The Doctoral Program in Literature and Linguistics is a five-year consecutive program that aims to produce researchers, educators, and professionals with a high level of expertise and research ability about language and literature. The Program consists of two major fields, Literature and Linguistics, each of which includes a number of research areas.

The field of Literature is composed of seven areas: General Literature, Japanese Literature, English Literature, American Literature, French Literature, German Literature, and Chinese Literature. In the area of General Literature, it is possible to study the Western Classics, Slavic Literature, and so on. Students study literary theory and literary history in all areas; they are also trained to develop their research abilities through the careful reading and analysis of texts.

The field of Linguistics is also composed of seven areas: General Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Japanese Linguistics, English Linguistics, French Linguistics, German Linguistics, and Chinese Linguistics. In the area of General Linguistics, it is possible to study Experimental Phonetics, Altaic Languages, Ancient Oriental Languages, Slavic Languages, etc. In the area of Applied Linguistics, it is possible to focus on Contrastive Linguistics, Japanese Language Education, and so on. Students in all areas are trained to develop the ability to conduct theoretical and empirical research with the goal of clarifying what is particular to individual languages and what is universal across languages.

To make it possible for students to obtain a doctoral degree in five years, the Program offers a wide range of courses and careful academic guidance. The curriculum of the Program also enables students to pursue research topics that cut across the boundaries of individual fields and areas.

Students in the Program are normally required to submit an interim thesis (equivalent to a Master’s thesis) in their second year, a requirement which is intended to ensure that they possess enough knowledge and ability to do original research. Those who have passed in their interim theses are awarded a Master’s degree and are qualified to write a doctoral dissertation.

Our five-year program accepts third-year transfer students as well as first-year students. This responds to the needs of those with a Master’s degree from another institution who wish to pursue their research further, and it is based on our intention to provide highly qualified students with new opportunities under the spirit of the five-year consecutive program.

We welcome students who are enthusiastic about studying language and literature.

Toshiaki Oya, Chair

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