Educational/Research Objectives and Policies - Faculty of Cultural Studies
(For Students Enrolling in Academic Year 2026 or later)

• Department of Cultural Exploration and Co-creation
• Department of Kyoto Studies
• Department of Culture and Tourism

Department of Cultural Exploration and Co-creation

Ideal Academic Aptitude

Based on knowledge and methodologies from the humanities, including history, philosophy, literature, and art, we strive to foster individuals who incorporate information science methods, utilize English proficiency to communicate with the world, and strive to promote cultural exchange and dissemination, envision a humane and culturally rich society, and collaborate to realize it.

Diploma Policy

Students who achieve the following learning goals and meet the graduation requirements according to the curriculum (educational course) established by the University will be certified for graduation and awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Exploration and Co-creation.

The Faculty of Cultural Studies aims to nurture individuals with strong grounding and rich knowledge in cultural studies, who are willing to contribute to local and international communities, with flexible adaptability and ability to handle various cultural issues.

Department of Kyoto Studies

The Department of Kyoto Studies aims to nurture individuals with adaptability and practical skills, who have a broad education of academic fields related to the cultures of Kyoto and Japan and the ability to explore the culture of Kyoto in depth, as well as proficiency in traditional and artistic cultures, rich sensibilities, and logical thinking skills. We also aim to nurture individuals who have the English proficiency needed to disseminate the culture of Kyoto overseas.

1. They possess knowledge of cultures from all over the world, past and present, and the ability to consider their diversity.
   They also have a broad interest in cultural phenomena worldwide and the ability to consider their characteristics.
2. They can acquire the fundamentals of surveys and research and explore various issues related to cultural exploration and co-creation.
   They can also read and interpret literature to grasp diverse cultural phenomena from an interdisciplinary perspective.
3. They can discover novel cultural value through utilizing informatics methods.
   They also possess the ability to collect, analyze, and disseminate information required in the digital age, as well as the creativity to discover new cultural value.
4. They possess sufficient proficiency in English to engage in global cultural exchange to collect information.
   They possess the ability to understand diverse cultures and the openness required to facilitate communication.
5. They can envision a human and culturally-conscious society and work collaboratively to realize it.
   They possess the initiative and ethics to act with an understanding of the social role of humanities.

Curriculum Policy

To achieve the five learning goals detailed in the Diploma Policy, the curriculum comprises general and specialized education courses.
Data from learning outcome surveys, syllabus checks, and student credit acquisition status will be used to optimize the curriculum.
Specialized education courses are divided into core, advanced, seminar, and relevant courses to allow students to acquire a wide range of specialized knowledge systematically and sequentially. Furthermore, the advanced courses include three domains: cultural expression that focuses on literature and arts, cultural understanding of history and philosophy, and cultural information and exchange emphasizing DH-related courses and English.
The educational content, teaching methods, and assessment of learning outcomes are defined as follows:

1. Educational Content and Methods

General Education Courses

General education courses are designed to provide a broad range of knowledge through a system of courses on human sciences, language, physical education, and career development support, organized in line with the curriculum policy of the University.

Specialized Education Courses

First-year students will take an introductory seminar to develop the academic skills needed for their studies in the university. Furthermore, English is required for global cultural exchange and information collection. Introduction to Cultural Exploration and Co-creation Studies and Introduction to Digital Humanities are mandatory core courses. The department requires students to take the Introduction to Kyoto Cultural Studies because the faculty is based in Kyoto and Introduction to Cultural Tourism Studies because innovations in cultural studies are found in tourism.

