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About Us

About Us

In studying literature composed in English, students learn not only to appreciate these works as verbal art but also to explore the cultural and historical contexts that shaped them. Through this dual approach, they deepen their insight into both the diversity and the commonality of human experience and society.

Small, discussion-based classes and the intensive coursework that culminates in a senior thesis cultivate the ability to identify issues from a critical perspective, investigate and analyze them, and communicate findings logically and clearly in both English and Japanese.

In this way, the program fosters not only strong English proficiency but also prepares students to become responsible, insightful communicators — individuals who can bring intellectual depth to the challenges that arise in intercultural contexts.

The English Literature Department is also distinguished by the high number of students who participate in study-abroad programs and those who obtain teaching certifications.

Curriculum Highlights
From the Foundations of Intellectual training to the Creative Integration of Knowledge

Over the four years of study, students take required English-skill courses that ensure continuous advancement in their language abilities while they progress into more specialized [academic] fields. From the third year onward, students choose from three tracks, each with its own specialized curriculum choices. In the fourth year, through individualized supervision, students bring together the results of their learning by completing a graduation thesis.

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Course Descriptions

1Morning English

Using a textbook designed to develop British English vocabulary, this course offers regular vocabulary tests, listening tests based on authentic materials, and systematic review of key grammatical structures. Through these integrated components, students strengthen their foundational English skills for both everyday communication and academic contexts.

2Writing Workshop

Students learn the essential skills of academic writing in English, including paragraph organization, punctuation, logical development, and the effective use of sources. Taught primarily by native English speakers, the course also enhances students’ ability to write in a clear and well formulated style.

3Translation Theory

In this seminar-style course, professional translators and editors from various fields are invited as guest instructors. Through hands-on practice of English–Japanese translation, students gain practical translation skills while working with a wide range of materials—including literary texts and audiovisual media.

4English/ American/ Language Studies Seminar

This seminar is conducted in small groups. Through close reading, critical discussion, and research presentations, students deepen their knowledge in ways that align with their specialized course in English literature, American literature, or linguistics. In this third-year seminar, students develop the analytical approaches needed to carry their work forward into the fourth-year graduation thesis.

5CLIL-based Seminar

This course applies CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning), an innovative approach that integrates subject learning with English language development. Students acquire the disciplinary knowledge, language proficiency, analytical skills, and intercultural collaboration abilities so highly valued in today’s global society.

6Research Project

Working closely with a faculty supervisor in one-on-one tutorials, students compose their graduation thesis by applying the knowledge and perspectives they have gained over four years of studying English and American literature, culture, and language. They also engage with existing research as they develop a coherent and substantial piece of their own research.