Faculty of Foreign Studies Department of Foreign Studies
English and Liberal Arts
Acquire cultural knowledge and a broad perspective through English-based skills applicable to the international community
Special Features of the Department
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Through "area studies," which study the history and culture of countries such as the United States and Britain, and "cultural studies," which deal with media such as film and music, students will develop broad-based knowledge and practical English skills.
Three points
- Learn about the society, culture, and history of English-speaking countries
- Acquire practical English skills through research and presentations in English
- Cultivate a multifaceted perspective and global literacy through the study of liberal arts subjects
Flow of the four years
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First year
Learn about the culture and society of English-speaking countries and develop the ability to give presentations in English
The first step is to improve your English skills. You will study intensively in small English classes six times a week in your first and second years. You will also develop the basic skills to conduct research and give presentations in English. Through pair work and dialogue, you will learn methods to deepen your understanding and thoughts, while also understanding English-speaking cultures and social conventions around the world.
e.g.Research on Area Studies A/B, Global Studies A/B, Western Thought & Culture A/B
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Second Year
Research, think about and present on cultural and social issues from around the world in English
Students will further improve their English skills in "all-English classes" from their first year, while honing their research and presentation skills in English. They will study "cultural studies" to cultivate media literacy and critical thinking skills, "global studies" to understand globalization and various world issues, and "area studies" to comprehensively learn the history and culture of North America and the UK.
e.g.Research on Cultural Studies A/B, Area Studies A/B, Introduction to English and American Literature
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Third Year
Approaching global issues through films, documentaries, news, etc.
Building on the English skills acquired in the first and second years, students will gain more specialized knowledge and approach various issues in global society, such as diversity and harmony, and well-being.* They will learn through experiential learning that makes full use of ICT, using movies, news, and other materials as themes and teaching materials.
*An individual's rights and self-realization are guaranteed, and they are in good physical, mental and social condition.e.g.Analytical Reading A/B, Advanced Global Studies A/B, Media and Culture A/B
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Fourth Year
Acquire an objective, multifaceted, and fair perspective and culture
Through English language study and foreign research, students will deepen their multifaceted thinking and further develop empathy and compassion for others. Our goal is to produce well-rounded members of society who will lead the global society with rich humanity and culture.
e.g.Advanced Cultural Studies A/B/C, Gender Studies A/B, Advanced Area Studies A/B/C, Specialized Seminars
Class Introduction
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Research on Cultural Studies A/B
Person in charge: Professor Hideo Mori
This is a core subject for second-year English and Liberal Arts, and aims to develop the ability to research cultural and social issues that interest you and to present the results in English. To that end, in class we conduct activities to read and understand English, to communicate what you have understood in English, and to prepare for presentations.
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Gender Studies A/B
Person in charge: Associate Professor Collins, Kristie
In this all-English class, students will understand the concept of gender and critically examine the impact of gender-related issues in each society. They will also understand the situation in Japan and other countries with concrete examples. In class, students will make poster presentations.
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Advanced Area Studies A/B
Person in charge: Professor Merwin Trikian
The all-English classes aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the UK. Students will learn about the UK's geographical diversity, political system and history, identity and nationalism, ideas about multicultural coexistence, as well as food, music, culture and art, all using videos and slides.
Student Interview
Why did you choose this major?
The biggest reason was that I had a strong desire to study English. It all started with something trivial: I love Western music and movies, and wanted to enjoy them without translation. I was also very attracted to the idea of learning about the culture and history of English-speaking countries through English. There are big differences in pronunciation and vocabulary depending on the region, but there are also small differences. I thought that by learning a wide range of these in this major, I would be able to further improve my English ability in many different ways.
What are you particularly focusing on learning?
I am taking many classes that use movies as a subject. Movies are a medium that can easily depict the subtle aspects of society, such as politics, human relationships, and the environment, and I find it very appealing that I can experience and learn about these things directly through real English. Also, in required courses, there are many opportunities to present and share my thoughts and opinions with others. Thanks to this, I can objectively reflect on my way of thinking about things and at the same time learn how to present myself when making presentations, which I feel is useful in various classes.
Qualifications that can be acquired
Junior high school teacher's license (English)* / Senior high school teacher's license (English)* / TOEIC® / TOEFL® / Test in Practical English Proficiency (EIKEN) / Goethe-Zertifikat / ÖSD-Zertifikat / German Proficiency Test (Dokuken) / HSK (Hango Shuikyu-Kousei-Ken) / Chinese Proficiency Test (Chūken) / Test in Chinese Communication (TECC) / Test of Korean Proficiency (TOPIK) / Hangul Proficiency Test / IT Passport / Information Technology Engineer Examination / CG-ARTS Association Web Designer Certification Basic Expert / CG-ARTS Association Multimedia Certification Basic Expert / MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) / Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bookkeeping Certification Level 3
*Mainly for English and Communication Studies and English and Liberal Arts
Target career path
Travel and tourism, hotels, logistics and international transport, media and cultural industries, junior and senior high school English teachers, etc.
English and Liberal ArtsInterview
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