MIRS: Japanese Studies Specialization

The Masters in International and Regional Studies (MIRS) Japanese studies specialization is designed for students with an interest in acquiring advanced proficiency in Japanese language in combination with a broad, multidisciplinary understanding of Japan, as well as training in graduate-level research and writing.

Anchored in the Center for Japanese Studies (CJS), the MIRS Japanese studies specialization draws on CJS’s depth in scholarship and research on Japan. CJS fosters communication among diverse disciplines, and encourages new approaches in the understanding of Japan and its place in the world.

See the MIRS Admissions page for more information.

Admissions

Advising

Funding

Curriculum (36 credits)

MIRS students will complete a total of 36 credits, distributed over at least two academic disciplines, at the 400-level or above. 27 of these credits are determined by the specialization. The remaining 9 credits are required for all MIRS students. MIRS requirements include two core courses and a graduate colloquium. In addition, MIRS students will have access to a graduate professional development workshop.

MIRS Requirements (9 credits)

Core Courses

Research Design Seminar: Students will sharpen critical thinking, analytical skills, research design, and writing strategies. (3 credits)
Capstone: To complete the program, students will dedicate effort to their capstone, either in research, coursework, or work experience related to their subplan. Select one of the below options: (4 credits)
- Master’s Thesis: research project supervised by a faculty member
- Additional Research Seminars: completion of graduate seminars with a substantial independent research component
- Practicum: internship or work experience related to the subplan combined with a related academic component

Graduate Colloquium

Students will participate in two semesters of engaged discussions covering topics of global significance, including programs (guest lectures and relevant events) and participation in moderated online and in-person discussions. (2 credits)

Japanese Studies Specialization Requirements (27 credits)

The intellectual objective of the Japanese studies specialization is to provide graduate students an opportunity to engage in intensive study and research on Japan on an interdisciplinary basis. The requirements are structured to provide maximum flexibility for students to pursue their own interests within Japanese studies.

Students must complete at least 27 credits in Japanese language and Japanese studies classes. Credit hours must include courses which meet the distribution and research/writing requirements.

Language Proficiency: Students must attain intermediate-level Japanese language proficiency. Students may meet this requirement by successfully completing ASIANLAN 326 (third-year Japanese II) with a grade of B or better, or by placing into a fourth-year Japanese class (ASIANLAN 425, 429, or 439). (up to 12 credits)
Research/Writing Requirement: Students must complete four core courses for at least 12 credit hours with a substantial research and writing component. (12 credits or more)
Distribution Requirement: Students must take courses from at least three disciplines for at least three credit hours each. These credits can also be used to fulfill the research/writing requirements. (9 credits or more)
Minimum Credit Requirement: Except for up to 12 credits of language classes, only courses approved for graduate credit may be used toward the Japanese studies specialization degree.

Students should consult with the CJS Director of Graduate Studies for a full explanation of the Japanese specialization requirements.

Sample Plan of Study:

MA: International and Regional Studies
Specialization: Japanese Studies (JS)
Capstone Project: Thesis

Year 1
FALL (9 credits)	Colloquium (required core class)	1
	Research Design (required core class)	2
	Law and Family in East Asia (Law)	3
	Fourth Year Japanese I	3
WINTER (9 credits)	Japan's Modern Transformation (History)	3
	Colloquium (required core class)	3
	Research Design (required core class)	1
	Fourth Year Japanese II	3
Year 2
FALL (9 credits)	Business in Asia (School of Business)	3
	Thesis Writing Capstone	3
	Transformations of the Post-War (Seminar in Japanese Studies)	3
WINTER (9 credits)	Modern Japanese Literature (ALC)	3
	Thesis Writing Capstone	3
	Practicum in Translation (Japanese Language)	3
Total Credits		36

Courses

MIRS Admissions, Advising, and Funding Information

For more information, contact MIRS-info@umich.edu.

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