Three Policies for the Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)], Major in German Literature

Based on the Keio University Graduation and Degree Conferral Policy (Diploma Policy), we aim to cultivate individuals who can contribute to society as a whole as leaders by establishing the following abilities that students should acquire upon completion of the program. In addition, a Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)] will be conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing as stipulated by the Major in German Literature, write a doctoral dissertation on research in German linguistics, German literature, or related fields, pass the review process conducted in accordance with established procedures, and, through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the relevant area and significantly contribute to the advancement of the field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to make a unique contribution to one's field of research by being well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, possessing comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and disseminating research findings internationally in both German and Japanese.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to contribute uniquely to the development of the international community as a researcher, educator, or practitioner with advanced intercultural literacy. This is based on a deep understanding of the cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics of other cultures gained through the German language, and on advanced research and presentation skills that facilitate the discovery and resolution of issues through interaction with others.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in a global society, and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods by utilizing insights from one's own research and one's ability and knowledge of a foreign language (German).

To cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Graduation and Degree Conferral Policy (Diploma Policy)," the Major in German Literature (Doctoral) of the Graduate School of Letters systematically designs a curriculum composed of special lecture courses, special lecture seminar courses, research courses, and other courses deemed appropriate by the major.

Education is implemented by combining the following teaching methods under this curriculum design.

(1) To enable students to write a doctoral dissertation that makes an original contribution to research in their specialized field, students will take courses centered on those taught by their academic advisor. The academic advisor will also provide individual dissertation supervision to cultivate advanced research skills.

(2) To cultivate the advanced research skills necessary to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues and to make a unique contribution in one's specialized area, we offer small-group seminar courses in the student's native language or German. These courses can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the Ph.D. program, and their completion is a requirement for graduation. Specific guidance is also provided with the aim of having students present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

(3) We encourage students to study abroad through programs offered by the Graduate School of Letters and the Keio University International Center, among others. The Graduate School of Letters also provides financial assistance for studying abroad through its own support systems.

(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 more specialized research in a student's field, a limited number of credits earned through formal study abroad at a graduate school overseas may be counted toward the program completion requirements.

(6) To promote highly specialized research by students in the Ph.D. program, it is possible for students to prepare their doctoral dissertation under a joint supervision arrangement. This involves requesting a prominent overseas researcher to serve as a co-advisor, working alongside the student's academic advisor, who is a faculty member of the Graduate School of Letters.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the qualities and abilities that students are expected to acquire through this major's curriculum is conducted under the assessment plan framework 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 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 their major and field and submit their doctoral dissertation to the Graduate School of Letters Committee for acceptance. Furthermore, within one year thereafter, the dissertation is reviewed by a primary examiner and a secondary examiner approved by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Based on the review report submitted to the Graduate School of Letters Committee, the dissertation must be approved by a vote of the members of the Graduate School of Letters Committee.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to make an original contribution to research in the relevant field and to contribute significantly to the advancement of that field through a dissertation, after passing the dissertation writing qualification examination established by the Major in German Literature, writing a doctoral dissertation on research in German linguistics, German literature, or related fields, and passing the examination conducted in accordance with prescribed procedures.

→ In advanced research courses, advanced research seminars, and individual dissertation supervision, students deepen the academic knowledge of their research area necessary for writing a doctoral dissertation and develop advanced research and academic writing skills.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues in one's field of study, possess comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, and make a unique contribution to research in that field by disseminating findings internationally in both German and Japanese.

→ In advanced research courses and advanced research seminars, students acquire specialized knowledge and research methods at an advanced level and develop the linguistic skills to disseminate their research findings.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to make a unique contribution to the development of the international community as a researcher, educator, or practitioner with advanced cross-cultural literacy, by deeply understanding the cultural, historical, and geographical characteristics of different cultures through the German language and by possessing advanced research and presentation skills that contribute to discussions and practices for identifying and solving problems through interaction with others.

→ By taking a combination of advanced research courses and advanced research seminars, students cultivate the ability to independently set and achieve research and learning objectives at an advanced level.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): The ability to be aware of the significance of studying the humanities in a global society, to utilize insights from one's own research and one's ability and knowledge of a foreign language (German), and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

→ Students take a combination of advanced research courses and advanced research seminars. They are also able to take courses offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes, as well as courses at other graduate schools that have partnerships with the Graduate School of Letters, providing opportunities to deepen their understanding of the broader humanities field.

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

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

(3) Possesses the analytical reading skills to accurately and critically read materials in German and related languages, as well as academic writing skills.

(4) Has actively and concretely considered their future 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

Selection is based on an examination consisting of three subjects: a specialized subject, a designated language (German), and an elective language, and an oral examination. This process requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the Graduate School of Letters.