Master of Arts in Japanese
Admission to the Program
For admission to the master's program in Japanese, non-native speakers of Japanese must have a bachelor's degree either in Japanese or in a field related to the area of intended emphasis, or by demonstrating equivalent knowledge and proficiency in Japanese. Native speakers of Japanese must have a bachelor's degree (no restrictions on the field).
Applicants must also have:
- a minimum 3.0 GPA;
- demonstrate the proficiency level in Japanese expected at the conclusion of a baccalaureate major in Japanese;
- submit two analytical essays (Statements of Purpose) – one in English (500 words), and the other in Japanese covering the same content stating the relevant past experiences and the reasons for applying to the graduate program at SF State;
- provide one set of transcripts; submit at least two letters of recommendation written in English or Japanese, both of which must be from an individual familiar with the applicant's academic performance; and
- provide TOEFL scores (for non-native speakers of English only. Photocopies acceptable as long as the admissions office receives sealed scores).
Written English Proficiency Requirements
Level One
Written English proficiency will be evaluated based on the analytical essay (written in English) that is to be submitted as part of the application package.
Level Two
Proficiency is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of a research project, master’s thesis and oral defense, or written and oral comprehensive examinations.
Japanese (M.A.) — Minimum 30 Units
Core Courses for Both Emphases (9 Units)
Select three of the following courses. If all four courses are taken, the fourth one will count as an elective.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| JAPN 750 | Seminar in Japanese Linguistics | 3 |
| JAPN 800 | Seminar in Analysis of Japanese Cultural Studies | 3 |
| JAPN 860 | Seminar: Topics in Japanese Literature | 3 |
| JAPN 890 | Integrative Seminar: Japanese Language and Culture | 3 |
Emphasis (Minimum 18 Units)
units selected from one of the emphases listed below
Teaching of Japanese as a Foreign Language Emphasis
Select 12 units. If all five courses (JAPN 760, JAPN 765, JAPN 770, JAPN 775, JAPN 780) are taken, the fifth one will count as an elective.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| JAPN 770 | Seminar in Teaching Japanese | 3 |
| JAPN 775 | Seminar: Materials Development for Teaching Japanese | 3 |
| JAPN 780 | Practicum in Teaching Japanese | 3 |
| JAPN 760 | Seminar in Pedagogical Japanese Linguistics | 3 |
| or JAPN 765 | Second Language Acquisition | |
Electives
6 units selected on advisement
Professional Applications Emphasis
12 Units selected on advisement from the following (at least 9 units must be at the graduate level)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| JAPN 350 | Introduction to Translation | 3 |
| JAPN 390 | Business Japanese | 3 |
| JAPN 395 | Advanced Business Japanese: Business Writing | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Edo Culture) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Heian Culture: Culture of Peace) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Japanese Identity) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Tea Ceremony and Tea Culture) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Japanese Way of Living) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Life and Thought of Medieval Japan) | 3 |
| JAPN 401 | Topics in Japanese Culture (Modern Cultural History of Japan) | 3 |
| JAPN 510 | Modern Japanese Literature | 3 |
| JAPN 590 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Japanese Women Writers) | 3 |
| JAPN 590 | Topics in Japanese Literature (Contemporary Japanese Literature) | 3 |
| JAPN 690 | Introduction to Consecutive Interpretation | 3 |
| JAPN 710 | Japanese Language Workshops (Magazines & Periodicals) | 3 |
| JAPN 710 | Japanese Language Workshops (Newspapers) | 3 |
| JAPN 710 | Japanese Language Workshops (Current Topics: Radio and Television) | 3 |
| JAPN 710 | Japanese Language Workshops (Interpretation Workshop) | 3 |
| JAPN 710 | Japanese Language Workshops (Translation Workshop) | 3 |
| JAPN 765 | Second Language Acquisition | 3 |
| JAPN 860 | Seminar: Topics in Japanese Literature (Seminar in Modern Japanese Literature) | 3 |
| JAPN 860 | Seminar: Topics in Japanese Literature (Hyakunin Isshu: 100 Poems by 100 Poets) | 3 |
| JAPN 860 | Seminar: Topics in Japanese Literature (The Tale of Genji and No Plays) | 3 |
Selected courses with approval of graduate advisor
Electives
6 units selected upon advisement (Japanese courses or courses from other departments)
Culminating Experience Requirement (3 Units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following options: | 3 | |
| Applied Research Project (and Oral Defense) | ||
| Master's Thesis (and Oral Defense) | ||
Master's Comprehensive Oral and Written Examinations (which will cover 4 fields: Japanese Culture, Linguistics, Literature, and the student’s field of interest, such as Japanese business and education). | ||
Applied Research Project or Thesis
If the master’s degree is not earned within two semesters of enrolling in a culminating experience course (JAPN 895 or JAPN 898), students must maintain continuous enrollment by taking a “zero unit” course in the College of Extended Learning (LCA 499) until the project or thesis is completed.
Comprehensive Examinations
Student are admitted to the oral examination upon passing the written examination. Both examinations may not be attempted more than two times.