Students of French Literature Major can accept the opportunity to study French literature and culture from a fresh, new perspective.
While the focus of research undertaken by majors in French Literature is obviously on literary works written in French, we place great importance on employing ideas, perspective and methods that go beyond the framework of conventional academia. We look at various aspects of literature and culture in a comprehensive manner in order to help students cultivate knowledge, sensitivity and creativity which will help them take on an active role in the 21st century.
The French Literature Major has created an environment in which students will not feel limited to the subjects of France or literature, but have the freedom to choose from a broad range of subjects and themes for their research.
In the Textuality Course, students study numerous written works ranging from medieval to modern, examining each text from multiple perspectives and allowing for various interpretations. We aim to promote a multilevel approach to analyze not only the content and format of each piece but also its creative factors, development of meaning, and intertextuality.
The Modernité (modernism) Course engages in a new, cross-border study of art, literature and philosophy which originated in 20th century France and spread to the rest of the world. Such study is not limited to the subject of French literature but can involve a wide range of modern-day cultural phenomena. This course will likely compel students to question their roles and how best to contribute to the world.
The French Literature Major places great importance on close exchanges between its professors and students (including graduates). It offers study-abroad programs as well as a credit-exchange program that allows students to acquire credits for classes taken at any of the 8 universities in partnership.
Educational Goals
Master’s Course
The Master’s Course aims to help students gain advanced knowledge and insight related to the following subjects:
- Literature of French-speaking and other European countries and its critique (Textuality Course)
- Art and philosophy of French-speaking and other European countries and their critique (Modernité Course)
The Master’s Course also aims to nurture persons who will flourish in a wide range of cultural fields.
Doctoral Course
The Doctoral Course aims to cultivate persons who can work independently as researchers by promoting individual cultural studies based on an interdisciplinary worldview and an ability to express themselves fully in Japanese and French.
