Master’s Degree Program in Language and Culture

In line with the Educational Objectives of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has established the following Educational Objectives.

• Cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise

Enable students to acquire cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language, culture, education, media, translation, and other areas relevant to language and culture, and foster the skills needed to write academic papers and various abilities needed to conduct advanced research. Another objective is to train students to acquire advanced broad-based knowledge based on traditional disciplines and deep critical thinking related to language and culture, as well as information utilization skills while looking beyond existing disciplinary boundaries, developing new research fields and methodologies, and exploring ways to integrate the arts and sciences, which will help solve global issues.

• Advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking

Enable students to look beyond existing disciplinary boundaries, acquire interdisciplinary, advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking, and develop the ability to evaluate global issues from various viewpoints, thinking in a multifaceted and comprehensive manner with an interdisciplinary perspective using the advanced information literacy skills required in today’s society.

• Sophisticated international mindset

In today’s globalized and information-driven society, a correct understanding of and respect for other languages and cultures are essential in order to achieve mutual understanding between various regions and peoples around the world in areas such as politics, economy, and education. Against this backdrop, the Master’s degree program enables students to acquire high-level language proficiency that allows fruitful communication with people across linguistic and cultural borders.

• Advanced design prowess

Enable students to acquire the ability to identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues related to language and culture and come up with solutions. Enable students to gain insights on the history of languages and cultures and acquire the ability to share the insights they gain using a wide range of information means.

• Individual Educational Objectives

Through the Master’s degree program, the Degree Program in Language and Culture aims to develop individuals with advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language and culture and extensive linguistic and cultural insights on the local and global communities, who can prosper in various fields such as academics, culture, education, society, and industry. To this end, students take subjects organized in accordance with the curriculum policy, write papers and make research presentations under appropriate and wide-ranging guidance of the program’s academic staff. The program aims to develop individuals who can help solve friction and conflicts between nations, ethnic groups, and cultures, environmental issues such as global warming, population problems, and other serious issues through gaining an understanding of today’s world, which is transforming into an increasingly multicultural, multilingual community, and sharing the insights they gain with society in general.

Doctoral-Degree Program in Language and Culture

In line with the Educational Objectives of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has established the following Educational Objectives.

• Cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise

Enable students to acquire cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language, culture, education, media, translation, and other areas relevant to language and culture, and foster the skills needed to write globally acceptable academic papers and various abilities needed to conduct cutting-edge research. Another objective is to train students to become independent researchers and highly skilled professionals through acquiring cutting-edge, advanced broad-based knowledge based on the foundations of traditional disciplines and deep critical thinking related to language and culture, as well as information utilization skills while looking beyond existing disciplinary boundaries, developing new research fields and methodologies, and exploring ways to integrate arts and science so that they can address global issues with an original approach and help solve them.

• Advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking

Enable students to look beyond existing disciplinary boundaries, acquire interdisciplinary, advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking, and develop the leadership skills demanded in today’s world to propose original solutions to global issues by evaluating such issues from various viewpoints, thinking in a multifaceted and comprehensive manner with an interdisciplinary perspective using the advanced information literacy skills required in today’s society.

• Sophisticated international mindset

In today’s globalized and information-driven society, a correct understanding of and respect for other languages and cultures are essential in order to achieve mutual understanding between various regions and peoples around the world in areas such as politics, economy, and education. Against this backdrop, the Doctoral-degree program enables students to acquire high-level language proficiency that allows them to communicate meaningfully with people across linguistic and cultural borders and demonstrate leadership on an international scale.

• Advanced design prowess

Enable students to acquire the advanced skills needed to identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues related to language and culture and conceive ways to solve them. Enable students to gain deeper insights on the history of languages and cultures and further improve their ability to share the insights they gain using a wide range of information means.

• Individual Educational Objectives

Through the Doctoral-degree program, the Degree Program in Language and Culture aims to develop individuals with advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language and culture and extensive linguistic and cultural insights on the local and global communities, and who can serve as leaders and mentors in various fields such as academics, culture, education, society, and industry. To this end, students take subjects organized in accordance with the curriculum policy, and write papers and make research presentations under appropriate and wide-ranging guidance of the program’s academic staff. The program aims to develop independent researchers and highly skilled professionals who can actively engage in the development of new research fields in order to help solve friction and conflicts between nations, ethnic groups, and cultures, environmental issues such as global warming, population problems, and other serious issues by leveraging the global insight gained through the interdisciplinary research they conduct in the Doctoral-degree program, gaining a better understanding of today’s world, which is transforming into an increasingly multicultural, multilingual community, and sharing the insights they gain with society in general.

