Academics at KGU

For students who are planning to come to KGU, I'll give you a bit of information about what to expect with your classes. This might not be interesting to everyone, but read on if you're planning to come to KGU!

At the beginning of the semester, you will have a placement test to determine your level. This semester, there are students in "Lower-Intermediate", "Intermediate", and "Advanced". The placement test has questions from beginners to advanced, and you complete as much of it as you can. 

Japanese language courses are mandatory, and you will have at least 4 each week (all courses are 1.5 hours). In intermediate, we have Composition, Kanji, Listening and Comprehensive. Each class gives a bit of homework, so you will be learning a lot.

Aside from language, culture classes are also mandatory. Right now we have a double class on Wednesday that involves going on field trips and experiencing different aspects of Japanese culture, then giving a presentation on one of our activities at the end of the semester. 

Optional classes include:

• International Communication (conducted in English; involves group presentations and class outings); 
• "Seminar 1" (World Englishes; full-year; targeted toward Japanese students studying English; involves a research paper and weekly listening activities); 
• "Seminar 2" (Japanese Culture and Society; full year; we discuss interesting issues related to Japan and culture; involves one big field trip per semester); 
• Special Lectures on Japanese Culture and Society (speakers present about Japanese topics, and the speaker changes every few weeks); 
• Japanese Economy and Business (despite being Commerce students, neither Graham nor I are taking this, so I can't tell you how it is).

For SMU, each of these courses will likely transfer to electives (mostly Asian Studies), and the language courses transfer into JPNS 2200 or 3300/3301. 

In addition to the regular courses offered to exchange students, you may also sit in on other courses on campus that are offered in Japanese. For example, one student this year is taking courses in Korean and Japanese sign-language. When it comes time to choose courses, talk about your interests with the office staff, and they may be able to arrange something for you!

If you have any questions about what classes are like at KGU, feel free to ask!
KGU's page on courses can be found here!