The study of Japanese at Waikato involves the acquisition of Japanese language and the study of the history and culture of Japan.
Japan’s 2000 year old civilisation boasts such achievements as the world’s first novel and other rich contributions to the fine arts. Japan (“Nihon” – the Land of the Rising Sun) was the first Asian country to modernise, rivalling the West just forty years after making the decision to do so.
It made remarkable recovery after World War II and has developed into one of the world’s dominant economic forces. While this growth has been driven largely by the Japanese capacity for technological development, Japan is increasingly influential in international politics and the arts.
Japan is a major trading partner of New Zealand and there is a large Japanese business community here. New Zealand is a popular Japanese tourist destination and many of our more advanced students have been able to get holiday jobs tour-guiding. Studying Japan’s fascinating culture and language continues to provide a valuable basis for a career and a stimulating insight into an important Asian country.
Career opportunities
- Diplomat
- Hospitality Operator
- International Lawyer
- Tour Guide
- Translator or Interpreter
- Travel Agent
Subject requirements
Japanese is available as a pathway within the International Languages and Cultures major or supporting subject for the BA, as a specialisation (set out below), and as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.
Japanese pathway within International Languages and Cultures major
International Languages and Cultures is available as a major for the BA. International Languages and Cultures may also be taken as a second major or as a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to academic approval of the Faculty or School of Studies in which the student is enrolled. For full details see International Languages and Cultures major.
Japanese language specialisation
Within the BA, BBA, BCS, BECom, BMS, BSocSc and BTour a Japanese Language specialisation is available, and within the BSc and BSc(Tech) a specialisation in Science International in Japanese is available. The aim of the specialisation is to provide students with an element of linguistic and cultural competence that better equips them for the professional and personal challenges of a globalised environment; as well as support the initiative to encourage the study of languages.
A specialisation in Japanese for the BA and BSocSc requires 60 points above 100 level in Japanese, made up of JAPA231, JAPA232 and JAPA331.
The point of entry into the Japanese programme depends on previous experience. Students with little or no previous experience will start with JAPA131. Students with 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Japanese, or good results in NCEA Level 2 Japanese should start from JAPA231. Students who are uncertain about where to start should contact the Convenor of Japanese.
Please note: For all graduate subject requirements check the information provided in the papers section above.
Contacts
School of Arts
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4932
General and Undergraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]
Graduate and Postgraduate Email Enquiries: [email protected]