1. Objectives
International interest in Japanfs contemporary culture (film, anime, manga, etc.) has dramatically increased in recent years.  This program offers students interested in these and other subjects an opportunity to pursue in-depth study of contemporary Japan.  The CJPN is shaped by two unique concepts.  First, the program extends beyond general aspects of contemporary Japan to explore the specific features of the Chubu Region, economically one of the most vibrant regions of Japan.  Several of Japanfs most famous companies, including the Toyota Motor Corporation, are located in this area, providing opportunities for study not available elsewhere.  Second, many of the subjects offered in this program (including the Internship Program) are of a practical nature and have been designed to facilitate the students' career development. The courses, mostly taught in English, include a wide range of subjects as indicated below.

2. Courses Offered
Japanese Studies Courses (electives)
The Japanese Studies Courses, taught in English (or other languages as necessary), are also offered as regular General Education courses in the undergraduate program of Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. CJPN students take these courses together with Japanese students who take them as elective courses. The areas of study include History, Culture, Society, Economics, Business, Education, etc. Please click here for further information. Each Japanese Studies Course meets two hours per week for fifteen weeks, and carries two credits per semester.

Japanese Language Course (elective)
Japanese language classes are not required of students in the Contemporary Japan Program in Nagoya (CJPN), but may be taken as elective classes.  Students in the CJPN may not take Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Program (JLJSP) language classes.  Only the first half of beginning-level Japanese is offered to CJPN students; students wishing to study Japanese beyond the early beginning level at NUFS must be in the JLJSP; students may not change programs (CJPN to JLJSP) after semester classes have begun.  All students who take JLI (CJPN and JLJSP) language courses must take the Japanese language Placement Test given before each semester.  CJPN students may take either of the following two language courses; class placement will be based on proficiency (as demonstrated in the Placement Test) and an interview.

C1 Beginning Japanese
For students with little or no Japanese language proficiency.  A systematic study of Japanese grammar, this class is appropriate for students who plan to continue with further language study.  The class meets four times a week (4 X 90 minutes), and carries six (6) credit units.  Approximately two-thirds of the grammatical items and vocabulary covered in JLJSP Japanese I will be taught, including plain, continuative (-te), past tense, and negated forms of verbs.  The textbook is Minna no Nihongo 1.  During the second semester of study in the JLI, students who have successfully completed C1 Beginning Japanese may take language classes in the Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Program, but may not repeat this course or take C2 Advanced Beginning Japanese for credit.

C2 Advanced Beginning Japanese
For students who have already studied Japanese for one or two semesters, and have mastered hiragana and katakana.  A systematic study of Japanese grammar, this class is appropriate for students who plan to continue with further language study.  The class meets either four times a week (4 X 90 minutes), and carries six (6) credit units, or two times a week (2 X 90 minutes) and carried three (3) credits (to be decided at the beginning of the semester, depending on demand).  Approximately two-thirds (if four times a week; one-third, if only twice a week) of the grammatical items and vocabulary covered in JLJSP Japanese I will be taught, including plain, continuative (-te), past tense, and negated forms of verbs.  The textbook is Minna no Nihongo 1.  During the second semester of study in the JLI, students who have successfully completed C2 Advanced Beginning Japanese may take language classes in the Japanese Language and Japanese Studies Program, but may not repeat this course or take C1 Beginning Japanese for credit.

Japanese Culture Workshops (elective)
The Japanese Culture Workshops aim not only to provide hands-on experience of Japan's traditional arts such as calligraphy, flower arrangement, and ceramics, but to introduce both contemporary and traditional aspects of Japan through visits to places of cultural interest. The classes are conducted in various styles: some are lecture oriented, others are practice based. For further information, click here. The Japanese Culture Workshops carry one credit per semester.

Internship Program (elective)
CJPN students will be offered an internship opportunity lasting for two to three weeks. Under the Internship Program, possible placements include hotels, travel agencies, manufacturing companies, language schools, municipal offices, government affiliated associations, etc. Please note that we cannot guarantee a place for all applicants due to limited availability, qualifications of the applicants, etc., but will endeavor to ensure that as many students as possible will be accommodated. The Internship Program carries two credits.

3. Minimum Requirements for One-Year Certificate of Completion
To be awarded a one-year certificate of completion, students are required to obtain a total of thirty credits, including at least twenty credits from the Japanese Studies Courses.

Spring Semester 2009 Schedule

Fall Semester 2008 Schedule

Spring Semester 2008 Schedule

Fall Semester 2007 Schedule