Japanese Studies

The Japanese Studies section of the Department of East Asian Studies is the only academic institution in Slovakia where it is possible to study the Japanese language. However, Japanese studies in Slovakia do not have a long history.  In 1986 the first cycle of students of the Japanese language started their studies. Japanese was studied in combination with English and the study program was aimed at future translators and interpreters. In 1993 along with the second cycle of students, the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures was founded and soon afterwards it moved into a newly equipped modern language laboratory which was donated by the Japanese government. At that time the department started to offer a 6-year M.A. program.

At the B.A. level students focus on modern Japanese (spoken and written) and on mastering approximately 1500 characters. They also acquire basic knowledge from business communication, professional communication as well as Eastern philosophy, contemporary Japanese society and topics related to the Japanese culture and mind. Students are also offered courses on nonverbal communication and intercultural communication focused at various aspects and problems of communication with foreigners. 

At the M.A. level students deepen their knowledge of the language, master the jooyoo kanji, learn academic Japanese for presentations and papers, and have a choice of various subjects related to the Japanese culture, society, literature, history, etc.

The staff of the Japanese Studies program: Ms. Hana Bogdanová, M.A. Ms. Jana Urbanová, Ph.D., Mr. František Paulovič, PhD. and  Ms. Lena Králiková Hashimoto, M.A.

The student exchange with Japanese universities is supported by university-level contracts with the Waseda University and the Shizuoka University and a faculty-level contract with the Ferris University in Yokohama.

 

The department has a library with approximately 3500 volumes mainly in Japanese and English covering various topics of Japanese studies and intercultural communication. Most of these books have been donated by the Japan Foundation.