Graduate School of Humanities, Fukuoka University

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GERMAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Overview

Features of German Language and Literature Major

This department has staff members who are engaged in research in various fields of German language and German literature that offer a diverse range of lectures and research related guidance. In the field of German language, we provide research related guidance on historical sociolinguistics in addition to fundamental areas dealing with syntactic theory. The field of German literature boasts a varied curriculum in terms of eras and genres, with Faust literature since the 16th century, Goethe and Grimm in the 18th and 19th centuries, Karl Kraus at the end of the century, and Jewish-German literature in the 20th century. We also offer the chance to conduct comparative research on Japanese and German culture from the viewpoint of art and housing.

Curriculum

Master's Program

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  • German Language
  • German Literature
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language I a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language I b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Language Ⅰ4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language II a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language II b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Language II4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language III a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language III b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Language III4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language IV a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language IV b2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language V a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Language V b2 credits
Intensive Course in German Language Ⅰ2 credits
Intensive Course in German Language II2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature I a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature I b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature Ⅰ4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature II a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature II b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature II4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature III a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature III b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature III4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature IV a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature IV b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature IV 4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature Ⅴ a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature Ⅴ b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature Ⅴ4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature VI a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in German Literature VI b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in German Literature VI4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in European Studies I a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in European Studies I b2 credits
Graduate Seminar in European Studies I4 or 8 credits
Specialized Lecture in European Studies Ⅲ a2 credits
Specialized Lecture in European Studies Ⅲ b2 credits
Intensive Course in German Literature Ⅰ2 credits
Intensive Course in German Literature II2 credits

Doctoral Program

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  • German Language
  • German Literature
Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
Special Studies in German Language Ⅰ4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in German Language II4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in German Language III4 or 12 credits
Special Lecture in German Language Ⅰ4 credits
Special Lecture in German Language II4 credits
Special Lecture in German Language III4 credits
Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
Special Studies in German Literature Ⅰ4 or 12 credits
Special Studies in German Literature II4 or 12 credits
Special Lecture in German Literature Ⅰ4 credits
Special Lecture in German Literature II4 credits
Special Lecture in German Literature III4 credits
Special Lecture in German Literature IV 4 credits

Online Syllabus Click here for subject details

Messages from a Current Student

KAMEDA Fuko Admission in 2023,
Master's Program
I am undertaking a textual analysis of Austrian novelist Robert Musil's debut novel, The Confusions of Young Törless. The book unfolds into a kind of brutal tale about superficially violent and self-serving characters residing at a boarding school. However, a careful scrutiny of the text reveals glimpses of "love" scattered throughout the passages. What does one do with "love" in a setting seemingly incompatible with love at first glance? We examine the words, analyze the author's intention behind them as if solving a riddle, and in this way forge new interpretations. This process is like that of an adventurer into the foray of language. In graduate school, under the guidance of professors and senior students, I am carefully and painstakingly translating and interpreting the original text one sentence at a time. I am working diligently toward my master's thesis to break new ground in this manner of interpretation.
NAKASHIMA Honoka Admission in 2024,
Master's Program
My research focuses on E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker and the Mouse King in tandem with related ballet productions. The ballet production called The Nutcracker is probably the most commonly known. By thoroughly reading the original work on which the ballet script was based, the differences from the ballet and the implications within the transformation of the script should be revealed in a variety of ways. Although I am just setting out on my studies, I am already looking forward to seeing what I will discover as I face the subject of my research more closely.
At our university, we are guided by professors who are well-versed not only in German literature but also a variety of other fields. In addition, graduate school classes allow students to cultivate critical thinking skills by holding ongoing dialogues with their professors as they pursue their research. I intend to summarize the fruits of my diligent studies in this remarkable environment in my final master's thesis.
TAHIRA Rentaro Admission in 2024,
Doctoral Program
What do you mean by "fishing" research?!　In my master's thesis, I examined the relationship between "fishing" as a recreational activity and animal protection practices as they exist in Germany. Fishing is an intriguing research topic that encompasses complex contemporary issues such as animal protection and environmental problems. In the course of my research, I discovered the possibility that there are not only historical but also regional differences in the German perception of fish and other animals. Thus, I am approaching this topic from a cultural-historical and legal-historical perspective during the Second Semester Doctoral Program. At the University, I receive a comprehensive range of guidance based on literary and cultural research methods, and I realize that my ideas have expanded while my research has grown more profound thanks to guidance provided from multifarious perspectives. I am currently focused intently on summarizing the results of my research as a doctoral dissertation and publishing it for wider readership.