Master’s Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the diploma policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture confers a degree on students who have acquired advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language and culture, broad-based knowledge, design prowess, and an international mindset, earned the required credits, and passed the thesis review and final examination.

The Master’s degree program confers a Master of Arts in Language and Culture degree on the students who are judged to have achieved the following learning goals.

• Cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise

• Acquire cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language, culture, education, media, translation, and other areas relevant to language and culture.

• Acquire the skills needed to write a thesis that satisfies the following criteria: originality, validity, logicality, clarity, etc.

• Acquire the presentation skills needed to make logical and convincing research presentations.

• Advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking

• Develop an interdisciplinary, broad interest in and advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking of a diverse range of linguistic and cultural phenomena in the world without being confined by existing disciplinary boundaries.

• Acquire skills related to language information processing and data/statistical processing.

• Sophisticated international mindset

• Acquire high-level language proficiency that allows efficient communication across linguistic and cultural borders without adhering to a particular means of communication.

• Acquire high-level Japanese proficiency (international students).

• Advanced design prowess

• Acquire the ability to identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues in a field of specialty in language and culture, and conceive ways to solve them in a logical manner through the collection of appropriate data and literature.

• Individual learning goals

• Under interdisciplinary guidance that transcends existing disciplinary boundaries, develop new knowledge and multifaceted insight on the local and global communities that could not be attained in existing disciplinary fields, and the ability to help solve a range of social issues.

Doctoral-Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the diploma policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture confers a degree on students who have acquired advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language and culture, broad-based knowledge, design prowess, and an international mindset, earned the required credits, and passed the thesis review and final examination.

The Doctoral-degree program confers a Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Culture degree on the students who are judged to have achieved the following learning goals.

• Cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise

• Acquire the cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in language and culture needed as an independent researcher or highly skilled professional in a globalized world.

• Acquire the ability to write papers on research findings that could be published in Japanese and international academic journals.

• Acquire the advanced presentation skills needed to make research presentations in Japan and at international conferences.

• Advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking

• Develop an interdisciplinary, broad interest in and advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking of a diverse range of linguistic and cultural phenomena in the world without being confined by existing disciplinary boundaries, which is required of a leader in today’s society.

• Acquire advanced skills related to language information processing and data/statistical processing.

• Sophisticated international mindset

• Develop a deep interest in today’s globalized and information-driven society from the standpoint of a researcher in language and culture, and try to correctly understand and respect each language and culture.

• Acquire high-level language proficiency based on interdisciplinary broad-based knowledge that does not adhere to a particular information or communication means.

• As an independent researcher and highly skilled professional, acquire high-level Japanese proficiency that is essential for solving a range of global issues (international students).

• Advanced design prowess

• Acquire the ability to identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues in a field of specialty in language and culture, and to conceive ways to solve them in a logical manner and conduct original, cutting-edge research through the collection of appropriate data and adequate consideration of literature.

• Individual learning goals

• Under interdisciplinary guidance that transcends existing disciplinary boundaries, develop new knowledge and multifaceted insight on the local and global communities that could not be attained in existing disciplinary fields, and the advanced skills needed to help solve a range of social issues as a leader. Also acquire the active attitude and communication skills needed to address issues through international cooperation.

Master’s Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the curriculum policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture offers education that involves classes in diverse subjects in a systematic manner, guidance on how to write a thesis, and other elements with the aim of enabling students to acquire the knowledge and skills described in the diploma policy.

< Principles of Curriculum Design >

In addition to offering Common Subjects for the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has the three disciplines shown below that consist of the six courses of the Division of Language and Culture. Education and research activities are conducted through cooperation between these disciplines to enable students to acquire cutting-edge, advanced specialized knowledge and outstanding academic expertise in linguistic and cultural studies, broad-based knowledge, a sophisticated international mindset, and advanced design prowess.

