Course Offerings

Course offerings for the Japanese Studies Program vary each semester, depending on the needs of the attending students. Most courses are offered at least one every two years. Check with the registrar to find out what courses are available during the time you would like to come. Also, there are other classes not listed here that are available.

Cross Cultural Communication

A study of Japanese culture and American culture, in a bi/multi-cultural classroom setting, making full use of small groups and direct observation.

Japanese Business/Economics

This course will survey important issues and developments in the Japanese economy along with the business environment and political pressures affecting these areas. Topics such as economic growth; the role of financial markets; structure of labor markets and social changes; and the great importance of international trade and finance will be examined. Current topics will also be presented for discussion, such as the "post-Bubble Japanese economy."

Japanese History

Outstanding individuals and key historical events that have shaped Japan's unique culture will be presented, in addition, numerous terms and concepts will be explained that are foundational to gaining an understanding of Japan's role in global history.

Japanese Language

The focus of these language courses will be on helping the student to gain greater skill in using the various aspects of the Japanese language for academic purposes. Some prior study in the language is encouraged and will be helpful to begin these courses and to enjoy measurable progress.

Japanese Literature

In addition to enjoying classic pieces of Japanese literature, other representative works from different historical and literary eras will be examined to introduce the student to the thematic scope present in Japanese literature. While most of these pieces will come from translated works, the student may be encouraged to try to read some selected passages within these works in the original language in order to gain a heightened sense of the "flavor" of these works.

Japanese Missiology

Beginning with the first incursion of missionaries from Europe, and moving through the three basic periods of Japan's openness to the West, students will examine various approaches taken to introduce the claims of the Christian faith within the Japanese culture, as well as other relevant topics related to this theme of study.

Japanese Relations

While much of this course will help to introduce students to the various distinctive aspects of the Japanese world, students will also be encouraged to consider how to apply this knowledge with their own world views.

Japanese Religion

In addition to examining the historical development of the different religions represented in Japan, the course will also look briefly at the religious world view of the Japanese, the main object of worship, and the influence of religion on Japanese art. Students will required to give a short presentation on one of the many "New Religions" in Japan, and a short self-study lesson will deal with the differences between true Buddhism and what is practiced in Japan under the name of Buddhism.

Japanese Society

Millennia old, the various essential aspects of Japan's social fabric will be more closely looked at and discussed. Students will also be introduced to key terms and concepts that set apart the Japanese world from other social groupings.

Japanese Trade

This course will focus more on the important issues and developments in Japanese Trade, political pressures affecting it and the interaction of various political and economic groups that form the environment of Japanese trade. A variety of topics will also be presented for discussion, that will expose the student to the historic scope of this area of study.

Directed Studies

While considerable effort has been made by KIU to give students as broad a base as possible in coming to appreciate and understand the Japanese world, students bring unique perspectives and interests, and if permitted, may pursue studies related to some aspect of their interests as related to life in Japan. Careful planning and co-operative agreement on the outline of material to be studied will help students to successfully complete this aspect of academic study. 

KIU instructional staff is prepared to assist students doing research on Japan in the following subject areas: Business, Politics and Missiology.

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