Japanese language courses are a requirement for all students of the International Division. Courses are offered at various levels, from introductory to advanced.

Those with at least one semester of Japanese learning experience are required to take the following courses:
[Plan A] Japanese Language Focused
-    Comprehensive Japanese I, II, III, IV, V, or VI (5 credits/semester)
-    Japanese Reading I, II, III, IV, V, or VI (2 credits/semester)
-    Japanese Writing I, II, III, IV, V, or VI (2 credits/semester)

If you have never studied Japanese before OR have studied Japanese LESS THAN ONE semester, the following course is an alternative option as a required Japanese course:
[Plan B] Elective Focused
-     Introductory Japanese* (2 credits/semester)
*You cannot take "Japanese Reading" and "Japanese Writing" courses.

Not required.
You will be placed in the appropriate class based on the results of the Japanese Language Placement Tests and Record of Previous Japanese Studies.

SGU introduces a NEW curriculum from the Fall 2025 - Global Liberal Arts (here in after "GLA"). Please note that GLA courses are only offered in the Fall-semester due to the differences between the academic calendar in the Regular Departments and International Division.

1. Collaborative Learning Experience
GLA courses are designed as "Joint Study Course" where Japanese and international students learn together. Students will explore the "unique characterestics of Japan - including distinctive features, strengths, weaknesses" as well as "global contexts and trends" across various fields. Through the perspective of "Japan in the global context," students will recognize the differences between Japan and the world and collaboratively envision a better future for the world.

2. Interactive Learning
In addition to theoretical instruction through lectures, GLA courses emphasize collaboration between Japanese and international students through activities such as group work, discussions. The primary language of instruction is English.

Students are required to take AT LEAST ONE course from the following GLA course list (all courses are worth 2 credits):
-    Global Liberal Arts (Religion)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Communication)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Sociology)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Business)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Economy)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Politics & Law)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Psychology)
-    Global Liberal Arts (Culture)

Required.
You will be asked to submit a pre-registration in June along with other elective courses.
*Each course has a capacity of 40 students, with half expected to be Japanese students. There is no limit to the number of GLA courses you can pre-register for.

A variety of elective courses are offered in English.

The minimum number of elective courses you must take varies depending on your course curriculum - either [Plan A] or [Plan B]. 
Please refer to the following suggested study model.

(Suggested Study Model - FALL semester)

(Suggested Study Model - SPRING semester)  *No GLA courses offered

Required.
You will be asked to submit a pre-registration form for elective courses in June for the Fall semester and in November for the Spring semester.
*Please note that there is a maximum student number set for some courses.

This option allows you to conduct research on a topic not covered by regular courses. Independent Study is not guaranteed and requires an available professor to supervise.

1. Elective Course: “Independent Study” is an elective course in the International Division. Credits earned count toward the required credits in the division.

2. Enrollment Requirement: Students may enroll only if a professor is available to supervise their research.

3. Course Content and Evaluation: The course content is determined through consultation between the professor and the student. However, part of the evaluation must include a tangible outcome, such as an exam, term paper, or project presentation.

4. Credit Limit and Topic Restrictions: Each "Independent Study” is worth 2 credits. Students may earn up to 4 credits. Topics that closely resemble existing courses in the International Division or other departments are not permitted. The Associate Director of the Center for International Education will determine topic similarity.

5. Language of Instruction: The course may be conducted in any language, as long as the supervising professor has sufficient proficiency in that language. However, please be aware that finding faculty members who can supervise in languages other than Japanese is often very difficult and may not be available.

Required.
You are required to submit a request in a Word document, including 1. Self-introduction, 2. Research theme, and 3. Why and how you would like to conduct the research. Please note that registration is only accepted during the elective course registration period.