General information about the Faculty of Foreign Studies
The Faculty of Foreign Studies, established in April 2016, is the 9th faculty of Meijo University. Our faculty is a faculty of “foreign studies,” not just a faculty of “foreign language” education. International students can learn about Asian countries and of course deepen their understanding of Japanese language, history, culture and values. International students will have many opportunities to interact with Japanese students and learn through discussion, task-based learning and the CLIL method of instruction. Many classes are held in English, so even without Japanese language ability, international students will have a broad range of classes to choose from. Japanese students enrolled in our faculty are interested in learning about Western culture and the majority of them participate in long/medium-term study abroad programs at the destinations highlighted on the map below. We also have an extensive field-study program with short-term excursions and internships to many Asian countries.
- 1. Warner Pacific University (Oregon: USA)
- 2. Sonoma State University (California: USA)
- 3. Utah Tech University (Utah: USA)
- 4. Murray State University (Kentucky: USA)
- 5. University of North Florida (Florida: USA)
- 6. University of Calgary (Alberta: Canada)
- 7. University of Lethbridge (Alberta: Canada)
- 8. University of Winnipeg (Manitoba: Canada)
- 9. Brock University (Ontario: Canada)
- 10. Vancouver Island University (British Columbia: Canada)
- 11.Queensland University of Technology (Queensland: Australia)
- 12. University of Newcastle (New South Wales: Australia)
- 13. Deakin University (Victoria: Australia)
- 14. The University of West Australia (West Australia: Australia)
- 15. University of Otago (Dunedin: New Zealand)
Programs for international students
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Exchange Student：
One semester or one academic year long programThe Faculty of Foreign Studies accepts exchange students from universities that have an exchange agreement with Meijo. Exchange students can take lectures given in English, lectures given in both Japanese and English, study the Japanese language, or take lectures in Japanese only with domestic students in a range of subjects, for either one semester or one academic year. For detailed information, please contact the office of the university that you are currently enrolled in.
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Research Student: Non-degree program
The Faculty of Foreign Studies also accepts international students as research students. The research student program is a non-degree program for one year in which research students pursue their research under the instruction of our teaching staff. For detailed information, please contact the International Office of Meijo University (oejimu2@ccmails.meijo-u.ac.jp).
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Summer / Winter Programs: Three-week program
The objective of these programs is to help the participants understand more about Japan and promote international exchange. Class content includes international Japanese studies, Japanese language, and Japanese culture experience; classes about Japanese culture, society, art, and pop culture.
In addition to learning classroom Japanese, the participants can interact with Japanese students from Meijo on campus to put what they have learned into practice.
Faculty Highlights
CLIL-based approach: Classes in both Japanese and English
Our lecture courses delivered in English are supported by CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) and active learning methodologies. CLIL ensures content learning is combined with language skill practice, by providing interactive classroom activities. Through activities such as group discussions and presentations with Japanese students, exchange students will be able to practice their Japanese speaking skills. The Faculty of Foreign Studies offers eleven courses delivered in English:
Intercultural Communication, Japanese Literature Studies, Japanese Traditional Culture, Japanese Modern Culture, Japanese Economics, Japanese Politics, World Englishes (The courses are subject to change).
Learning about Japan
Japan is a treasure house of various traditional cultures: Sado (tea ceremony), Kado (flower arrangement), Judo, Geido (performing arts) and so on. The Japanese word 道 “do” means “the way of life.” Therefore, people who are engaged in “do” investigate how to act, how to fight and how to live.
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Japanese Literature Studies（Prof. Masami Iwai）
This course provides an introduction to Japanese literature from the Edo Period. Drama (particularly Kabuki and Joruri) has always been part of mainstream Japanese literature and performing arts. Sonezaki Shinju (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki) written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, the most famous playwright of the Edo Period, will be examined in this class. Through appreciation of the text of Sonezaki Shinju, students will learn aspects of Japanese language and consider the cultural, social and historical background of the time. Students are expected to prepare for classes by reading assigned texts. This course will be conducted in both English and Japanese.
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Introduction to International Japanese Studies（Assoc. Prof. Yusuke Suzumura）
This course aims to discuss and understand issues regarding international Japanese studies with scholars who are active in this field of research. We invite guest lecturers for each lesson. The guest lecturers specialize in a wide range of fields, including history, folklore, economics, political science, art, and literature. Additionally, this course will include demonstrations by performing arts experts. The style of each class of this course consists of the guest lecturer's speech and a chance for students to have a discussion with the lecturer as a class. Through these lectures, students will have the opportunity to enrich their view of topics regarding international Japanese studies and to better understand the latest research in the field.
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Japanese Traditional Culture（Prof. Masami Iwai）
This course provides an introduction to a variety of traditional Japanese arts and culture. The field of performing arts in particular, is still very much alive and popular today. The class examines four representative performing arts: Kabuki, Ningyo Joruri (puppet theatre), Noh and Kyogen. In addition to the required textbook, class materials will be provided, and students will watch videos to enrich their experiences. Students are expected to prepare for the class by reading assigned materials. This class will be conducted in both English and Japanese.
Intercultural Communication（Prof. Arata Miyazaki）
This course is designed to introduce the basics of Intercultural Communication to students through examining issues and examples of communication they experience in their everyday lives. Students will learn theories and key terms of the field in order to better understand the dynamics of intercultural encounters outside as well as within their own cultures. The main goal of this course is to help students find connections between their learning and everyday practices and critically think about and reflect on their everyday communication.
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Group discussion and active interaction with Meijo University students
There are plenty of opportunities for international students to interact with Meijo University students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our Faculty encourages students to work collaboratively in class to deepen their understanding of the subject by sharing ideas with their peers. The lecture classes detailed above take this approach to learning. International students can also enjoy more informal conversations at our Global Plaza. Many students eat lunch at the Global Plaza – an English only zone – where it will be easy to make friends. Regular events are held at the Global Plaza which will also give international students an opportunity to share and showcase their own culture.
