Targeted Qualities and Abilities to be Acquired

1. To acquire practical and advanced English communication skills by enhancing the four skills and five areas of English that can be used in the international community and in business. (Knowledge and skills)
2. To deepen understanding of the society, history, culture, language, and literature of English-speaking countries, and develop an international and interdisciplinary perspective. (Thinking, judgment, and expression)
3. To understand social issues as they relate to oneself, to understand and respect not only one's own culture but also different cultures, and to acquire the ability to work collaboratively with diverse people. (Independence, diversity, and collaboration)
4. To be interested in social events, to raise awareness of local and global issues, and to be able to collect and analyze necessary information, discover issues and propose solutions by oneself, while utilizing the knowledge and skills acquired in college . (Knowledge and skills) (Thinking, judgment, and expression) (Initiative, diversity, and collaboration)

Degree Requirements

Degrees are awarded to students who have earned the prescribed credits required for graduation and acquired the above qualities and abilities.

Curriculum Organization

1. English language skills and business literacy that can be applied globally

   In order to nurture students with advanced English operational skills and a global perspective, we organize small proficiency-based English classes. In the first and second years, students take intensive classes two to three times a week to develop a good balance of the four skills and five areas of English. From the third year, along with small-group seminars, more specialized and advanced classes related to the three course programs in the major (International Communication Program, English Education Program, Career Studies Program) are offered to nurture students' specialized knowledge and skills.

2. Practical application of knowledge through experiential learning

   In order to become global citizens with an interest in various domestic and international events and trends, it is necessary for students to utilize their acquired practical English language skills, knowledge of different cultures and societies, and knowledge of domestic and international business in actual situations. In addition, students will hone their English, business, and data science skills in advanced English communication classes, business-related classes, and data science-related classes, and integrate their knowledge and practical skills through various hands-on learning experiences, such as internships at companies, elementary school English activities, practical training in education, and educational field experiences.

3. Understanding of diversity and ability to express oneself

   Today's globalized world necessitates having an interest in and understanding of different values and foreign cultures, coupled with the ability to actively express and communicate one's own opinions clearly and concisely in diverse settings. In the third and fourth years, students will take classes to enhance interactive communication through discussion and expression by utilizing the specialized knowledge and skills they have acquired up to that point. Furthermore, seminars will enable them to research themes and issues they have discovered and to present the results of their research.

Learning Methods

1. Small-group education

   In English education, students are placed in classes appropriate to their English ability based on placement tests administered at the time of admission. These small classes are taught by native English speakers to develop a good balance of the four skills and five areas of English. Specialized small classes allow students to develop interpersonal skills through constructive interaction with others from different backgrounds to deepen their understanding of others, as well as themselves.

2. Active learning

   In addition to acquiring knowledge through lecture-style classes, students learn from each other, broaden their perspectives, foster diversity, and strengthen their ability to collaborate through group work and discussions on a variety of topics. Moreover, students are provided with numerous opportunities to make presentations in order to actively learn and enhance their ability to communicate on their own. By taking the initiative in participating in classes, students also develop a variety of life skills that will prove to be useful in society.

3. Experiential learning

   Experiential learning through fieldwork: In the English Education Course, students will learn practical English teaching skills by volunteering as assistant teachers at elementary schools in Kumamoto Prefecture.
   Experiential learning at partner institutions: In the Career Studies Course, students will learn about the structure of society while studying specific issues through internships and service-learning programs that take advantage of partnerships with companies, NPOs, and government agencies, mainly in Kumamoto Prefecture.

4. Graduation research

   Graduation Research is the culmination of all previous studies, in particular Special Research. Under the guidance of the faculty member in charge, students will compile their graduation research in either Japanese or English, based on previous research, and case studies obtained through fieldwork and project learning, etc. The results of the research will be presented at the graduation research presentation. Through these processes, students will improve media literacy, analysis skills, logical thinking skills, and presentation skills necessary in society.

Evaluation of the Academic Process/Outcomes

The academic process and outcomes in education based on the above learning methods will be evaluated as follows.

1. Grading of each subject is based on the evaluation of students' learning process and results in terms of "knowledge and understanding," "skills," "thinking, judgment, and expression," and "interest, motivation, and attitude," considering the achievement objectives of the subject. Strict evaluation is conducted so as not to concentrate on superior grades.
2. The relationship between courses and the qualities and abilities targeted for acquisition in the degree awarding policy will be clearly stated in the syllabi, and the degree of achievement in each of these qualities and abilities will be visualized based on the grades received in the courses taken.
3. To supplement course and study guidance through interviews with faculty members, students are encouraged to learn independently by self-evaluating and checking their abilities based on the degree of achievement of the qualities and abilities specified in the degree awarding policy and other academic achievement records in the college's study portfolio.
4. Graduation research is evaluated based on class participation and research efforts. Evaluation of graduation thesis (assignment setting, collection of materials and data, analysis of information, thesis structure, consideration of the theme, logic, objectivity, citations, references, compliance with copyright laws, etc.) and graduation research presentation (delivery and content of presentation), will be based on a rubric that standardizes the level of achievement from each evaluation aspect.

Desired Image of Students

We accept students who understand the above policies on degree conferment, curriculum organization and implementation, and who have the following motivation, attitude, and qualities.

1. Those who are interested in English and wish to improve their English skills, or who wish to work in a position that makes use of their English skills and knowledge of data science.
2. Those who are interested in the business field and in creating a sustainable society.
3. Those who are interested in different cultures, global issues, and aim to work in a diverse environment.
4. Those who are willing to learn and acquire life skills to be active in society while interacting with different people.
5. Those are interested in English education at the primary, middle, and high school levels.

Competencies to be Acquired Prior to Enrollment

1. Knowledge and skills
   • The ability to acquire a well-balanced, broad range of basic academic skills and basic lifestyle habits in subjects and courses commonly studied up to senior high school.
   • In addition to basic English language skills, a willingness to learn advanced English and to communicate actively.
   • Practical English Proficiency Test Level 2, GTEC for Students 960 or higher level is desirable.
2. Thinking, judgement, and expression
   • Interest in global issues, mutual understanding, and tolerance of diversity.
3. Attitude to learn independently and collaboratively with diverse people
   • The ability to think and act on one's own initiative, as well as the attitude to actively attain qualifications and examinations.
   • Interest in business and the creation of a sustainable society.