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 British 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 main reason I chose this major was my interest in "learning" about cultures and societies different from Japan. Having been exposed to Western music and movies since childhood, I naturally developed an interest in and longing for the wider world different from Japan. I also enjoy thinking deeply about things and sharing those thoughts with others. I chose this major because I felt that I could learn about the wider world while growing as a person from multiple perspectives through English-based classes and presentations.
What are you particularly focusing on learning?
I am taking many courses related to intercultural understanding and presentation skills. In these courses, I can learn about the background and values of different eras through visual media such as movies and printed materials such as books. Through these experiences, I have had many opportunities to critically re-examine contemporary society and re-evaluate my own thinking, which has helped me hone my critical thinking skills and realize the importance of new perspectives.
In addition, in the presentation class, I learned that there are many differences between Japanese and English, not only in terms of language but also in structure and communication style, which allowed me to re-examine the essential points for effectively communicating with others. Furthermore, I was able to reflect on my own pronunciation and grammar through feedback from others, and I feel that I have acquired more practical English skills.
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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