Japan Studies Finds a Home at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2010) –After years of creating their own major through the College of Arts and Sciences topical studies program, University of Kentucky students interested in Japanese studies can now call a major their own.

The Board of Trustees officially approved a Japan Studies major at its June meeting.  The board action formally established a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with a major in Japanese Language and Literature effective in the fall 2010 semester.

According to Program Director Doug Slaymaker, The Japan Foundation provided the linchpin for success in the form of two additional professors.

"The foundation has been great to us," Slaymaker said. "Kentucky has typically been underrepresented in this realm, but they've helped to start Japan Studies at UK, and now the major gives us an even stronger foundation for expansion."

Slaymaker joined UK 13 years ago and has seen interest in Asian studies grow exponentially. "Students have been clamoring for a Japanese major," he said. "We'll be able to provide a richer experience for students on campus."

In addition to two committed faculty, at least eight professors from other colleges and departments, including the College of Fine Arts, the College of Agriculture and College of Arts and Sciences will augment the program. "The major is interdisciplinary as well as intercollegial," said Slaymaker.

For the major,which will be housed in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures, students will study mainly language and literature, in addition to business, geography, film and economics. "UK's Japan Studies program will feature four years of language, which will facilitate study of Japanese culture within the department," said Slaymaker. "We are also hoping students will be attracted to a future teaching the language."

While senior Special Mack won't be able to take advantage of the major next year, she plans to encourage others who are interested in Japanese culture to do so.

"The new major will better serve students interested in studying and working abroad in both Japan and America," she said. "I'm glad to see more majors catering to students with an interest in the global community. The Japan Studies major will be a welcome addition to campus."

Senior Sarah Williamson has made many good friends from Japan through UK networks, attending local cultural events, as well as Japanese film and guest speaker events through the Japan/America Society of Kentucky (JASK).

"UK has allowed me to engage in conversation with Japanese wives seeking to improve their English language, at the same time helping me to improve my Japanese language skills," she said. "Many students have such an excitement for Japanese language and its culture. This major is a gateway to further their knowledge and increase opportunities, whether in Kentucky or Japan."

The Japan Foundation is Japan’s leading public organization. Through a broad range of programs in arts and culture, Japanese studies and Japanese language education, the foundation hopes to foster greater awareness and understanding of Japan in the U.S. and around the world.

For more information on UK's Japan Studies major, please contact Slaymaker at dslaym@uky.edu.