English Literature Master's Program

Educational and Research Purposes

The aim of the English Literature Master's Program offered by the Graduate School of Literature is to further deepen the knowledge cultivated during the undergraduate years professionally, and with focus placed on English literature, American literature, English studies, and English and American cultures, improve the research capabilities of each student in an interdisciplinary perspective.

Diploma Policy (Principle of Degree Conferment)

For the English Literature Master's Program offered by the Graduate School of Literature, students who have completed the required number of credits and whose submitted theses have been examined and found acceptable for the degree in accordance with the internal rules related to the program are judged to be equipped with the following capabilities and awarded a master's degree (English Literature).

1. Capability to comprehensively view literature, language, history, and culture, and perform cross-cultural communication with a deep knowledge acquired in the fields of English literature, American literature, English studies, and English and American cultures.
2. Capability to appropriately use the language with high-level English reading comprehension, writing ability, and proficiency.
3. Capabilities to appreciate and critique literary works, to analyze language, and to be receptive to different cultures.
4. Capability to grow as a cosmopolitan, as a member of society with abundant expressive skills and judgment.

Curriculum Policy (Principle of Curriculum Formation and Implementation)

For the English Literature Master's Program offered by the Graduate School of Literature, to implement the Diploma Policy, the curriculum is formed based on the following principles.

1. Through reading comprehension of literary works in a wide perspective and through discussions, the curriculum intends to produce individuals with rich humanity, judgment, and creativity, and develop individuals who can make logically and appropriately constituted presentations by improving their thinking ability.
2. Courses of English literature, which has a long history and tradition from medieval to modern times, are provided in the form of an overview of history, allowing students to perceive the trend of literature by systematically completing them and to develop a multi-faceted perspective.
3. Courses are provided that can respond to the literature and culture (women's culture) of the United States, which has created a unique culture in the past few centuries.
4. Courses are provided that aim to objectively analyze and study the multi-faced nature of the English language itself and to think about the regularity and logical aspect the language has.
5. For students to create a master's thesis in English, a research methodology course is introduced to provide a methodology and improve academic writing ability.
6. The curriculum aims to improve students' command of English to effectively respond to such requirements as overseas study, as well as aiming to develop individuals who pursue careers in English education.
7. Together with a set of the above courses, a practice course (Internship Practice) is introduced to put the acquired knowledge into practice.

Admission Policy (Principle of Student Admission)

Based on the Diploma Policy and Curriculum Policy, the English Literature Master's Program offered by the Graduate School of Literature seeks applicants who have the following academic skills and motivations.

1. Those who have basic academic skills cultivated during the undergraduate years adequate for studying English, English and American literature, and English and American cultures, and wish to further deepen their knowledge professionally.
2. Those who are sincerely fond of literary works, wish to deeply know and experience different cultures, and intend to further enhance sensitivity to the language.
3. Those who wish to improve their skill in literary criticism while continuously and satisfactorily digesting English writings and finding out different views.
4. Those who are ready to pursue their studies with strict attitude until the goal is accomplished, and at the same time, can take a flexible attitude such as being able to feel the joy of learning.
5. Those who can share research activities with others to seek mutual improvement.
6. Those who are strongly motivated to further deepen what has been acquired by widely-conducted learning and research through overseas study, and to eventually use it in society.