
Matthew Nidiffer
B.A. Modern Languages - Japanese
Clemson University Class of '24
01 About Me

English
日本語
Welcome to my eDossier! Here, you will find my coursework and study abroad history, resumes in both English and Japanese, an introductory video showcasing my proficiency in Japanese, as well as a portfolio of my photography projects in Japan. I am excited to share my passion for Japanese language and culture with the world. Explore this site to learn more about my background, experiences, and future plans!
私のウェブサイトへようこそ!ここでは、私のコースワークや留学歴、英語と日本語の履歴書、流暢な日本語を紹介する自己紹介ビデオ、日本での写真プロジェクトのポートフォリオをご覧いただけます。日本語と日本文化への情熱を世界と分かち合えることに興奮しています。私の経歴、経験、将来の計画については、このサイトをご覧ください!
02 Education and Coursework
Clemson University
JAPN 1010/1020 - Elementary Japanese
Beginner-level Japanese Course. Emphasis on learning hiragana, katakana, and some kanji as well as building a foundation for Japanese grammar points and sentence structure. Coursework is in Japanese and English.
JAPN 4060 - Intro to Japanese Literature
Advanced Japanese language course in which Japanese literary works are read in Japanese, then translated into English and discussed. Also consists of a self-directed translation of a selection of Japanese literature that was then presented and discussed. Discussions are in Japanese and English.
LANG 3000 - Introduction to Linguistics and Foreign Language Learning
Introduction to the field of linguistics, including the study of phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Includes discussion of issues pertaining to foreign language acquisition.
JAPN 2010/2020 - Intermediate Japanese
Intermediate-level Japanese language course. Emphasis on grammar structure, conversation, and kanji memorization. The beginnings of casual Japanese are offered. All coursework is in Japanese.
JAPN 4010 - Japanese Literature in Translation
An introduction to Japanese literature dating from 712 CE to present. Discussions are in English. The main focus of this course is to cultivate an appreciation of Japanese culture from a literary standpoint. All literary works have been translated into English to foster a deep understanding of the content and to convey the deeper meaning of each individual author's work.
ANTH/LANG 3710 - Language and Culture
Surveys key topics, theories, and methodological approaches in linguistic anthropology. Examines the complex relationships among language, culture, and communicative behavior and provides students with conceptual tools that inform the study of language in its cultural contexts.
JAPN 3050/3060 - Japanese Conversation and Composition
Intermediate/Advanced Japanese language. Emphasis on conversation and composition in Japanese as well as complex grammar structures. All coursework is in Japanese.
JAPN 3160 - Japanese for International Business
Spoken and written Japanese common to the Japanese-speaking world of business and industry emphasizing business practices and writing and translating business letters and professional reports. All coursework is in Japanese.
JAPN 4560 - Japanese Film
Explores cultural and literary aspects of Japanese film. Emphasis is on important developments in Japanese film styles, thematic aspects of film, interrelationships between Western filmmaking and Japanese filmmaking, and global development of Japanese media, especially animation. Taught in English.
関西大学
Intensive Japanese Language and Culture 2A
Intermediate Japanese language and culture course designed to integrate conversation in Japanese with Japanese students as well as a final presentation in Japanese. Focus on Japanese culture including a furoshiki class, a tour through a ninja museum, and an origami class. All coursework is in Japanese.
明治学院大学
Intensive Japanese Language 3A
Advanced-level Japanese course focused on complex conversations, full essay writing, and creating and presenting original content gathered by interviewing Japanese students. All coursework is in Japanese.
Modern East Asian History
An overview of East Asian History from the 1800's, shifting to modern day. Studies include Chinese, Korean, and Japanese histories and focuses on the interactions, conflicts, and cultural mixing between the three countries throughout the Modern Area.
Contemporary Japanese Society
An anthropological course that delves into modern Japanese society and its many facets. Topics of note included "nihonjinron", Japan's declining birthrate, the Japanese political system, and Japan's influence on pop culture globally.
Environmental Politics of Japan and Southeast Asia
A focus on Japan`s Environment and Energy Policies, especially its policies toward renewable energy. From a comparative perspective alongside other East Asian nations and Northern Europe, it analyzes Japan's role in global climate negotiations and its policies toward renewable energy in the context of its traditional reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power.
03 Resumes
04 Photography Portfolio




If you have any questions or would like to learn more about me or my eDossier, please don't hesitate to contact me at matt.nidiffer@gmail.com