5 Language MA Degree Programs in Japan

The Japanese Literature program offers an all-encompassing education in the literature of Japan, from the ancient to the medieval and early modern as well as modern and contemporary. The course involves detailed readings of individual works and suggests various ways to approach different authors and the prevailing trends of different eras, resulting in significant findings. Members of the faculty include Professor Iikura Yōichi (early modern literature), Associate Professor Saitō Masao (modern and contemporary literature), and Associate Professor Seta Michio (medieval literature).

The French Literature program is dedicated to French literary texts spanning all genres, novel, poetry, plays, philosophy, and criticism, from the medieval to the modern age. The course offers practical and creative educational activities that capture the range of rich meaning within these genres based on a broad spread of research encompassing the long traditions of literature, art, cultural and social events. Our department publishes the internationally renowned journal Gallia and hosts research conferences twice a year.

In the German Literature Program, students analyze German literary works from the perspective of historical cultural phenomena in central and eastern Europe, where German has played a longstanding role as the common language. In other words, literary works should be analyzed in relation to associated research areas such as cultural history, art history, medical history, and media history. Through various seminars and lectures provided by the department, students acquire advanced language skills (German and English) to understand texts and contemporary research results.

The graduate program at Osaka University is relatively new, and there may be areas where organization and facilities could be improved—after all, it is a new department. Nevertheless, the department offers an intimate, convivial atmosphere where students receive thorough instruction from their teachers and senior students. With an emphasis on the development of language proficiency, a critical approach to source materials, and a vibrant, open atmosphere in which students are given the freedom to choose what they want to research; the faculty operates a culture of free exchange that transcends age and topics, inside and outside its walls.

Acquire specialized knowledge in Japanese literature, linguistics and calligraphy. Along with carrying out instruction and research that values the importance of experiencing the best works of literature, we have established a program to assist with students' path after graduation.