Navigating Waseda University's Syllabus Search: A Comprehensive Guide for Exchange Students

Waseda University, a prestigious institution in Japan, attracts numerous exchange students every year. A key aspect of preparing for your exchange program is understanding how to navigate Waseda's course offerings. This article provides a detailed guide to using the Waseda University syllabus search, with the goal of helping you build a fulfilling and academically sound study plan. The information provided will be useful for students of different levels, from those just starting to professionals.

Introduction

Planning to study abroad at Waseda University? One of the first crucial steps is familiarizing yourself with the courses available. Waseda's syllabus search tool is your primary resource for this, allowing you to explore the diverse academic opportunities offered at this renowned institution. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of using the syllabus search effectively, helping you make informed decisions about your course selection.

Understanding Credit Systems and Requirements

Before diving into the syllabus search, it's important to understand how credits work at Waseda and how they translate to your home university's system. At Waseda University, one credit is equivalent to 1.5 UO quarter credits. Therefore, to maintain full-time student status, it is generally needed to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad.

Options for Exchange Students

Exchange students at Waseda University typically have three main options for their academic focus:

School of International Liberal Studies (SILS): This is a popular choice for students who want to improve their Japanese language skills while also taking courses in English across various disciplines.
Center for Japanese Language (CJL): Ideal for students who want to focus primarily on increasing their Japanese language proficiency. All CJL courses are conducted in Japanese.
Other Departments (via English-Based or Japanese-Based Programs): Some departments offer coursework in English, while others require a high level of Japanese proficiency.

Choosing the Right School

When applying to Waseda's exchange program, you must apply to a particular School at Waseda, and each School differs in eligibility requirements, course offerings, and course restrictions. It is highly recommended to meet with the Japan Program Coordinator for advising on School selection.

Read also: Funding Your Studies at Waseda

School of International Liberal Studies (SILS): SILS is a good fit for students who want to take a combination of Japanese language classes (at any level) and courses that may be applicable to their major, minor, and/or bacc core/core ed requirements. SILS offers a large selection of courses in culture, history, political science, economics, literature & arts, and more. Students in SILS are required to take 6 credits of Japanese language courses and 8 credits of SILS lecture courses (intermediate/advanced ONLY, which is indicated by SP3 on the course list).
Center for Japanese Language (CJL): CJL is a good fit for students who have completed one year of Japanese language learning and want to focus primarily on increasing language proficiency. All CJL courses are conducted in Japanese. Students will take a placement exam, and IE3 Global will provide additional guidance on selecting the best fit level.

Navigating the Waseda Syllabus Search

The Waseda Syllabus Search is the primary tool for exploring available courses. Here's how to use it effectively:

Accessing the Syllabus Search: The syllabus search can be found on the Waseda University website.
Filtering by School: Scroll down to "School" and select either "School of Political Science/Econ" or "SILS," depending on your chosen school.
Understanding Course Levels: Syllabi found in the Waseda Syllabus Search 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 Lists: To access course lists for SILS and all other Schools, navigate to Undergraduate (English based Program). To access the list of Japanese language courses offered by CJL, navigate to Japanese Language Program. Each School manages its own course spreadsheet. Updated course lists are often not available until a couple of months before the semester begins.

Key Considerations for Course Selection

Course Restrictions: Aside from designated university open courses, students are expected to take all of their courses in the school that they apply to. When researching courses at Waseda, ensure that there is a sufficient number of courses of interest within the specific school that you are applying to in order to avoid disappointment.
Language Proficiency: If you’d like to apply for a department that is Japanese based, you will need to have previously taken the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and received a score of N1. If you have not taken the JLPT but have advanced proficiency in Japanese, you may submit a letter from a Japanese instructor verifying your language level, however, it is not guaranteed that the department at Waseda will accept the letter in place of the JLPT score. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take the JLPT prior to applying to a Japanese based department at Waseda.
Minimum Enrollment: In general, all students must be enrolled in a minimum of 10 hours of courses per week to comply with student visa requirements.
Course Levels: Course levels abroad do not necessarily correspond with course levels at OSU.
Study Plan: As part of your initial application, you will need to submit a detailed study plan. This will be reviewed by the School for screening purposes.
Registration Process: You will register after arriving at Waseda and will receive information on the registration process during on-site Orientation. Waseda uses a lottery system for registration.

Japanese Language Study

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).

Language instruction stresses the four skill areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. For additional credit, students can take an elective Language Development Workshop on topics such as aural-oral, kanji, literature and reading (for advanced students only), and writing.

Additional Resources

Waseda Exchange Program Overview: Learn about the Waseda University exchange program.
School of International Liberal Studies: Browse SILS courses- scroll down until you see "Course List."
School of Political Science and Economics: Explore PSE courses - scroll down until you see "Course List."
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.
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.

Academic and Cultural Norms in Japan

Japan's collectivist culture places a high value on punctuality, courtesy, and proper conduct. As an exchange student, it's crucial to be sensitive to these societal norms and values. Even learning a few basic Japanese greetings can foster more meaningful connections with the people you meet.

If you're unsure about appropriate behavior in Japan, research different facets of Japanese culture before arrival; observe how locals conduct their daily lives, and/or consult the Study Center. Japanese professors and acquaintances are unlikely to point out cultural missteps directly, but your actions will be noticed and can reflect on both you and the program.

Compared to the UC system, Japanese universities have a different academic culture. Japanese and other international students tend to be less focused on grades, and courses are often less structured; professors may not provide a detailed syllabus or might alter the content mid-term. However, classroom expectations are more formal. Attendance is mandatory, with tardiness often counting toward an absence.

In Japanese universities, professors typically do not provide detailed rubrics; provide feedback on written work, or return final exams. The grade you receive is generally considered sufficient feedback.

Extracurricular Activities

Waseda offers a rich extra-curricular life with over 700 student clubs and organizations to join. In addition to sports, social, and Japanese culture clubs and circles, Waseda University also has many volunteer opportunities for international students through the Hirayama Ikuo Volunteer Center. Some examples include:

Niji-no-Kai: An international circle that offers many cultural events year round such as mochi-tsuki, hanami, and watching fireworks.
Infinity: The juggling group at Waseda.
Waseda’s kendo club: The group meets for practice on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday.
Zazen-Kai: A meditation club.
Scarade: A photography circle.
Yama-no-Kai: A mountain climbing club.

Transferring Credits

Students should consult with their home campus advisor or off-campus studies officer for details on their college’s credit transfer policies, keeping in mind that there may be limits on the number of credits that may be transferred. The minimum semester course load at Waseda is 14; the maximum is 21. Students participating in the Cultural Internship earn an additional two credits.

Successfully Completing the Program

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.

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