Academics
In the beginning the program was exclusively an academic year program for Japanese; however, as it became apparent that this resulted in smaller class sizes, the administration expanded the program to allow students to choose to stay for only a semester.
Today JCMU typically has six academic programs throughout the year: the single semester program, the academic year program, the environmental sciences program, the May short program, the summer program, and the English language program for locals.
The main focus of the curriculum is intensive language study. It is loosely based on the curriculum at Michigan State University, although the professors take considerable freedom in adapting it to the needs of the facility. Students learn what they would normally learn in two semesters at Michigan State University in just one semester. During the summer, this is the only course that is offered as the summer term is a mere eight weeks. During the two-week-long May short program, language courses are not offered at all but instead courses on specialized topics are offered, unique to each year.
While additional courses vary by the semester depending on the visiting professors, they have been known to include classes on culture, film, art, economics, religion and environmental science.
Other opportunities for students include staying with host families in the area, field trips, and the ability to do internships concurrently with the regular courseload.
Read more about this topic: Japan Center For Michigan Universities
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