Global Japanese StudiesWaseda University

The Global-J PhD program endeavors to train researchers who are firmly grounded in the study of Japanese literature and culture, and who are at the same time able to engage in academic discussions as leading voices in Japanese studies on the global stage. While drawing upon abundant research in existing Japanese literary and cultural scholarship, we foster cutting-edge research that actively incorporates comparative literary methodologies and theories. With our strong institutional ties with Columbia University and UCLA, Global-J has joint appointment faculty that offer summer research seminars every year. Students will have opportunities to interact with researchers in other graduate programs and universities by participating in lectures, joint workshops, symposia, and engaging in ongoing intellectual exchange. In addition, we offer abundant opportunities to study abroad such as short-term research stays at UCLA and a full Double-Degree Program with Columbia University.

Students are required to take four research seminars in their first year, co-taught by the Global-J faculty. They are encouraged to continue taking them for two or more years thereafter.

Dissertations are, as a rule, written in English. Furthermore, we expect students to prepare for and participate in various international conference presentations, as well as to work towards publishing some of their work in academic journals during their time in the program.

Faculty members provide wide-ranging academic supervision based on their specialization in fields such as Japanese literature, intellectual history, translation theory, and theatre. PhD students work closely with two faculty members, one primary advisor and one secondary advisor. Prospective students will be asked to indicate their advisor(s) of choice in their applications.

Students are expected to have a high level of academic competence in both English and Japanese. They will be required not only to read, write, and engage in discussions using English at a graduate level, but also to work intimately with Japanese-language primary and secondary sources relating to their particular areas of dissertation research.