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California State University, Chico
College of Humanities and Fine Arts

Japanese Minor

Students participating in interactive guided activities and games at an informal conversation hour meeting.
  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Minor

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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Expand your horizons with a minor in Japanese. Through our program, you will develop an understanding and appreciation of Japanese culture that will open doors for you to live, work, or study in Japan and to interact successfully with Japanese speakers.  

You will develop intermediate proficiency in speaking and functional knowledge of all three writing systems (kanji, hiragana, katakana) in Japanese, and you can participate in a teaching internship when you reach advanced proficiency. Our program goes beyond the classroom—you will be encouraged to study abroad and immerse yourself in the language and culture. 

Students observing an art exhibition.
Curriculum

Cultivate a Sense of Cultural Curiosity

Our Japanese minor gives you solid grounding in the language and culture of Japan. You'll progress from beginning to intermediate Japanese and explore Japan's history, economy, politics, film, and art.

Student browses exhibition within the Valene L. Smith Museum of Anthropology

Skills for a Global Economy  

Learning a second language is a proven way to improve your career prospects and gain valuable insights into other cultures. You will also acquire transferable skills useful in any profession.  

Skills you gain in this program: 

  • Cultural competency 
  • Critical thinking 
  • Public speaking and presentation 
  • Writing and research

Student smiling in a computer lab.

A World of Options to Explore

Gain an edge in your future career by learning the language spoken in one of the world's largest economies in the world—Japan. Your Japanese minor will go well with virtually any major you choose. 

Majors to consider: 

Our Japanese minor alumni have gone on to work as ESL teachers, directors, marketing liaisons, tour coordinators, operations coordinators, senior producers, and recruiters for companies like SEGA, Amazon, and Oracle.  

Students participate in interactive guided activities and games and informal conversation to improve their Japanese language skills during the Japanese Conversation Hour
Student Involvement

Community Beyond the Classroom

Practice your conversation skills and meet students from Japan and others interested in Japanese language and culture during Japanese Conversation Hour. Or join the J-Fusion Club and participate in everything from origami-making and game nights to holiday parties and field trips.