Program details

The honours program in Japanese Studies comprises 50 per cent coursework and 50 per cent research thesis. Coursework is made up of three Master’s level units of study that are assigned internally in consultation with the Honours coordinator. Students enroll in JPNS 4011, JPNS 4012, JPNS 4013, and JPNS 4014. These are generic shell units of study that do not correspond specifically to any unit of study because only a single final result is reported at the end of the program.

Thesis research is carried out throughout the year under the dedicated guidance of a thesis supervisor. Identifying a thesis supervisor should be done before or at the very start of the honours year.

Acceptance into Honours in Japanese Studies requires approval of the Japanese Studies department. The minimum prerequisite is 48 senior credit points with a Credit average or better in the Japanese Studies major as well as successful completion of ASNS 3690, Approaches to Research in Asian Studies. Among the 48 credit points, students may include one senior Japan-related Asian Studies unit of study.

The thesis is a work of original scholarship between 15,000 and 20,000 words in length on a topic chosen and designed in consultation with the thesis supervisor.

During the first semester students generally conduct a review of literature in the field(s) of their chosen topic, carry out a bibliographical search for appropriate sources, determine their conceptual and methodological approach, and write a thesis proposal. At least one workshop will be held to give students an opportunity to present their topics, give a progress report, and receive advice and feedback from other students and academics.

Substantial research and writing should begin by the start of the second semester. A first draft of all chapters should be completed by the beginning of September. This allows about a month for revising and completing the thesis by the final due date, usually in early October.

Students who expect to fulfill the prerequisites should consult with the honours coordinator or other academics in the department regarding who might be a suitable thesis supervisor based on the proposed thesis topic. After consulting with a prospective advisor and receiving his or her approval, a prospective student should enroll in honours through the Arts faculty.

All honours applicants for Japanese Studies will automatically be considered for a departmental scholarship. No filing is necessary and successful candidates will be notified by the honours coordinator. Students should access here to find information on university scholarships for honours.