Process of Acquiring a Master's Degree or PhD

Master's Program

Requirements for Applying for a Master's Degree

    Master's Program
  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
    Under the guidance of a supervisor, students set a research theme, create a research plan, and conduct research toward obtaining a degree (Literature). In addition, students will present their research results at the master's thesis interim presentation and master's thesis presentation attended by all faculty staff and current students of the Department of German Language and Literature, learn how to conduct research and make presentations, and deepen their knowledge of their area of specialization from multiple perspectives.
  • First year
    April: Under the guidance of a supervisor determined at the time of enrollment, students set a research theme, create a research plan, and begin research.
    From May to March of the following year: In addition to the guidance of the supervisor, students receive guidance and advice from other faculty staff as needed to advance their research. Present research results at the master's thesis interim presentation (January) and receive guidance and advice. Students will also learn research and presentation methods at the master's thesis presentation held at the same time, as well as deepen their knowledge of their area of specialization from multiple perspectives.
  • Second year
    April: Based on the progress of the first-year research, the research plan is reviewed as necessary.
    From April to September: In addition to the guidance of the supervisor, students receive guidance and advice from other faculty staff as appropriate, and proceed to write their thesis.
    October: Submit the thesis proposal.
    From October to December: Receive guidance on content and structure from the supervisor and continue working toward the completion of the thesis.
    January: Submit the thesis. Present research results and answer questions at the master's thesis presentation (final examination).

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
    Receive guidance on research activities from the supervisor and continue working toward obtaining a degree (Literature). Students will report on the progress of their research and receive guidance and advice at an interim debriefing attended by all faculty staff and current students in the Department of German Language and Literature. In addition, students will present their research results at academic conferences, etc., and experience rigorous peer review by submitting papers to specialized academic journals, and acquire the ability to carry out research activities independently.
  • First year
    April: Under the guidance of a supervisor determined at the time of enrollment, students set a research theme, taking into consideration the originality and academic significance of the research. Gather information on the research topic through literature research, etc., create a research plan, and initiate the research.
    From May to March of the following year: Accumulate research results based on in-depth discussions with the supervisor. The progress of the research will be reported at the interim debriefing session to identify problems in the course of the research and discuss solutions. In addition, presentations at academic conferences, etc. and submission of papers to specialized academic journals will be proactively made to receive external evaluation.
  • Second year
    April: Based on the progress of the first-year research, the research plan is reviewed as necessary.
    From April to March of the following year: Further accumulate research results based on in-depth discussions with the supervisor. The progress of the research will be reported at the interim debriefing session and the matters pointed out will be fed back to the research. In addition, presentations at academic conferences, etc. and submission of papers to specialized academic journals will be proactively made to receive external evaluations.
  • Third year
    From April to September: Proceed with the thesis under the guidance of the supervisor while summarizing the results of the research conducted thus far. In addition, presentations at academic conferences, etc. and submission of papers to specialized academic journals will be proactively made to receive external evaluations. Receive guidance on content and structure from the supervisor and continue working toward the completion of the thesis.
    October: Submit the thesis and request for dissertation review after approval from the research supervisor.
    January: Present research results at the doctoral degree application thesis presentation (public hearing) and take the final examination.

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