Department of English
Department of English
Department of French Literature
Department of Art Studies
Learning English, learning in English, and using English to think about how we connect with our world
By developing their skills in the international language of English, students acquire tools to understand other cultures more deeply and gain insights into the world around them. Via their study of language and literature, they work toward goals such as exploring ways of life that provide a deeper understanding of humanity, and honing their global communication skills. Mastering English demands persistent efforts; the Department seeks students who have the motivation to overcome that challenge and open up a whole new world.
Department of English
Key Features of the Department of English
Point 01
English education that only a university like Meiji Gakuin can provide, with approximately thirty native speakers as instructors
In a learning environment offering small-group education, our students receive basic training in the four core language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. We offer a wide variety of classes, including Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) where Meiji Gakuin students form online teams with students at universities in countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Students can also acquire certification for teaching English in Japanese junior and senior high schools by taking courses related to English language pedagogy.
Point 02
Forums for debating in English that sharpen conversational and critical thinking skills
During the third and fourth years of study, the Department offers courses that incorporate speeches, debates, and discussions in order to boost the students’ English proficiency even further. By developing the ability to express their opinions in English, students gain the tools for cross-cultural communication.
Point 03
Three courses of specialized studies
In their third and fourth years, students select one of three courses—British Literature, American Literature, or English Linguistics—and engage in in-depth studies of their chosen field of specialization through small-group seminars and unique lectures.
Point 04
Study abroad and overseas internships in English-speaking countries
We have established a program for short- and long-term study abroad that provides an opportunity to learn at firsthand about the history, values and diversity that underlie other cultures and their literature. Students can find out more about the program from past participants at the explanatory meetings held by the Department. We also encourage students to participate in programs that combine academic study with an overseas internship.
Program Structure
While building a solid foundation in the English language in the small-group classes held from their first year, students learn the basics of British and American literature and English linguistics through lecture-style and seminar-style classes. From their third year, students choose one of three specialized courses in which they acquire expert knowledge. They focus on a specialized area of research and learn through close interactions in the third- and fourth-year seminars.
Topics
Business English, etc.
We also offer English courses like Business English A/B and Practical Career English A/B, which will allow students to leverage the English language skills they acquired in their first and second years as an immediate practical asset in a variety of careers.
Basics in ELT A, B
In these classes, students who want to become English teachers learn from both theoretical and practical perspectives about the communicative approach and other basic methodologies and teaching methods they will need. They acquire both a basic and applied knowledge of English.
