Faculty of Foreign Languages
(Yokohama Campus)
The Faculty of Foreign Languages is in Yokohama, one of Japan’s most international cities. Dedicated to improving students’ practical foreign language skills, it also places emphasis on deepening their understanding of the societies and histories of other countries. The faculty’s mandate is to foster standard-bearers of mutual understanding and interaction among diverse cultures who have acquired a solid international education and can, as global citizens, contribute to the peaceful coexistence of multiple cultures.
Department of English
Students in this department acquire a high level of English language skill while deepening their understanding of the culture of English-speaking people. The first two years of the program are dedicated to acquiring basic language skills through linguistic training, followed in the third year by the selection of one of the following three specialty fields for advanced study. The field of English Linguistics concentrates on the structure and function of English as a language; the field of Anglo-America Literature focuses on gaining an understanding of language, people, society and history through the analysis and study of literary works; and the field of Anglo-American Culture emphasizes research into the systems and philosophies of Anglo-American society through regional studies, cultural comparisons, and research on trans-cultural communication.
Department of Spanish
Spanish is the official language of approximately 20 countries around the world, and is the lingua franca of Central and South America. Students in this department acquire competence in the Spanish language while studying the cultures, societies, politics and economies of the Spanish-speaking world. Because most of the students entering the program are encountering Spanish for the first time, the first year is dedicated to learning the basics of grammar, with conversation classes led by native speakers. Class size is kept small to ensure individualized attention. Emphasis is also placed on strengthening English language skills, so that students can communicate in two foreign languages that are understood throughout much of the world.
Department of Chinese
The Department of Chinese is dedicated to teaching Chinese language skills; deepening knowledge and understanding of the politics, economy, society, and culture of China; and nurturing individuals who actively pursue Sino-Japanese economic and cultural exchange activities. Premised on students who are studying Chinese for the first time, the curriculum offers systematic instruction that thoroughly covers the basics before going on to enhance students’ abilities to express themselves and read. Starting in the second year, students can choose intensive Chinese language courses that are designed to instill near-native language ability, making it possible to acquire a higher level of specialized Chinese-language ability.
Department of Cross-Cultural Studies
Students in this department learn about diverse aspects of Japanese culture and society, as well as the culture and society of various other regions of the world. Three programs have been established to foster the ability to propagate Japanese culture while interacting with non-Japanese people: Research in Japanese Culture, which helps students understand their own national culture; Cross Cultural Research, which focuses on comparative cultural studies; and English and Regional Languages, which improves students’ foreign language ability. By taking a balanced mixture of courses from these three programs, students acquire the ability to contribute to peaceful coexistence with people who have different cultural backgrounds from their own.
