Three Policies for the Ph.D. in History [Ph.D. (History)], Field of Japanese History, Major in History

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, the goal is for students to fulfill the completion requirements in accordance with the University Regulations and to pass the doctoral dissertation review conducted according to prescribed procedures. In addition, the degree of Ph.D. in History [Ph.D. (History)] is conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (1): To possess comprehensive and highly advanced specialized knowledge of their field of research, be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, and be able to make original contributions to the field by disseminating their findings in Japan and abroad in Japanese and foreign languages.

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (2): To pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing as stipulated by the Field of Japanese History, Major in History; write a doctoral dissertation on research in Japanese history or a related field; and through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the area and contribute significantly to the advancement of the field.

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (3): To acquire the outstanding ability to verify the reliability of raw data, analyze it to derive logically valid inferences, and compile and present the findings in a persuasive manner. At the same time, by possessing a broad perspective and deep insight into human activities and social dynamics, cultivated through a deep understanding of Japanese history, students will be able to make unique contributions to society as professionals, researchers, and educators equipped with an extremely high level of literacy.

To cultivate the qualities and competencies set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)," the doctoral program in the Field of Japanese History, Major in History, Graduate School of Letters, systematically organizes a curriculum composed of "Advanced Research in Japanese History" and "Seminar in Advanced Research in Japanese History."

Under this curriculum, instruction is implemented by combining educational methods such as the reading of historical materials and methods for historical material research.

For the purpose of writing their doctoral dissertations, students are encouraged to present at the Japanese History Division of the Mita Historical Society, which enables them to incorporate feedback from Japanese history researchers, including the major's faculty members, into their research.

The assessment of learning outcomes against the goals for qualities and competencies to be acquired through the curriculum of this Field of Japanese History, Major in History, is conducted based on the assessment plan for the entire Juku. This assessment uses direct indicators based on the grading criteria defined for each course, as well as quantitative, qualitative, direct, and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys.

For the doctoral dissertation review, all faculty members of the major first examine the dissertation of a prospective candidate to determine its suitability for a formal review. If the dissertation is deemed suitable, the candidate is granted permission to submit it as a dissertation for the doctoral degree examination.

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (1): To possess comprehensive and highly advanced specialized knowledge of their field of research, be well-versed in the latest research trends and issues, and be able to make original contributions to the field by disseminating their findings in Japan and abroad in Japanese and foreign languages.

→ Advanced Research courses are offered in Japanese, and students are required to focus on those taught by their academic advisor. In these courses, students also read texts in foreign languages and present their research, as required by their field of specialization.

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (2): To pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing as stipulated by the Field of Japanese History, Major in History; write a doctoral dissertation on research in Japanese history or a related field; and through that dissertation, make an original contribution to research in the area and contribute significantly to the advancement of the field.

→ The academic advisor plays a central role in providing individual dissertation supervision to cultivate extremely advanced research and writing abilities. In the Field of Japanese History, Major in History, students are required to pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing in accordance with the "Internal Regulations Concerning the Qualifying Examination for Doctoral Dissertation Writing" established by the field. Furthermore, before submitting their dissertation, they must also fulfill the requirements for paper publications and conference presentations as stipulated in the same "Internal Regulations."

Goal for Qualities and Competencies (3): To acquire the outstanding ability to verify the reliability of raw data, analyze it to derive logically valid inferences, and compile and present the findings in a persuasive manner. At the same time, by possessing a broad perspective and deep insight into human activities and social dynamics, cultivated through a deep understanding of Japanese history, students will be able to make unique contributions to society as professionals, researchers, and educators equipped with an extremely high level of literacy.

→ Through research in specialized fields within the Advanced Research courses, the program promotes the acquisition of outstanding skills—such as examining data quality, conducting empirical analysis and inference, and presenting research findings—in order to cultivate the abilities necessary for making original contributions to the academic community. These abilities include historical source criticism, the reading and analysis of historical materials, problem-finding skills, and the ability to construct arguments.

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

(2) Be able to independently formulate and articulate in Japanese an original and concrete research plan, based on their specialized research in a master's program, that will lead to a doctoral dissertation.

(3) Possess the analytical reading skills to accurately interpret historical materials on Japanese history and the academic writing skills to rigorously develop an original academic argument.

(4) Possess sufficient foreign language proficiency to present their research findings.

(5) Have a proactive and concrete vision for their career as a working professional, researcher, or educator after completing the Doctoral Programs.

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

General Entrance Examination

The first-stage examination consists of two subjects: a specialized subject and a selected foreign language. The second-stage examination consists only of an interview.

This process will assess the quality of the applicant's master's thesis as the outcome of their specialized research in a master's program. It will also test whether they have acquired the knowledge in a specialized field of Japanese history expected of a researcher and whether they possess sufficient foreign language proficiency to present their research findings.