Program: Japanese Minor - University at Buffalo

Jun 29, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Visit the Linguistics academic program page for more information about the academic experience, who you will learn from, opportunities outside of class and what you can do with this degree.

Visit the Linguistics department page for contact information, a brief overview of the department and the curricular options.

Admission Criteria

Current UB students seeking admission to the Japanese minor should complete the College of Arts and Sciences Major/Minor Change Request Form.

Course Requirements

Introductory Courses (9-10 credits)*

JPN 101LEC - First-Year Japanese Credits: 5 OR
JPN 111DIS - First-Year Japanese 1st Semester Credits: 6
JPN 102LEC - First-Year Japanese Credits: 5 OR
JPN 112DIS - First-Year Japanese 2nd Semester Credits: 3

Japanese Core (15 credits)

JPN 201LEC - Second-Year Japanese Credits: 4
JPN 202LEC - Second-Year Japanese Credits: 4
JPN 301LEC - Third-Year Japanese Credits: 4
One Japanese language or Japanese language related course selected from the list below:
JPN 302LEC - Third-Year Japanese Credits: 4
JPN 312LEC - Japanese Culture and Society Credits: 3
JPN 321LEC - Food Culture in Japan Credits: 3
JPN 401SEM - Fourth-Year Japanese Credits: 3
JPN 402SEM - Fourth-Year Japanese Credits: 3
JPN 411LEC - Introduction to Japanese Linguistics Credits: 3
JPN 421LEC - Japanese Language and Culture Credits: 3

Notes

*Application should be made when the student has completed the introductory courses or during the semester in which they will be completed.

Some students, based on demonstrated proficiency in Japanese, may begin their study of Japanese at the 102/112, 201, 202, or higher level. The lower level courses that they do not take will not count toward the minor and must be replaced with other Japanese language or Japanese language-related courses to bring the total number of courses to six and the total number of credits to at least 18.

Total Credits Required for Minor: 24-25

Total Credit Hours Required represents the minimum credits needed to complete this program, and may vary based on a number of circumstances. This chart should not be used for financial aid purposes.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the students are expected to acquire intermediate-level proficiency in Japanese in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and cultural knowledge and understanding desired for the target level of proficiency.