Educational Philosophy of SOKENDAI
Degree
SOKENDAI confers degrees on those who have completed the prescribed curricula, acquired basic knowledge and skills in a particular area of expertise, and passed the final examination and thesis defense. The Ph.D. recipients are inevitably required to develop the following “competence as an independent researcher” in the doctoral program.
Academic expertise to promote advanced research with leveraging collective expertise in a specialized field.
Creativity to tackle new challenges with an innovative idea backed by well-founded academic knowledge and strategies, and to create new academic values.
Broad perspective to expand into interdisciplinary fields to proactively address the broader issues of interest to the global community by using his/her specialized expertise.
Global competence to achieve a research outcome at a high level of global competitiveness by developing mutual understanding and cooperation across barriers of nationality, language, culture, gender, religion, etc.
Research integrity to conduct himself/herself appropriately as a responsible researcher possessing accountability for his/her own research outcome, with recognizing the significance and role of academic research in society.
Curriculum
At SOKENDAI, majors are conventionally categorized as “courses”. Each course provides a professional education based on the advanced research activities in the Inter-University Research Institutes, and also gives constructive research guidance tailored to students’ individual needs by taking advantage of the small group education.
The learning outcomes of each student are evaluated through a rigorous examination of the dissertation, submitted as the culmination of the individuals’ learning and research activities.
Academic expertise: In each course of SOKENDAI, students gain a deeper understanding of their own research topics through the coursework on accumulated knowledge and skills in a specific area; and develop their ability to promote advanced research through practical exercises under the expert guidance of their dissertation advisors.
Creativity: SOKENDAI students are encouraged to conduct their dissertation research autonomously and creatively in a resource-rich environment under the proper guidance of plural faculty members. This educational system empowers our students with the ability to apply their mind to new challenges after they get Ph.D.
Broad perspective: SOKENDAI’s educational system is designed for providing increased opportunities to cultivate interdisciplinary perspectives of the individual students. Our system enables flexible credit acquisition and even doing dissertation work beyond the framework of courses, when appropriate for one’s accomplishment of the degree program.
Global competence: SOKENDAI’s educational system provides varied international programs, such as Student Dispatch Program, International Joint Supervision of Doctoral Research and Exchange Program with Overseas Researchers, for developing student experience with research abroad. These programs aim to foster internationally active researchers.
Research integrity: SOKENDAI students are required to establish the professional ethos of science through the daily research activities under the guidance of their thesis advisors, and through the practical ethics education provided by the research institutions. SOKENDAI also provides learning opportunities to consider the social significance of academics and the roles/responsibilities of researchers in human society.
Admission
What SOKENDAI expects of our grad students
SOKENDAI tends to attract students who have a strong interest in research, who constantly hone their abundant intellect and sensitivity with the aim of conducting research in the new era, while taking a “bird's-eye view” of the entire field of study, and who have the will and enthusiasm to be active on the international stage.
Basic Policy for the Selection of our grad students
In selecting students for admission, SOKENDAI places importance on basic academic ability and logical thinking ability to actively promote research in the cutting-edge 20 research institutes affiliated to SOKENDAI. In order to properly judge such abilities, various selections will be made according to the respective fields of specialization.