Three Policies of the Major in Japanese Literature (Field of Japanese Literature), Master of Arts in Literature [M.A. (Literature)]

Based on the Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy) of Keio University, the program aims to cultivate individuals who can contribute to society as a whole as leaders. To this end, we have defined the following abilities that students are expected to acquire upon completion of the program. In addition, the degree of Master of Arts in Literature [M.A. (Literature)] is conferred upon students who have fulfilled the prescribed requirements of the curriculum.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (1): The ability to acquire broad, specialized knowledge of Japanese literature and Japanese linguistics in general through research activities in one's specialized field; to conduct specialized research using appropriate research methods and the necessary skills to read materials in various languages; and to present the research findings in one's native language or a foreign language.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (2): The ability to write a master's thesis on a specific topic chosen within a specialized field of Japanese literature or Japanese linguistics, to possess comprehensive, specialized knowledge in areas related to the master's thesis, and to contribute to academic research in that field.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (3): The ability to contribute to society as a researcher, educator, or practitioner equipped with advanced literacy and critical analysis skills, by possessing the research capacity to contemplate humanity, culture, and society, identify significant problems and issues, and contribute to discussions and practices for their resolution, all through specialized research in Japanese literature and Japanese linguistics.

Goal for Qualities and Abilities (4): Through specialized research in Japanese literature and Japanese 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.

The Major in Japanese Literature (Field of Japanese Literature) in the master's program of the Graduate School of Letters systematically organizes a curriculum composed of research in Japanese literature, research in Japanese linguistics, history of performing arts, courses in bibliography at the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and Sino-Japanese literature, in order to cultivate the qualities and abilities set forth in the "Policy on Graduation Certification and Degree Conferral (Diploma Policy)."

Under this curriculum design, instruction is provided by combining the following educational methods.

(1) As a foundation for the curriculum of the entire Graduate School of Letters, we will establish small-group seminar courses in each major and field. These courses, conducted in both native and foreign languages, can be taken throughout the entire period of enrollment in the master's program.

(2) To enable students to write their master's theses, we help them deepen their knowledge of their research topics and develop advanced research and writing skills through individual thesis supervision from their academic advisor and through seminar classes. In addition, we provide opportunities to receive guidance from multiple faculty members through events such as interim master's thesis presentations.

(3) A limited number of credits earned through formal study abroad programs at overseas graduate schools may be counted toward the degree completion requirements. Additionally, the Graduate School of Letters supports students studying abroad through its own unique 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 interdisciplinary research, students are permitted, up to a certain credit limit, to take courses offered by other graduate schools and affiliated Research Centers and Institutes at Keio University, as well as courses at partner graduate schools, to fulfill their degree completion requirements.

The evaluation 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. This evaluation uses 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.

Regarding the master's thesis examination, an examination committee—consisting of a chief examiner (in principle, the academic advisor) and two sub-examiners—is approved by the Graduate School of Letters committee, in addition to the approval of the thesis title. The examination committee then conducts a thesis review, followed by an oral defense with the committee and related faculty members. The final examination results are subsequently deliberated and approved by the Graduate School of Letters committee.

Quality and Ability Objective (1): The ability to acquire broad specialized knowledge of Japanese literature and linguistics in general through research activities in these fields; to conduct specialized research by utilizing appropriate research methods and the skills to read various languages and materials required in each specialty; and to present the results in one's native language or a foreign language.

→ In courses such as Japanese Literature Research, Japanese Linguistics Research, History of Performing Arts, Bibliography Seminar at the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and Sino-Japanese Literature, students will steadily acquire specialized knowledge and research methods while developing the language skills necessary to disseminate their research findings.

Quality and Ability Objective (2): The ability to write a master's thesis on a specific theme chosen within a specialized field of Japanese literature or linguistics, to possess comprehensive specialized knowledge in areas related to the thesis, and to contribute to academic research in that field.

→ In courses such as Japanese Literature Research, Japanese Linguistics Research, History of Performing Arts, Bibliography Seminar at the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and Sino-Japanese Literature, as well as through individual thesis supervision, students will deepen the academic knowledge of the research area required for writing a master's thesis and develop advanced research and writing skills.

Quality and Ability Objective (3): The ability to contribute to society as researchers, educators, or practitioners equipped with high-level literacy and critical analysis skills. This is achieved by contemplating humanity, culture, and society through specialized research in Japanese literature and linguistics; recognizing important problems and issues; and possessing research capabilities that contribute to discussions and practices for resolving them.

→ By taking a combination of courses such as Japanese Literature Research, Japanese Linguistics Research, History of Performing Arts, Bibliography Seminar at the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and Sino-Japanese Literature, as well as courses related to literature research and fieldwork based on their own interests, students will cultivate the ability to independently set and achieve their research and learning objectives.

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

→ Students will take a combination of courses such as Japanese Literature Research, Japanese Linguistics Research, History of Performing Arts, Bibliography Seminar at the Institute of Oriental Classics (Shido Bunko), and Sino-Japanese Literature, as well as courses related to literature research and fieldwork based on their own interests. Furthermore, opportunities are provided to deepen their understanding of the broader humanities field by allowing them 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.

(1) Has deepened their understanding of their specialized field and possesses foundational knowledge of the entire specialized area through experiences such as writing a graduation thesis and taking specialized courses.

(2) Can independently formulate and articulate a research plan detailing what they want to study and how they plan to do so in graduate school, or a concrete plan for how they can apply the acquisition of specialized knowledge and skills to their career.

(3) Possesses the fundamental reading comprehension skills to accurately and critically read primary and secondary sources in various languages, and the basic expressive ability to discuss academic content appropriately.

(4) Is actively considering a career as a researcher, educator, or practitioner after completing the master's 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 is based on an examination in two subjects—a specialized subject and an elective language—and an oral examination. It requires a high level of academic ability appropriate for the Graduate School of Letters.