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

ISHIBASHI Shoji Enrolled in 2022,
Doctoral Program
I have been interested in linguistics, especially phonetics, since my undergraduate days and have been engaged in various research activities during my first two years of Ph. Among them, I entered the doctoral program because I wanted to further my research, especially on the theme I dealt with in my master's thesis. Unlike the classes I took as an undergraduate in large groups, graduate school offers specialized learning in small, interactive classes. I believe that this small-group, interactive learning environment is a unique feature of this graduate school, which has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of English literature and history of English in addition to my specialty in English studies in the first half of doctoral program. In the second half of the doctoral program, I will continue to advance my own research as I did in the first half, and I intend to work diligently every day to improve my skills.
KOYA Shonosuke Enrolled in 2022,
Doctoral Program
Here at Fukuoka University Graduate School, I am researching about "speech" - the language used by humans. To put it more simply, it is the study of how we humans perceive and produce sound. When you hear the word "linguistics," many people have the impression that it is the study of learning a language other than your mother tongue or thinking about language in a complicated way. That’s certainly true. But more than that, I believe that learning deeply about language is fascinating because it leads to an understanding of people. In other words, knowing the various characteristics and systems that appear on the surface and in the depths of the words we use can be very helpful in understanding ourselves and others. In fact, I myself have gained many ideas on how to think and perceive society and human relationships from what I have learned so far, and I think I am able to utilize them in my daily life. As you can see, linguistics is a very fascinating field of study, and I would highly recommend that you study at Fukuoka University Graduate School.
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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