Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities and Social Science

The program at International Christian University (ICU) provides courses taught in English or Japanese or Japanese language study. The bilingual campus is ideal for students with limited or no Japanese language ability who need courses taught in English.

Unique study opportunities

  • Learn to identify and confront current assumptions about Japan in the modern world with a certificate program focused entirely on Japan.
  • Internships, independent research, and volunteer opportunities can be arranged independently.

Language

Language of Instruction: English, Japanese

Language Study: Optional

Intensive ​Japanese language study is available from beginning through advanced levels. Students enrolling in Japanese language take a language placement exam at the beginning of the term.

If you are a novice to Japanese language, ICU strongly recommends you learn  the basic scripts of Hiragana and Katakana before starting language courses.
 

Courses and credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Minimum of 15 quarter/10 semester UC units. The number of courses will vary depending on units for each course, for example:
    • Most Japanese studies courses are 4 quarter UC units.
    • Intensive Japanese language courses are 10-12 quarter UC units.
    • Other courses are 2.5 to 4 quarter UC units.
  • You may take up to one-third of your courses pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

ICU coursework taught in English is available in humanities and social sciences. Strong fields include Japanese literature, linguistics, history, art history, and international relations. Of special note are Japanese area studies, with courses in art history, communication, cultural studies, media, sociology, history, politics, and society. Courses taught in Japanese are available in most fields. ICU science courses are taught in Japanese.

Catalogs and resources

  • ICU Courses and Syllabi: Find courses taught in English or Japanese. Refer to the Course Search Guide video for a tutorial on how to navigate the ICU course catalog.
  • ICU Japanese Language Programs: Review course information for ICU's Japanese language courses.
  • 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 mid-December to early January. Winter grades are usually available in late April. Final grades for the spring and year programs are usually available in early August. 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.