The Three Policies of the Major in Japanese Literature, Field of Japanese Language Education, MASTER OF ARTS IN JAPANESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION

Based on the Policies for Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral of Keio University, the goal of the Field of Japanese Language Education is for students to acquire comprehensive knowledge of Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education, establish their own research themes, conduct thorough investigation and research while acquiring comprehensive and advanced specialized knowledge, and, based on the results, write and complete a master's thesis of a standard that will pass examination. In addition, the degree of MASTER OF ARTS IN JAPANESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION is conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements set forth in the curriculum.

Competency Goal (1): To be able to accurately understand the existing literature in Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education, identify research themes, acquire methodologies applicable to one's own research, and independently advance investigation and research.

Competency Goal (2): To possess thesis-writing and oral presentation skills that are fully accepted in their specialized field in order to widely disseminate research findings.

Competency Goal (3): To understand the historical characteristics and cultural background of the Japanese language, possess advanced communication skills and advanced cross-cultural literacy, and become a leading figure in a multicultural society.

Competency Goal (4): To possess a broad perspective, flexible thinking, and a spirit of tolerance to adapt to a multicultural society, and to be able to act with the motivation to proactively contribute to mutual understanding between different cultures.

Competency Goal (5): To become professionals capable of designing learning plans suited to the individual needs of each Japanese language learner from diverse backgrounds, and of providing guidance and advice that contributes to the improvement of their Japanese language proficiency.

Competency Goal (6): To be aware of the significance of studying Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education in a multicultural society, and to be able to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

To cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policies for Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)," the Field of Japanese Language Education has designed a curriculum composed of 16 courses totaling 32 credits in the areas of Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education. These courses cover subjects such as Japanese grammar, Japanese phonetics, script and orthography, history of the Japanese language, discourse analysis, lexicon and semantics, Japanese language teaching methods, and classical literature.

Under this curriculum structure, in the first year, after students acquire foundational knowledge in their specialized field, active learning centered on case studies is incorporated into courses such as phonetics, Japanese grammar, discourse analysis, Japanese language teaching methods, and lexicon and semantics. Furthermore, for students who acquire sufficient specialized knowledge in the first year and aim to become Japanese language teachers, education is conducted by combining various active learning methods. This includes adopting the field method for TA (Teaching Assistant) activities and providing opportunities for practical experience in Japanese language education with the cooperation of the Juku's Center for Japanese Studies.

The assessment of learning outcomes for the competency goals to be acquired through this field's curriculum is conducted based on the principles of the Juku-wide assessment plan. It utilizes direct indicators based on grading criteria defined for each course, as well as quantitative and qualitative, direct and indirect indicators, including various questionnaires and surveys. Specifically, these include (1) student course evaluations and (2) data on leaves of absence and withdrawals.

Furthermore, regarding the assessment of international students' Japanese language proficiency, the respective instructors grasp each student's ability by carefully correcting assignments and reports submitted in class, and provide feedback and advice to students as appropriate.

For the master's thesis examination, following the approval of the thesis title and the examination committee (composed of a chief examiner [the academic advisor] and two sub-examiners) by the committee of the Graduate School of Letters, the examination committee conducts a thesis review and an oral defense. The final examination results are then deliberated and approved by the committee of the Graduate School of Letters.

Competency Goal (1): The ability to accurately understand the existing literature in Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education, identify research themes, acquire methodologies applicable to one's own research, and independently advance investigation and research.

→ In Special Lecture, Special Lecture Seminar, and Research courses, students acquire specialized knowledge and research methodologies, and cultivate the ability to establish a research theme and clarify the research problem.

Learning Outcome (2): The ability to write papers and give oral presentations that meet the professional standards of the field in order to widely disseminate research findings.

→ In Special Lecture, Special Lecture Seminar, and Research courses, students will cultivate advanced Japanese language proficiency to communicate their own research.

Learning Outcome (3): The ability to contribute as a leader in a multicultural society by understanding the historical characteristics and cultural background of the Japanese language and possessing advanced communication skills and intercultural literacy.

→ In Special Lecture and Research courses, students will develop the ability to understand and communicate the historical and cultural backgrounds of the Japanese language and Japanese society.

Learning Outcome (4): The ability to act with a broad perspective, flexible thinking, and a spirit of tolerance adaptable to a multicultural society, driven by a desire to actively contribute to mutual understanding between cultures.

→ In Special Lecture and Research courses, students will cultivate a perspective of mutual respect for diverse cultures.

Learning Outcome (5): The ability to design learning plans suited to the individual needs of Japanese language learners from diverse backgrounds and to provide guidance and advice that contributes to the improvement of their Japanese language proficiency.

→ In Special Lecture, Special Lecture Seminar, and Research courses, students will develop the ability to identify learners' challenges, explore methods for resolving them, and create draft learning plans tailored to learners' needs.

Learning Outcome (6): The ability to recognize the significance of studying Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education within a multicultural society and to pursue self-set goals and resolve social issues using appropriate methods.

→ In Special Lecture, Special Lecture Seminar, and Research courses, students will develop the ability to identify issues related to the Japanese language and Japanese society, and to investigate, analyze, and work toward resolving them.

(1) Candidates who, through the completion of specialized courses and the writing of a graduation thesis during their undergraduate studies, have deepened their understanding of their area of specialization and possess foundational knowledge of the broader field.

(2) Candidates who can formulate a research plan detailing what they wish to study and how they plan to do so in graduate school, and who can proceed with their research according to that plan while receiving guidance from specialists.

(3) Candidates who possess the ability to accurately and critically read materials for Japanese language and Japanese studies—including those in Japanese linguistics and Japanese language education—in their native language, and to engage in discussion about them.

(4) Candidates who possess the basic foreign language skills necessary for interpreting research materials.

(5) Candidates who actively contemplate their future career as a working professional or researcher after completing the master's program and who have a strong motivation to utilize their acquired knowledge in a multicultural society.

To admit a diverse range of such students, we conduct a general entrance examination. Applicants are first evaluated through a written examination covering specialized subjects and a selected language, followed by an oral examination. A comprehensive decision is made based on the following four criteria (1)–(4).

(1) Whether the candidate actively seeks to acquire and enhance specialized knowledge in their field.

(2) Whether the candidate can define their own research topics and approaches problem-solving with a broad perspective.

(3) Whether the candidate possesses advanced communication skills in the Japanese language.

(4) Whether the candidate is actively considering their future career path within a multicultural society.