The Three Policies of Major in Sociology

Based on the Policy on Degree Conferral and degree conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University University, the program aims to cultivate fundamental research abilities in sociology and the skills necessary for professions requiring specialized knowledge, with the goal of developing researchers and specialized professionals. In addition, a Master of Arts (Sociology) degree is conferred upon students who fulfill the prescribed requirements stipulated in the curriculum.

(1) Acquisition of specialized knowledge in sociology

(2) Acquisition of research and analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative social research

(3) Acquisition of the ability to utilize broad, interdisciplinary knowledge applicable to related fields

(4) Acquisition of the qualities to make ongoing social and international contributions

To cultivate the qualities and abilities outlined in the "Policy on Degree Conferral and degree conferral (Diploma Policy)," the Major in Sociology (Master's Program) of the Graduate School of Human Relations has systematically organized a curriculum consisting of four fields: Sociology, Cultural Anthropology and Folklore, Communication/Mass Communication Studies, and Social Psychology. In each of these fields, lectures and seminars are primarily conducted by faculty members of the Graduate School of Human Relations. Furthermore, to address the latest topics and current state of related academic disciplines, lecture courses are offered annually by renowned researchers from Japan and abroad, who serve as part-time lecturers and Guest Professor (Part-time).

Under this curriculum, education is conducted by combining methods such as lectures, discussions based on literature reviews, and examinations of empirical data and theories on research topics that incorporate fieldwork.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through the curriculum of the Graduate School of Human Relations Major in Sociology is based on the assessment plan for the entire Juku. This assessment is conducted using direct indicators based on the grading criteria for each course, as well as a combination of quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various surveys and questionnaires.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): Acquisition of Specialized Knowledge in Sociology

Lecture courses aim to provide students with specialized knowledge of research trends, theories, and methodologies in various fields of sociology.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): Acquisition of Research and Analytical Skills for Qualitative and Quantitative Social Surveys

Research methodology and seminar courses aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills for conducting social surveys and analyzing documentary materials, which are necessary for carrying out research in various fields of sociology.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): Acquisition of the Ability to Apply Broad Knowledge and Connect with Related Fields in an Interdisciplinary Manner

To encourage interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of the four fields, a high degree of flexibility in course selection is offered. This aims to help students acquire broad knowledge and the ability to apply it through collaboration among the various fields.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): Acquisition of Qualities to Contribute Socially and Internationally in the Future

To provide opportunities to access the latest topics in each field, lecture courses featuring renowned researchers from Japan and abroad are offered. Through presentations of the latest research findings and discussions, these courses aim to foster the qualities and abilities necessary to contribute socially and internationally.

(1) Students who possess foundational academic abilities in the specialized field of sociology.

(2) Students who have a proactive attitude toward research based on a clear awareness of specific issues.

(3) Students who possess Japanese and foreign language proficiency suitable for conducting academic research.

(4) Students who can respect research ethics while conducting their research.

(5) Students who are motivated to contribute their academic research findings back to society through professions that require specialized expertise.

To admit a wide range of such applicants, a selection process is conducted through a general entrance examination.

(1) General Entrance Examination

The first-stage examination consists of a written test to assess English language proficiency suitable for conducting research activities and an essay examination to assess specialized knowledge in sociology. (The English examination is waived for applicants who have completed or are expected to complete the Master's Program in the Graduate School of Human Relations at this university's graduate school.) The second-stage examination is an oral examination to assess the applicant's ability to formulate research questions, develop a research plan, and conduct research within the Doctoral Programs.

Based on the Diploma Policy of Keio University University, the goal is to cultivate researchers who can play a leading role in the international community with a high level of insight, as well as professionals with advanced expertise. This is achieved by fostering academic knowledge with deep expertise and broad interdisciplinarity, thereby developing the outstanding research capabilities and rich foundational scholarship necessary for students to conduct research independently as sociologists and to engage in other highly specialized professions. In addition, the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology is conferred upon students who fulfill the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

(1) To acquire advanced specialized knowledge in sociology and to create and publish new findings.

