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Japanese Language and Culture Studies
The course seeks to help students to recognize the differences between Japanese culture and that of other countries, promote mutual understanding, and improve students' practical ability in Japanese language skills.
This course consists of lectures on course subjects designed for the undergraduate students. Japanese Studies students will complete course subjects with the guidance of their supervisors.
Students can register courses offered by faculties of their interest, when it is admitted to be relevant to his/her specialization and educationally beneficial. Students may also pursue original research activities in Japanese culture on their free time.
(Students will be assigned to the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Economics or Center for International Exchange depending upon their desired field of specialization.)
From October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010
[1] Japanese and Japanese Affairs subjects offered as General Education
[2] Humanities, and Social Science Subjects as General Education
(Examples) Japanese History; Japanese Language; Japanese Literature; Culture and Education; Introduction to Modern Economics, Citizens and the Constitution)
[3] Subjects offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Economics and Center for International Exchange. Students must attend at least eight subjects mainly from the courses in [1], [2]and [3]above.
First Semester: 30 hours Second Semester 30 hours (Total of 60 hours/year)
* One class (90 minutes) is counted as 2 hours.
Japanese Studies Students will be required to take a placement test administered by the university. Students will complete courses offered at Saitama University under the guidance of their supervisors.
[1] Responsible Professors : Supervisors
[2] Cooperating Professors: Professors in charge of international students in the faculties, professors in charge of Japanese and Japanese Affairs subjects, and professors in charge of subjects offered
[3] Administration: Office of International Exchange
[1] Provided throughout the year, with advise from supervisors
[2] Japanese Studies Students are given priority to take part in field trips
[3] Events include "day trip" and "traditional Japanese arts appreciation"
Student will earn credit when satisfying all course requirements, such as attendance and examination results. Certificate of Completion will be issued to the students who have completed more than 12 subjects from the courses listed in (3). Courses [1],[2],[3].
Applicants who wish to attend courses must fulfill the following requirements;
[1] Japanese language proficiency
Applicants must be able to discuss, read and write about general topics, and comprehend the content of the courses taught in Japanese.
It is preferable for the applicants to have passed at least the 2nd level of Japanese Language Proficiency Test conducted by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services
[2] Persons who major in Japanese studies, or persons who do not major in Japanese studies but study in the fields related to Japanese language, culture and etc.
Located in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Saitama University fulfills its mission as a medium-sized national university. The current academic term marks the 59th year since the university’s founding in 1949 as a mother school for Urawa High School, Saitama Teachers College and other affiliated institutions under Japan's former educational system. The university is steadily expanding its facilities for education and research, as it continues to grow as the heart of the academic exchange in the community. As a host to over 490 international students during the prior academic year, the university continues to promote international exchange. The numbers of incoming and outgoing researchers who engage in international research activities are also increasing.
Saitama University has five faculties for undergraduate studies. The university has established four master's programs to further promote advanced education and research, including master's programs and courses leading to Ph.D., where candidates for advanced degrees can engage in advanced graduate school education and research.
Through cooperation between the Graduate School of Science and Engineering and the independent Institute of Physical and Chemical Research, the university has organized a post-doctorate program. This new formation of graduate education leads the way for other universities.
The university has also established the University Education and Student Services Organization that includes the Center for International Exchange, to enhance the university’s education and research. The Center for International Exchange provides students with education, guidance and advice to the international students and its mission is to promote the university’s international cooperation and exchange.
Cooperating with the Office of International Exchange and the faculties, the center provides opportunities to the students with diverse cultural backgrounds to study Japanese language and culture. Special classes are offered to help the students in Japanese Studies acquire a profound understanding of Japan.
The Faculty of Liberal Arts focuses on diverse specialization in humanities and social sciences. The faculty is characterized by its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies that probe and expand the boundaries between various fields of knowledge while simultaneously encouraging integrated research that is organically related to each field and providing the foundations for research in each respective field. The fundamental policy of the Faculty of Liberal Arts is to educate individuals who will be prepared with the education, flexible thinking and integrated decision-making capabilities suited to today's world, by balancing special expertise with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary outlook.
The Faculty of Education aims to foster the individuals who have global perspective and take initiative in the education leading to the next generation. Students can learn the specialized education, theory and techniques necessary to utilize superior educational practices as school educators and life-long learning instructors. Although "education as solution" may seem to be a roundabout method, it is the most certain and productive approach. Being involved in education is also one way to address the myriad issues confronting Japan and the world.
Students of the Faculty of Economics study social sciences on an integrated basis. To help the students develop a deeper understanding of social issues such as environmental problems and welfare administration, this department has added courses in social environmental design along with the more traditional courses in economics and business administration. Thus by focusing on the mutual relationships among the social sciences in the Faculty of Economics, and establishing diverse range of course subjects, the university supports a perspective of comprehensive analysis of the social sciences.
Characteristics of Saitama Prefecture and Saitama City
With a population of 7.13 million, Saitama Prefecture is an inland prefecture located in the center of the Kanto Plain bordering Tokyo, which can be reached in one hour by train. The prefecture is a key junction of transportation for eastern Japan, and has experienced expansive progress as it extends the hub function.
The capital of the prefecture is Saitama City, located 30km north of Tokyo. With a population of 1.2 million, Saitama has developed as an education and cultural city and is frequently noted as an urban residential center offering convenient, comfortable living, with a well maintained transportation system, a lush green environment and active promotion of sports activities.
International student registration: 492 (36 countries and regions)
Registered international instructors: 19
Japanese Studies Students: 8
Number of students
Faculties: Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Economics,
School of Science, School of Engineering
Number of instructors: 473
Number of students: 8,729 (undergraduate: 7,754 graduate: 1,175)
Saitama University's International House has 98 rooms for single students, 55 rooms for married couples and 19 rooms for families, and can accommodate approximately 170 individuals. Japanese Studies Students are given priority to live at International House.