1.Department of Japanese Language and Literature
The curriculum of the Department of Japanese Language and Literature places great emphasis on intensive readings as a preparation for a rigorous examination of the Japanese classics.The goal of the program of studies is to cultivate the students' appreciation for the Japanese language and literature, deepening their understandeing of their native culture and ultimately of themselves as individuals. In the furtherance of this goal,the study of religion and European history in the Liberal Arts Program adds a comparative dimension that places Japanese studies in a world perspective.
In lecture courses and seminars,outstanding writers from Classical to Modern periods are studied, while the Japanese language is examined from both the historical and linguistic points of view.
As the culmination of their academic program, students are expected to carry out a research topic for their graduation thesis.
2.Department of English Language and Literature
In recognition of its responsibility for teaching what has become increasingly accepted as a world language, the Department of English language and Literature offers a wide variety of courses in spoken and written language practice,and in English Linguistics as well as in British and American Literature.
Language practice courses, which aim to develop communicative skills, are taught in English mainly by native English speakers. English linguistics courses focus on diverse aspects of English to develop deeper insight into the spoken and written language. Surveys of British and American literature form a basic introduction to the main bodies of English and American literature. Either, or both, may be pursued in greater depth in seminars and special lectures that deal with a particular literary figure or genre.
Language and linguistics both contribute to the appreciation of literature which in turn provides the richest possible experiences with the language. Students are given opportunities to study in English-speaking countries and can transfer credits toward graduation.
3.Department of Spanish Language and Literature
The Spanish Language and Literature Department is unique in being one of the oldest Spanish departments in Japan. The Department sees its mission as the introduction of a language, literature and culture that not only has roots in Europe but that has been diffused throughout Central and South America, an area of the world that is of increasing importance to Japan.
An amibitious program of studies beginning with the foundations of the language brings students, by the end of their four-year course, to an advanced level of reading, writing and speaking. Implicit in the study of a language is an initiation into the culture of its native speakers. The Department offers courses in Spanish and Latin American literature, art and history that serve to broaden the outlook of the student while providing stimulation for the study of the language. Since many of the professors are native Spanish-speakers, they provide an ideal mechanism for transmission of the language and culture as an entity. Students have opportunities to study in Spain and can transfer credits toward graduation.
4.Department of Cultural History
The Department aims at giving students a broad cultural education. In the Modern world this is taken to mean an exploration of the sources of new cultures and the study of the cultural heritage of the sources of new cultures and the study of the cultural heritage of the past to promote mutual understanding of cultures. The targeted areas are the West and Asia centering on Japan.
This study is divided into four branches: general history , art history, history of philosophy and history of religion to develop students' awareness of cultural traditions.
According to students' interests, these studies may be pursued in greater depth in seminars and special lectures that deal with a particular region, period, or cultural domain. All students are required to choose a topic in one of these areas for their graduation thesis in which they pursue their study with a particular, appropriate research methodology.
5.Department of Global Citizenship Studies
To face the challenges of the 21st century, women need to be independent, develop global perspectives and creative imagination. The Department of Global Citizenship Studies, newly opened in 2001, aims to educate women who strive to develop harmony among people from other countries and ethnic groups by seeing the symbiosis of human beings with each other and with the earth, thus helping to solve the diverse problems on the earth. Students will not only gain abundant knowledge, English competence and computer skills, but also cultivate the ability to clarify the problem areas and solve them constructively through their studies in the well-planned curriculum. In addition, students are trained to be imaginative and creative by broadening their horizons and integrate their knowledge of diverse peoples and cultures.
In the Department of Global Citizenship Studies students seek to penetrate beneath the surface of a matter and turn their attention to qualitative decision-making.