Graduate School of the Humanities

Major in Japanese Language and Literature (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in English (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in Philosophy (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in History (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in Geography (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in Sociology (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)
Major in Psychology (Master's Program / Doctoral Program)

The student can choose one of seven areas of intensive study designed with an interdisciplinary approach in mind.

The purpose of Graduate School of the Humanities

The goal of the Graduate School of Humanities is to train researchers with highly creative research and development abilities, who will become the core of a variety of research institutions in the production industries or public institution fields, and of educational institutions, university teaching staff with confident research and educational capabilities, professionals with a high level of specialized knowledge, and intellectuals who can support our knowledge-based society in a variety of ways.

Admission policy

In the Graduate School of Humanities (Master’s Program), there are 7 majors which focus on the fields of humanities and social sciences, and we aim to find the answer to the question “What is human?” from multiple angles. We are looking for individuals who possess extensive knowledge, a rich variety of emotions, sharp powers of reasoning and fundamental academic skills, which are all necessary to achieve this aim, and also, by using these attributes as a foundation, gain specialized knowledge, and become researchers or contribute to society as highly skilled professionals.
In the Graduate School of Humanities (Doctoral Program), there are 7 majors which focus on the fields of humanities and social sciences, and we aim to find the answer to the question “What is human?” from multiple angles. We are looking for individuals who wish to utilize their extensive knowledge, rich variety of emotions, sharp powers of reasoning and specialized knowledge, which are all necessary to achieve this aim, as a foundation to contribute proactively on the forefront of the academic world as researchers, or to utilize their specialized knowledge and ability to contribute to society as highly skilled professionals.

Major in Japanese Language and Literature

The Japanese language and literature major was inaugurated in 1971, and has produced many graduates since then. As of 2013, lectures and seminars for this major were taught by 19 staff members.

Courses on Ancient Japanese, Medieval Japanese, Early Modern Japanese, and Modern Japanese are offered, while the courses in Japanese literature cover the Ancient, Chuko, Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern periods. Lectures in classical Chinese literature, creative writing and literary culture give students additional and unique perspectives on Japanese literature. After graduation from the School, a wide range of career options are open. Some graduates who have completed the master's program begin their careers teaching in high schools and preparatory schools, taking in the editorial departments of publishing houses, or working at cultural institutes, while graduates of the doctoral program go on to become university, high school or preparatory school teachers, publishing editors, writers, and so on. In recent years, an increasing number of students have received doctoral degrees (in literature) after submitting a dissertation in the doctoral program.

At present, the Japanese language and literature major has about 30 graduate students in the master’s and doctoral programs, of which approximately 40 percent are from overseas. Graduate students’ papers are published in two journals ? Senshu Kokubun and Bunken Ronshu.

The Japanese language and literature major has attracted graduates from a variety of universities throughout Japan. If you have the drive to succeed, you, too, are welcome to join this program.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Master’s Program

The Major in Japanese Language and Literature (Master’s Program) offered by the Graduate School of Humanities aims to nurture researchers and teachers, as well as talented individuals who wish to contribute to society with highly specialized knowledge. Hence, we are looking for potential students who fulfill the following requirements.
Qualification and skill requirements for enrollment in the Major in Japanese Language and Literature (Master’s Program) offered by the Graduate School of Humanities
(1) Individuals who are teeming with an intellectual sense of curiosity, and have a flexible mentality towards Japanese language and culture
(2) Individuals with the ability to express themselves in a variety of ways and comprehend matters on a wide range of issues, and possess high communication skills
(3) Individuals who can make use of the knowledge and interests they have gained to bring about research achievements or creations.

Doctoral Program

The Major in Japanese Language and Literature (Doctoral Program) offered by the Graduate School of Humanities not only aims to nurture researchers of Japanese language and literature, but also to equip talented individuals with advanced knowledge and groom them to utilize their expertise to contribute actively in society. Hence, we are looking for potential students who fulfill the following requirements.
Qualification and skill requirements for enrollment in the Major in Japanese Language and Literature (Doctoral Program) offered by the Graduate School of Humanities
(1)Individuals who possess the ability to expand innovative research by thinking creatively, while building upon what they’ve learned in the Master’s Program
(2)Individuals who have the ability to express themselves in a variety of ways, comprehend matters on a wide range of issues, and possess high communication skills, and have the desire to contribute to society
(3)Individuals who desire to work on far-sighted research activities, such as collaborative research with universities in Japan and overseas.

Major in English

The graduate program for English is subdivided into five fields: British Literature, American Literature, British and American Studies, English Linguistics, and Applied Linguistics. Of particular note is our specialist staff in each of these five areas, something that is rarely seen in any other graduate school in this country, and something that is definitely a striking advantage offered by our major. We also have a native English speaker on our staff who does everything he can to help students further their English abilities. Having such an excellent teaching staff in all of the fields within the Major in English means that all of the needs of students can be met.

