Faculty of Humanities
Department of Humanities Literature Course 文学専攻

Open the door to the world of Japanese literature

In the Course in Literature, students read and study genres including novels, poetry, drama, and critiques in various fields throughout Japanese history from ancient to modern times.They also consider the originality of Japanese literature from an international perspective through comparisons with literary works from overseas.After studying a variety of genres and expressive means, students delve into their research, selecting the periods, texts, authors, and means of expression that suit their interests. By closely examining the historical and social background of the literature, students open a window into a text's original context—the psychology and sensibilities of people from the period and the spirit and culture of the age.Literature is a way of talking about people.By carefully reading the thoughts and experiences of the people conveyed in a story, students get a step closer to understanding what it means to be human.

Subject Highlights

  • Introduction to Literature

    Students refer to numerous works of literature to analyze literary forms and study theories of classification.They further deepen their understanding by considering the ability of literature to reflect and convey to later generations the reality of past periods and societies through descriptions of characters' appearances, environs, psychology, and unconscious behavior.

  • Oral Tradition and Culture

    For generations, regions of Tohoku have passed down the horrors of past earthquakes and tsunamis to the present day.In this lecture, students look primarily at such traditional Japanese folk tales and consider their nature, history, and contemporary significance.

What You Will Study

  1. 1STYEAR

    Enhancing Language Skills and Building a Strong Academic Foundation

    The first year focuses on acquiring the foundational skills necessary for studying at university. Students participate in small-group classes to build the essential language skills necessary for humanities studies—reading, speaking, and writing. They also gain experience analyzing topics from multiple angles—history, literature, society, international studies, and Japanese culture—nurturing a flexible and open-minded perspective.
    Foreign language study is also a key focus, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
    Languages Offered: English, Korean, French, Spanish, and Chinese

  2. 2NDYEAR

    Extensive Off-Campus Fieldwork

    With guidance from faculty members, students carefully design their long-term fieldwork experience. In the second semester, they leave campus for six months of hands-on fieldwork. Through this experience, students cultivate independent thinking, practical skills, and the ability to communicate their findings effectively. The confidence and skills they gain here will be invaluable no matter where their future takes them.

  3. 3RDYEAR

    Expanding Knowledge and Deepening Critical Thinking Through Specialized Courses and Seminars

    As students compile their research reports from long-term fieldwork, they also gain expertise and research methodologies through courses in their respective fields. They also participate in small-group seminars where they analyze texts, present research, and engage in discussions on key themes. By exchanging ideas and engaging with diverse perspectives, students refine their thinking and deepen their understanding.

  4. 4THYEAR

    Showcasing Four Years of Learning Through a Graduation Thesis

    Students write a graduation thesis as the culmination of their four years of study, presenting their completed theses at the Graduation Work and Thesis Exhibition in February, just before graduation in March. This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to receive objective feedback from both within and outside the university.

What You Will Learn

  • The ability to accurately read and interpret the richly expressive content of works of literature.
  • The ability to understand and objectively critique the distinctive qualities of works of literature.
  • The ability to connect people and societies across national borders.

Past Theses

  • The History of and Going Beyond Modern Japanese Theater: Oriza Hirata’s Theory of Modern Theater

    How has modern theater imported from the west been received in Japan?The dramatist Oriza Hirata systematized daily dialogue in Japanese society within his idea of "contemporary colloquial theater."This paper considers modern western theater from the perspective of this "dialogue" and discusses the history of modern theater in Japan and how theater can go beyond this drama style.

  • When Movies Give Hope: From Up on Poppy Hill—A Modern Portrayal of Aoi Sanmyaku

    Studio Ghibli released the movie From Up on Poppy Hill in cinemas in July 2011.It is closely related to the novel Aoi Sanmyaku (“Blue Mountain Range”), serialized in The Asahi Shimbun in 1947.This paper considers two movies, the film-version of Aoi Sanmyaku from 1963, which is said to have reinvigorated Japan after its defeat in the Second World War, and From Up on Poppy Hill, which was released after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. In particular, it examines how these films gave people hope.

  • The Melancholy of an Upright Character: Examining Ichiyo Higuchi’s Takekurabe

    The Meiji-era novella Takekurabe (“Growing Up”) is controversial due to the transformation of its main character, a young girl named Midori.In particular, the reasons for her almost unrecognizable behavior at the end of the story are hotly disputed.This paper focuses on the melancholy she experiences due to other people’s attention and attempts to explain her transformation from this perspective.

Academic Faculty

Careers

 
Career Opportunities
Editor, writer, novelist, curator, school teacher, business (career track), and many more.
 
Major Employers
Publishing, advertising, online content creation, NPOs/NGOs, civil service, manufacturing, retail distribution, and many more.

Voice

  • KORESAWA Norimitsu Academic Faculty

    Learning culture and history through ancient myths and language

    I teach the seminar Ancient Literature, Mythology, and History of the Japanese Language.Students read and interpret myths from the Kojiki, consider why these myths emerged, and study the etymology of ancient Japanese.Japan has many shrines, and by learning about the country's gods and myths and the past origins of its language, students can better understand Japanese history and culture.My seminar is perfect for students wanting to discover the history of the Japanese language or those interested in Japan's gods, myths, and history, or its shrines and temples.
  • NISHINO Atsushi Academic Faculty

    The power of a great book begins when you tell others about it

    In my seminar Modern Japanese Literature, students encounter other worlds that only the written word could create through comparisons with other media such as manga, painting, and film.Past students have researched various topics that are only to be expected at an art university, including the relationship between Jun’ichirō Tanizaki’s novels and book design or the works of Makoto Shinkai.The first step to studying literature is being able to explain what you find fascinating about a book in a way that others can understand.I hope you will join us at Kyoto Seika and learn how to choose the right words to articulate your love of literature.