noun
Japanese language (school subject)
Refers specifically to the subject taught in Japanese schools, covering reading, writing, and literature in Japanese.
小学校の国語科では、漢字や作文を学びます。
In elementary school Japanese language class, we learn kanji and composition.
英語科 is the English language subject; 国語科 is the Japanese language subject.
Compound of 国語 (Japanese language) and 科 (subject, department).