Faculty of Humanities

Literature is the study of the thinking of people and its pursuit nurtures cultured individuals who possess a well-rounded understanding of people and culture. The Faculty of Humanities examines the diversity of culture created by human societies through the study of philosophy, literature, mass-media, history, psychology and sociology as well as social work and education. Students acquire the languages and intellectual tools to accumulate knowledge in these fields. They need both the breadth of perspective and depth of understanding to make independent judgments on each matter with wisdom. Students' individual abilities are fostered by close communication with their teachers. For this reason, the departments of this faculty enroll only a small number of students into each class.

Department of Philosophy

At the Department of Philosophy students are exposed to systematic studies of mainly Western philosophy. Methodologies focus on philosophical systems that are the invaluable intellectual heritage of mankind. Common problems are also included in the research into the ideal thought and behavior which lies at the root of human life. The purpose of the courses is to learn the proper research attitude and apply it in daily living. Simply put, the student learns the history of ideas and the major problems that confront a culture, as well as problem-solving skills to resolve those problems. By restructuring the unquestioned thoughts of the individual, the course hopes to develop an ideal future person from the "person at that time" through these philosophical studies.

Department of History

In the Department of History the students are exposed to the steps mankind has trod from the past. The focus of the course centers on present-day society and also on the individual's self-knowledge in society, in the hope of defining their future direction. For full coverage of the topic, students gather information from diverse and multifaceted fields, analyze them and then judge the data collected. This requires advanced and precise information-processing skills, which indicate that the study is indeed a modern research area. Through history, the students foster a broad perspective and a decision-making mentality that is not blindly misled by stereotypes and common opinions. Through cumulative training with social studies at the core, students gain a sense of how to extract the true essence of surveys and investigative results. And then learn to express personal opinions in a logical and objective manner. The goal of this study is to develop human resources with forward-looking intellectual skills.

Department of Japanese Literature

The Department of Japanese Literature comprehensively studies three fields of studies: Japanese Literature, Japanese Language and Chinese Literature that greatly affected Japanese culture. The program shows the close relations of these three subjects, so thatstudents can learn multifaceted thoughts and thinking patterns that remain free from stereotypes. The bases of these three fields focus on "verbal language" that express human feelings. Through "verbal language" students will learn the ideals of literature, language and thought, as well as how to inquire about the ideals of a person as an individual. The intention of the study is for students to think about their individual culture and identity, from the distant past up to today.

Department of English Literature

The Department places the study of English Literature in a wide human context. The students are expected to connect their study of literary texts with an exploration of human life both in the past and in the present. Through literature, the students should gain a deep understanding of a different culture and this in turn will enable them to look at Japanese culture from a new perspective. Thus, in addition to courses based on close critical reading of literary texts, there are a number of courses on the broader cultural background. An essential prerequisite for these studies is, of course, an adequate mastery of the English language. A number of courses are devoted to the ongoing improvement of the studentﾕs ability in speaking and writing English. Through this program of study in language, culture, and literature we aim to provide an education of true quality, which is not something temporary but confers a lifelong capacity for flexible and cultivated thinking. This will equip students to face with confidence the practical and human problems they may encounter in their future careers.

Department of German Literature

In the first and second year, students learn basic German reading,writing and conversation through a 12-hour-a-week program. The program is divided into two classes to improve the efficiency of the student's study. A comprehensive course of German language and history of German literature is taught in Japanese. Third and fourth year seminars and lectures focus on certain authors, themes and epochs of German literature, philosophy and history. With Germany at the center of the political and cultural reorganization of Europe, seminars and lectures are offered which analyze the influence of Germany and German culture on the unification of Europe. The students are encouraged to specialize in certain subjects and to study the relations between literature, art, sociology, politics, and history. Because German literature is connected with other European cultures, students are strongly recommended to compare topics of German literature with the literature and culture of other European countries. By doing so, a Japanese student is able to find his or her own identity through comparison and interaction with a different language and culture.

Department of French Literture

Apart from being used in France, Switzerland, Canada, Belgium and many other countries, French has also become one of the official languages of the European Union. Naturally the French Literature Department seeks to comprehensively cover French literature, thought and art as well as the history, culture and arts of these French-speaking nations. Moreover, the department offers various courses, such as Japanese-French/French-Japanese/English-French translation, including simultaneous Japanese to/from French interpretation. Computers are also used to the full extent to access French libraries as well as data concerning French literature to search for references for assigned papers. The Department of French Literature strives to help the students gain a broad knowledge and deep understanding of their field of study, in the hope of developing human resources who can contribute to the peace and happiness of mankind in the future.

Department of Journalism

Since its founding, the Department of Journalism's aim has been to train future journalists and to nurture well-balanced, highly skilled graduates capable of contributing to society in a broad sense. Confronted with the basic issues in journalism and mass communications of today, students can choose from the theoretical as well as practical courses offered. In addition, students are also encouraged to pursue individual interests. An important characteristic of the Department is that many of the lecturers were or still are working journalists. Backed by the specialized knowledge and broad experience of the faculty, the course of study equips students for the needs of an advanced information-oriented society.

Department of Health and Physical Education

The center provides courses to all students, teaching them how to maintain their health and improve their physical fitness. The universityﾕ's Jesuit philosophy values a healthy body to support emotional and intellectual maturity.