Three Policies of the Major in Chinese Literature for the Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)]

Based on the Diploma Policy (Policy on Program Completion and degree conferral) of the Graduate School of Letters at Keio University, the goal is to cultivate in students the ability to possess advanced specialized knowledge and disseminate original research findings internationally in their chosen research area of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature. In addition, the Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)] will be conferred on students who meet the prescribed requirements stipulated in the curriculum.

Competency and Ability Goal (1): The ability to possess advanced specialized knowledge in one's chosen research area of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature, and to conduct specialized and original research activities and present their findings using both Japanese and Chinese.

Competency and Ability Goal (2): The ability to deeply understand the historical and cultural characteristics of the Chinese-speaking world, acquire analytical and investigative methods for the advancement of empirical and scientific research, and propose directions for problem-solving supported by this understanding and these methods.

Competency and Ability Goal (3): The ability to be well-versed in the latest trends and issues in the research area of one's doctoral dissertation and to make international contributions to future research and education in that field.

Competency and Ability Goal (4): The ability to recognize the significance of studying the humanities in society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

To cultivate the competencies and abilities set forth in its Diploma Policy (Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral), the Major in Chinese Literature systematically organizes a curriculum composed of courses in Special Research in Chinese Literature, Special Research in Chinese Linguistics, and Special Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, as well as other courses deemed appropriate by the Major.

The Major in Chinese Literature implements its curriculum through a combination of the following educational methods:

(1) To enable students to write a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution in the research areas of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature, students will follow a course of study centered on courses taught by their academic advisor. In addition, small-group seminar courses that can be taken throughout enrollment in the Doctoral Programs will be offered.

(2) The academic advisor provides individual and detailed guidance on dissertation writing to deepen students' understanding of the latest trends, issues, and advanced specialized knowledge in their dissertation research area, and to foster their ability to disseminate research findings internationally in both Japanese and Chinese.

(3) To enable students to develop their individual specialized research in an international and original manner and to further enhance their literacy in research fields that exist within different social systems, the Major encourages students to utilize study abroad programs offered by the Graduate School of Letters and the International Center, as well as various internal and external support systems, and provides assistance for studying abroad.

(4) To enable interdisciplinary research, a limited number of credits from courses offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes at Keio University, as well as courses from other graduate schools affiliated with the Graduate School of Letters, are permitted to be counted toward degree completion requirements.

(5) To allow for more flexible course registration, particularly for students planning to study abroad, all courses are offered on a semester basis.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through the curriculum of this Major in Chinese Literature is conducted based on the assessment plan concept for the entire Juku. This assessment uses direct indicators based on grading criteria established for each course, as well as quantitative, qualitative, 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 doctoral degree, students must pass the dissertation writing qualification examination set by the Major in Chinese Literature and have their dissertation submitted to and accepted by the Graduate School of Letters committee. Furthermore, within one year thereafter, the dissertation must be reviewed by a primary and secondary examiner approved by the Graduate School of Letters committee. Based on the review report submitted to the committee, the dissertation must then be passed by a vote of the Graduate School of Letters committee members.

Target Quality and Ability (1): To possess advanced specialized knowledge in one's chosen research area of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature, and to have the ability to conduct specialized, original research and present its findings using both Japanese and Chinese.

→ Through courses in Advanced Research in Chinese Literature, Advanced Research in Chinese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, as well as individual dissertation supervision, students will deepen the academic knowledge of their research area required for writing a doctoral dissertation and cultivate advanced research and argumentation skills.

Target Quality and Ability (2): To deeply understand the historical and cultural characteristics of the Chinese-speaking cultural sphere, master analytical and investigative methods for the advancement of empirical and scientific research, and propose directions for problem-solving supported by this foundation.

→ Through courses in Advanced Research in Chinese Literature, Advanced Research in Chinese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, students will grasp the latest research trends and acquire specialized knowledge and research methods at an advanced level.

Target Quality and Ability (3): To be well-versed in the latest trends and issues in the research area of one's doctoral dissertation and to have the ability to make international contributions to future research and education in that field.

→ Through the completion of courses in Advanced Research in Chinese Literature, Advanced Research in Chinese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, as well as participation in academic conferences and study abroad programs, students will develop the ability to independently define and achieve their research topics at an advanced level.

Target Quality and Ability (4): To be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in society and to have the ability to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

→ Opportunities are provided for students to deepen their understanding of the broader field of humanities. They can take a combination of courses in Advanced Research in Chinese Literature, Advanced Research in Chinese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, and may also take courses offered by affiliated Research Centers and Institutes and by other graduate schools partnered with the Graduate School of Letters.

(1) Possesses advanced specialized knowledge in their research area and related fields and has a strong commitment to writing a doctoral dissertation.

(2) Possesses the ability to implement a concrete and original research plan that will lead to a doctoral dissertation, based on their specialized research in a master's program.

(3) Possesses advanced comprehension and expression skills in both Japanese and Chinese with regard to (1) and (2) above.

(4) Possesses a proactive and concrete vision for their career path after completing the Doctoral Programs.

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

(1) General Entrance Examination

This selection is based on a two-part examination (a specialized subject and a designated language), an oral examination, and the master's thesis. It requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the Major in Chinese Literature.