Japanese, MA (Hons)

Course summary

Over the past 150 years, Japan has experienced change at a rapid pace but has nevertheless retained its fascinating cultural heritage. On our programme, you will develop the linguistic, intercultural and analytical skills to critically engage with this dynamic society in a truly interdisciplinary way.Our language courses will develop your skills in speaking, listening to, reading and writing Modern Japanese. You can start the language as a complete beginner, or at a more advanced level depending on your previous experience. We welcome both new and continuing learners. You will also learn about Japan's place in East Asia, one of the world's most important and influential regions. Our expertise extends to the languages, histories and cultures of China, Korea and beyond. Why EdinburghEdinburgh is the only university in Scotland to offer undergraduate honours degrees in Japanese.Our programme has been carefully designed around the goal of making you an expert on Japan. It introduces skills and knowledge step by step, and we encourage you to see the connections between language, history, politics, culture and international relations at every stage.By the end of the programme, you will have demonstrated your expertise through your dissertation, which will draw upon four years of rigorous Japanese studies training.You will also have the opportunity to study other subjects from a wide range offered by the University of Edinburgh and to spend a year studying in Japan.Research-led optionsOur research spans a wide range of Japanese Studies fields, including:

• pre-modern and modern history

• politics

• international relations

• religion

• theatre

• cinema

• linguistics

• literature

Our range of Japanese Studies option courses reflects this diversity, which means you will be able to choose a path through the programme that suits you. Teaching excellenceOur courses are mostly taught in seminars and tutorials, so you will have plenty of opportunities to contribute to class discussion and receive feedback on your progress. Language classes are active, innovative, inclusive, and always informed by the best practice in the field. Our final year students regularly pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test at N2 and N1 level.

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