• Discipline I: Offers Interdisciplinary Cultural Formations, Culture and Representation, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Discipline II: Offers Sociolinguistic and Communication Sciences, Second Language Education Studies, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Discipline III: Offers Theoretical Linguistics, Digital Humanities, Language and Cognitive Sciences, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Academic Major education: Each discipline offers subjects in line with the research areas described above. However, the Division of Language and Culture is not bound by existing disciplinary boundaries and places value on comprehensive, interdisciplinary linguistic and cultural research. Therefore, in order to provide students with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary study and research that transcends conventional disciplinary boundaries and develop and pursue their individual interests in research, the Division of Language and Culture allows students to choose and take whichever subjects they want regardless of the discipline. Students are required to take Introduction to Research Practice and Seminar in Academic Presentation, in which they acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills associated with conducting research and writing papers. Students are also required to take Foundations of Humanities (Humanities and Dialogue), a required subject for the Graduate School of Humanities that involves acquiring cutting-edge knowledge in contemporary cultural and social issues and developing the thinking skills needed for problem solving.

  As for guidance on research topics and paper writing, each student has two supervisors to assist them. However, the Division of Language and Culture adopts a group supervision system whereby students can seek guidance not only from their designated supervisors but also from any member of the division’s academic staff.

• Liberal Arts education: Advanced Liberal Arts education subjects, including the required subject Foundations of Humanities (Contemporary Liberal Arts), are designed to help students acquire advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking in disciplines other than their own field of specialty as well as interdisciplinary fields.

• Global Literacy education: Advanced Global Literacy education subjects such as Special Language Class are designed to help students develop high-level proficiency in foreign languages and a sensitivity towards and knowledge of different cultures and peoples. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in study abroad, overseas training, and international exchange programs offered by Osaka University under its partnership agreements with foreign universities, through which they can improve their skills and knowledge even further.

< Contents and Methods of Education >

Class formats include lectures, seminars, and practical training and vary depending on the content of individual Academic Major education subjects. Each format incorporates student learning through independent problem-solving. In the Master’s degree program, students must earn a credit from each of the following four subjects: as required subjects for the Graduate School of Humanities, first-year students must take Foundations of Humanities (Humanities and Dialogue) (one credit) that covers the basics of the humanities and Foundations of Humanities (Contemporary Liberal Arts) (one credit), a subject offered as one of the advanced Liberal Arts education subjects; and as required subjects unique to the Division of Language and Culture, first-year students must take Introduction to Research Practice (one credit) which involves acquiring the basic knowledge needed to conduct research, and second-year students must take Seminar in Academic Presentation (one credit) in which they develop advanced presentation skills. Students are also required to earn two credits from advanced Global Literacy education subjects such as Special Language Class.

< Academic Performance Evaluation Method >

Academic performance is evaluated by assessing the level of achievement of the learning goals specified in the syllabus of each subject on the basis of written examinations, reports, and oral examinations (including research presentations), and other evaluation methods specified in the syllabus.

Each master’s thesis is comprehensively reviewed by two or more examiners who are experts in the relevant field, taking into consideration originality, appropriate account of previous research, validity, logicality, clarity, etc.

As described above, the Degree Program in Language and Culture offers an advanced and multifaceted curriculum in terms of both classes and research guidance to enable students to achieve the learning goals set forth in the diploma policy.

Doctoral-Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the curriculum policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities, the Degree Program in Language and Culture offers education that involves classes in diverse subjects in a systematic manner, guidance on how to write a thesis, and other elements with the aim of enabling students to acquire the knowledge and skills described in the diploma policy.

< Principles of Curriculum Design >

In addition to offering common humanities subjects, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has the three disciplines shown below that consist of the six courses of the Division of Language and Culture. Education and research activities are conducted through cooperation between these disciplines to enable students to acquire outstanding academic expertise and research skills in linguistic and cultural studies, broad-based knowledge, and the language skills needed to share information internationally, as well as refine the ability and original design prowess needed to actively conceptualize and conduct research.

• Discipline I: Offers Independent Study in Interdisciplinary Cultural Formation Studies, Independent Study in Culture and Representation, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Discipline II: Offers Independent Study in Sociolinguistic and Communication Sciences, Independent Study in Second Language Education Studies, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Discipline III: Offers Independent Study in Theoretical Linguistics, Independent Study in Historical Linguistic Research, Independent Study in Digital Humanities, Independent Study in Language and Cognitive Sciences, and other subjects in a range of related areas.

