Three Policies of the Major in Chinese Literature, Master of Arts in Literature [M.A. (Literature)]

Based on the policy on completion certification and degree conferral (Diploma Policy) of the Graduate School of Letters, Keio University, the goal is to cultivate an empirical and scientific research approach and to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to deepen specialized research in the three pillars of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, and modern Chinese literature. In addition, the degree of Master of Arts in Literature [M.A. (Literature)] will be conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to possess specialized knowledge in one's chosen research field of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature, and to conduct specialized research activities and present the findings in both Japanese and Chinese.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to understand the historical and cultural characteristics of the Chinese-speaking cultural sphere, to master methods of analysis and investigation for the advancement of empirical and scientific research, and to propose evidence-based directions for problem-solving.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to possess comprehensive specialized knowledge in the research field of the master's thesis and to contribute to future research in that field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

The Major in Chinese Literature will systematically design a curriculum to cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)." This curriculum is composed of courses in Chinese literary studies, Chinese linguistic studies, and Sino-Japanese comparative literary studies, as well as other courses deemed appropriate by this major.

Based on this curriculum design, the Major in Chinese Literature will provide education by combining the following teaching methods.

(1) To comprehensively deepen specialized knowledge in the research fields of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, and modern Chinese literature, and to foster the ability to conduct specialized research activities and present the findings in both Japanese and Chinese, small-group seminar courses will be offered that can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the master's program.

(2) To enable students to write their master's theses, they will deepen their knowledge of their research topics and cultivate advanced research and writing skills through individual thesis supervision from their academic advisor and through seminar classes. Opportunities such as interim master's thesis presentations will also be provided, offering students the chance to receive multifaceted guidance from multiple faculty members.

(3) To help students become proficient in the literacy of research fields that develop under different social systems within the broad Chinese-speaking cultural sphere, the use of study abroad programs offered by the Graduate School of Letters, the International Center, and others, as well as various support systems both on and off campus, is encouraged to support study abroad.

(4) To enable interdisciplinary research, students will be permitted, up to a certain number of credits, to take courses offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes at Keio University, as well as courses at other graduate schools with which the Graduate School of Letters has a partnership, as part of their completion requirements.

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

The assessment of learning outcomes for the goals for qualities and abilities to be acquired through the curriculum of this Major in Chinese Literature is conducted based on direct indicators, such as the grading criteria established for each course, under the assessment plan for the entire Juku. It is also evaluated using quantitative and 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.

For the master's thesis review, in addition to the thesis title, the review committee—which consists of a primary examiner (generally the academic advisor) and two secondary examiners—must be approved by the committee of the Graduate School of Letters. The thesis is then reviewed by the review committee, followed by an oral defense conducted by the review committee and related faculty members. The final review results are then deliberated and approved by the committee of the Graduate School of Letters.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): To possess specialized knowledge in one's chosen research field of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, or modern Chinese literature, and to have the ability to conduct specialized research activities and present their findings using both Japanese and Chinese.

→ In courses in Chinese Literature Studies, Chinese Linguistics Studies, and Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature Studies, as well as through individual thesis supervision, students will deepen their academic knowledge in the research fields necessary for writing a master's thesis and develop their research and writing skills.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): To understand the historical and cultural characteristics of the Chinese-speaking cultural sphere, to master analytical and investigative methods for the advancement of empirical and scientific research, and to have the ability to propose directions for problem-solving based on these methods.

→ In courses in Chinese Literature Studies, Chinese Linguistics Studies, and Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature Studies, students will grasp the latest research trends and acquire specialized knowledge and research methodologies.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): To possess comprehensive specialized knowledge regarding the research field of the master's thesis and to have the ability to contribute to future research in that field.

→ Through coursework in Chinese Literature Studies, Chinese Linguistics Studies, and Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature Studies, as well as participation in academic conferences, study abroad, and other opportunities, students will cultivate the ability to independently define and achieve their research objectives.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (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.

→ By taking a combination of courses in Chinese Literature Studies, Chinese Linguistics Studies, and Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature Studies, and by also having the option to take courses offered by affiliated Research Centers and Institutes and by other graduate schools affiliated with the Graduate School of Letters, opportunities are provided for students to deepen their understanding of the broader field of the humanities.

(1) Have, through their undergraduate education, acquired a deep understanding of their area of specialization and possess foundational knowledge of the general fields of Chinese linguistics, classical Chinese literature, and modern Chinese literature.

(2) Have a clear intention and vision for their research plan after enrolling in the master's program.

(3) Be able to comprehend and express themselves in both Japanese and Chinese regarding points (1) and (2) above.

(4) Have a positive outlook on their career path after completing the master's program.

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

(1) General Entrance Examination

This selection is based on examinations in two subjects—a specialized subject and a designated language subject—as well as an oral examination. It requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the Major in Chinese Literature.