Each of the five fields within the Major in English focuses on a different aspect of English. The area of British Literature is divided into the genres of poetry and drama, while the area of American Literature covers literature from the 19th to the 21st centuries. The area of British and American Studies offers subjects in both British and American cultural studies. The range of subjects covered within the area of English Linguistics is broad, including Old and Middle English, linguistic theory, and phonetics. The area of Applied Linguistics offers the subjects of communication studies, TEFL/TESL, and teacher training.

Students of the Major in English pursue their own research interests with the goal of producing a master’s thesis, written in either English or Japanese. Graduates who have completed the master’s program may begin careers as school teachers, or they may continue their studies and research in the doctoral program.

The School of the Humanities also maintains arrangements for studying abroad at a number of foreign universities. By taking advantage of these overseas study opportunities, students may enhance their studies and improve their English skills.

This program is appropriate not only for students who want to become scholars or teachers but also for current members of the teaching profession who wish to enhance their skills or want to broaden their general English ability.

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Admission policy

Major in Philosophy

The major in philosophy comprises six subjects: ancient and medieval philosophy, modern and contemporary philosophy, philosophical methodology, practical philosophy, history of ideas in Japan, and the basics of humanity. Both lectures and seminars are offered in the subjects listed above in both the master’s and doctoral programs. The content of the subjects should be more or less clear from their titles. Please note that a number of courses in modern and contemporary philosophy will be taught so as to thoroughly cover British, German and French thought in this area. The basics of humanities class was added for students who want to study humanities in general in response to the growing reach of the undergraduate course in philosophy and the humanities (currently taught in the School of Literature, Department of Philosophy).

Each of the various subjects offered obviously has a general direction in which it points. However, the specific content of classes and direction will, of course, vary depending on the professor’s area of specialization and the wishes of the students. In short, the main determining factor is whatever is of most interest to the individuals concerned. The best way to discover that is to look at the course outline. Philosophical research will generally involve one of two approaches: either a history of philosophy-oriented approach that seeks to investigate the thought of a specific philosopher, or an approach which consists of probing philosophical principles or independent theorizing. The approach the class adopts will be determined by the characteristics of the subject and the plan of the professor in charge.

Most investigators of philosophy tend to adopt the former approach, and you should remember that even the most systematic philosopher’s point of departure will be based on the achievements of previous scholars. The subjects in this major in Philosophy are extremely varied and can be approached from a variety of directions, depending on each professor and his or her subject.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Major in History

Graduate students pursuing MA or Ph.D. degrees in history will work with fourteen faculty members in the four major fields of teaching and research: (1)Asian archeology, (2) European and American histories, (3)Japanese history, and (4)other Asian histories. We also offer additional courses taught by nine adjunct professors whose special fields enrich our program. The features of our program include following.

1) We offer courses on ancient through modern/contemporary histories in all the major fields mentioned above in order for students to develop both depth and breadth of historical knowledge in ancient through contemporary world history while concentrating on his/her own research field.

2) We offer such courses as “Asian History III” (Islamic history), “Japanese History V” (gender history), and the history of the “European and American History IV” (French Revolution) in order for students to engage in themes of growing importance in the world.

3) We offer such subjects as “Asian Archeology I-II” and “East Asian Archeology I-III” in order to enhance students’ understanding of the history of Japan as an area of East Asia. In this respect, the fruitful five-year project, “Ancient East Asia and Students Abroad,” is a good example. The project, chosen as one of the Open Research Center programs, was subsidized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology since 2007 to facilitate wide-ranging research on ancient East Asia from the multiple perspectives of archaeology, Japanese, Chinese and other Asian histories.

4) Students have access to historical sources housed in the university library: for example, the Bernstein Collection is the world’s second largest collection relevant to the French Revolution, and there are other collections concerning the Spanish Civil War, Nazism, and African American history. With the Bernstein Collection in particular, post-doctoral and graduate students work in collaboration with faculty members.

5) We promote diversity among students. We participate in a credit transfer system with nine other graduate schools in Tokyo: Aoyama Gakuin, Chuo, Sophia, Meiji, Rikkyo, Kokugakuin, Kokushikan, Komazawa, and Tokai Universities. Accordingly we encourage our students to attend classes outside our campus, and we welcome students from other universities. Our programs are also open to those who wish to continue his/her advanced studies after many years of absence as well as those from abroad. Finally and importantly, our academic association, the Senshu University Historical Society, holds annual and special meetings to enhance not only intellectual interaction but also friendship among its members, who are faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, and alumni.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Major in Geography

A specialization leading to the master’s program in geography was added in 1992 to the curriculum of the Graduate School of the Humanities. This step was followed in 1994 by the addition of a doctoral program in geography. At present, the teaching staff consists of 9 regular full-time members. In terms of the size of teaching staff, this means our School joins the ranks of Japan’s leading graduate schools that offer master’s and doctoral courses in geography. In terms of subjects taught, the master’s program offers courses divided along two main fields: human geography and physical geography.

