Not only by evaluating literary works written in English as verbal art but also by studying the cultural and historical contexts that created them, students gain insight into the universality and pluralism of humanity and its society. With an intensive thinking exercise in small classes and the writing of a graduation thesis as the culmination of undergraduate study, students will develop the ability to identify problems with a critical view, methods for seeking solutions based on research and analysis, and the skills to logically communicate the results in both Japanese and English.
In this way, our goal is not only to hone English language skills as a means of communicating information but also to become a global citizen in the truest sense, a “language professional” who utilizes competent intellect to deal with the various issues that arise in intercultural negotiations.
In the first year, students thoroughly fortify their basic English language skills (Foundation Skills). In order to prevent the reduction in English study time in the following years, English skill classes are mandatory throughout the whole curriculum, allowing students to continue improving their English language skills while preparing them for specialized courses of their respective majors. Such developmental learning is to be completed in the fourth year of CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), where English language skills and expertise are integrated.
Along with mandatory courses, from the third year, students choose their majors from the three specialized courses ((1) British Studies, (2) American Studies, and (3) Language Studies) to explore their own themes. In the “Research Project” in the fourth year, students bring the knowledge and skills they have learned over the four years in the form of a graduation thesis under the individual guidance of a faculty member called Tutorial.
as of 2026
* Please refer to the syllabus for more information on the courses.
With tests based on British vocabulary study books, listening tests on authentic materials, and grammar review, students will improve their basic English skills in both everyday and academic English from a variety of perspectives.
Through the Tutorials with faculty members, students will compose a graduation thesis based on their knowledge of and consideration of British and American literary works, culture, and language, referring to the previous research and contents they studied over the past four years.
The program offers a series of rotational lectures by translators and editors active in various fields to cultivate practical skills in English-Japanese translation. Students will also engage in actual translation work on a wide range of literary and visual works.
Students will learn how to write professional-level English papers, including paragraph organization, punctuation, logical development, and argumentation. Classes are taught mainly by native speakers, and students’ natural ability to express themselves is also developed at the same time.
Students study specialized subjects in English using CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), a new foreign language learning method. Students will acquire the specialized skills, language skills, thinking skills, and multicultural collaboration skills required in a global society.
History of English Literature & Culture/History of American Literature & Culture/History of the English Language
Core courses for the three specialized courses (1) British Studies, (2) American Studies, and (3) Language Studies. Build a foundational knowledge for each course with systematic approach to the study from a historical perspective.
English Studies Seminar, American Language, Language Studies Seminar
This is a seminar-style class in which students are assigned to each of the three courses: (1) British Studies, (2) American Studies, and (3) Language Studies. Students are thoroughly trained in close reading and analysis of literature, leading to their graduation theses.
From the 2023 academic year, we have inaugurated the Sophomore Seminar, a course dedicated to improving the Japanese communicative ability, with the aim of strengthening the English and Japanese language training that supports the acquisition of specialized knowledge. Through the language learning experience in both English and Japanese, the program encourages intellectual activities such as acquiring specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and presenting new hypotheses.
Curatorial courses are available.
To broaden one’s knowledge of Anglo-American literature, thought, and culture, to identify issues from a systematic and critical perspective, and to acquire the ability to logically communicate the results of one’s research and analysis in both English and Japanese.
To be able to tackle the newly discovered issues that arise in the international community by using insightful analytical skills and advanced communication skills based on a deep understanding of language, culture, thought, history, and society.
With the aim of cultivating individuals who acquire the literacy to decipher the multiplicity and ambiguity of meanings that inevitably accompany human activities, our department has established the following abilities and knowledge that students should have acquired at the time of graduation. Upon completion of graduation requirements, students are recognized as having mastered these requirements and are awarded a degree.
In line with the Diploma Policy, our department organizes its curriculum with courses that incorporate the following objectives in order to achieve a synergistic effect in acquiring literacy by focusing on both the social and cultural aspects of language.
We accepts students who are interested in language in general, in the social semantic effects of specific languages, and in the reading and analysis of texts as linguistic expressions.
Makoto IKEDA Professor
Juro OTSUKA Professor
Keiko SHIMOJO Professor
Dominic CHEETHAM Professor
Tomomi NAGATOMI Professor
Richard PINNER Professor
Hogara MATSUMOTO Professor
Kazuhiko YAMAGUCHI Professor
Yuko TASHIMA Associate Professor
Iain TWIDDY Associate Professor
Takashi NISHI Associate Professor
Akihiro MACHIMOTO Associate Professor
Shun OGAWA Assistant Professor
Lay Sion NG Assistant Professor
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Department of English Literature
