Waseda University

Unique study opportunities

• Comparatively analyze challenges faced by ethnic, racial, and sexual minorities.
• Learn communication skills to navigate Japanese business settings.
• Study the teachings of Buddhist, Shinto, Christian, and other religious philosophies that have influenced the development of Japanese society.
• Analyze how the western world views the Japanese people and culture through state policies, literature, film, manga, and anime.

Language

Japanese Language Study: Required/Optional

Japanese language study is required for students in the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) and is available from beginning through advanced levels. Your minimum requirement depends on your language level determined by a language placement exam at the beginning of the program.

If you are enrolled in the School of Political Science and Economics (PSE) program, Japanese language study is optional.

Japanese language courses are offered by the Center for Japanese Language (CJL). All courses are taught in Japanese even at the beginner’s level, so if you are a true beginner, you are strongly encouraged to master Hiragana and Katakana before arrival in Japan.

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

• Take a full-time course of study: Minimum of 21 quarter/14 semester UC units per semester; usually 6 to 8 courses.
• You may take a maximum of 30 quarter/20 semester UC units per semester.
• You may take up to one-third (33%) of your courses per term for pass/no pass credit.
• You may take a maximum of 7 Waseda units, or 10.5 UC quarter units, of Japanese language per term.

Current Program Courses

Waseda University offers courses taught in English on East Asian and Asian studies in the areas of political science, journalism, art history, education, and industry. 

You may take courses through the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) or the School of Political Science and Economics (PSE). You will select one of these schools on your Waseda University application and will not be able to take coursework outside of that school with exception of Japanese language study or University-wide Open courses. Coursework in other schools or departments is not open to UCEAP students.

Syllabi found in the Waseda Syllabus Search (link below) can help you determine division. Review the category, eligible year, and level fields on the syllabi. For upper-division credit, look for courses listed as advanced subjects. Some intermediate courses may also be upper division. Expression and beginning categories are usually lower division.

Course registration occurs after arrival and you will attend classes prior to doing course registration.

Catalogs and resources

See the Waseda University school and courses resources:

• Waseda Exchange Program Overview: See the exchange brochure and view course lists.
• School of International Liberal Studies: Find out about SILS courses.
• School of Political Science and Economics: Find out about PSE courses.
• Japanese Language Study: Browse a current list of Japanese language courses with syllabi. At the top of the page, click on 'List of Japanese Language Courses' or 'Syllabi.' 
• University-wide Open courses: Learn more about courses, most of which are conducted in Japanese, that are open to all Waseda students.
• Syllabus Search: Input search criteria to find syllabi from previous courses.

More catalogs and resources:

• UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
• Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Japan's collectivist culture places a high value on punctuality, courtesy, and proper conduct. As an exchange student, it's crucial to be sensitive to these societal norms and values. To ensure a smooth and enriching experience in Japan, it's essential to prepare for the country's academic and cultural norms. Even learning a few basic Japanese greetings can foster more meaningful connections with the people you meet.

If you're unsure about appropriate behavior in Japan, research different facets of Japanese culture before arrival; observe how locals conduct their daily lives, and/or consult the Study Center. Japanese professors and acquaintances are unlikely to point out cultural missteps directly, but your actions will be noticed and can reflect on both you and the program. 

Compared to the UC system, Japanese universities have a different academic culture. Japanese and other international students tend to be less focused on grades, and courses are often less structured; professors may not provide a detailed syllabus or might alter the content mid-term. However, classroom expectations are more formal. Attendance is mandatory, with tardiness often counting toward an absence. The student-professor relationship is also more hierarchical, where professors are viewed as the ultimate authority and are seldom challenged. 

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Fall grades are usually available in late April. Spring grades are usually available in early October. Requests for early grades cannot be accommodated. If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process. 

In Japanese universities, professors typically do not provide detailed rubrics; provide feedback on written work, or return final exams. The grade you receive is generally considered sufficient feedback. Language courses are known to be more demanding than at UC and focus more on reading and writing, often with rigorous grading. 

Poor grades are often caused by tardiness, excessive absences, missed assignments, and a lack of communication with instructors. Attendance at all classes, field trips, and academic events is required and is often factored into your final grade, unless you are formally excused for a valid reason.