(2) To acquire advanced research and analysis skills in qualitative and quantitative social research to be able to conduct research independently.

(3) To acquire the advanced ability to apply a broad range of knowledge applicable to related interdisciplinary fields, enabling collaboration within the research community.

(4) To acquire the advanced qualities needed to make future social and international contributions and to be able to apply them in practice.

(5) To acquire the advanced and specialized qualities required to mentor and supervise junior researchers and highly skilled professionals.

The Graduate School of Human RelationsMajor in Sociology (Ph.D. program) systematically organizes a curriculum composed of four fields—sociology, cultural anthropology and folklore studies, communication/mass communication studies, and social psychology—to cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the Diploma Policy. In each field, advanced lectures and seminars are conducted, centered on Graduate School of Human Relations committee members. Lecture courses by renowned domestic and international researchers and Guest Professor (Part-time) are also offered to cover the latest topics and the current state of related academic fields.

Based on this curriculum structure, advanced education is implemented by combining pedagogical methods such as lectures, discussions based on literature readings, and the analysis of empirical data and theories on research topics that incorporate fieldwork.

Under the assessment plan for the entire Juku, learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through the Graduate School of Human RelationsMajor in Sociology curriculum are evaluated. This evaluation is based on direct indicators, such as the grading criteria for each course, as well as a combination of quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys.

Objective for Qualities and Competencies (1): To acquire advanced specialized knowledge in sociology and to create and publish new findings.

In lecture courses, the aim is for students to acquire advanced specialized knowledge of research trends, theories, and methodologies in various fields of sociology.

Objective for Qualities and Competencies (2): To acquire advanced research and analysis skills in qualitative and quantitative social research to conduct research independently.

In courses on research methodology and in seminars, the aim is for students to acquire the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research in various fields of sociology, including the analysis of social surveys and documentary materials.

Qualities and Competencies Goal (3): To acquire the ability to apply a broad range of knowledge that can be connected to related interdisciplinary fields and to be able to collaborate within the research community.

To encourage interdisciplinary research that transcends the boundaries of the four fields, we provide a high degree of freedom in course selection, aiming for students to acquire advanced, broad knowledge and the ability to apply it through collaboration among the various fields.

Qualities and Competencies Goal (4): To acquire advanced qualities that enable lifelong social and international contributions and to be able to utilize them in practice.

To ensure opportunities to access the latest topics in each field, we have established lecture courses featuring renowned researchers from Japan and abroad. Through presentations of the latest research findings and discussions, we aim for students to acquire the advanced qualities and competencies to contribute socially and internationally.

Qualities and Competencies Goal (5): To acquire the advanced and specialized qualities for mentoring and supervising future generations of researchers and highly skilled professionals.

To cultivate the abilities suitable for mentoring and supervising future generations of researchers and highly skilled professionals, we continuously conduct peer reviews of research proposals, academic papers, and research presentations within the special research projects established in each field. Through this, we aim for students to acquire the advanced and specialized skills necessary for providing appropriate guidance to those who follow.

(1) Students who possess the advanced specialized academic skills necessary to conduct research in sociology.

(2) Students who have a clear research topic related to sociology.

(3) Students who possess the academic language proficiency suitable for conducting scholarly research.

(4) Students who can respect research ethics in the conduct of their research.

(5) Students who are motivated to contribute their academic research findings back to society through professions that require a high level of expertise.

To broadly accept applicants with these qualities, we conduct a selection process through a general entrance examination.

(1) General Entrance Examination

The first-stage examination consists of a written examination to assess English language proficiency appropriate for conducting research activities and a thesis review to evaluate specialized knowledge in sociology. (Applicants who have completed or are expected to complete the master's program in Graduate School of Human Relations at this university's graduate school are exempt from the English examination.) The second-stage examination is an oral examination to assess the applicant's ability to define a research topic, formulate a research plan, and execute research in Doctoral Programs.