Aim and Policies

Course of International Culture and Communication Studies, Graduate School of Letters

Aim in Human Resource Development and Other Educational and Research Aims

[Master’s Program]
(1) Objectives of Human Resources Development:
The program aims to develop human resources who have a vast knowledge of the advanced use of English and other languages and mastery of various analytic methods, and can play an important role as internationally effective, highly professional experts and highly educated persons with a deep understanding of a linguistically and culturally diverse society and the ability to adapt flexibly and practically to global society, in various fields, including the field of specialized education in linguistic communication and cultures around the world.

(2) Objectives of Education and Research: Knowledge and Skills Students Are Expected to Develop:
The program aims to allow students to acquire a deep understanding of communication based on their advanced and practical proficiency in English and other languages, the ability to address various issues, a deep understanding of and a strong education about Western and Asian cultures, and the ability to think philosophically, which will enable them to play an important role in a linguistically and culturally diverse global society, and practical research abilities.

[Doctoral Program]
(1) Objectives of Human Resources Development:
The program aims to develop practically effective human resources who have an advanced academic knowledge of communication and diverse cultures and a globally effective ability to conduct academic research, and can play an important role at international organizations or specialized education and research institutions in Japan and abroad, including universities and research institutes, where they can demonstrate those abilities.

(2) Objectives of Education and Research: Knowledge and Skills Students Are Expected to Develop:
The program aims to allow students to acquire a high level of globally effective, professional research abilities, and the practical ability to contribute to the development of global society, and cultural exchanges in Japan and abroad. 

 

Policy for Completion Certification, Degree Conferment (Diploma Policy)

[Master’s Program]
A master’s degree is awarded to the applicants who have the following qualities and abilities, meet the requirements in the designated term of study, the number of credits, etc., and have passed a master’s thesis or research results on a specific subject (the research paper on a specific subject), and the final exam.

(1) Specialized knowledge of and proficiency in communication in a multilingual environment centered on English

(2) Specialized knowledge and a good understanding of diverse cultures including Western and Japanese history, literature and culture, a high motivation to explore their own culture and other cultures, and the ability to think flexibly from a philosophical perspective

(3) Problem-solving abilities that allow them to be effective at the forefront of global society, including at educational institutions, companies and other organizations

(4) Ability to continue conducting original research that can contribute to society, following their own research plan

[Doctoral Program]
A doctoral degree is awarded to the applicants who have the following qualities and abilities, meet the requirements in the designated term of study, the number of credits, etc., and have passed a doctoral thesis review and the final exam.

(1) An advanced level of specialized knowledge on multiple languages, including English as a core language

(2) An advanced level of specialized knowledge and deep insight regarding history, literature, culture, and social issues in a multilingual and multicultural global society

(3) High-level language proficiency that can help the applicant play an important role at educational or research institutions engaged in verbal communication and global cultural studies, including ability in translation and/or interpretation

(4) Great ability for the kind of analysis that is necessary for linguistic studies and cultural studies

(5) Research and education ability of the kind necessary to work at global research and educational institutions in Japan and abroad, and a high level of practical ability to contribute to cultural exchange and international joint research in a global society

 

Policy for Curriculum Development and Implementation (Curriculum Policy)

[Master’s Program]
(1) Curriculum Development / Educational Content and Methods
To carry out the diploma policy, the program offers a systematically designed curriculum that appropriately combines course work and research work. For course work, the curriculum comprises an efficient configuration of seminar courses and lecture courses in two fields: language communication and international culture. The courses in the language communication field, including courses in linguistics and communicology, aim to allow students to enhance their English and multilingual proficiency, their understanding of communication, and their abilities to respond to challenges and to conduct specialized linguistic educational and research activities, including English or Japanese education. The courses in the intercultural studies field aim to allow students to learn about the literature and history of English-, German-, and French-speaking areas, Japan, Asia, and other regions, as well as various cultural phenomena, to acquire knowledge and a good understanding of cultural diversity, and to enhance their scientific and rational ability to consider and resolve cultural, historical, social, or science and technology related challenges in the increasingly complicated global society. The Course of International Culture and Communication Studies requires students to take courses in both the fields of language communication and international culture, in order to guide students to learn about both academic fields in a comprehensive and systematic way and then to deepen their own learning from the perspective of their own specialized field. In research advising, importance is placed on individualized advising in line with each student’s research subject. Students receive advising on how to define research policy and questions, conduct analysis, present their research findings, and write academic papers.

(2) Evaluation of Academic Grades
Students’ academic grades are assessed using the following elements and methods while ensuring a satisfactory level of objectivity and strictness.
① Students’ academic achievement in courses is assessed by the course instructors according to prescribed grading criteria with methods that are shown in the course syllabuses.
② Concerning research advising, levels in their research processes are assessed by an organization formed by research advisers and other faculty members belonging to this course through the thesis report meeting, etc., based on the prescribed research advising plan.
③ Students’ master’s theses are assessed according to the prescribed thesis review criteria under the prescribed review system. 

[Doctoral Program]
(1) Curriculum Development / Educational Content and Methods
To carry out the diploma policy, the program offers a systematically designed curriculum that appropriately combines course work and research work. For course work, the curriculum comprises a configuration of courses in the fields of language communication and international culture. The courses deal with the latest research subjects, theories, and methods, so that students will be able to deepen research in their own specialized field and acquire a high level of specialized ability to take practical action. In research advising, importance is placed on individualized advising in line with each student’s research theme. Students receive advanced and specialized advising on how to define research policy and questions, conduct analysis, present their research findings, and write academic papers.

(2) Evaluation of Academic Grades
Students’ academic grades are assessed using the following elements and methods while ensuring a satisfactory level of objectivity and strictness.
① Students’ academic achievement in courses is assessed by the course instructors according to prescribed grading criteria with methods that are shown in the course syllabuses.
② Concerning research advising, students’ achievement levels in their research processes are assessed by an organization formed by research advisers and other faculty members belonging
to this course through the thesis report meeting, etc., based on the prescribed research advising plan.
③ Students’ doctoral theses are assessed according to the prescribed thesis review criteria under the prescribed review system.

 

Admissions Policy

[Master’s Program]
The course administers various forms of entrance exams that match various types of applicants, and
admits applicants who demonstrate the following qualities and abilities through a written exam, an
interview, a document screening, etc.
(1) A basic level of proficiency in English and other non-Japanese languages, and the motivation to further increase their language proficiency

(2) Basic knowledge of linguistic and cultural diversity and the motivation to further explore that issue.

(3) Ability to adapt actively and flexibly to the international community to play an important role therein

[Doctoral Program]
The course administers various forms of entrance exams that match various types of applicants, and admits applicants who demonstrate the following qualities and abilities through a written exam, an interview, a document screening, etc.
(1) Advanced ability to use languages other than Japanese to read and comprehend text, orally communicate, use expressions, think, and perform other tasks

(2) Specialized knowledge and understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity

(3) Abilities to conduct research independently and to take practical action, both of which are useful for playing an important role in the international community