Abstract:

In 2019 Department of Japanese Studies launched a series of initiatives designed to investigate the current status of Japanology as it is found on academic level; to analyze both teachers' and students' needs; to create a vision for its own future development in the context of highly competitive philological environment, dynamic geopolitical conditions and serious economic challenges.

By means of questionnaire surveys, interviews, wide range of project-related activities, comparative analysis and field studies we aim at obtaining a picture of educational aspects of Japanese studies in Bulgaria, as well as to clarify immediate tasks which academic education needs to urgently deal with in order to provide high-quality philological education, as well as to maintain a strong presence in the academic field on national and international levels alike.

Acknowledgements: Within the frame of the research project “Identifying Challenges to Foreign Language Education and Designing a Strategy for Future Development of Japanese Studies at Sofia University” (Project №80-10-117/ 15.04.2019 carried out at Sofia University, with the financial support of the Academic Research Fund).

Keywords:

Academic projects, high-quality education, education, dialogue, collaboration, students` needs, teachers` needs.