Graduate School of Humanities, Fukuoka University

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Overview

English Language and Literature

This program offers lectures, seminars, and special studies in the fields of syntax theory, phonology, semantics, historical linguistics, Anglo-American theater, Anglo-American novels, Anglo-American poetry, and English language education. Classes are run by professional researchers including teachers from England and America. Research activities are also thriving in this program. Graduate students receive detailed guidance from their professors in both the first and second half of the program, deepen their knowledge of specialized fields, and work hard every day with the goal of writing a thesis.

Curriculum

Master's Program

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  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • American Literature
  • English Language Education
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language I a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language I b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language I 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language II a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language II b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language II 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language III a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language III b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language III 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language IV a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language IV b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language IV 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language V a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language Ⅴ b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language Ⅴ 4 or 8 credits
Intensive Course in English Language I 2 credits
Intensive Course in English Language II 2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature I a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature I b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Literature I 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature II a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature II b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Literature II 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature III a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature III b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Literature III 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature IⅤ a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature IV b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Literature IV 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature Ⅴ a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Literature Ⅴ b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Literature Ⅴ 4 or 8 credits
Intensive Course in English Literature I 2 credits
Intensive Course in English Literature I 2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature I a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature I b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in American Literature I 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature II a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature II b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in American Literature II 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature III a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in American Literature III b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in American Literature III 4 or 8 credits
Intensive Course in American Literature I 2 credits
Intensive Course in American Literature II 2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language Education I a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language Education I b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language Education I 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language Education II a 2 credits
Specialized Lecture in English Language Education II b 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in English Language Education II 4 or 8 credits

Doctoral Program

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  • English Language
  • English Literature
  • American Literature
Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
Special Studies in English Language I4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in English Language II4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in English LanguageⅢ4 or 12 credits
Special Lecture in English Language I4 credits
Special Lecture in English Language II4 credits
Special Lecture in English Language III4 credits
Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
Special Studies in English Literature I4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in English Literature II4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in English Literature III4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in English Literature IV4 or 12 credits
Special Lecture in English Literature I4 credits
Special Lecture in English Literature II4 credits
Special Lecture in English Literature III4 credits
Special Lecture in English Literature IV4 credits
Special Lecture in English Literature Ⅴ4 credits
Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
Special Studies in American Literature I4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in American Literature II4 or 12 credits
Special Lecture in American Literature I4 credits
Special Lecture in American Literature II4 credits

Online Syllabus Click here for subject details

Messages from Current Students

TANIGUCHI Motoki Enrolled in 2024,
Doctoral Program
Since my undergraduate years, I have been deeply interested in English education, driven by my dream of becoming an English teacher. However, for native Japanese speakers, learning English—marked by significant grammatical and structural differences—can be particularly challenging. In order to overcome these difficulties, one must find joy in learning the language; in other words, "motivation" is essential. At Fukuoka University Graduate School, I am conducting research into what causes this motivation to decline.
One of the strengths of the graduate program at Fukuoka University is the ability to explore such questions from a variety of perspectives, including pedagogy, linguistics, and more. Additionally, students are encouraged to broaden their intellectual horizons beyond their primary field of study to include areas such as the history of the English language and British and American literature. This emphasis on interdisciplinary study is one of the university’s greatest attractions. While pursuing graduate studies may seem daunting, the smaller class sizes and discussion-based format at the graduate level—so different from the large lectures of undergraduate education—offer the benefit of receiving guidance from faculty and peers from multiple angles. If you have even a slight interest, I encourage you to consider graduate school as a part of your future. You just might discover the key to answering your own questions.
MIYATA Kumi Enrolled in 2024,
Doctoral Program
I developed an interest in English literature during my undergraduate studies and participated in graduate-level courses at Fukuoka University through the early enrollment program. That experience inspired me to pursue further study in this graduate school, and I am currently researching the works of Charles Dickens, a nineteenth-century British author. The English Language and British and American Literature Program offers a richly diverse learning environment, where students of all ages and nationalities gather to explore their specialized fields. In small, interactive classes, we not only deepen our understanding of our own areas of expertise but also gain insights into other disciplines from various perspectives. The input I receive from professors and fellow students often reveals ideas and viewpoints I would never have reached on my own. I truly feel that this learning environment contributes to both my academic research and personal growth. I believe that this opportunity for holistic development is one of the most appealing aspects of this program.
OYA Yukari Enrolled in 2020,
Doctoral Program
My enthusiasm to further my study of Native American literature is what originally inspired me to study at the graduate school. I strongly believe that what I grasp in my research will be “food for the mind,” because works of Native American literature give me wisdom for how to survive based on peaceful ways of life. My professor, a specialist in Native American literature, helped me to complete my master’s thesis. Hoping to continue my study, I have advanced to Fukuoka University’s doctoral program. Here we have opportunities to learn from professors who specialize in American Literature, English Literature, English Language, or English Language Education.

Process of Acquiring a Master’s Degree or PhD

Master's Program

Requirements for Applying for a Master’s Degree

  1. Period of Enrollment
    You must be enrolled in the master's program for more than 2 years.
  2. Credit Requirements
    A total of 32 credits or more must be obtained for a predetermined subject.

Process to Apply for a Degree

  • Framework of Research Guidance
    Students will receive guidance on setting a research theme and creating a research plan in their field of specialization from a supervisor determined at the time of enrollment. Graduate students will conduct a series of research activities, and acquire professional competence through presentations of research results at research debriefings and conferences.
  • First year
    April: Attend orientation sessions, narrow down research topics and develop research plan.
    November: Presentation of master's thesis concept at Theme & Method (master's thesis preparation plan presentation).
    December: Submit the Theme & Method manuscript to the Journal of English Language and Literature.
  • Second year
    October: Submit the master's thesis title.
    October: Receive approval from the vice-chief supervisor at the regular committee meeting.
    January: Submit the master's thesis.
    February: Take the final examination (oral examination) of master's thesis by the chief and vice-chief examiners.
    March: Present the results of the research at the master's thesis presentation.

Doctoral Program

Requirements for Applying for a PhD

  1. Period of Enrollment
    Those who have been enrolled in the doctoral program for more than 3 years, have earned the required credits, and have received the necessary research guidance.

Process to Apply for a Degree

  • Framework of Research Guidance
    Students will receive guidance on research activities in their field of specialization from a supervisor determined at the time of enrollment. Graduate students will conduct a series of research activities, report the results at academic conferences, submit papers to specialized journals, and experience rigorous peer review, thereby acquiring the ability to carry out research activities independently.
  • First year
    First semester: Review of master's thesis (general review and revision).
    Second semester: Based on the review of the first semester, organize, restructure and reinforce the arguments of the master's thesis.
  • Second year
    First semester: Begin writing the doctoral thesis in earnest, building on the work of the first year.
    Second semester: Continue work from the previous semester. The doctoral thesis will be presented at the Kyushu Branch of The English Linguistic Society of Japan (or an equivalent convention) in October as an interim review of the thesis.
  • Third year
    First semester: Submit and publish the essence of the doctoral thesis in the "Journal of the Graduate School of Fukuoka University".
    Second semester: Complete the doctoral thesis. A public hearing will be held.

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