Department Features

Curriculum

Educational Objectives and Policies

Education and Research Objectives

To cultivate advanced proficiency in the German language, and impart a broad base of knowledge (of humanities, social sciences, and the basic features of the German-speaking world) that will provide the foundations for specialized research in fields such as area studies and linguistics.

Human Resource Development Objectives

To produce individuals capable of contributing to increasingly globalized societies through advanced proficiency in the German language, and experts in research related to area studies and linguistics

Diploma Policy

The Department of German Studies sets standards for the skills and knowledge students should acquire before graduations as described below. Those who fulfill the graduation requirements shall be deemed to have acquired these qualities and will be awarded a diploma. The Department aims to have all students reach a level of proficiency equivalent to “B2” (level sufficient to study at an overseas university) under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) at the timing of graduation and furthermore to have as many students as possible reach a level equivalent to “C1” (level sufficient to study at an overseas university)

1. Abilities related to receptive activities, including “listening” and “reading” German
2. Abilities related to productive activities, including “speaking” and “writing” in German
3. Abilities related to interactive activities, including communicating and negotiating in German
4. Activities related to mediating activities, including interpreting and translating German
5. The ability to understand the history, politics, economy, society and culture of German-speaking areas in the context of their global status and comparisons with Japan

Curriculum

In accordance with the Diploma Policy, the Department of German Studies constructs its curriculum with courses aligned with the following purposes:

1. 【Major Language – Compulsory Courses (Basic German I, II)】These courses aim to have students acquire basic German proficiency through lecture-based classes and seminars centered on grammar and reading comprehension, as well as classes where native-speaker and Japanese faculty members collaborate to build further on students’ four language skills of “listening, speaking, reading and writing” through practicing in pair work, group work, presentations, etc. In communication classes, the instructor speaks mainly in German. All classes assume proactive class participation and self motivated learning in and outside class.
2. 【Major Language -German III/Advanced reading comprehension】Using the fundamental academic skills acquired in their freshman and sophomore years, students will learn high-level skills to practically use their language skills in their junior and senior years. Comprising mainly oral expression and listening comprehension, German III is taught mainly in German using various methods, including communication and presentations in pairs or groups, dictation to improve listening comprehension skills, etc. In Advanced Reading Comprehension, students will acquire the skills to read specialized text through reading high-level literature on language, thought and culture, and politics and society.
3. 【Major Language – Basic Area Studies Courses (German-speaking world)】These courses aim to have freshmen and sophomores acquire the fundamental knowledge of the history, politics, economics, society, culture and language of the German-speaking world required to learn about the German-speaking world using German. Furthermore, students will acquire fundamental academic skills, including literature searching and report compilation. Students going abroad on Integrated Study Abroad and other programs will be prepared for living and learning at university in the German-speaking world. Classes will not only be delivered in the form of lectures, but also engage students in group work and presentations.
4. 【Integrated Study Abroad】Credits for Basic German II, Area Studies (German-speaking world) and German III can be earned abroad at partner institutions located in the German-speaking world in the autumn semester of the sophomore year. Students returning from Integrated Study Abroad or Student Exchange Programs will take a course designated by the Department as a “Japan German comparative studies” course (including translation and interpretation) under the Faculty’s Concentration course, to enhance inter-cultural communication skills and further comparative studies in each field by learning together with international students from the German-speaking world.

Admissions Policy

Department of German Studies:

1. Seeks students interested in various issues associated with the language, history, politics, economy, society and culture of German-speaking countries and regions, and motivated to acquire a high level of German proficiency;
2. Generally seeks students who wish to study German for the first time at the Department of German Studies, but also welcomes students with some experience in learning German who are prepared to be committed to enhancing their German proficiency through renewed systematic learning; and
3. Expects students to pursue specialized studies in the discipline or geographical area chosen from the nine Concentrations offered at the Faculty of Foreign Studies, supported by their practical proficiency in German or other foreign language.

Faculty Members

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