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 human relationships with the world
By developing their skills in the international language of English, students acquire the tools to understand other cultures more deeply and gain insight into the world around them. By studying language and literature, they work toward goals such as deepening their understanding of humanity, investigating different ways of life, and honing their international communication skills. Mastering English demands persistent effort; the Department seeks ambitious students with the desire to conquer that challenge and discover a new world.
Department of English
Key Features of the Department of English
Point 1 English education that’s possible only at a school like Meiji Gakuin, with approximately thirty native speakers as instructors
In small-group learning environments, our students receive basic training in the four core language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. We also offer a wide variety of classes, including a course where Meiji Gakuin students work in teams with students from other countries, such as the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project, which provides online connections to universities in Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and elsewhere.Point 2 Specialized studies in three courses
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.
Point 3 Learn in the home of English, through foreign exchanges and overseas internships
Our University's short- and long-term study-abroad programs provide an opportunity to learn firsthand about the history, values and diversity that underlie other cultures and their literature. At our unique informational sessions, prospective participants can hear about the program from past participants. We also recommend students to participate in programs that combine academic study with an overseas internship.
Point 4 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 speech, debate, and discussion in order to boost English proficiency. By developing their ability to express opinions in English, students gain the tools for cross-cultural communication.
Point 5 Support for students wanting to become teachers
Our course allows acquisition of certification for teaching English in Japanese junior and senior high schools.
Program Structure
While building a solid foundation in the English language in the small classes 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 and engage in expertise. In third- and fourth-year seminars, students focus on a specialized area of research and learn through close interaction.
Topics
English Teachers' Meeting
Our Department of English has produced many teachers, and it supports students wishing to become teachers themselves. One aspect of that is our English Teachers' Meeting, where enrolled students hoping to become teachers can meet with graduates who are currently teaching junior and senior high school English, receiving encouragement by hearing voices from the field.
Business English, etc.
We also offer English courses like Business English A/B and Practical Career English A/B, which will allow students to apply the English language skills they acquire at the Department of English in a variety of careers.
Lecture Series on Literature and Language
Each year we invite scholars from outside the university to give lectures on topics including British literature, American literature, and English Linguistics, many of which are open to the public.
