Three Policies of the Asian and Middle Eastern History Field, Major in History, for the Ph.D. in History [Ph.D. (History)]

Based on the Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral Policy (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, our goal is to cultivate individuals who contribute to the field of history by publishing advanced and empirical research findings. These individuals will be fully equipped with an intrinsic, objective, and specialized perspective on the history, culture, and current state of the regions of Asia and the Middle East; advanced academic proficiency in languages specific to these regions and other languages necessary for conducting research; and broad knowledge of history and its related fields. In addition, the degree of Ph.D. in History [Ph.D. (History)] is conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation on the history of the regions of Asia and the Middle East and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in the history of the regions of Asia and the Middle East, possess comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and make a unique contribution to research in the field by disseminating findings internationally in one's native language and foreign languages.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to make a unique contribution to society as a researcher, educator, or practitioner with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills, by gaining deep insight into humanity, culture, and society through specialized research in the history of the regions of Asia and the Middle East, and by identifying significant problems and issues and conducting advanced research to resolve them.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying history within society, particularly the history of the regions of Asia and the Middle East, and to pursue the achievement of self-set goals and the resolution of social problems using appropriate methods.

The Asian and Middle Eastern History Field of the Major in History (Ph.D. program) at the Graduate School of Letters systematically designs a curriculum composed of Advanced Research and Advanced Seminar courses in Asian and Middle Eastern History to cultivate the qualities and abilities outlined in the "Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral Policy (Diploma Policy)."

Based on this curriculum design, education is implemented through a combination of the following methods.

(1) To enable students to write a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in various fields of Asian and Middle Eastern history, such as Chinese History and Middle Eastern and Islamic World History, students take Advanced Research or Advanced Seminar courses in Asian and Middle Eastern History taught by their academic advisor. The academic advisor also plays a central role in providing individual dissertation supervision to cultivate advanced research skills, the ability to identify research problems, and advanced writing and argumentation skills in the student's native language and relevant foreign languages.

(2) To cultivate the advanced research skills, ability to identify research problems, and advanced writing and argumentation skills in relevant foreign languages necessary for students to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues and make a unique contribution in their specialized field of Asian and Middle Eastern history, small-group, seminar-style courses conducted in the student's native language are offered. These courses can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and their completion is a requirement for graduation. Additionally, specific guidance is provided with the aim of having students present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

(3) Students are encouraged to study abroad by utilizing various programs offered by the Graduate School of Letters, the Keio University International Center, and other programs both within and outside the university. The Graduate School of Letters also provides financial assistance for study abroad through its own support systems.

(4) To allow for more flexible course registration, particularly for students studying abroad, all courses are offered on a semester basis.

(5) To enable more specialized research in the field of Asian and Middle Eastern history, a limited number of credits earned through formal study at an overseas graduate school may be approved for inclusion toward graduation requirements.

(6) To promote highly specialized research in Asian and Middle Eastern history among students in the Ph.D. program, a renowned overseas researcher in the field may be invited to serve as a co-advisor. This co-advisor provides dissertation supervision in collaboration with the student's academic advisor from the faculty of the Graduate School of Letters.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the competency and skill goals of the curriculum in the Field of Oriental History is conducted based on direct indicators, such as the grade evaluation criteria for each course, in line with the Juku-wide assessment plan. It is also evaluated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative, as well as direct and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys. Specifically, these include (1) course evaluations by students and (2) data on leaves of absence and withdrawals.

To obtain a Ph.D. in History [Ph.D. (History)], students must pass the qualifying examination for dissertation writing in accordance with the "Guidelines for Doctoral Degree Application and Dissertation Review" set by the Field of Oriental History, Major in History. Their doctoral dissertation must then be submitted to and accepted by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Subsequently, within one year, the dissertation is reviewed by a primary examiner and secondary examiners approved by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Based on the review report submitted to the committee, the dissertation must be approved by a vote of the members of the Graduate School of Letters Committee.

Competency and Skill Goal (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation on the history of regions in Asia and the Middle East and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the field.

→ Through Advanced Research in Oriental History courses, Advanced Seminar in Oriental History courses, and individual dissertation supervision, students will deepen the academic knowledge required for writing a doctoral dissertation in Oriental History and develop advanced research and academic writing skills.

Competency and Skill Goal (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in the history of regions in Asia and the Middle East, possess comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and make a unique contribution to research in the field by disseminating findings internationally in one's native language and foreign languages.

→ In Advanced Research in Oriental History courses and Advanced Seminar in Oriental History courses, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods in Oriental History at an advanced level and develop the language skills necessary to disseminate their research.

Competency and Skill Goal (3): The ability to make a unique contribution to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills. This is achieved by gaining deep insight into humanity, culture, and society through specialized research on the history of regions in Asia and the Middle East, as well as by identifying significant problems and issues and conducting advanced research to solve them.

→ By taking Advanced Research in Oriental History courses and Advanced Seminar in Oriental History courses, students will foster the ability to independently define their research and learning objectives and achieve them at an advanced level.

Competency and Skill Goal (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying history within society, particularly the history of regions in Asia and the Middle East, and to use appropriate methods to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems.

→ In addition to courses offered by the Graduate School of Letters, such as Advanced Research in Oriental History and Advanced Seminar in Oriental History, students are also able to take courses offered by other graduate schools, the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and The Keio Institute of Cultural and Linguistic Studies, as well as courses at other graduate schools affiliated with the Graduate School of Letters. This provides opportunities to deepen their understanding of the humanities and related scientific fields, with a focus on Oriental History.

(1) Possesses advanced specialized knowledge in the research area of Oriental History and related fields.

(2) Is able to independently conceive and formulate an original and concrete research plan in Oriental History that will lead to a doctoral dissertation, based on specialized research conducted during their master's program.

(3) Has acquired the analytical reading skills to read materials in various languages related to Oriental History accurately and critically, as well as academic writing skills.

(4) Is actively and concretely considering a career as a researcher, educator, or practitioner after completing the Ph.D. program in the Field of Oriental History, Major in History.

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

(1) General Entrance Examination

Selection is based on examinations in three subjects—a specialized subject, a designated language subject, and an elective language subject—and an oral examination. A high level of academic ability appropriate for the Field of Oriental History, Major in History, Graduate School of Letters is required.