BA in Japanese Language in Berkeley United States | University of California, Berkeley

The Japanese Language undergraduate major, offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, focuses on humanistic exploration of East Asian traditions. This program emphasizes modern and classical language acquisition, analytical reading of diverse East Asian texts within their historical frameworks, and the cultivation of strong writing and critical analysis abilities. Learners explore East Asia's rich literary, artistic, philosophical, and cultural heritage, along with its modern transformations. Courses position East Asian studies within global perspectives while introducing multiple disciplinary and comparative methodologies.

The curriculum develops proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing contemporary languages while providing foundational knowledge of historical linguistic forms. Majors choose from extensive course options covering literature, popular culture, philosophy, and linguistics, available both in translation and original languages.

Program participants come from diverse academic backgrounds, with many pursuing dual majors across various fields such as: anthropology, applied mathematics, architecture, art history, studio arts, Asian studies, business administration, comparative literature, computer science, economics, English, linguistics, media studies, molecular biology, political economy, political science, psychology, rhetoric, and theater arts.