Purpose

The Graduate Department of Japanese Studies, established in 2000, aims to produce experts with correct and systematic understanding of Japan and to conduct studies on Japan's history, culture, society, politics, and economy. Therefore, the Japanese studies operated as a "Regional Studies" major differs from Japanese studies centered on language studies in that it emphasizes humanistic knowledge and a social sciences approach. We often say Japan is both a close and a far nation. However, considering a timely trend in which there is heavy emphasis on symbiosis between countries and between individuals, the field of Japanese studies requires a more correct understanding and diverse views. The Japanese Studies program in the Graduate School aims to produce these experts versed in Japanese Studies who can respond to these complex challenges actively and creatively. Currently, in Japanese Studies, there are a number of curricula established, including Japanese history, Japanese politics and economics, industrial development, Japanese social culture theory, women's history, popular culture industry, Japanese literary history, Japanese Studies Research Methods, and Japanese Studies Seminar. We are also devoting efforts to deep and systematic Japanese language instruction studies. Exchange with Japan will expand into other areas, and the requirement for experts in this field will inevitably increase. Graduates from the Japanese Studies graduate program will be able to showcase their expertise in various forums of Korea-Japan exchange. More specifically, they will be able to move on to various agencies in Japan or industries related to Korea-Japan relations. Furthermore, they will be able to seek many other future options in education, publishing, broadcasting, and culture industries.