M.A. in Japanese Language & Linguistics

Program Scope and Objectives

The MA degree is offered in the fields of Japanese language and Japanese literature. The program is designed to provide students with advanced professional training in the history and structure of the chosen language and the literature of that language. Within each area of concentration, the student may choose to emphasize either language or literature. The program is also intended to provide professional training and practical teaching experience for future teachers of Japanese. The faculty and facilities in the area of teaching East Asian languages are numerous and diverse and encouragement is given to those interested in pursuing teaching careers.

Admission Requirements

All applicants for the MA must have a BA in the language of their concentration or equivalent preparation, and must submit three letters of recommendation and GRE General Test scores.

In addition to approval of admission by the Graduate Division, students must have satisfactory GRE scores (TOEFL scores, minimum of 560, are required of foreign students) and letters of recommendation. Admission to candidacy also assumes knowledge of the structure of the language and of linguistics equivalent to the courses JPN 370 and LING 320.

Course Requirements

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the MA. The MA candidate may select either the Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis) program; Plan A must have the approval of the graduate chair.

At least 18 credits (12 credits for Plan A) of concentration and elective courses must be in courses numbered 600 or higher, including a 700-level seminar, and excluding 699V. However, 699V may be applied in individual cases when it has been approved in advance as a substitute for a course numbered 600 or higher.

Course Requirements: Plan A

For Plan A, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including at least 18 credit hours in the major field and 6 credit hours of thesis research. A minimum of 12 credit hours in the major field must be earned in courses numbered 600 or higher, including a 700-level seminar and excluding 699V.

Students choosing Plan A must take the same courses as those choosing Plan B, except that 6 credits of EALL 700V will be substituted for other courses in consultation with the advisor. There will be a final oral examination on the thesis.

Course Requirements: Plan B

For Plan B, students must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours, including at least 21 credit hours in the major field. A minimum of 18 credit hours in the major field must be earned in courses numbered 600 or higher, including a 700-level seminar and excluding 699V.

Students choosing Plan B will select courses for the required 30 credits from those listed for their area of concentration. In the final semester, the student will take a written examination covering the literature, structure, and teaching of the language, with extra weight on the student's area of emphasis among these. There will be a final oral examination on all aspects of the student's program.

During the first semester, the student will take a general examination to determine the quality of preparation for graduate work at the master's level in the chosen concentration. Only after passing this exam will the student be advanced to candidacy.

Course Listings

Required (15 credits):

  • EALL 601 Method of Teaching East Asian Languages (3) (Pre: 451)
    or
    JPN 604 Introduction to Japanese Language Pedagogy (3) (Pre: 407; 451, 605, or concurrent)
  • EALL 603J Bibliography and Research Methodology: Japan (3) (Pre. 407)
    or
    JPN 605 Research Methodology in Japanese Linguistics (3) (Pre: 407)
  • JPN 601 Japanese Phonology & Morphology (3) (Pre: Ling 320)
  • JPN 602 Japanese Syntax and Semantics (3) (Pre: Ling 320)
  • JPN 730(Alpha) Research Seminar in Japanese Linguistics (3) (Pre: 631, 632, 633, or 634, depending on the Alpha)

6 credits from:

  • JPN 606 Japanese Sociolinguistics (Pre: 407, 475, or equivalent, and 605 (or concurrent); or consent)
  • JPN 620 Practicum: Teaching Japanese Language (3) (Pre: 604 or EALL 601, or consent)
  • JPN 631 History of the Japanese Language(3) (Pre: 461 & 601)
  • JPN 632 Teaching Japanese as a Second Language (3) (Pre: 604 & 605)
  • JPN 633 Japanese Sociolinguistics (3) (Pre: 605 & 606; & 601 or 602, may be concurrent)
  • JPN 634 Advanced Japanese Syntax and Semantics (3) (Pre: 602)
  • JPN 650(Alpha) Topics in Japanese Linguistics (3) (Pre: 601 and/or 602, 631, 632, 633, 634, depending on the Alpha)

3 credits from:

  • JPN 466 Readings in Classical Japanese (3) (Pre: 461)
  • JPN 610(Alpha) Japanese Poetry (3) (Pre: 466 or 485B, depending on the Alpha)
  • JPN 611(Alpha) Modern Japanese Literature (3) (Pre: 485B)
  • JPN 612 Edo Literature (3) (Pre: 466)
  • JPN 613 Medieval Japanese Literature (3) (Pre: 466)
  • JPN 614 Classical Japanese Literature (3) (Pre: 466)
  • JPN 640 Themes in Japanese Literature (3) (Pre: 485B)
  • JPN 641 Traditional Literary Theory (3) (Pre: 466)

Plan A Only - 6 credits:

  • EALL 700V Thesis research

Plan B - 6 credits from approved courses, including the following:

  • EALL 371(Alpha) Traditional Japanese Literature (3)
  • EALL 372(Alpha) Modern Japanese Literature (3)
  • Anth 483, 484 Japanese Culture and Behavior I, II (3, 3)
  • Art 380 Early Art of Japan (3) (Pre: 180)
  • Art 381 Later Art of Japan (3) (Pre: 180)
  • Art 483 Applied Art of Japan (3) (Pre:180)
  • Hist 321, 322 History of Japan (3,3)
  • Hist 323 Way of Tea in Japanese History and Culture (cross-listed with Asan 323)
  • Phil 380 Japanese Philosophy (3)
  • Rel 490 Buddhism in Japan (3) (Pre: 204, 207, or consent)
  • Theatre 466(Alpha) Drama and THeatre of Japan (3) (Pre: consent)

Also: Other approved coursework

Brief summary of EALL degree requirements on the UH catalog
Japanese graduate degree requirements on the Graduate Division website