This certificate benefits students who are interested in learning about and effectively interacting with Japanese culture and society. Completion of the certificate provides students with a solid introduction to Japanese language skills and culture. Students take the required language courses in the given sequence and choose an elective to emphasize either conversational skills in Japanese or advanced cultural competency in English. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to communicate in the Japanese language at the Intermediate Mid level of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) and N4 level of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test), demonstrate awareness and appreciation of cultural differences of Japanese speaking communities in comparison to their own culture and the dominant culture of the United States.