savings account.
- Small class sizes to ensure you receive personalized attention.
Japanese Transfer Pathway, A.A.
What is a Transfer Pathway?
A transfer pathway represents a typical course schedule/sequence for a student planning to complete the A.A. degree within two years, then transfer and major in a specific discipline. A transfer pathway is not institution-specific.
It is important to understand that the pathway provided in the adjacent tab is just one possible combination of classes by which to complete an A.A. and prepare for transfer in your chosen area of study. Other course combinations and sequences can work, too. It is strongly recommended that students work directly and frequently with a COD academic counselor/advisor, a COD faculty advisor, and academic counselors/advisors at potential transfer schools, to develop and execute a plan that works best for them.
The study of Japanese offers many benefits including:
- Top Economy
The United States and Japan economic relationship continues to be strong and shows how deeply integrated our trade and national-security interests are. - Get Noticed
Knowing Japanese will set you apart from the crowd. Studying a language such as Japanese shows that you have what it takes to be successful in life. You possess determination, patience and have no fear of challenging yourself. The majority of people who learn a foreign language choose a European language like Spanish, French, German or Italian because it is familiar. You can show that you have a multicultural perspective that goes beyond the familiar. Whether it is a resume for a job or an application for a prestigious fellowship, noting that you have studied a less commonly taught language will make you a memorable candidate. - Learn from Experts
The Japanese are innovators, designers and creative engineers in cultural exports. Anime, sushi, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo, Hello Kitty, Sudoku, karaoke, manga, martial art and origami are all from Japan and have enriched our lives. The Japanese are known for their love of design, precision and mastery. Whether it is designing electronic gadgets or high-end fashion clothing, the Japanese value craftsmanship, quality and pleasing the consumer. Japanese pop culture has a universal appeal around the world. Some say Japan has reinvented the concept of “soft power,” and if something is created or made in Japan it is part of “Cool Japan.” - Study Abroad Destination
Japan is one of the best study abroad destinations for students who are venturing abroad. It is one of the safest countries in the world, with its low crime rate, secure borders and renowned transportation system. The Japanese have a profound respect for learning and are proud of sharing their language and culture with international visitors and students alike. Internet access is non-censored and the Japanese, who are constantly on the move, are linked to the world through mobile devices. They are likely to know the weather in New York as well as that in Tokyo. Most students who spend some time in Japan want to immediately turn around and return to study, work or simply visit. There is something that resonates within each individual, whether it is the neon lights of Akihabara, the upward soaring glass skyscrapers, the glistening moss in the garden of an ancient temple, or the delicate beauty of a carefully arranged boxed lunch.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Japanese Languages program is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Students who complete courses in any of the Foreign Languages disciplines will:
- Communicate effectively in more than one language in order to function in a variety of situations and for multiple purposes
- Interact with cultural competence and understanding
- Connect with other disciplines and acquire information and diverse perspectives in order to use the language to function in academic and career-related situations
- Develop insight into the nature of language and culture in order to interact with cultural competence
- Communicate and interact with cultural competence in order to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in languages. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Elmhurst University. AA to BA in French
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in German
- Elmhurst University, AA to BA in Spanish
- Northern Illinois University, AA to BA in World Languages and Cultures
- Temple University- Japan Campus, affiliation agreement
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.- Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AA to BA East Asian Language and Culture (LCIS)
- Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AA to BA Languages, Cultures, and International Studies (LCIS) French
- Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AA to BA Languages, Cultures, and International Studies (LCIS) German
- Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AA to BA East Asian Language and Culture (LCIS)
- Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, AA to BA Languages, Cultures, and International Studies (LCIS) Spanish
Career Information
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