Curriculum

Program Features

Questioning the Roots of Education

An International Perspective

Bridging Research and Practice

Ensuring Diversity in Learning Opportunities

Selected Thesis Topics

Educational Policies

Diploma Policy

Master’s Program

In this program, the following abilities and knowledge that students must acquire upon completion of the program are specified with the aim of fostering gradutes who can acquire a wide range of academic knowledge and basic research skills in education and who can work to solve problems in modern society through education while upholding human dignity. Upon satisfying the requirements for completion of the program and passing the thesis examination, students are recognized as having acquired these skills and awarded a degree.

 

 

1. Ability to gather information on various social phenomena
2. Flexible and multifaceted thinking and analytical skills
3. Creativity through empathy for others and collaboration with diverse groups
4. Ability to problem-solve
5. Ability to properly execute research and summarize the results in an academic paper

Doctoral Program

In this program, the abilities and knowledge that students should acquire upon completion of the program are defined as follows, with the aim of nurturing individuals who, as researchers, will acquire broad academic knowledge and advanced research skills in the field of education, and who will be able to exercise leadership in solving problems in contemporary society through education, while upholding human dignity. The following abilities and knowledge are required for students to acquire upon completion of the program. Upon completion of the program, students who fulfill the requirements and pass the thesis examination will be recognized as having acquired these skills and awarded a degree.

 

1. Ability to gather information on various social phenomena
2. Ability to gather information on various social phenomena
3. Creativity through empathy for others and collaboration with diverse groups
4. Execution skills to lead in problem-solving
5. Ability to conduct research independently and bring new understanding to academia and policy/practice
6. Ability to summarize research results appropriately and disseminate findings widely

Curriculum Policy

Master’s Program

In line with the Diploma Policy, the curriculum of this course is organized by subjects that include the following objectives:

 

1. In the Master’s Program, the curriculum combines lectures, exercises, and research guidance. In the lectures, students will gain an understanding of major themes in the relevant areas of pedagogy (philosophy of education, history of education, sociology of education, international pedagogy, etc.). In the exercises, students can deepen their understanding by discussing specific topics and acquiring research skills. Students may also take courses offered by other departments within their own graduate school or courses offered by other graduate schools (maximum of 8 credits). By taking these courses, students will learn to gather information on various social phenomena, broad academic knowledge, and the ability to think and analyze flexibly and from multiple perspectives.
2. In the Master’s Program, diversity in learning will be ensured by offering courses in English, cross-listing with other graduate schools, and utilizing the United Nations University Commissioned Auditing System, etc. In addition, field experience and training will be conducted both in Japan and overseas and students may also receive credits towards graduation by studying abroad. Through these activities, students will hone their ability to empathize with others, spark creativity, and problem-solve.
3. During the course of study, students will improve their research skills by receiving individual guidance from their supervisor and, if necessary, from several faculty members. Students submit an outline of their research in the spring semester of their second year and give an oral presentation at the midterm presentation. Students will enhance the quality of their research papers by obtaining feedback on their research from faculty members affiliated with the Department of Education and other graduate students.

Doctoral Program

In line with the Diploma Policy, the curriculum of this course is organized by subjects that include the following objectives:

 

1. In the Doctoral Program, lecture and seminar courses in related fields will be offered. In these subjects, students will confirm their understanding of fundamentals and deepen their understanding of specific topics through small-group discussions. In addition, students will improve their research skills and refine their own research plans.
2. In addition to these courses, students are required to take dissertation seminar and research guidance courses for the preparation of their doctoral dissertation. Throughout the course of study, students will receive individual guidance from their supervisors on writing the doctoral dissertation and disseminating research results (submission to academic journals, oral presentations at academic conferences, etc.).
3. In addition, a guidance committee consisting of three full-time faculty members has been established to provide students with research guidance during their period of study. Members of the advisory committee formed based on a student’s research theme and methodology, allowing students receive guidance from a variety of angles. Through these studies, which organically link lecture and seminar courses with research guidance, students will be able to collect and analyze information in their field of specialization and become independent researchers.

Admissions Policy

Master’s Program

The program seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. Students with great respect for human dignity and a strong interest in education that supports human growth and learning and its relationship with the surrounding society.
2. Students with thee basic academic skills (including the ability to collect and analyze information from a wide range of sources and to use foreign languages to communicate one’s ideas and research results widely) necessary to carry out their research and are highly motivated to learn. Students with the above interests and qualities are eligible to enter the program regardless of their undergraduate major.
3. In addition, we will support the education and research of working teachers and those with social experience by conducting entrance examinations for working adults; international students are also actively accepted.

Doctoral Program

The program seeks students with the following qualities:

 

1. Students with great respect for human dignity and a strong interest in education that supports human growth and learning and its relationship with the surrounding society.
2. Students with the basic skills necessary to carry out research in the doctoral program and are highly motivated to learn.
3. “Basic ability” includes the ability to collect and analyze information from a wide range of sources and to use foreign languages to communicate one’s ideas and research results to society at large. We accept students with the above interests and qualities, not only those who have completed a master’s from this department, but also those who have completed a master’s course through other graduate schools in Japan and overseas.

Faculty Members

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