Japanese Language and Culture Major Requirements

The Japanese Language and Culture major is designed to train students in the humanistic investigation of Japanese traditions. Our curriculum balances intensive modern and classical language training with a deep exploration of Japan's vibrant classical and modern literary traditions, pop culture, philosophy, and linguistics—all situated within both historical and modern global contexts.

Whether you are starting Japanese from scratch or building upon prior learning or native/heritage language skills, this major equips you with advanced communication skills, critical thinking, and a profound global perspective.

🗺️ Want a visual guide? Check out our Japanese Languages & Cultures major map to explore year-by-year timelines, academic planning, and career opportunities.

Major Overview

• Total Units Required: 44–58 units (minimum of 44 units must be completed for the major).
• Minimum Grade: Prerequisites must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher. Upper-division courses require a minimum GPA of 2.0.
• Language Placement: If you have prior experience with Japanese, you must take the Online Language Placement Exam.

Major Requirements

1. Prerequisites (14 Units)

Must be completed with a letter grade of C or higher.

• JAPAN 1A & 1B (5 units each): Elementary Japanese (or higher level course based on placement)
• JAPAN 7A or 7B (4 units): Introduction to Japanese Literature and Culture (Note: These introductory courses are taught in English and must be taken at UC Berkeley)

2. Lower-Division Requirements (14 Units)

Minimum of 3 letter-graded courses.

• JAPAN 10A & 10B* (5 units each): Intermediate Japanese
• JAPAN 7A or 7B (4 units): Introduction to Japanese Literature and Culture (Take whichever course you did not take as a prerequisite)

3. Upper-Division Requirements (28–30 Units)

Minimum of 7 letter-graded courses.

• JAPAN 100A & 100B* (5 units each): Advanced Japanese
• JAPAN 120 (4 units) Introduction to Classical Japanese
• Classical Japanese Literature Course (4 units): Choose one course from JAPAN 130-140
• Modern Japanese Literature Course (4 units): Choose one course from  JAPAN 150–159 range.
• EALC Electives (8 units total): Two courses offered by the EALC department (including courses under prefixes: CHINESE, EALANG, JAPAN, KOREAN, or MONGOLN).

⚠️ Important: Placement & "Placing Out" of Language Courses

If you have prior experience with Japanese (including high school study or speaking it at home), you cannot self-place. You must take the department's placement exam.

• Secure Your Spot: To ensure you get space in our courses, please enroll immediately in the class you think best meets your level. Final placement will be officially verified when you complete the placement exam at the beginning of the semester.
• Schedules & Sign-Ups: Review deadlines and details on the Japanese Language Program Placement Page.

If the placement exam allows you to skip (place out of) lower-level language classes (such as JAPAN 1A/B, 10A/B, or 100A/B):

• You are not exempt from the 44-unit minimum requirement for the major.
• Instead, you will substitute those language classes with advisor-approved literature, linguistics, or culture courses offered by the department.

🌍 Outside Coursework & Study Abroad

You can take up to two related courses from another UC Berkeley department, through study abroad or transfer credit to count toward your major requirements, subject to advisor approval.

👉 Submit an Outside Course Approval Request Online

🚀 Next Steps: How to Declare

1. Need help developing a program plan or ready to Declare? Schedule a major declaration appointment with our Undergraduate Major Advisor.
   👉 Book with Cassandra via Calendly
2. Questions about Placement Exams or Enrollment? If you have questions about language exams or are having trouble enrolling in restricted Japanese classes, please contact our Language & Enrollment Coordinator:
   📧 Presi Diaz

Honors Program

Japanese Language and Culture majors may complete a two-semester Honors Program during their senior year, culminating in a senior honors thesis. This is a unique opportunity to conduct deep, independent research under the direct mentorship of our faculty.

Eligibility Requirements

• Major GPA: 3.5 or higher
• Overall GPA: 3.3 or higher

The Thesis & Grading Process

• Independent Study (H195A, H195B): You will work closely with a faculty thesis supervisor over two semesters to research and write your thesis.
• Grading Committee: Your completed thesis will be evaluated and graded by a three-member committee. This includes your thesis supervisor and two other faculty members (whom you and your supervisor will select together).
• Honors Levels: Based on the committee's evaluation of your thesis, there are three levels of departmental honors you can earn:
  • Honors (cum laude)
  • High Honors (magna cum laude)
  • Highest Honors (summa cum laude)

How to Get Started

1. Develop a Topic: Brainstorm a potential research area and draft a basic proposal.
2. Find an Advisor: Reach out directly to the faculty member you would like to work with to discuss your project.
3. Enroll in Honors Courses: 
   1. First Semester H195A
   2. Second Completion Semester H195B

Questions: Connect with our Undergraduate Major Advisor.