Major of French Literature

Exploring fresh perspectives on French literature and culture

Despite it being called the Major of French Literature, students are restricted to neither France nor literature; instead, they are encouraged to engage freely in wide-ranging research on many different subjects. Although the focus of the program is on literature written in French, we seek to transcend conventional academic categories by emphasizing contemporary ideas, perspectives, and methods for attaining a comprehensive understanding of literature, the arts, and ideas. The purpose of this approach is to nurture the knowledge, sensibilities, and creativity needed to lead a positive life in the 21st century. Multifaceted research is carried out on a variety of literary works ranging from the Middle Ages through to the present. The aim is to consider not only the content and form of the texts but also to explore them from multiple angles, such as the conditions under which they were created, how they generate meaning, and their intertextuality. Interdisciplinary research is carried out on the arts and ideas, with a focus on new trends that spread around the world from twentieth-century France. Because their study is not limited to French literature, but rather encompasses current perspectives on a wide range of cultural phenomena, students may find themselves exploring how to lead their own lives in contemporary society. The Major of French Literature emphasizes close interaction between faculty and students (including our alumni). Opportunities for study abroad are also available, as is a credit transfer program in collaboration with the graduate schools of eight other universities. We hope this rich learning environment enables our students to forge their own diverse paths into the future.

Admission Policy

TOPICS

Long-Term Study Abroad Program

One-year study abroad programs are available at Université Rennes 2, Université Côte d'Azur, and Institut d'Études Politiques d'Aix-en-Provence. Participants can take regular university classes alongside French students.

Inter-University Credit Transfer System

This program enables students at participating graduate schools to receive credits for classes taken at other graduate schools within the program, provided they comply with certain rules. Students can earn up to ten credits for classes taken at the following universities: Aoyama Gakuin University, Gakushuin University, Shirayuri University, Sophia University, Dokkyo University, Musashi University, and Meiji University. The Major of French Literature counts those credits towards the requirements to complete their course. In order to make the most of their research, we recommend that students consult with their advisor regarding their plans so that they can make effective use of this program.

Scholarships and Grants

In principle, six students (primarily doctoral students) in the Graduate School of Arts and Letters are awarded scholarships of 100,000 or 200,000 yen each school year to partially fund overseas research and presentations (up to 50,000 yen when participating in overseas online conferences). In addition, grants of up to 30,000 yen per person are available to students in the Graduate School of Arts and Letters for travel to academic conferences within Japan.