In the second year, advanced courses are divided into three domains—cultural expression, cultural understanding, and cultural information and exchange—which enable students to learn cultural exploration and co-creation systematically. Introductory seminars help students acquire basic research methods in history, philosophy, literature, and art. Furthermore, cultural exploration and co-creation field seminars also offer allow students to practical learning in the field.
In the third year, students begin full-scale research in “Seminar I,” providing instruction in the specialized humanities knowledge and research methods necessary for this.
In the fourth year, students will hone their practical presentation and communication skills in “Seminar II” and complete their graduation research.
Moreover, the required elective courses of Digital Humanities Basic Seminar, Digital Humanities Seminar I, and Digital Humanities Seminar II provide instruction in information science methods and information literacy.
Additionally, a special English course “KEEN: KSU English Engagement Network” was established to improve the English proficiency of students. In the first year, students take the required course “EAP for KEEN,” which develops research skills and the ability to write reports in English. From the second year onward, students are offered courses in the field of cultural exploration and co-creation, such as Exploring Cultural Perspectives, taught in English. They also participate in study abroad programs and seminar courses taught in English.

2. Educational Methods

Regular Seminar courses are offered each year, providing a gradually developing education program comprised of in small-sized classes. Based on the methodologies in humanities, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods, choose a research topic based on their individual interests, conduct research and analysis, and compile a graduation thesis while considering cutting-edge information science methods. Interactive teaching strategies are incorporated, which include group reading, discussions, presentations, fieldwork, and individual instructions, to foster the growth of each student.

3. Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for each subject will be assessed based on a grading system detailed in the syllabus. Some distinctive assessment methods include the following:
In the seminar courses, practical courses (cultural exploration and co-creation field seminars, museum internships, etc.), and teacher training courses (junior high school and senior high school English), students engage in dialogue with each student using portfolios and other tools to conduct formative evaluations toward achieving their goals.
Led by study abroad advisors, students engage in constant dialogues before, during, and after their study abroad program, conducting a formative evaluation to help them achieve their goals.

Department of Kyoto Studies

Ideal Academic Aptitude

This department aims to cultivate a broad education in academic fields related to Kyoto and Japanese culture, cultivating the ability to conduct specialized research. Furthermore, it aims to cultivate individuals with rich sensibilities, logical thinking skills, the ability to adapt to situations and put things into practice, and the English proficiency to promote Kyoto and Japanese culture overseas.

Diploma Policy

Students who achieve the following learning goals and meet the graduation requirements according to the curriculum (Kyoto studies) established by the University will be certified for graduation and awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Kyoto Culture.

Knowledge and Understanding

1. They possess knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese cultures from all over the world, past and present, and the ability to consider their diversity.
   They also have a broad interest in Kyoto and Japanese cultures and the ability to consider their characteristics.
2. They can acquire the fundamentals of surveys and research and explore various issues related to Kyoto studies.
   They possess the ability to examine documents and cultural heritage and pursue Kyoto cultural studies.
3. They can utilize informatics methods in research and local exchange.
   They possess the information collection, analysis, and dissemination capabilities required in the digital age.
4. They have sufficient proficiency in English to engage in global cultural exchange to collect information. They possess the communication skills to promote the appeal of Kyoto and Japanese cultures both domestically and internationally.
5. They can envision and realize the development of local culture.
   They possess the initiative and ethics to act with an understanding of the social role of Kyoto Cultural Studies.

Curriculum Policy

To achieve the five learning goals detailed in the Diploma Policy, the curriculum is composed of general and specialized education courses. Data from learning outcome surveys, syllabus checks, and student credit acquisition status will be used to optimize the curriculum.
The faculty’s specialized education courses are divided into core, advanced, seminar, and relevant courses to allow students to acquire a wide range of specialized knowledge systematically and sequentially. The advanced courses are further divided into the following domains: history and culture, concentrating on subjects related to Japanese history, literature, and religion; cultural heritage, emphasizing art, folklore,archeology; and performing arts and cultural information and exchange, focusing on DH-related subjects and English.
The educational content, teaching methods, and assessment of learning outcomes are defined as follows:

1. Educational Content

General Education Courses

General education courses are designed to provide a broad range of knowledge through a system of courses on human sciences, language, physical education, and career development support, organized in line with the curriculum policy of the University.

