OVERVIEW

The International Master's Program (IMAP) and International Doctorate (IDOC) in Japanese Humanities are the only two graduate programs conducted in English within Kyushu University’s Graduate School of Humanities. Each year, a select group of international and Japanese students is admitted. These MA and PhD candidates study with specialists in Japanese art history and architecture, history, literature, religion, and other facets of the humanities. Students enroll in rigorous seminars, many of which incorporate study at cultural and historical sites within Japan.

The IMAP and IDOC programs are characterized by closely supervised instruction and small seminars customized to meet the long-term academic goals of each student. Seminars taught by primary faculty generally emphasize premodern Japan and its relationship to East Asia. These are supplemented by courses offered by affiliated and guest faculty in topics ranging from Japanese film to archaeology. There are also courses in field-specific methodologies, research methods, and premodern languages (bungo and kanbun).

All IMAP and IDOC students are required to write a thesis in English. Depending on their proficiency in Japanese, MA candidates may select additional courses from the Graduate School of Humanities or other graduate schools within the university; PhD candidates are required to enroll in graduate courses taught in Japanese.