A master's thesis must demonstrate that the applicant possesses profound academic knowledge based on a broad perspective and research skills in his/her major field of study or advanced skills necessary for professions requiring a high level of expertise, and must be equivalent to the results of two years of research in the applicant’s major field of study conducted based on a broad perspective (Article 12, Paragraph 4 of the Graduate School Regulations).
In particular, the applicant is expected to keep in mind the following points in his/her master's thesis.
1) Academic significance
The thesis theme should have academic significance for the Graduate School. In addition, there should be a clear recognition of its significance.
2) Appropriate problem setting
Problems should be set appropriately to explore the thesis theme.
3) Consistency of the argument
The statement in the thesis should be consistent and coherent, free from contradiction or confusion.
4) Validity of the method
A research method appropriate to the theme and the problems set for the thesis should be used. In addition, literature materials and data should be handled and analyzed in an appropriate manner.
5) Adequate literature review
The thesis should be fully based on previous studies and related literature that are considered necessary for the theme and the problems set for the thesis.
6) Originality and novelty
Some originality or novelty should be recognized in terms of the thesis theme, problem setting, research method and argument, the literature and data used, etc.
7) Expertise
The thesis should indicate that the applicant has acquired and utilized expertise in the relevant research field.
8) Interdisciplinarity
The thesis should indicate that the applicant has a willingness to widely publicize his/her research to society, based on recognition of the pervasive nature of research at the Graduate School.
9) Qualities and future potential
The thesis as a whole should give the reader a sense of the applicant's qualities and future potential as a researcher in intercultural communication studies or as a professional who will make use of it.
10) Format
The thesis should be duly formatted as an academic paper, with proper processes of literature citations, etc.
A doctoral thesis must demonstrate that the applicant possesses advanced research skills necessary for conducting research activities as an independent researcher in his/her major field of study, and the abundant academic knowledge that forms the basis thereof (Article 13, Paragraph 5 of the Graduate School Regulations).
In particular, the applicant is expected to keep in mind the following points in his/her doctoral thesis.
1) Academic significance
The thesis theme should have academic significance for the Graduate School. In addition, there should be a clear recognition of its significance.
2) Appropriate problem setting
Problems should be set appropriately to explore the thesis theme.
3) Consistency of the argument
The statement in the thesis should be consistent and coherent, free from contradiction or confusion.
4) Validity of the method
A research method appropriate to the theme and the problems set for the thesis should be used. In addition, literature materials and data should be handled and analyzed in an appropriate manner.
5) Adequate literature review
The thesis should be fully based on previous studies and related literature that are considered necessary for the theme and the problems set for the thesis.
6) Originality and novelty
Sufficient originality and novelty as an independent researcher should be recognized in terms of the thesis theme, problem setting, research method and argument, etc.
7) Expertise
The thesis should indicate that the applicant has utilized a high level of expertise in the relevant research field.
8) Interdisciplinarity
The thesis should indicate that the applicant has a willingness to widely publicize his/her research to society, based on recognition of the inherent pervasive nature of research at the Graduate School.
9) Qualities and future potential
The thesis as a whole should give the reader a sense of the applicant's qualities and future potential as an independent researcher in intercultural communication studies.
10) Format
The thesis should be duly formatted as an academic paper, with proper processes of literature citations, etc.
Established March 15, 2019
These regulations stipulate the research guidance and the preparation, submission and screening of the academic thesis in the Master's and Doctoral Degree Programs of Ryukoku University Graduate School of International Studies.
However, the doctoral thesis stipulated in Article 17, Paragraph 3 of the University's Graduate School Regulations or Article 3, Paragraph 4 of the University's Degree Regulations (doctoral degree by thesis only) shall be in accordance with the Ryukoku University Degree Regulations.
Section 1 Research Guidance
Article 1 Students in the Master’s Degree Program must select one supervisor at the beginning of the first semester.
2 With regard to the supervisor, a student must obtain the consent of the relevant faculty member, submit a notification in the prescribed format by the deadline set by the Graduate School Committee, and obtain the approval of the Graduate School Committee.
Article 2 The Graduate School Committee shall select and appoint one or more deputy supervisors for each student after consulting with the student's supervisor. The deputy supervisor shall assist the guidance of the student while exchanging opinions with the supervisor.
Article 3 A student who wishes to change his/her supervisor must obtain the approval of the current and new supervisors, submit a notification in the prescribed format, and obtain the approval of the Graduate School Committee. In principle, changes are due by the end of the first semester.
2 With regard to the change of a deputy supervisor, the Graduate School Committee shall select and determine the person after consulting with the student's supervisor.
Article 4 Students in the Master’s Degree Program must prepare a Research Progress Report that describes their research activities and submit it to their supervisor by the end of the second semester.
2 Students in the Master’s Degree Program must prepare a Master's Thesis Plan that describes the provisional title of the thesis and outlines the content, methods, references and presentation schedule of the research, etc. under the guidance of their supervisor, and submit it to their supervisor at the beginning of the third semester. If it becomes necessary to make significant changes to the Master’s Thesis Plan, the student must report it his/her supervisor each time.