As class subjects for the Master’s Program, classes on human geography such as historical geography, social geography, rural geography, urban geography and classes on physical geography such as global environment, regional environment, and classes on geographical information, as well location theory of economic activities and regional resource study, etc., based on dynamic regional geography are combined in balance.

As for the Doctoral Program, while studying the above basic subjects in more depth, there will be individual research guidance centered on the students’ doctoral theses. Up to now, 3 students have been granted a doctoral degree in geography.

After completion, there is an overall good chance for students to get employment at national and public universities, national research institutes, corporations that are engaged in specialized research and as teachers at junior and senior high schools.

Further, students will be able to obtain certification as Professional GIS Specialists accredited by the Association of Japanese Geographers. We are also very proactive about enrolling adult students.

Since 2001, this major has had credit transfer arrangements with five graduate schools in Tokyo (Hosei, Meiji, Komazawa, Kokushikan, and Nihon) in order to promote broader exchanges with researchers and students in a range of fields.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Major in Sociology

Our sociology program is aimed at training students to gain profound sociological expertise and preparing them for careers in a variety of fields that include academic institutions as well as business and public services.

(1) The Sociology Program offers both the M.A. and the Ph.D.
(2) A wide variety of courses is offered that explores current issues. Course subjects include, but are not limited to, globalization, work and occupation, social implications of information and communication technologies, and social welfare. A full list of courses is available in Brochure ［30］. 15 faculty members and guest lecturers provide comprehensive and systematic training that equips students with rigorous analytical skills.
(3) The Sociology Program puts emphasis on the pursuit of empirical knowledge based on theoretical foundations.
(4) The Sociology Program is accredited by The Japan Association of Social Research to grant a certificate of Certified Social Researcher.
(5) The Sociology Program is a member of a graduate school consortium consisting of 23 universities, which allows M.A. students to attend classes at all participating institutions and earn credit at their home institution.
(6) The Ph. D. program has awarded 6 doctorates. Some of our doctoral students have accepted positions in national and private universities, with others finding work in business, education, and public services.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Major in Psychology

The goals of the major in Psychology, since its inception in 1992, have always been two-fold. First, in this major we strive to prepare students in the master's and doctoral programs for careers in high-level research at universities and other educational institutions. Second, the aim of the major is to ready students who have completed master's degree work and are aiming to obtain qualifications in the clinical psychology area by supplying them with a thorough understanding of the core principles and know-how necessary for a career in the field. To achieve these goals, we bring to bear all our resources yearly to insure top-flight instructors in each area of study, as well as the development of a challenging curriculum. Not stopping there, we also do our best to create an overall environment in which graduate work in the exciting field of psychology can take place.

Currently, this major is divided into four areas: experimental, social, developmental, and clinical psychology. Each of these four areas is staffed by instructors who are not only specialists in their respective fields, but have the necessary experience and skills to provide high-quality instruction suited to our students' individual interests and needs.

Since the School's establishment, students in this major have always had access to the latest technology in its laboratories across the experimental, social and developmental psychology areas. In fact, as other universities struggled to catch up with the information revolution, Senshu was already far ahead of the curve in the development of its university-wide computer network. As a result, we have made use of the Internet resources and have been introducing the newest technology of information processing into education. Also, to deepen with real-world experience the skills of our students interested in clinical psychology, since 2009 we have the new Psychological Counseling Center, which is provided with completely new facilities such as well-equipped playrooms, activity observation rooms and group interview rooms. With such a comprehensive clinical program, it is no wonder that since 1997, the School has been recognized as a Level One Designated School by Japanese Certification Board for Clinical Psychologists under the graduate school designation system.

Upon completion of the School's programs, a large portion of our graduates go on to do more specialized postgraduate research and teaching in their respective fields, and the number that have gone on to receive certification as clinical psychologists and are now in practice across the country exceeds 100.

Policy with Regard to Conferment of Degrees

Policy with Regard to Curriculum Development and Implementation

Admission policy

Graduate Schools

• Outline of Graduate Schools
• Graduate School of Economics
• Graduate School of Law
• Graduate School of the Humanities
• Graduate School of Business Administration
• Graduate School of Commerce