The Japanese Language Program offers courses up to the sixth-year level in modern and classical Japanese. The recommended path for beginners is to start with JPN 101/102, take JPN 105/107 with the Princeton in Ishikawa (PII) program during the following summer, and then to continue to take JPN 301/302, which meets the language requirement for the Japanese Language minor. Completing two years of Japanese (up to JPN 107) satisfies the University foreign language requirement.
The program’s upper-level courses in particular focus on students’ individual needs, including weekly or bi-weekly individual sessions. Students determine their own topics, choose their own reading materials, movies or TV dramas, or practice keigo (honorific language) in a formal or business setting.
More Information
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Students seeking to fulfill the University A.B. language requirement must complete up to the second-year level (JPN 107 or equivalent). Heritage learners or students with previous Japanese language study wishing to place out of the language requirement (see Language Placement). Students seeking a Minor in Japanese Language must complete six language courses (two or more of which must be beyond the second-year level).
When to enroll in a language course?
If you are taking a language course to meet the A.B. language requirement, it is advisable to get started as soon as possible. The beginning language sequence (JPN 101) is not offered in the spring term, so if you are starting from the 101-level and choose not to take a language course in your first semester, you will have to wait until the fall of your sophomore year. This, in turn, means that you would be completing the language requirement during your junior year, along with junior independent work and departmental courses. If you are entering a language at the 105- or 107-level, you risk forgetting what you know if you wait until sophomore year to fulfill the requirement. The best advice is to complete the language requirement without delay. Remember that a 101-level language course will not count toward your degree unless you take the 102-level course.
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Modern Japanese Courses
Elementary Japanese (JPN 101/102) & Introductory Japanese (JPN 1001/1002)
An introduction to modern Japanese, stressing oral-aural facility but including an introduction to written Japanese. JPN 1001/1002 is taught at half the instructional pace of JPN 101 (spring/fall sequence).
Intermediate Japanese (JPN 105/107)
Continued study of modern Japanese by consistent review and reinforcement of major grammatical points and more advanced vocabulary and grammar.
Advanced Japanese (JPN 301/302)
Further reading in modern written Japanese with subsidiary grammatical and oral-aural training.
Integrative Advanced Japanese (JPN 305/306)
Designed to enhance reading, writing, and oral skills of students who need class work to achieve proficiency.
Readings in Modern Japanese (JPN/EAS 401/402)
This course series is targeted to students whose Japanese proficiency is at an advanced or superior level. While reading is under focus, speaking, listening, and writing are intensively practiced.
Contemporary Japanese Language and Culture (JPN 407/408)
This course series emphasizes continued development of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) used in academic or professional settings.
Classical Japanese Courses
Introduction to Classical Japanese (JPN 403)
Introduction to the fundamentals of classic Japanese grammar. This course trains students to read premodern Japanese historical and literary texts.
Readings in Classical Japanese (JPN 404)
Close reading of selected premodern Japanese texts from Nara to Meiji.
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Practice speaking Japanese with instructors and peers on a weekly basis.
Fall 2024 Schedule:
- Mondays, 6:00–7:00pm
Host: Shinji Sato
Forbes Dining Hall - Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30pm
Host: Yukari Tokumasu
Mathey Dining Hall
If you would like to be added to our Japanese Language Table mailing list, please contact [email protected].
- Mondays, 6:00–7:00pm
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Through collaboration with local and online communities, the Japanese Language Program at Princeton provides students with opportunities to explore Japanese language and culture both in and out of the classroom.
Opportunities for building connections through Japanese language include weekly Japanese table, online exchange with university students from around the world, and, for upper-level students in particular, various projects with members of the Japanese-speaking community of the Princeton area.
Other opportunities for cultural exchange include calligraphy workshops, an annual speech contest, and student-hosted activities, such as movie and game nights and sushi parties.
Contact Us
Meet Our Lecturers
Fall 2024:
Mondays, 6:00–7:00pm
Host: Shinji Sato
Forbes Dining Hall
Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30pm
Host: Yukari Tokumasu
Mathey Dining Hall
If you would like to be added to our Japanese Language Table mailing list, please contact [email protected].