Department of English

Nurturing practical English skills and cross cultural understanding with English language education for 150 years

In the Department of English, students acquire understanding and insight concerning other cultures as they develop their proficiency in English that is widely used across the world as an international language. In this process, students are able to pursue a variety of goals. Through their study of literature, they enhance their understanding of what it means to be human and seek out knowledge of how to live their lives. Through their study of English itself, they polish their communication skills while developing a deep and nuanced understanding of language, the essential tool for mutual understanding in the world.

Curriculum overview

In the first and second year, students cover introductory and general material for each course of study, and then in the third year they move on to three specialized courses: English Literature, American Literature, or English Studies.

In the literature courses, students learn about British and American novels, poetry, and drama while at the same time approaching the culture of the English-speaking world from diverse perspectives such as music and images, history, social problems, and regional studies.

In the English-language courses, in addition to linguistics studies covering phonetics, grammar, and meaning, students are able to deepen their knowledge of language and humanity through studies in fields such as language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and sociolinguistics.

From years one to four, in parallel we provide practical English skills training for acquisition of the ability to use English effectively, a specialized education in literature and linguistics, and an education aimed at preparing students for their post-graduation careers. In the practical English education, students acquire listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in stages over the four-year period. In the three specialized courses covered in years three and four, students can also engage in advanced research while acquiring expert knowledge in courses taught in English. Through presentations and debate in each seminar, students prepare a graduation thesis written in English.

In addition to the official curriculum, there are various types of courses to prepare students for their future careers, and there are also opportunities for students to make use of their studies in practical situations via lecture meetings and other activities provided by the department.