Brown in Japan - Academics
Curriculum
The Keio University exchange, which enables Keio students to come to Brown, is one of Brown's earliest study abroad programs. Brown participants study in the International Division of Keio University, which offers its primary training in the Japanese language and in cultural studies.
The Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies provides a rigorous academic program for select students who have completed at least two years of Japanese.
Course Requirements and Structure
At Keio, students may attend for the spring semester or the entire academic year. The International Division is organized to meet the needs of foreign students in Japanese language and culture.
The International Division offers Japanese language, and courses in culture, political science and economics taught in English. Students who are fluent in Japanese may take courses at the regular University.
For Keio, students will be expected to have successfully completed Japanese 40 or higher and demonstrated a strong proficiency in reading. Students interested in applying to the program should schedule an appointment with Yuko Jackson, Sr. Lecturer in East Asian Studies (333 Brook Street, Room 307) to discuss language proficiency issues relating to the Keio program.
At the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies, students may attend for the fall semester, spring semester, or the entire academic year. Admissions priority is given to full year applicants. At least two years of Japanese language study at the college level is required to enroll for the fall or full year, and two and a half years for the spring.
Courses cover relatively advanced topics in the humanities and social sciences, with offerings on both modern and pre-modern Japan. All students take a double credit course in Japanese language in small groups of about 8 students. Students take two other courses, offered in English by Japanese professors, the KCJS Director and by a professor from a KCJS consortium university.
Academic Calendar
Keio University
- Spring Semester Option: April to mid-July
- Academic Year: mid-September to mid-July
Kyoto Center for Japanese Studies
- Fall Semester Option: late August to mid-December
- Academic Year: late August to mid-April
Updated: October 1, 2008