Bachelor of Arts in International Studies major in Japanese Studies (AB-ISJ)

AB-ISJ Curriculum

Program Background

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with the foundations of international relations and global society, the theoretical and practical knowledge from country, region, or area studies, and a cosmopolitan mindset that engages with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of contemporary global issues and innovations and to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world.

Majoring in the Japanese Studies Program (AB-ISJ) offers students a profound understanding of Japan’s language, society, culture, and international relations within a global context. The program integrates intensive Japanese language training and comprehensive studies on Japan’s political systems, economic development, diplomacy, history, literature, cinema, and popular culture. The course progression of the program is designed to equip students with the linguistic and analytical skills necessary for an overall understanding of Japan, its international relations, and its role in our interconnected world, bridging Japan and the Philippines and fostering greater mutual understanding and cooperation in an ever-changing Asia-Pacific region. The program concludes with students engaging in research writing, practicum, and preparation for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), offering practical training for teaching Japanese as a foreign language.

Equipped with strong cross-cultural communication skills and advanced proficiency in the Japanese language, the competencies of the AB-ISJ graduate students open a wide array of career paths in both the public and private sectors within the Philippines, Japan, and beyond. Potential career opportunities include working in foreign missions, translation and interpretation, policy research, and civil service. Graduates can also teach Nihongo or assist in Japanese exchange. Careers in the corporate sector, tourism and hospitality, media and communications, and cultural work are also viable. Students may also pursue further education and work in the academe.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate big picture thinking in analyzing global phenomena that shape the interactions and dynamics of global actors and institutions
2. Initiate meaningful agendas for inclusivity by generating platforms for diversity, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and empowerment of minorities and marginalized sectors
3. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge from country/region/area studies in solving issues and problems encountered across industries and institutions
4. Exhibit effective communication skills, including written and oral foreign language competencies, to impart perspectives, analyses, and insights from socially relevant and policy-based research and creative works, demonstrating an immersive understanding of foreign cultures and languages
5. Develop a cosmopolitan mindset by engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of and adapting to contemporary global issues and innovations, to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world