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

Based on Keio University's Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy), this program defines the following abilities that students are expected to acquire upon completion. The objective is to cultivate individuals who can contribute to society as a whole as leaders by mastering these abilities. In addition, the degree of Ph.D. in Literature [Ph.D. (Literature)] is conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements of the curriculum or who have successfully passed their doctoral dissertation defense.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation based on one's research in a specialized field of Japanese literature or Japanese linguistics and, through its findings, make an original contribution to academic research in that domain.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and topics within a specialized field of Japanese literature or Japanese linguistics, possess comprehensive and profound specialized knowledge, and make a unique contribution to research in the field by disseminating findings both domestically and internationally in one's native language and other appropriate languages.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): Through specialized research in Japanese literature and linguistics, the ability to gain deep insight into humanity, culture, and society; to identify and solve significant problems and issues by leveraging advanced research skills; and thereby to make a unique contribution to society as a researcher, educator, or practitioner equipped with high-level literacy and critical analysis skills.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): Through specialized research in Japanese literature and linguistics, the ability to recognize the significance of studying the humanities within society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

To cultivate the qualities and abilities outlined in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)," the Major in Japanese Literature (Japanese Literature Field) of the Doctoral Programs at the Graduate School of Letters systematically organizes a curriculum composed of Special Research in Japanese Literature, Special Research in Japanese Linguistics, and Special Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature.

Based on this curriculum organization, instruction is provided by combining the following educational methods.

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

(2) To cultivate the advanced research skills necessary for students to become well-versed in the latest research trends and topics and to make a unique contribution in their specialized field, small-group seminar courses conducted in the student's native language or foreign languages are offered. These courses, which can be taken throughout the entire enrollment period in the Ph.D. program, are a requirement for completion. Specific guidance is also provided to encourage students to present their research findings at academic conferences and in scholarly journals.

(3) Students are encouraged to study abroad through programs offered by the Graduate School of Letters and the Keio University International Center, among others. In addition, the Graduate School of Letters provides financial assistance for studying abroad through its own support system.

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

(5) To enable more specialized research, a limited number of credits earned through regular study abroad programs at overseas graduate schools may be counted toward the completion requirements.

(6) To promote highly specialized research by students in the Ph.D. program, a distinguished researcher from overseas may be invited to serve as a co-advisor. Students will then prepare to write their doctoral dissertation under the joint supervision of this co-advisor and their primary academic advisor, who is a faculty member of the Graduate School of Letters.

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 concept of the entire Juku. It utilizes direct indicators based on the grading criteria established 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 pass the qualifying examination for doctoral dissertation writing as determined by their major and field and have their doctoral dissertation submitted to and accepted by the Graduate School of Letters Committee. Furthermore, within one year thereafter, the dissertation is reviewed by a primary and 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 passed by a vote of the committee members.

Quality and Ability Objective (1): The ability to write a doctoral dissertation based on one's research in the specialized fields of Japanese literature and Japanese linguistics and, through its results, make original contributions to academic research in the relevant field.

→ In Advanced Research in Japanese Literature, Advanced Research in Japanese Linguistics, Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, and individual dissertation supervision, students will deepen the academic knowledge of their research area required for writing a doctoral dissertation and develop advanced research and writing skills.

Quality and Ability Objective (2): The ability to be well-versed in the latest research trends and topics in the specialized fields of Japanese literature and Japanese linguistics, possess comprehensive and deep specialized knowledge, disseminate research findings both domestically and internationally in one's native language and other appropriate languages, and make unique contributions to research in the field.

→ In Advanced Research in Japanese Literature, Advanced Research in Japanese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods at an advanced level and develop the linguistic skills to disseminate their research.

Quality and Ability Objective (3): Through specialized research in Japanese literature and linguistics, the ability to gain deep insights into humanity, culture, and society; to identify and solve significant problems and issues by possessing advanced research capabilities; and to make unique contributions to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with high-level literacy and critical analysis skills.

→ By taking a combination of courses—including Advanced Research in Japanese Literature, Advanced Research in Japanese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, as well as courses related to literature surveys and fieldwork based on their own interests—students will develop the ability to independently set and achieve research and learning objectives at an advanced level.

Quality and Ability Objective (4): Through specialized research in Japanese literature and linguistics, the ability to recognize the significance of studying the humanities within society and to achieve self-set goals and solve social problems using appropriate methods.

→ Opportunities are provided to deepen a broad understanding of the humanities. Students will take a combination of courses, including Advanced Research in Japanese Literature, Advanced Research in Japanese Linguistics, and Advanced Research in Sino-Japanese Comparative Literature, as well as courses related to literature surveys and fieldwork based on their own interests. It is also possible to take courses offered by other graduate schools, affiliated Research Centers and Institutes, and other graduate schools that have partnerships with the Graduate School of Letters.

(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 the specialized research conducted in their master's program.

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

(4) Has actively and concretely considered a 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 an examination in two subjects (a specialized subject and an elective language) and an oral examination, and it requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the Graduate School of Letters.