Educational Policies
Diploma Policy
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies Bachelor of Arts Degree in Languages and Area Studies is conferred on those who have successfully achieved competency in the following five areas of the University’s educational objectives.
(1) High level of language competency
(2) Informed about Japan and various regions of the world
(3) Equipped with the skills required for contemporary society
(4) Expertise in chosen field
(5) Capable of critical thinking, action and articulate expression
The specific requirements for degrees awarded by School of Japan Studies are as follows.
(1) High level of language competency
? Both Japanese and international students in the School are expected to acquire a high level of competency in comprehending, reading, writing, and speaking Japanese and English.
? Exposure to languages other than Japanese and English and an understanding of the diversity of language.
(2) Informed about Japan and various regions of the world
? Has an understanding of the culture and society of Japan within international contexts.
? Has the knowledge of other regions of the world required for meaningful comparative analysis of Japan.
(3) Equipped with the skills required for contemporary society
? Well informed with the broad and educated knowledge of diverse languages and cultures required for contemporary society.
(4) Expertise in chosen field
? Equipped with the specialized knowledge required for an international perspective on Japanese society, Japanese literature and culture, the Japanese language, or Japanese language education.
(5) Capable of critical thinking, action and articulate expression
? Capable of objective investigation and analysis, systematic organization of diverse information, and the clear and articulate presentation of such information and knowledge.
? Has experience of short or long-term study abroad, internship, or similar activity, and through that experience is able to act proactively to collaborate with other people.
Curriculum Policy
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies provides a systematic curriculum for students to acquire the knowledge and capabilities that are the criteria for TUFS undergraduate degrees. The curriculum for School of Japan Studies is outlined below. Courses are number according to their level of difficulty and offered in stages as appropriate to their content. Academic achievement is strictly evaluated on the basis of evaluation standards that are clearly explained to students prior to their taking a course.
(1) Attaining a high level of language competency
? Students will take the courses necessary to master the four skills of listening, reading, speaking and writing in English, or if there are international students, in Japanese. To this end, students studying Japanese will take systematically organized classes as appropriate in basic and advanced Japanese language, while those studying English will take GLIP classes.
? With the objective of fostering multi-lingual and multi-cultural human resources that can play an active role in the international community, TUFS offers instruction in a wide range of languages of the world.
(2) Becoming informed about Japan and various regions of the world
? For a comprehensive view of Japan from an international perspective, Japanese and international students, as well as students studying other regions of the world, will be brought together in classes related to Japan that will enhance their knowledge of Japan and provide them with the skills to present this knowledge to others.
(3) Developing the skills required for contemporary society
? In their first year, students are required to take courses in basic literacy and basic seminar to give them the grounding they will need to pursue their studies at the University.
? The School also offers courses in contemporary academics and the natural sciences with the objective of providing students with the kind of basic knowledge and education that will broaden their horizons.
(4) Acquiring expertise in chosen field
? Each major offered by the School comprises a systematically organized course of introductory, comprehensive, and elective subjects that ensure students will acquire the expertise they will need to pursue their careers.
? Lectures and fieldwork in the students’ majors cover a broad range of subjects including theories of multi-cultural societies, Japanese politics, economics, diplomacy and global activities, Japanese history, the history of Japanese thought, Japanese culture, classical Japanese literature, modern Japanese literature, classical Japanese grammar, Japanese linguistics, theories regarding the acquisition of a second language, and Japanese language education. Through these classes students will master systematic and specialized knowledge. Further, to foster multi-faceted and multilateral thinking, students will be required to attend lectures and carry out fieldwork that involves research across different fields.
(5) Fostering critical thinking, action and articulate expression
? In their first and second years, students are required to take applied collaboration classes in which they will learn the techniques of team work and how to plan and implement projects directed at seeking out or solving problems.
? In all classes, students will be assigned a topic to be pursued outside of the classroom with the objective of fostering a proactive way of learning and carrying out research, as well as presenting the results of such research.
? In courses related to their areas of specialization, students will undertake fieldwork as well as attend lectures, and make presentations that promote dialog and interactive learning.
? Overseas study and internships are incorporated in the courses over the four years of study with support systems that include a credit exchange system for long-term overseas study, credited Short Visit and Study Tour programs, and career courses incorporating domestic and overseas internships.
Admission Policy
The mission of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies is to better equip students with the skills and knowledge they will require to cooperate within the context of value systems and cultures that differ from their own to address the challenges confronting global society. The diverse education offered at TUFS in the languages, cultures, and societies of various regions of the world provides a nurturing environment that instills in students a deeper understanding in and refined sensitivity for their chosen field, enhanced communication skills, and broader perspectives.
The undergraduate programs at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies offer basic grounding in a range of academic disciplines related to the languages, cultures, and societies of diverse regions of the world, as well as in fields that provide a cross-disciplinary perspective on diverse international problems and issues.
The University seeks students who have acquired a comprehensive and thorough basic high school education, either in Japan or elsewhere; who are able to think critically, make informed decisions, and express themselves articulately; who have inquiring minds and a thirst for knowledge; who support the University’s mission; and who are eager to work together with people of diverse cultural backgrounds to tackle global problems and issues.
The School of Japan Studies welcomes those who desire to study Japan from an international perspective so as to become global leaders with a deep understanding of Japan, or who seek to contribute to the advancement of multilingual and multicultural societies in Japan and elsewhere.
The types of entrance examinations and enrollment limits are as follows.
Type A
For International Students
Entrance Examination by Using EJU Results (Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students)
Enrollment Limit: 20
Type B
For International Students
Entrance Examination by High School Recommendation for International Students
Enrollment Limit: 10
Type C
General Entrance Examination (Zenki Nittei)
Enrollment Limit: 35
Type D
Entrance Examination by High School Recommendation for Japanese High Schools Students
Enrollment Limit: 10
Type E
Entrance Examination by High School Recommendation for Japanese Returnees
Enrollment Limit: A few