Master’s Degree Program - Department of Intercultural Communication In today’s increasingly interdependent world, the department aims to develop human resources with expertise and practical skills from the perspective of culture. Students will acquire a wide range of academic methodologies related to intercultural relations based on the five areas of Japanese studies, a co-existence society, language and culture, religion and culture, and arts and media. Each graduate student is expected to complete his/her master's thesis under the responsible guidance of supervisors of a variety of nationalities. Through these activities, the department aims to develop the next generation of highly skilled professionals and researchers who can conduct a wide range of research activities beyond the framework of departments and graduate schools and through open interaction with the academic community both in Japan and overseas.
"International Studies" and "Research Methodology" are offered as compulsory subjects to help students understand the diverse aspects of intercultural communication studies and establish their own methodology.
The department offers specialized subjects related to Japanese studies, a co-existence society, language and culture, religion and culture, and arts and media. Through these specialized subjects, students will acquire the language, literature search, fieldwork skills, and other abilities necessary for their research themes.
Students will take seminars from the first year and, with the guidance of their principal and deputy supervisors, acquire the basic knowledge for conducting research, develop their ability to analyze and examine their own research theme, and prepare a master's thesis.
Students in the Department of Intercultural Communication can also participate in the Graduate Program of Asian and African Studies, which was co-established with the Graduate School of Law and the Graduate School of Economics. By participating in the program, students can apply for its research grant for fieldwork (up to 200,000 yen) to conduct field research.
The Research Seminar (A and B) is offered in the first year as an opportunity for graduate students to report on their research results and receive feedback and comments from other graduate students and faculty members. It also allows them to listen to research presentations by leading researchers in the field of intercultural communication from Japan and overseas and our faculty members, and take part in discussions.
Master’s Degree Program (Department of Intercultural Communication) Curriculum