Specialized Education Courses

The Kyoto culture field seminar in the first year helps students develop fieldwork skills through practical training and practice in local communities and culture. The introductory seminar on Kyoto culture helps students develop the academic skills necessary for researching and studying the culture of Kyoto. Additionally, as Kyoto is an international cultural and tourist city, students must take “Introduction to Kyoto Cultural Studies,” “Introduction to Cultural Media Studies,” “Introduction to Cultural Tourism Studies,” and “Introduction to Digital Humanities” to pursue practical studies on Kyoto culture from numerous perspectives.
In the second year, advanced courses are divided into three domains—history and culture, cultural heritage, and cultural information and exchange—providing a systematic study of Kyoto culture. Introductory seminars help students acquire basic research methods.
In the third year, students begin full-scale research in “Seminar I,” providing instruction in the specialized knowledge in Kyoto studies and research methods necessary for this.
In the fourth year, students will hone their practical presentation and communication skills in “Seminar II” and complete their graduation research.
Moreover, as required elective seminars, students must take courses such as “Japanese History Materials Seminar,” “Japanese Classical Literature Materials Seminar,” and “Cultural Heritage Survey Practice,” as well as informatics-related courses, including “Digital Humanities Seminar,” “Special Seminar on Kyoto Studies,” and “Cultural Studies Internship.” Students will acquire academic skills necessary for researching and studying Kyoto and Japanese culture, as well as the ability to apply and practice their academic achievements in the real world.
A special English course “KEEN: KSU English Engagement Network” was also established to improve the English proficiency of students. In the first year, students take the required course “EAP for KEEN,” which develops research skills and the ability to write reports in English. From the second year onward, students are offered courses in the field of Kyoto culture, such as Exlopring Kyoto Culture, taught in English. They also participate in study abroad programs and seminar courses taught in English.

2. Educational Methods

Regular Seminar courses are offered each year, providing a gradually developing education program comprised of in small-sized classes. Based on the methodologies in humanities, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods, choose a research topic based on their individual interests, conduct research and analysis, and compile a graduation thesis while considering cutting-edge information science methods. Interactive teaching strategies are incorporated, including group reading, discussions, presentations, fieldwork, and individual instructions, to foster the growth of each student.

3. Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for each subject will be assessed based on a grading system detailed in the syllabus. Some distinctive assessment methods include the following:

In the seminar courses, practical courses (museum internships, etc.), and teacher training courses (junior high school social studies and senior high school local history), students engage in dialogue with each student using portfolios and other tools to conduct formative evaluations toward achieving their goals.
Led by study abroad advisors, students engage in constant dialogues before, during, and after their study abroad program, conducting a formative evaluation to help them achieve their goals.

Admissions Policy

In line with the ideal individuals we aim to foster, our department accepts students who “understand global diversity, share cultural issues with people from various backgrounds and positions, and are committed to contributing to the development of a culturally diverse society.” Our department seeks students who possess the following qualities, abilities, and orientations:

1. Knowledge and Skills

• Fundamental knowledge and skills for understanding Kyoto and Japanese culture

2. Thinking, Judgment, and Expression

• Thinking skills to consider cultural and social diversity
• The ability to discern cultural and regional issues
• The ability to express and communicate the value of Kyoto and Japanese cultures

3. Independence and tolerance

• The ability to take action for the development of local communities
• Openness to understand diverse cultures

Department of Culture and Tourism

Ideal Academic Aptitude

We strive to foster individuals who can view tourism from an academic perspective, which is broadly defined as encounters with others and different cultures, and who can proactively contribute to the development of local communities and cultures by incorporating methodologies in information sciences, as well as expressing and promoting their appeal to the world.

Diploma Policy

Students who achieve the following learning goals and meet the graduation requirements according to the curriculum (educational course) established by the University will be certified for graduation and awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Culture and Tourism.