3 The Research Progress Report and the Master’s Thesis Plan shall be reported to the Graduate School Committee by the supervisor for approval.
Section 2 Content, Format and Submission Procedures of Academic Thesis
Article 5 An academic thesis as a requirement for the completion of the Master’s Degree Program must include the content stipulated in Article 12, Paragraph 4 of the University’s Graduate School Regulations.
Article 6 In order for a student in the Master’s Degree Program to submit a master's thesis, all of the following items must be fulfilled.
Article 7 Students intending to complete the Master’s Degree Program must submit three copies each of the master's thesis and its abstract (two copies may be photocopied) and electronic data after obtaining the approval of their supervisor, on the date set by the Graduate School Committee during the semester in which the program can be completed in accordance with Article 12 of the University's Graduate School Regulations.
2 The standard length of a master's thesis shall be 20,000 characters or more in Japanese or 10,000 words or more in English on the paper standard prescribed by the Graduate School. The length of a master's thesis abstract shall be approximately 800 characters in Japanese or approximately 400 words in English on the paper standard prescribed by the Graduate School. However, the bibliography, attached figures, attached tables, etc. shall not be included in the number of characters/words.
3 If the master's thesis is written in a language other than Japanese or English, the number of characters/words in the thesis and its abstract shall be in accordance with the preceding Paragraph.
Section 3 Screening of Academic Thesis
Article 8 Academic theses shall be screened by the Screening Committee established by the Graduate School Committee.
Article 9 The Master's Thesis Screening Committee shall consist of at least three members (one of whom is the supervisor) recommended by the supervisor from among the members of the Graduate School Committee and approved by the Graduate School Committee prior to the submission of the master's thesis.
2 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Paragraph, the Graduate School Committee may select experts from within and outside the University to serve as members of the Master’s Thesis Screening Committee as necessary.
3 The chairperson of the Screening Committee shall be elected from among the members of the Screening Committee.
Article 10 Based on the review of the thesis content and the oral examination results, the Master’s Thesis Screening Committee shall evaluate the thesis in accordance with the criteria established by the Graduate School (S, A, B, C, and D grades, with D being a failing grade).
Article 11 The Graduate School must report its decision as described in the preceding Article in writing to the President in accordance with Article 10, Paragraph 2 of the University's Degree Regulations.
Section 4 Publication of Academic Thesis
Article 12 In principle, the content of a master's thesis shall be printed and published in an academic journal, such as the Bulletin of the Graduate School of Intercultural Communication, Ryukoku University.
Section 1 Research Guidance
Article 13 Students in the Doctoral Degree Program must select one supervisor immediately after enrollment.
2 In principle, the supervisor must be a full-time faculty member in charge of seminars of the relevant program. Full-time faculty members in charge of seminars shall be determined by the Graduate School Committee.
3 With regard to the supervisor, a student must obtain the consent of the relevant faculty member, submit a notification in the prescribed format by the deadline set by the Graduate School Committee, and obtain the approval of the Graduate School Committee.
Article 14 The Graduate School Committee shall select and appoint one or more deputy supervisors for each student after consulting with the student's supervisor. The deputy supervisor shall assist the guidance of the student while exchanging opinions with the supervisor.
Article 15 A student who wishes to change his/her supervisor must obtain the approval of the current and new supervisors, submit a notification in the prescribed format, and obtain the approval of the Graduate School Committee.
2 With regard to the change of a deputy supervisor, the Graduate School Committee shall select and determine the person after consulting with the student's supervisor.
Article 16 Students in the Doctoral Degree Program must prepare a Research Plan that describes the planned title of the thesis and the significance, content, methods and references of the research, etc. under the guidance of their supervisor, and submit it with the consent of the supervisor. If it becomes necessary to make significant changes to the Research Plan, the student must report it his/her supervisor each time.
2 The Research Plan shall be reported to the Graduate School Committee by the supervisor for approval.
Section 2 Content, Format and Submission Procedures of Academic Thesis
Article 17 An academic thesis as a requirement for the completion of the Doctoral Degree Program must include the content stipulated in Article 13, Paragraph 3 of the University’s Graduate School Regulations.
Article 18 In order for a student in the Doctoral Degree Program to submit a doctoral thesis, all of the following items must be fulfilled.
① Type 1: Examination focusing on the Doctoral Thesis Research Plan
② Type 2: Examination of foreign languages required for research
① A single-authored paper that has been reviewed and published in international or national journals, etc.
② A co-authored paper with the student himself/herself as the lead author, which has been reviewed and published in international or national journals, etc.
