Japanese language study is given heavy emphasis at SAIS in recognition of the reality that the ability to converse with Japanese in their own language and to read Japanese language materials has become a critical ingredient in determining how far one may go in the Japan field, whether in business, government, public policy, journalism, or academia. The Japan Studies program makes no exceptions in waiving the Japanese language requirement, even though students may be able to demonstrate proficiency in another language accepted at SAIS. The Japanese Language courses emphasize topics such as politics, economics, finance, diplomacy and foreign policy, environment and energy, and regional and global security to meet students' needs for professional development in international studies. Classroom activities are geared toward developing students' professional language skills in listening, speaking, reading (and some writing). The number of semesters of study a student will pursue is determined at the beginning of each academic year when their proficiency level is tested. To satisfy the language requirement in Japanese, students are expected to achieve the following levels of proficiency: Intermediate Low in listening, Intermediate Mid in speaking and reading. Those who pass the Japanese language proficiency examination before the end of their two-year course of study at SAIS are encouraged to continue language study to solidify their linguistic skills at professional levels.
Japanese Language Links
The following link directs you to the Japanese Language Program Web site.
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