• They possess knowledge of culture and tourism from all over the world, past and present, and the ability to consider their diversity.
• They also have a broad interest in tourism as a cultural phenomenon and the ability to consider their characteristics.
• They can acquire the fundamentals of survey and research and explore various issues related to cultural tourism.
• They possess the ability to pursue culture and tourism studies from an interdisciplinary perspective and contribute to the development of local communities.
• They can utilize informatics methods in research and tourism.
• They possess the information collection, analysis, and dissemination capabilities required in the digital age.
• They can acquire English proficiency and utilize the language in the field of international tourism.
• They possess practical communication skills that can be used in the tourism industry.
• They can envision and realize the development of Japan as a tourism-oriented nation.
• They possess the initiative and ethics to act with an understanding of the social role of culture and tourism studies.

Curriculum Policy

To achieve the five learning goals detailed in the Diploma Policy, the curriculum is composed of general and specialized education courses.

1. Educational Content and Methods

General Education Courses

General education courses are designed to provide a broad range of knowledge through a system of courses on human sciences, language, physical education, and career development support, organized according to the curriculum policy of the University.

Specialized Education Courses

Seminar courses are offered each year, providing a gradual education in small-sized classes. Based on diverse approaches and methodologies in cultural tourism, students will acquire specialized knowledge and research methods, choose a research topic based on their individual interests, conduct research and analysis, and compile a graduation thesis while considering cutting-edge information science methods. Interactive teaching strategies are incorporated, including group reading, discussions, presentations, fieldwork, and individual instructions, to foster the growth of each student.
In the first year, students will develop fieldwork and research skills through “Culture and Tourism Field Seminars” and “Tourism Research Seminars.” Additionally, as Kyoto is an international cultural and tourist city, students must take “Introduction to Cultural Tourism Studies,” as well as “Introduction to Digital Humanities,” “Introduction to Cultural Media Studies,” and “Introduction to Kyoto Cultural Studies,” to pursue practical studies on culture and tourism from a wide-range of perspectives.
In the second year, advanced courses are divided into three domains—tourism and culture, regional development, and tourism industry—providing a systematic study of culture and tourism. Introductory seminars help students acquire basic research methods.
In the third year, students begin full-scale research in “Seminar IA” and “Seminar IB” providing instruction in the specialized knowledge in cultural tourism studies and research methods necessary for this.
In the fourth year, students will hone their practical presentation and communication skills in “Seminar IIA” and “Seminar IIB” and complete their graduation research.
Moreover, students must take elective courses such as “Introduction to Comparative Tourism,” “Introduction to Kyoto Culture,” “Introduction to Regional Landscape Design,” and “Introduction to Tourism Management.” Students are also offered informatics-related courses, such as “Digital Humanities Seminar,” and practical social education programs, such as problem-solving courses, including “Cultural Studies PBL” and “Cultural Studies Internship.” These programs are conducted in stages throughout the year, helping students acquire the skills to apply and practice academic knowledge in the real world.
Additionally, a special English course “KEEN: KSU English Engagement Network” was established to improve the English proficiency of students. In the first year, students take the required course “EAP for KEEN,” which helps them develop research skills and the ability to write reports in English. From the second year onward, students are offered courses in the field of culture and tourism studies, such as Exploring Tourism, taught in English. They also participate in study abroad programs and seminar courses taught in English.

2. Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for each subject will be assessed based on a grading system detailed in the syllabus. Some distinctive assessment methods include the following:
In the seminar courses and practical courses (museum internships, etc.), the faculty engage in dialogue with each student using portfolios and other tools to conduct formative evaluations toward achieving their goals.
Led by study abroad advisors, students engage in constant dialogues before, during, and after their study abroad program, conducting a formative evaluation to help them achieve their goals.

Admissions Policy

In line with the ideal individuals we aim to foster, our department accepts students who “understand global diversity, share cultural tourism issues with people from various backgrounds and positions, and are committed to contributing development of the society.” Our department seeks students who possess the following six qualities, abilities, and orientations:

Knowledge and skills

1. Basic knowledge and skills for understanding global cultures
2. Thinking, judgment, and expression
   The ability to think about cultural tourism
   The ability to judge issues related to cultural tourism
   The ability to express the charm of the local community
3. Proactive attitude
   The ability to take action for the development of local communities
   The desire to contribute to the sustainable development of tourism and the local community