Department of Humanities and Social Sciences: Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies
Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies SectionArea Studies SectionSocial and International Relations
Studies on Text, Culture, and Theory
The twentieth century witnessed great changes in many fields of the humanities that have been described as “the linguistic turn”. Such changes signify the importance that people have started to attach to language in the analysis of culture and society.
The aims of this course are as follows: first, to view language as forming the core of culture, and to analyse the linguistic phenomena that arise from the constant interactions and blending of cultures; and second, to place the theoretical and pragmatic training in discourse analysis, traditionally known as ‘critical theory’, at the core of the curriculum to ensure the success of such analyses.
Critical theory has largely progressed as a school of thought for the dissection of literary texts, as literature is one of the richest and most complex of products of the human language. Yet, the insights gained from literary criticism can certainly transcend the realm of literature. Indeed, critical theory today is no longer simply limited to the analysis of literature and thought, but is also applicable to the cultural, social, political, and even economic discourses; in other words, critical theory is breaking down the barriers between such diverse forms of discourse. Media studies, which focuses on the role of technology in the production and distribution of language that underlies culture and society, is also another essential component.
In summary, the characteristics of this course are as follows:
- Systematic study of critical theory
- Translation studies, as a theoretical and practical cross-cultural tool
- Literary research from new perspectives
- Analysis of various discourses beyond that of literature and thought
- Expansion to media research
- Acquisition of reading comprehension, communication and ultimately teaching ability in multiple languages
After graduation, students may go on to undertake further research at the Graduate School of Language and Information Sciences, or pursue careers in various fields such as publishing, mass media, advertising, international relations, the civil service or teaching.
[Courses]
| Cultural Anthropology | Culture and Representation | Comparative Literature and Arts |
| Contemporary Thought and Philosophy | Interdisciplinary Japanese Cultural Studies |
| Interdisciplinary Language Sciences | Studies on Text, Culture and Theory |
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Interdisciplinary Cultural Studies SectionArea Studies SectionSocial and International Relations
