Consistent with its tripartite mission of teaching, research,
and service, The University of Alabama (UA) established the Japan Program
in 1986. An administrative unit within Capstone International Academic Program, the Japan Program reports ultimately to the Associate Provost
for International Education and Global Outreach.
It is with a view to meeting the needs of those who wish to assume their places
as members of the international community in the 21st century that the Japan
Program has established its own three-part mission and objectives.
Its mission is:
1. To support, encourage, and facilitate the teaching of the
Japanese Language at The University of Alabama in cooperation with the College
of Arts and Sciences and its Critical languages Center (see also Japan
related courses).
2. To increase the number of UA students studying in Japan, through promotion
on the one hand and attractive opportunities on the other (see also Exchange
Programs and Institutional
Linkages).
3. To involve more UA faculty in Japan-focused research and teaching through
the creation of opportunities, incentives, and effective information and communication
systems (see also Research Projects).
4. To supplement and complement the information about Japan available to teachers
and students in local primary and secondary schools (see also The
Japan Culture and Information Center).
5. To raise the level of understanding among members of the University community
as well as local residents with regard to customs, practices, and policies
in Japan through a variety of programs and activities with accompanying media
coverage and exposure (see also The
Japan Culture and Information Center and The
Sakura Festival).
6. To cultivate and nurture relationships with universities and organizations
in Japan as well as Japan-focused agencies and entities in Alabama, the region,
and elsewhere in the U.S. (see also
Institutional Linkages).
7. To expand and strengthen Japan-focused course offerings in cooperation
with appropriate departments and divisions (see also Japan
Related Courses).
8. To increase further Japan-focused holdings in the UA libraries and to expand
the print and video library of the Japan
Culture and Information Center.