• Academic Major education: Each discipline offers subjects in line with the research areas described above. However, the Division of Language and Culture is not bound by existing disciplinary boundaries and places value on comprehensive, interdisciplinary linguistic and cultural research. Therefore, in order to provide students with the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary study and research that transcends conventional disciplinary boundaries and develop and pursue their individual interests in research, the Division of Language and Culture allows students to choose and take whichever subjects they want regardless of the discipline.

  As for guidance on research topics and paper writing, each student has two supervisors to assist them. A student who passes the doctoral thesis qualification examination gets an additional supervisor, enabling the student to seek guidance from three supervisors. However, the Division of Language and Culture adopts a group supervision system whereby students can seek guidance not only from their designated supervisors but also from any member of the Division of Language and Culture’s academic staff. Furthermore, a system is in place that enables students to seek guidance from academic staff at other divisions in the Graduate School of Humanities who serve as mentors.

• Liberal Arts education: Advanced Liberal Arts education subjects are designed to help students acquire the advanced broad-based knowledge and deep critical thinking required of a leader in today’s society in disciplines other than their own field of specialty as well as interdisciplinary fields.

• Global Literacy education: Advanced Global Literacy education subjects are designed to help students further develop their high-level proficiency in foreign languages and sensitivity towards and knowledge of different cultures and peoples. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in study abroad, overseas training, and international exchange programs offered by Osaka University under its partnership agreements with foreign universities, through which they can acquire the skills and knowledge needed to play leading roles in academia and as highly skilled professionals in cutting-edge fields.

< Contents and Methods of Education >

Class formats include lectures, seminars, and practical training and vary depending on the content of individual Academic Major education subjects. Each format incorporates students learning through independent problem-solving.

< Academic Performance Evaluation Method >

Academic performance is evaluated by assessing the level of achievement of the learning goals specified in the syllabus of each subject on the basis of written examinations, reports, and oral examinations (including research presentations), and other evaluation methods specified in the syllabus.

Each doctoral thesis is comprehensively reviewed by two or more examiners who are experts in the relevant field, taking into consideration originality, appropriate use of previous research, validity, logicality, clarity, etc.

As described above, the Degree Program in Language and Culture offers an advanced and multifaceted curriculum in terms of both classes and research guidance to enable students to achieve the learning goals set forth in the diploma policy.

Master’s Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the admission policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities and the human resources development policy set forth in the Educational Objectives, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has established the following admission policy and admits individuals accordingly.

Desired Applicants

The Degree Program in Language and Culture seeks to admit individuals such as the following who can help solve the challenges faced by the global community from diverse perspectives.

• Individuals who are highly motivated to acquire cutting-edge specialized knowledge in language and culture, outstanding academic expertise, broad-based knowledge, design prowess, and an international mindset

• Individuals who are not confined by existing disciplinary boundaries and have thinking skills backed by a broad perspective and flexible imagination

• Individuals who, in order to achieve mutual understanding between various regions and peoples around the world, try to properly understand and respect each language and culture and have the passion and qualities necessary to communicate with others across linguistic and cultural borders

• Individuals who can independently identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues related to language and culture and have a rich imagination and extensive implementation skills that enable them to conceive ways to solve those issues

• Individuals who have an astute understanding of the histories and backgrounds of languages and cultures and can actively share the insights they gain using a wide range of information means

Basic Policies for Student Selection

The Degree Program in Language and Culture adopts the appropriate selection methods (in principle, a written examination and oral examination) for recruiting students from diverse backgrounds. As the Degree Program in Language and Culture focuses on comprehensive and interdisciplinary linguistic and cultural research, it also welcomes applications from students with a major in a field other than the humanities, such as social sciences and natural sciences, as well as international students and working members of society.

Details of Selection Method, Relationship with Qualities and Abilities

The entrance examination for the Master’s degree program is held twice, once in the summer and once in the winter. The summer examination consists of a research plan summary assignment, essay questions on the disciplines listed in the curriculum policy, common questions for all disciplines, including foreign language questions, and an oral examination. In the summer examination, applicants are evaluated for the prerequisite skills for admission in terms of the following requirements for achieving the learning goals set forth in the diploma policy.

• Has taken subjects related to language and culture before admission.

• Is able to gather and analyze data, literature, and other material on a specific research topic.

• Has a basic understanding of linguistic information processing and statistical processing of data using a computer.

