This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

Program: B.A., Languages and Cultures

Japanese

Overview

The Languages and Cultures Major prepares students for an increasingly globalized and interdependent world that rewards knowledge of languages and cultural literacy. The major provides students with advanced proficiency in language skills and cultural competency that will enable them to expand career opportunities and enhance their personal lives in an international and intercultural environment. In addition to studies in a primary target language, students take courses in comparative study of cultures and literatures to gain insight into the interrelation of language, culture and human nature. The two required seminars in cultural theories and methodologies constitute the capstone experience for intercultural studies. Students also are encouraged to study abroad, take a secondary target language and select from a rich array of courses offered in other Departments that deal with interactions among peoples, cultures and regions.

Program Requirements

Cultural Studies Component Requirements: (18 units)

1. Lower Division Required Course (3 units)

FLIT 234 Virtual Study Abroad (3)

2. Lower Division Elective (3 units)

Select one course from the following:

FLIT 230 Life in Modern France (3)
FLIT 245 Introduction to German Literature (3)
FLIT 250 Traditional Culture of Japan (3)
FLIT 260 Life and Thought in Modern Spain (3)
FLIT 261 Life in Modern Latin America (3)
FLIT 295A Masterpieces of European Literature I (3)
FLIT 295B Masterpieces of European Literature II (3)

3. Upper Division Required Courses: (6 units)

FLIT 391 Cultural Theories and Methodologies (3)
FLIT 491 Capstone Seminar (3)

4. Upper Division Electives (6 units)

Select two courses from two different cultures, each different from the courses selected for the Lower Division electives:

ARMN 310 Armenian Culture (3)
ARMN 360 Changing Roles of Armenian Women (3)
FLIT 320 Business Culture in Asia (3)
FLIT 321 Business Culture in Europe (3)
FLIT 322 Business Culture in Latin America (3)
FLIT 330 Italian Civilization from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance (3)
FLIT 331 Literary Masterpieces of Italian Humanism and Renaissance Literature (3)
FLIT 340 Life in Modern Germany (3)
FLIT 341 20th Century European Literature (3)
FLIT 370 Modern Japanese Culture (3)
FLIT 371 Modern Italian Culture (3)
FLIT 380 Cultural Development of Modern Russia and Eastern Europe (3)
FLIT 381 Aspects of the Italian-American Experience in Cinema, Literature, Philosophy and Music (3)
FLIT 383 Hispanic Civilization and Culture: Middle Ages to Golden Age (3)
FLIT 384 Modern Hispanic Culture Peninsular (3)
FLIT 402 Japanese Literature (3)
FLIT 455 Women Writers of Asia (3)

Language Option Component Requirements: (24-26 units)

Languages and Cultures majors are strongly encouraged to study abroad, take a secondary target language and select courses and a Minor within their regional or thematic focus.

1. Lower Division (8 units)

JAPN 201 Intermediate Japanese I (4)
JAPN 202 Intermediate Japanese II (4)

2. Lower Division Electives (3 units)

Choose one course from the following:

FLIT 250 Traditional Culture of Japan (3)
JAPN 204 Kanji II (3)
JAPN 205 Kanji III (3)

3. Upper Division Electives (9 units)

Choose three courses from the following:

FLIT 370 Modern Japanese Culture (3)
JAPN 300 Advanced Japanese Conversation (3)
JAPN 304 Advanced Grammar and Composition (3)
JAPN 305 Language and Culture in Japanese (3)
JAPN 306 Advanced Reading and Composition (3)

4. Upper Division Electives (6 Units)

Choose two courses from the following:

FLIT 402 Japanese Literature (3)
JAPN 400 Japanese Language and Society (3)
JAPN 401 Introduction to Literature in Japanese (3)

Total Units in the Major: 42-44

General Education Units: 48

Additional Units: 28-30

Total Units Required for the B.A. Degree: 120

Contact

Chair: Brian J. Castronovo
Sierra Tower (ST) 405
(818) 677-3467
www.csun.edu/mcll

Staff: Jennifer Lu
Sierra Tower (ST) 408
(818) 677-3467
www.csun.edu/mcll

Barbara Ann Ward Language Center: Patricia Miller, Director
Jerome Richfield (JR) 316
(818) 677-3452
www.csun.edu/languagecenter

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing in the target language;
  2. Demonstrate ability to reason and present sound arguments in both oral and written discourse;
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking in the analysis of traditions, cultures and civilizations;
  4. Understand the nature of language, its function, structure and interactional (social) purposes; and
  5. Analyze and clearly articulate interpretations of literary texts.