Three Policies of the Major in French Literature, Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)]

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, this program establishes the qualities and abilities described in the following section as its goals. It guides students to acquire these by the end of the program through education centered on advanced research in French language and literature in a broad sense. In addition, a Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)] will be conferred upon students who fulfill the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation in the field of French language and literature in a broad sense after fulfilling the established requirements for dissertation writing eligibility, and through that dissertation, to make a solid and original contribution to research in the field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to possess profound specialized knowledge of one's research field, be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, and disseminate research findings in French and other languages to gain international recognition.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to play multifaceted roles as researchers, educators, and practitioners who, equipped with outstanding cross-cultural literacy, understand the historical and cultural characteristics of different cultures through research in French language and literature in a broad sense and contribute that understanding to the development of their own society.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to work toward achieving self-set goals and resolving social issues through appropriate methods and in collaboration with others, without losing sight of the significance and pride of studying French language and literature in a broad sense within society.

The Major in French Literature (Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)]) of the Graduate School of Letters systematically organizes a curriculum composed of Special Research Courses and Special Research Seminars to cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and degree conferral (Diploma Policy)."

Based on this curriculum organization, 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 the field of French language and literature in a broad sense, outstanding research skills are cultivated through classes centered on courses taught by the student's academic advisor, as well as through individual guidance led by the academic advisor.

(2) With the goal of having students regularly present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals, skills in writing papers and giving oral presentations in other languages, primarily Japanese and French, are honed through classes centered on courses taught by the student's academic advisor, as well as through individual guidance led by the academic advisor.

(3) In addition to classes centered on courses taught by the student's academic advisor and individual guidance led by the academic advisor, classes conducted in French are also provided to promote the acquisition of advanced French language proficiency. The goal is to achieve a level sufficient for regular study abroad at graduate schools in foreign countries, primarily in the French-speaking world.

(4) At a designated time each academic year, students are required to present at the Graduate School Mid-term Presentation Session. This provides an opportunity to properly assess the direction and progress of their research and to receive valuable advice from multiple faculty members other than their academic advisor.

(5) Through systems and various programs available at Keio University, researchers are invited from abroad, primarily from France, to provide students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research. In addition, by commissioning eligible visiting researchers as co-advisors, students can obtain guidance for their research and doctoral dissertation writing.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities to be acquired through this major's curriculum is conducted based on the assessment plan of the entire Juku. It utilizes direct indicators based on the grading criteria 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 first meet the eligibility requirements stipulated in the major's "Internal Regulations for the Application and Examination of Doctoral Dissertations." After a doctoral dissertation is submitted and accepted by the Graduate School of Letters committee, it is examined within one year by a main examiner and a sub-examiner approved by the committee. The final decision on passing or failing is then determined by a vote of the Graduate School of Letters committee members based on the examination report.

Quality and Ability Objective (1): The ability to meet the established requirements for doctoral dissertation writing eligibility, write a doctoral dissertation in the broad field of French language and literature studies, and through that dissertation, make a solid and original contribution to research in the field.

→ Specialized education for training researchers is provided through courses taught primarily by the academic advisor and individual guidance centered on the academic advisor. Additionally, some courses are conducted in French to enhance students' ability to write specialized academic papers in French.

Quality and Ability Objective (2): The ability to possess profound specialized knowledge in one's field of research, be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, and disseminate research findings in French or other languages to be subject to international evaluation.

→ Through continuous guidance from the academic advisor, occasional advice from other faculty members (mainly at interim presentations), and mentorship from overseas researchers or the co-advisor, students are encouraged to actively present the outcomes of their original research—developed after critically analyzing previous studies—at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

Quality and Ability Objective (3): The ability to understand the historical and cultural characteristics of different cultures through the broad study of French language and literature, to apply this understanding to the development of one's own society, and to play a multifaceted role as a researcher, educator, or practitioner with outstanding cross-cultural literacy.

→ Studying abroad is positioned as a culminating experience to further elevate the cross-cultural literacy cultivated through doctoral dissertation writing. Students are encouraged to utilize various study abroad programs, both internal and external to the university, to earn credits or even degrees at graduate schools in France and Francophone regions.

Quality and Ability Objective (4): The ability to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems through appropriate methods in collaboration with others, without losing sight of the significance and pride of studying French language and literature in a broad sense within society.

→ While students concentrate on writing a specialized doctoral dissertation, they are encouraged to develop the habit of maintaining a broad perspective beyond their specific field of expertise and to continuously and earnestly reflect on the concrete challenge of balancing life as a researcher with life as a member of society.

(1) Possess advanced specialized knowledge in their own research area and related fields.

(2) Be able to independently conceive and formulate a concrete and original research plan leading to a doctoral dissertation, based on their specialized research during their master's program.

(3) Have analytical reading comprehension skills to accurately and critically read materials in various languages, as well as academic writing skills.

(4) Have a proactive and concrete vision for their career as a researcher, educator, or practitioner after completing the Ph.D. program.

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

(1) General Entrance Examination

This selection process is based on examinations in three subjects (a specialized subject, a designated language subject, and an elective language subject) and an oral examination. It demands a high level of academic ability befitting the Graduate School of Letters.