World Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Assistant Professor of Japanese and Japanese Studies (linguistics and second language acquisition)

Dr. Chisato Kojima is the section coordinator for Japanese Studies. She teaches basic Japanese language sequence from JAPN 101 to 202. She teaches Japanese culture courses focusing on (a) Japanese visual culture (i.e., anime, manga, and video games), (b) food culture, (c) Japanese clothing, as well as introductory linguistics course focusing on Japanese and other Asian languages in comparison with Indo-European languages. Most recently, Dr. Kojima led a May-Term travel course and took IWU students to Japan. The students engaged in workshops and studio observation to learn Japanese traditional craftpersonship. She leans on hands-on training and experiential learning in any course she offers.

Her research interests focus on second language phonological acquisition. Specifically, she is interested in how learners process sound contrasts that are not in their first language.

Chisato organizes and oversees the Japanese language sequence at IWU, ensuring continuity in curriculum and instruction across entry level and advanced Japanese courses; her grant supported course development led to the creation of LC 308: Digital Fashion Show, an initiative integrating visual, digital and cross cultural dimensions into Japanese Studies, a course that reflects her leadership in curriculum innovation and digital humanities within the department; she is among the core faculty associates of the International and Global Studies program, where she supports interdisciplinary global education and contributes to cross divisional initiatives.