Graduate School of Humanities, Fukuoka University

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JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Overview

Features of Japanese Language and Literature Major

Japanese language offers seminars and special lecturers on ancient Japanese, modern Japanese, and contemporary Japanese.

Japanese literature is broadly divided into classical literature and modern literature. In classical literature, seminars and special lectures are held for the middle ancient periods, medieval periods, and early modern periods, as well as from the Heian to Edo periods. In modern literature, four faculty staff members are in charge of seminars and special lectures in both prose and poetry from Meiji up to contemporary literature.

Modern literature also offers special lectures on comparative literature.

Curriculum

Master's Program

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  • Japanese Language
  • Japanese Literature
  • Intensive Course
Subjects Number of Credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language I a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language I b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language I c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language I d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Language I 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language II a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language II b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language II c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language II d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Language II 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language III a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language III b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language III c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Language III d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Language III 4 or 8 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research I a 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research I b 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research I c 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research I d 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research II a 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research II b 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research II c 2 credits
Japanese Linguistic Research II d 2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature I a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature I b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature I c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature I d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature I 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature II a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature II b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature II c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature II d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature II 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature III a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature III b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature III c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature III d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature III 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature IV 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature V a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature Ⅴ b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature Ⅴ c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature Ⅴ d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature V 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature IV d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature IV 4 or 8 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature VII a 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature VII b 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature VII c 2 credits
Special Lecture in Japanese Literature VII d 2 credits
Graduate Seminar in Japanese Literature VII 4 or 8 credits
Japanese Literary Researches I a 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches I b 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches I c 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches I d 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches II a 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches II b 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches II c 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches II d 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches III a 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches III b 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches III c 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches III d 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches IV a 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches IV b 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches IV c 2 credits
Japanese Literary Researches IV d 2 credits
Subjects Number of Credits
Intensive Course I a 2 credits
Intensive Course I b 2 credits
Intensive Course I c 2 credits
Intensive Course I d 2 credits
Intensive Course II a 2 credits
Intensive Course II b 2 credits
Intensive Course II c 2 credits
Intensive Course II d 2 credits
Intensive Course III a 2 credits
Intensive Course III b 2 credits
Intensive Course III c 2 credits
Intensive Course III d 2 credits

Doctoral Program

Tutorial Academic Subjects Number of Credits
A Specific theme study of Japanese Linguistics I 4 or 12 credits
A Specific theme study of Japanese Linguistics II 4 or 12 credits
A Specific theme lecture of Japanese Linguistics I 4 credits
A Specific theme lecture of Japanese Linguistics II 4 credits
A Specific theme study of Japanese Literature I 4 or 12 credits
A Specific theme study of Japanese Literature II 4 or 12 credits
A Specific theme lecture of Japanese Literature I 4 credits
A Specific theme lecture of Japanese Literature II 4 credits

Online Syllabus Click here for subject details

Messages from a Current Student

TANIZAKI Hitomi Enrolled in 2024,
Master's Program
The graduate school is, in my view, a place where one can truly cultivate deep, critical thinking. A year has passed since I enrolled, and through dialogue and discussion in class, I’ve gradually developed the ability to view matters from more diverse angles. Thanks to the support of knowledgeable faculty, senior students, and peers, I am discovering new perspectives and continuing to grow through my research.
Another distinctive feature of the graduate school is the abundance of opportunities to participate in academic conferences. In the Japanese Language and Literature Program, there are events such as the Fukuoka University Japanese Language and Literature Association and an annual joint research presentation held with Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan. Participation in external academic conferences is, of course, also encouraged. With the aim of presenting my work in as many venues as possible, I devote myself to research every day.

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 their 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 groups and conferences.
  • First year
    April: Attend orientation. Begin narrowing down research topics.
    September: Present the concept or outline of the thesis at the graduate student research presentation conference, receive evaluations and advice from the supervisor and other faculty staff and graduate students, identify problems, and discuss solutions.
    March: Submit results to the supervisor during the year and revise plans as necessary.
  • Second year
    From April to September: Continuously make interim reports at presentation conference and other events to learn about the research process.
    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 oral examination for master's thesis.
    March: Present master's thesis at the graduate student research presentation conference (master's thesis presentation).
    During this period, it is desirable for students to publish the results of their research through research groups, conferences, journals, etc.

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 setting a research theme and creating a research plan in their field of specialization from their supervisor determined at the time of enrollment. Graduate students will conduct a series of research activities, present the results at research groups and conferences, and submit papers to specialized journals for rigorous peer review in order to acquire the ability to carry out independent research activities.
  • First year
    April: Attend orientation. Begin narrowing down research topics.
    From April to September: Formulate the concept of the doctoral thesis and discuss the plan with the supervisor.
    September (or March): Students present the concept or outline of their thesis at the graduate student research presentation conference, receive evaluation and advice from their supervisor and other faculty staff and graduate students, identify problems and discuss solutions.
    March: Submit results to the supervisor during the year and revise plans as necessary.
  • Second year
    From April to September: Begin writing the thesis in earnest based on the results of the first year.
    September (or March): The results of this stage of research are presented at the graduate student research presentation conference. Review the progress of the research and have in-depth discussions with the supervisor.
  • Third year
    From April to September: Submit a interim draft of the thesis to the supervisor.
    September: Present the research based on the interim drafts at the graduate student research presentation conference and receive evaluations.
    October: Prepare a thesis based on the results of the research to date. With the approval of the supervisor, submit the thesis and request a dissertation review.
    January: Take the final examination (e.g., public hearings) of the thesis for doctoral degree application.
    During this period, it is desirable for students to publish the results of the research through research groups, conferences, journals, etc. as needed from year to year.

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