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DEPARTMENT OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

DEPARTMENT OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

 AOYAMA CAMPUS

Always with a contemporary perspective
Learn about the world of Japanese art cultivated over time and by Japan's culture

MOVIES ​

FEATURES ​

  1. A rich variety of faculty members and intensive lectures to satisfy students' diverse research interests

    Department of Japanese Language and Literature consists of Japanese literature and Japanese language studies, as well as the closely related Chinese classical literature and Japanese language education. The needs of enrolled students are also very diverse, and the department boasts one of the most comprehensive teaching staff in Japan. We have full-time faculty members who cover almost all fields, from literature from the ancient period (Nara) to modern times (Meiji period and after) and Japanese language studies, as well as Chinese classical literature and Japanese language education, so they will be able to answer any research questions or inquiries you may have. Furthermore, from 2013, the department has been divided into two courses, the Japanese Literature Course and the Japanese Language and Japanese Language Education Course, further enhancing the program.

  2. Experience the joy of studying Japanese literature, Japanese language studies, and classical Chinese literature

    We offer many specialized courses in the form of seminars for second- to fourth-year students, and we are creating an environment in which students can learn actively. This is because Japanese literature is not a passive academic field in which students only listen to lectures. Students will broadly research previous theories, organize and present the differences between these and their own ideas, and further deepen their understanding of the reading of works and language through discussion with students and faculty. The seminar site is a microcosm full of discoveries and surprises.

  3. Teaching Japanese begins with understanding Japan

    Teaching the language to people who cannot speak Japanese at all - the Japanese language education field can be said to be a place of exchange where different cultures come into contact. Therefore, what is required of Japanese language teachers is not just teaching skills. They need to have accurate knowledge of Japanese culture and a deep understanding of their own language. In the Japanese Language and Japanese Language Education course, students experience teaching practice for international students, and are trained to become people who can act as a bridge between different cultures.

  4. Rediscovering Japanese literature and the Japanese language through international exchange with overseas universities

    The Department of Japanese Literature Aoyama Gakuin University College of Literature Department of Japanese Language and Literature is actively promoting exchanges with departments specializing in Japanese language and Japanese literature at overseas universities. Academic exchanges between faculty members and joint projects (exchange events) between undergraduate and graduate students are carried out. By studying alongside people studying Japanese language and Japanese literature at overseas universities, students will rediscover Japanese language and Japanese literature. In addition, by learning each other's languages, literature, and cultures in depth, they will deepen mutual understanding. Together, we aim to contribute to solving the problems and development of human society.

PICK UP LECTURES ​

Introduction to International Literary

Japanese literature has always been influenced by foreign literature and culture, exported to other countries, and created through exchange with other countries throughout the ages. Rather than looking at Japanese literature only from a Japanese perspective, we will reexamine Japanese literature from an international perspective.

Lecture on Japanese Literature I[9]

We will select several literary works from the Meiji period to the present and consider the modern to contemporary concepts of "life" and "death" and their effects and transformations. Furthermore, through literary works, we will understand the rules and management of modern society.

Lecture on Japanese Language I・II[1]

We will study Japanese language and data science. Data science, which has become increasingly necessary in recent years, uses computers to analyze large amounts of data, resulting in unprecedented results and is the basis of AI. In this class, you can learn the basics of data science and AI.

Introduction to Teaching Japanese

This is a required subject for the Japanese Language and Japanese Language Education course. Students will learn about the current state of Japanese language education in Japan and overseas, the diversification of learners, instruction content, teaching methods, evaluation methods, etc. The course will be conducted in a lecture format using audiovisual materials, but students will also deepen their understanding by thinking through discussions, submission of assignments, etc.

Lecture on Japanese Literature I・II[7]

We will look at various genres from the late Edo period and interpret works. We will explore the fantastical, satirical, and allegorical aspects of Yomihon (historical fantasy novels) and kibyō and gokan (manga). We will also look at plays such as Jōruri and Kabuki, and ukiyo-e, and learn about their deep connections to Edo literature.

Features of Major Subjects

PICK UP SEMINARS ​

Seminar in Japanese Literature I[1]

The theme is "Books, Manyoshu, and Exchange." We will interpret "poetry" from various angles by going back and forth between Japan's oldest collection of poems, "Manyoshu," and modern poetry related to "literary exchange" (for example, war, translation). We will also study the formative nature of "poetry" through calligraphy and type. This is a class where students explore the rich world of "poetry" while valuing their own sensibilities.

Seminar in Japanese Literature I[14]

Students will study modern and contemporary literary works, search for various sources and previous papers, and actually give presentations and hold discussions to learn practical methods of literary research. As the research progresses, students will be able to feel their reading skills deepening.

Seminar in Japanese Literature II [1]

While coming into contact with familiar Japanese expressions found in literary works, students will learn basic knowledge of pragmatics and research methods. Through discussion, students will explore the depth of Japanese expressions.

Seminar Introduction