③ A single-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
④ A piece of writing equivalent to a thesis written as a co-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
Article 19 Students intending to complete the Doctoral Degree Program must submit three copies each of the thesis review application, the doctoral thesis, its abstract, the curriculum vitae, the statement of research achievements, and the work(s) required by Paragraph 5 of the preceding Article (two copies may be photocopied) and electronic data after obtaining the approval of their supervisor, on the date set by the Graduate School Committee during the semester in which the program can be completed in accordance with Article 13 of the University's Graduate School Regulations. The Dean of the Graduate School may, if necessary, request the submitter of a doctoral thesis to submit documents other than those listed above.
2 The doctoral thesis must be prepared on the paper standard prescribed by the Graduate School, and there is no limit to the number of characters/words. The length of the doctoral thesis abstract shall be between 2,000 and approximately 4,000 characters in Japanese or between 1,000 and approximately 2,000 words in English on the paper standard prescribed by the Graduate School.
3 If the doctoral thesis is written in a language other than Japanese, the number of characters/words in the doctoral thesis and its abstract shall be in accordance with the preceding Paragraph. However, each title shall have a Japanese translation attached.
4 Recommendation from three members of the Graduate School Committee shall be required for the submission of a doctoral thesis stipulated in Article 3, Paragraph 4 of the University's Degree Regulations and, in addition to the documents specified in Paragraph 1 of this Article, a letter of recommendation by each of the recommenders must be submitted. In this case, the deadline for submitting the thesis, etc. shall be the same as the deadline stipulated in Paragraph 1 of this Article.
Section 3 Acceptance and Screening of Academic Thesis
Article 20 When a doctoral thesis that meets the requirements of the preceding Section is submitted, the Graduate School Committee shall establish the Acceptance Committee to screen the thesis for acceptance.
2 The Acceptance Committee shall consist of at least three members of the Graduate School Committee. In principle, the Accepting Committee members shall include the supervisor or a recommender.
3 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Paragraph, the Graduate School Committee may select experts from within and outside the University to serve as members of the Acceptance Committee as necessary.
4 The Acceptance Committee shall report the results of the acceptance screening to the Graduate School Committee, which decides whether or not to accept the thesis. The doctoral thesis, which has been approved by the Graduate School Committee, shall be accepted by the President.
5 Those who have withdrawn from the Doctoral Degree Program, meet all the requirements of each item of Article 15, are currently enrolled as a research student in accordance with Article 4, Paragraph 2 of the University's Degree Regulations, and have paid the prescribed screening fee may submit a thesis requesting a degree in accordance with Article 3, Paragraph 4 of the University's Degree Regulations.
Article 21 Academic theses shall be screened by the Screening Committee established by the Graduate School Committee.
Article 22 The Doctoral Thesis Screening Committee shall consist of at least three members (one of whom is the supervisor or a recommender) selected from among the members of the Graduate School Committee. An Acceptance Committee member may also serve as a Screening Committee member.
2 Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding Paragraph, the Graduate School Committee may select experts from within and outside the University to serve as members of the Doctoral Thesis Screening Committee as necessary.
3 The chairperson of the Screening Committee shall be elected from among the members of the Screening Committee.
Article 23 The Doctoral Thesis Screening Committee shall review the thesis content and related materials, and conduct oral examinations.
Article 24 Upon receiving a report on the results of the screening by the Screening Committee as described in the preceding Article, the Graduate School Committee must make a decision on whether to grant a pass or fail for the thesis in accordance with Article 9, Paragraphs 2, 3, and 4 of the University's Degree Regulations.
Article 25 The Graduate School must report its decision as described in the preceding Article in writing to the President in accordance with Article 10, Paragraph 2 of the University's Degree Regulations.
Section 4 Publication of Academic Thesis
Article 26 In accordance with Article 12 of the University's Degree Regulations, when a doctoral degree is conferred by the University, the doctoral thesis abstract and a summary of the thesis screening results shall be published within three months of the date of conferral of the doctoral degree.
Article 27 In accordance with Article 13 of the University's Degree Regulations, a person who has been conferred a doctoral degree by the University shall print and publish the thesis within one year of the date of conferral of the doctoral degree. However, this shall not apply if the thesis has already been printed and published prior to the conferral of the said degree. In addition, in cases of unavoidable circumstances, a summary of the thesis may be substituted for the full text with the approval of the University. In this case, the University shall make the full text of the thesis available for viewing upon request.
Supplementary provisions
1 These regulations shall come into effect as of April 1, 2019.
Established March 15, 2019
① A single-authored paper has been published on international or national journals with peer review.
② A co-authored paper with the student himself/herself as the lead author, which has been reviewed and published in international or national journals, etc.
③ A single-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
④ A piece of writing equivalent to a thesis written as a co-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
① A single-authored paper has been published on international or national journals with peer review.
② A co-authored paper with the student himself/herself as the lead author, which has been reviewed and published in international or national journals, etc.
③ A single-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
④ A piece of writing equivalent to a thesis written as a co-authored academic work that is recognized as being of a level equivalent to ① and ② above
Supplementary provisions
This agreement shall come into effect as of April 1, 2019.