Study in Kyoto Program
Intensive Japanese Language Track

Intensive Japanese Language Courses
Language courses in the Intensive Japanese Language Track (IJL) are designed to develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as socio-cultural awareness associated with the use of the Japanese language. Courses are divided into five levels of difficulty (upper elementary to advanced) in order to accommodate the varying strengths and weaknesses of different students.

Students placed within the IJL Track must take 12 hours of Japanese language courses per week, broken down into three core courses: Comprehensive Japanese, Japanese Listening and Speaking, and Japanese Studies. Japanese Studies is a lecture and discussion course designed to provide students with a solid understanding of Japanese culture and society.

Students enrolled in the IJL Track may also take courses offered in English through the Japan and World Perspectives Track.

Placement Test
A placement test is conducted during orientation at the beginning of each semester to determine the Japanese language proficiency and class placement of each student. Students who display a high level of Japanese proficiency (i.e. above IJL Advanced Level) are placed in Japanese language courses intended for degree international students.

Courses for Seiki Students
Students who have passed Level 1 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test and demonstrate a level of proficiency equivalent to degree-seeking international students on the initial placement exam at RU will be designated as “Seiki” students. Seiki students will be assigned to Japanese language courses designed for degree-seeking international students, which include Grammar and Writing Expression, Reading and Vocabulary, Listening and Speaking Expression, and other supplemental Japanese language courses depending on seat availability. These courses are held once a week, equaling one credit per semester, per course.

In addition to Japanese language courses, Seiki students may also take Japanese Studies Courses (subject courses taught in slightly simplified Japanese). These courses include Japanese Linguistics, Japanese Politics, and Japanese Culture and are held once a week, equaling two credits per semester, per course.

Taking Regular University Courses
Seiki students may also enroll in regular undergraduate and graduate courses taught in Japanese, subject to the approval of course professors. Exceptions are highly specialized courses, seminar courses, and language courses other than Japanese.

Introduction to Ritsumeikan Faculties
During the Program, students enroll in one of the following faculties related to their chosen field of study.  Click here to find out more

Admission Requirements for the IJL Track
To be eligible to enroll in the Study in Kyoto Program Intensive Japanese Language Track, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Have completed at least 200 hours of Japanese language study at the college level
2. Show a mastery of TE-form and plain-form verbs
3. Show a mastery of hiragana and katakana
4. Possess knowledge of approximately 100 kanji characters and 800 words
Students enrolled in this track may elect to take Japan and World Perspectives courses as well. However, non-native speakers of English who wish to enroll in Japan and World Perspectives courses must have a minimum TOEFL score of 520 or its equivalent.