Outline（The Division of Comparative Literature and Cultures）

28.03.2016 Update

Outline

Global political and economic changes in recent years, in addition to rapid changes in information transmission, have changed the way humans, society, and culture exist in this world. On one hand, there is diversification and individualization, and on the other hand, there is more uniformity and standardization. Such changes call urgently for the reevaluation of the existing notions of "humans", "society", and "culture", as well as for the intertwining of fields in modern learning and the creation of new academic fields.

In view of this situation, Comparative Studies of Societies and Cultures first encourages a firm grasp of specialized knowledge in an existing field of study in human cultures and society. The graduate division aims to foster women scholars who will utilize such specialized knowledge to lead a globalizing modern society in aspects of philosophy and culture, and who will be able through highly interdisciplinary, comprehensive and international research to contribute to new international cooperative efforts based on multicultural understandings. Thus far, the graduate division has seen excellent results of education and research by international students from Asia, and hopes to strengthen educational and research efforts with Western and other international institutions to create an Asian center of information targeting Asia.

The Comparative Studies of Societies and Cultures graduate division has regrouped the nine departments in the master's program into four areas of study. The doctoral program is in coordination with the master's program and strives to provide a consistent learning environment for deepening the specialized knowledge required for highly comprehensive research and for fostering creative interdisciplinary skills. The advisor system, in which faculty of multiple related fields are involved in the teaching process, and the new minor system implemented in the 2005 school year (currently "Resources of Equal Participation of Men and Women" and "Cultural Management" are underway) helps to break down the walls between specialized fields. In terms of educational organization, too, the division aims to broaden the academic interests of students and encourage independent and self-reliant research attitudes.

The division fully supports students who wish to receive doctorates early. Students will be provided a variety of international learning opportunities through cooperation with universities abroad and in international symposia held by the University and affiliated organizations.

The Comparative Studies of Societies and Cultures graduate division will offer four areas of study: Japanese Studies in a Global Perspective; Language, Literature and Culture; Comparative Social Studies; and Arts and Representational Studies.

Department of Japanese Studies in a Global Perspective

Japanese Studies in a Global Perspective is the university's designated area of strategic research and education. The department supports internationally diverse current trends in graduate school education in the area of Japanese studies through comprehensive studies of literature, linguistics, history, archaeology, philosophy, culture, and body theory. The department aims to foster scholars of Japanese studies active in the worldwide dissemination of information and to develop into an internationally acclaimed center for Japanese studies.

Department of Language, Literature and Culture

Language, Literature and Culture targets the literature, cultural expressions, and critical study of the Chinese-speaking world, English-speaking world, French-speaking world, and German-speaking world, in addition to linguistics and language education theories including Japanese language education. Students will deepen their knowledge of the literature and language of their concentration and simultaneously acquire a research attitude that encompasses other languages and fields. The course aims to foster women specialists who are able, from the point of international cooperation, to develop and advise on modern cultural and critical functions affected by languages.

Department of Comparative Social Studies

In Comparative Social Studies, topics ranging from philosophy, thought, history, and sports are discussed for a comparative and interactive research of Japan and Asian, Western, and Islamic areas. The course aims to foster women committed to the realization of equality and freedom, with the ability to consider existent philosophies and histories in the process of creating a new humanities required by modern society.

Department of Arts and Representational Studies

Arts and Representational Studies is the specialized and interdisciplinary research and teaching of cultural expressions focusing on art and design, fashion, culture theory, dance, music, and museology. In particular, there will be emphasis on the integration of theory and application in dance and music. Students will develop the skills to utilize culture as a powerful medium for deepening human understanding and promoting international cooperation.