Educational/Research Objectives and Policies - Division of Kyoto Studies (Correspondence Education Course)

Educational and Research Objectives

The Correspondence Education Course in the Division of Kyoto Studies aims to nurture individuals who can pursue the spirit and values of Kyoto and practically disseminate the culture of Kyoto to the world in accordance with the school philosophy of the university. Specifically, we aim to nurture individuals with a global perspective who understand the characteristics and significance of the cultures of Kyoto and Japan, and can make use of these in society, having acquired the ability to conduct specialized surveys, analyses, and presentations using methods that correspond to their research theme in academic fields related to Japanese and Kyoto culture.

Policies

Diploma Policy

Students must earn the number of credits stipulated in the curriculum established by the Division of Kyoto Studies, submit a “master’s thesis” or “task-oriented research report,” and pass the review. The Division of Kyoto Studies confers a “Master’s Degree (in Kyoto Studies)” on students who have satisfied these requirements and acquired the following qualities:

1. Knowledge and Understanding
(a) In-depth understanding of the characteristics and significance of the culture of Kyoto from a global perspective
(b) Advanced specialized knowledge in their specialized field of the culture of Kyoto

2. Research Skills
(a) Ability to read and understand the sources and materials that form the basis for conducting research
(b) Ability to collect, study, and analyze the materials needed to conduct research
(c) Ability to compile research findings and present them in academic circles and to society

3. Attitude and Orientation
(a) Ability and willingness to continue conducting further research on the culture of Kyoto
(b) Ability and willingness to apply the research results in society

Curriculum Policy

To nurture the kind of individuals described in the Diploma Policy (approving completion and conferment of degrees), we have established a curriculum that consists of lecture and seminar courses centered on the main areas and fields related to the culture of Kyoto.

1. Educational Content and Methods
Our courses are organized into “basic courses,” “advanced courses,” and “seminar courses,” and we have established a system of research guidance that is gradual and systematic to help students complete a master’s thesis or task-oriented research report on each student’s research theme. The three types of courses are organized as follows:

(a) Basic Courses
“Introduction to Research on Kyoto Culture A and B” are provided as required courses to help students acquire fundamental knowledge for conducting research on the culture of Kyoto. Students explore the necessary major fields through omnibus-style classes conducted by all full-time faculty members in the Division.

(b) Advanced Courses
Students take “Special Lectures A and B” to learn about subjects such as history, culture, cultural property, and traditional industries. Students are required to take lectures taken by their research supervisor and can also expand their research horizons through lectures by other faculty members.

(c) Seminar Courses
From the first year up to completion, students are required to take “Advanced Seminar in Kyoto Culture I to IV” conducted by their research supervisor, based on their chosen research themes, with a view to writing the master’s thesis or task-oriented research report. Through our research guidance, we provide suggestions and practical guidance to help students prepare a research plan, understand previous research, collect, survey, analyze, and discuss sources, materials, and information, compile research findings, and understand the positioning of the research, so that students can strengthen their research skills and compile their research findings.

2. Evaluation of Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes of each course are evaluated according to the methods and standards for assessing grades stipulated in the syllabus of each course.

Admission Policy

The Admissions Policy of our Graduate School are as follows:

1. Sufficient ability to read and understand and texts and express ideas in Japanese
2. Basic knowledge in fields related to the cultures of Kyoto and Japan and other related fields
3. Strong willingness to research the cultures of Japan and Kyoto
4. For working adults, knowledge, and experience that will be useful when conducting research.