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 is a country where courtesy and behavioral propriety are extremely important in all social interactions. Be respectful toward teachers at all times and sensitive to the cultural styles and ethics of Japanese society.

Most locals and Japanese professors will avoid correcting unacceptable behavior. Follow the example set by the Japanese students. If you have questions about what is considered acceptable behavior in Japan, talk to the study center staff.

To be successful academically, you must take the initiative. Take personal responsibility for your education, formulate clear academic goals, and then pursue those goals with determination rather than depending solely on UC or host university requirements for direction. Japanese university courses typically have less structure than UC courses. Professors rarely provide syllabi and, even if they do, may change the content of the course during the term. Check with each professor about specific course requirements, paper deadlines, exam dates, and any other matters related to your academic responsibilities.

Beware of being influenced by the rigor—or lack thereof—with which Japanese students appear to be engaged in their studies. In contrast to UC students, Japanese students often place less emphasis on letter grades and more on merely passing their courses.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades are usually available in mid- to late September. All grades are released at the end of the year. Waseda University does not provide separate fall grades.

It is not the Japanese custom for instructors to give detailed comments on written work and final papers, and exams are not usually returned. The grade itself is generally considered appropriate and adequate feedback.

Grading is typically conducted by detracting points for errors, rather than rewarding points for correct work. If you experience difficulties with language courses, talk to the study center staff.

Some universities are similar to UC in their standards and grading system. Language courses in particular can be more demanding than at UC and the grading is often rigorous. In many cases, poor grades are the result of excessive absences, tardiness, missing assignments, and lack of communication between UC students and instructors. Class attendance is required unless you are explicitly excused for a valid reason. Many faculty members monitor and consider attendance in class, on field trips, and at academic events when determining the course grade.

Tip: 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.