• Has a level of Japanese proficiency equivalent to N1 (international students).

• Has acquired the language proficiency needed to communicate with others across linguistic and cultural borders.

• Has an interest in and broad-based knowledge of linguistic and cultural phenomena in Japan and other places in the world.

• Has a basic understanding of theories related to language, culture, education, media, translation, and other topics.

• Has a basic understanding of the methodologies needed to conduct linguistic and cultural research.

As in the summer examination, the winter examination consists of a research plan summary assignment, essay questions on the disciplines, and common questions for all disciplines, and applicants must also answer foreign language questions and take an oral examination. In the winter examination, applicants are evaluated for the prerequisite skills for admission in terms of the requirements above for achieving the learning goals specified in the diploma policy. Applicants taking the winter examination must answer foreign language questions. Therefore, unlike the summer examination, the winter examination is open to students with advanced communication skills.

Doctoral-Degree Program in Language and Culture

In accordance with the admission policy of Osaka University and the Graduate School of Humanities and the human resources development policy set forth in the Educational Objectives, the Degree Program in Language and Culture has established the following admission policy and admits individuals accordingly.

Desired Applicants

The Degree Program in Language and Culture seeks to admit individuals such as the following who can help solve the challenges faced by the global community from diverse perspectives.

• Individuals with a level of basic knowledge of linguistic and cultural studies equivalent to that required to earn a Master’s degree

• Individuals who are highly motivated to acquire cutting-edge specialized knowledge in language and culture, outstanding academic expertise, broad-based knowledge, design prowess, and an international mindset

• Individuals who are not confined by existing disciplinary boundaries and have thinking skills backed by a broad perspective and flexible imagination

• Individuals who, in order to achieve mutual understanding between various regions and peoples around the world, try to properly understand and respect each language and culture and have high-level language proficiency that allows communication with others across linguistic and cultural borders

• Individuals who can independently identify a diverse range of fundamental and complex issues related to language and culture and have research skills that enable them to conceive ways to solve those issues in light of previous research

• Individuals who have an astute understanding of the histories and backgrounds of languages and cultures and information processing skills that enable them to share the insights they gain using a wide range of information means

Basic Policies for Student Selection

The Degree Program in Language and Culture adopts the appropriate selection methods (in principle, a written examination and oral examination) for recruiting students from diverse backgrounds. As the Degree Program in Language and Culture focuses on comprehensive and interdisciplinary linguistic and cultural research, it also welcomes applications from students with a major in a field other than the humanities, such as social sciences and natural sciences, as well as international students and working members of society.

Details of Selection Method, Relationship with Qualities and Abilities

Two types of entrance examination are held for the Doctoral-degree program: Regular Selection, held in person, and Special Selection, which is held online for applicants residing abroad. The Regular Selection consists of submission of a summary research plan, essay questions (foreign language questions) and an oral examination, and submission of a thesis, such as the applicant’s master’s thesis. The Special Selection consists of a preliminary screening based on written documents (submission of a summary research plan, list of publications etc., and a thesis such as the applicant’s master’s thesis) and, for applicants who pass the preliminary screening, an online interview. In both types of entrance examination, applicants are evaluated for the prerequisite skills for admission in terms of the following requirements for achieving the learning goals specified in the diploma policy. The Special Selection, in particular, making the most of the advantages of online examination, is intended to provide opportunities for application to a wide spectrum of applicants residing abroad, who have a variety of cultural backgrounds, can apprehend things from diverse points of view, and have high research abilities. Applicants who pass the preliminary screening, which includes evaluation of publications, etc. and second language abilities, will be evaluated in an interview of sufficient length as to their future prospects, communication abilities, whether their research plan is likely to yield a Ph.D. dissertation, and whether they have capabilities and foundational knowledge sufficient to carry out the research plan.

• Has taken subjects related to language and culture in a Master’s degree program before admission.

• Has the skills needed to perform linguistic information processing and statistical processing of data using a computer.

• Has high-level language proficiency.

• Has research skills and a basic understanding of language and culture.

• Has a deep interest in today’s globalized and information-driven society and tries to properly understand and respect each language and culture.

• Is able to decide their own topic in a specialized field in language and culture and conduct research in consideration of previous research.

• Is able to write academic papers on their field of specialty.

• Has the presentation skills needed to make research presentations.