Otsuma Women's University

Master in Language and Culture

The Master's program is divided into three courses. Educators working in research and teaching amount to three times the number of students enrolled. The Japanese Literature major mainly researches classical literature, contemporary literature, and Japanese language studies. Graduate students choose specialties from among the following: ancient times (Nara Period), medieval times (Heian Period), the middle ages (Kamakura and Muromachi Periods), early modern times (Edo Period), contemporary times (Meiji Period and thereafter), or Japanese language studies; but it is also possible to study across multiple periods. The English Literature and English Education programs include three fields. The English literature field focuses mainly on English and American literature, Studies in Language and Culture, and the English language field uses connectives and pragmatics as samples of the linguistic culture of various English-speaking countries for research. The English education field cultivates English teachers who can contribute to inter-cultural exchange through the promotion of linguistic education using English. Furthermore, the English education course meets the needs of current teachers (elementary, junior high, and high school teachers) by offering programs with flexible schedules, such as lectures at night, so that teachers can attend while continuing to work. The international culture field mainly focuses on local culture and international culture. Graduate students specialize in set regions of Europe or Asia, or in the systems and relations between certain regions and countries. In addition, the Doctoral programs established for the Japanese Literature, English Literature, and English Education programs enhance specialization even further.