Three Policies of the Ethics Field, Major in Philosophy and Ethics, for the Master of Arts in Philosophy [M.A. (Philosophy)]

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, we have established the following abilities that students are expected to acquire by the time of program completion. Our goal is to cultivate individuals who can contribute to society at large as leaders by mastering these abilities. In addition, we confer the degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy [M.A. (Philosophy)] on students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

Competency and Ability Goal (1): The ability to acquire expert knowledge covering the entire research area in the field of ethics, to conduct specialized research utilizing appropriate research methods and foreign languages (such as English, German, and French), and to present the findings in one's native language or a foreign language.

Competency and Ability Goal (2): The ability to write a master's thesis on a specific topic in the field of ethics in one's native language or a foreign language, and in addition, to possess comprehensive expert knowledge in areas related to the thesis topic and to contribute to research in those areas.

Competency and Ability Goal (3): The ability to contribute to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills, by understanding diverse ethical philosophies through specialized research, recognizing significant contemporary ethical problems, and engaging in discussions and practices aimed at their resolution.

Competency and Ability Goal (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities within society and to pursue the achievement of self-set goals and the resolution of social problems using appropriate methods.

To cultivate the abilities and competencies outlined in the Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy), the Ethics Field of the Major in Philosophy and Ethics systematically organizes a curriculum composed of Special Lecture courses, Special Lecture Seminar courses, and Research courses, as well as other courses deemed appropriate within the field of ethics.

Based on this curriculum design, instruction is provided through a combination of the following educational methods.

(1) As a foundation for the curriculum of the entire Graduate School of Letters, we will establish small-group seminar courses in the field of ethics. These courses will be conducted in students' native language as well as in foreign languages and can be taken throughout their 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 develop advanced research and writing skills through individual thesis supervision from their academic advisor and through seminar classes. Additionally, we will provide opportunities such as mid-term master's thesis presentations, offering students the chance to receive guidance from multiple faculty members.

(3) A limited number of credits earned through formal study abroad programs at overseas graduate schools may be counted toward the degree completion requirements. Furthermore, the Graduate School of Letters will support students studying abroad through its own financial aid system.

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

(5) To enable interdisciplinary research, students are permitted, up to a certain credit limit, to take courses for their degree completion requirements that are offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes at Keio University, as well as by other graduate schools with which the Graduate School of Letters has a partnership.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through the ethics curriculum is conducted based on the assessment plan for the entire Juku. This assessment uses direct indicators based on the grading criteria established for each course, as well as quantitative and qualitative, direct and indirect indicators, including various surveys and questionnaires. Specifically, this includes (1) course evaluations by students and (2) data on leaves of absence and withdrawals.

The master's thesis examination process requires approval of the examination committee by the Graduate School of Letters committee, in addition to the thesis title. The examination committee is composed of a primary examiner (generally the academic advisor) and two secondary examiners. This is followed by a thesis review by the examination committee and an oral defense conducted by the committee and related faculty members. The final results are then deliberated and approved by the Graduate School of Letters committee.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to acquire specialized knowledge of the entire research area in the field of ethics; conduct specialized research using appropriate research methods and foreign languages (such as English, German, and French); and present the results in one's native language or a foreign language.

→ In "Research in Original Texts in Ethics" and "Advanced Seminar in Ethics," students will steadily acquire specialized knowledge and research methods and develop the language skills necessary to disseminate their research findings.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to write a master's thesis on a specific topic in the field of ethics in one's native language or a foreign language, to possess comprehensive specialized knowledge in areas related to the thesis topic, and to contribute to research in that area.

→ In "Advanced Lectures in Ethics," "Advanced Seminar in Ethics," and individual thesis supervision, students will deepen their academic knowledge of the research area necessary for writing a master's thesis and develop advanced research and writing skills.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to understand diverse ethical thoughts through specialized research, recognize significant contemporary ethical issues, engage in discussions and practices aimed at resolving them, and contribute to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills.

→ By taking a combination of "Advanced Lectures in Ethics," "Advanced Seminar in Ethics," and "Research in Original Texts in Ethics," students will develop the ability to set and achieve their own research and learning objectives.

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.

→ Opportunities are provided to deepen understanding of the broader humanities field by allowing students to take courses offered in the ethics program, other majors and fields, common courses offered by the Graduate School of Letters, courses at other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes, and courses at other graduate schools partnered with the Graduate School of Letters.

(1) Has deepened their understanding of their area of specialization through experiences such as writing a graduation thesis and taking specialized courses, and possesses a foundational knowledge of the entire field of ethics.

(2) Is able to independently formulate and articulate a research plan for graduate school outlining what they want to study and how, or a concrete plan for how they will apply the specialized knowledge and skills they acquire to their future career.

(3) Possesses the foundational reading comprehension skills to accurately and critically read primary and secondary sources in various languages, as well as the foundational expressive skills to accurately discuss academic content in their native or a foreign language. Additionally, has a deep interest in and understanding of contemporary ethical issues in society.

(4) Possesses a basic proficiency in a second foreign language for the purpose of reading research materials.

(5) Is actively considering their post-master's career as a researcher, educator, or practitioner.

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

(1) General Entrance Examination

Selection is based on an examination in three subjects (a specialized subject, a designated language subject, and an elective language subject) and an oral examination. This process requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the field of ethics.