School of Culture, Media and SocietyWaseda University

The School of Culture, Media and Society aims to generate new areas for study of culture through an integrated and innovative approach that transcends the conventions of existing academic disciplines while building on the wealth of knowledge that have accrued thus far in the humanities. Embodying this approach, the new English-medium program, Global Studies in Japanese Cultures Program (JCulP), will train students to reexamine Japanese culture through global, novel, and multilateral perspectives.

JCulP aims to facilitate students to acquire novel and rich knowledge by learning through English and by reexamining Japanese culture within the global historical contexts and cultural circumstances. Students will study a wide range of fields including Japanese literature, history, and thought. A strong focus will nonetheless be placed on studies of the early modern and the modern eras, as well as on the literary arts. Students will study the latest cultural theories and research approach, and apply them in their exploration of various topics, such as the early modern theater and the early modern and modern novels and poems, along with the social contexts behind specific works and practice.

By learning through English, students will develop academic skills needed to acquire in-depth understanding of Japanese culture within the global historical contexts and cultural circumstances, as well as to candidly present their knowledge and understanding of the structures, characteristics, and values of Japanese culture using English. Cross-cultural understanding does not emerge without in-depth knowledge and understating of the cultures concerned. The knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and the skills to share them will be a strong foundation that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in today’s ever-globalizing world.

In today’s world of advanced information technology, where vast amount of information is shared instantly across the globe, what is most sought after is reliable information with depth and accuracy. There is strong demand from a wide range of professional fields for individuals with skills to present their knowledge and understanding to the world using English. Examples of such professional fields include the mass media, the information and communications industry, international agencies, governments, NGOs, and other public and non-profit sectors, trading companies, the financial sector, and the tourism industry. Other types of companies also seek individuals with strong communication and negotiation skills who can build their own global network. Studying and interacting with students with different cultural backgrounds as a part of JCulP will allow student to develop such sought-after skills. Regional administrations and public organizations are also desperately seeking opportunities to present information about their regions and activities to the world. Contributing to the creation of new cultural circuits for such organizations is another path open to students graduating from the program. Students may also consider pursuing postgraduate studies at graduate schools in Japan or overseas to further explore their academic interest in Japanese culture, and aspire to become researchers and educators.

Above all, the program seeks individuals who are interested in working with others. We would like students in the program to be open to self-discovery and to building character through collaborative work, making most of the opportunities to discuss, explore, and build new possibilities together with other students. Even those who do not feel that they currently possess but are interested in cultivating such qualities are also encouraged to apply. Becoming a part of JCulP will provide a great opportunity for self-transformation for such applicants.