English and International Communication Department, Faculty of Intercultural Japanese Studies

The West has great influence in the world.
Understanding from a cultural perspective,
At the same time, improve your English skills.

Traditional culture in Europe and modern culture in America. Learn about these two worlds from a variety of perspectives, cultivate a global mindset, and learn the four elements of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in a comprehensive manner, improving your language skills to the level where you can think, present, and discuss in English.

A foundation for mastering English
This major focuses on creating things.

There are many societies in the world where the common sense we take for granted does not apply at all. By analyzing the stimulation and culture shock that come from learning about such societies through foreign languages, cultures, and literature, you will find clues to thinking about your own way of life. In this major, we explore the nature of global communication by examining the languages and cultures spoken in Europe and America, such as English, German, French, and Spanish.Hirohide OhshimaProfessor Master of Arts

Key points for studying this major

１As a communication tool,
Acquire proficiency in English.

In today's global society, there is a demand for the ability to use English fluently as a common language. By comprehensively learning listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students will acquire basic communication skills and aim to reach a level where they can think, present, and debate in English.
２Interpreting ancient and medieval European literature
Express your own opinions and thoughts.

Using the gods of ancient European mythology and the stories of the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales as clues, students will examine the stories woven by humans in Western society while examining the influence of ancient beliefs and Christianity that form the basis of these stories. Students will acquire the ability to express their own opinions and thoughts.
３With entertainment as the starting point,
Improve your English skills,
Compare and examine Western culture.

From Viennese opera to Broadway musicals. From myths and legends to Hollywood movies and Disney animations. Cultures cultivated and matured in Europe have developed into new and passionate cultures in America. We will improve our English skills in order to compare and consider these cultures.

Four-year learning process

First grade

We comprehensively develop the four elements of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
You will learn about the appeal of culture rooted in Europe and America and understand the basics of comparative culture.
Second Year

You will acquire the ability to understand and write correct English sentences.
Students will learn the characteristics and uniqueness of each region's culture and study comparative cultural methods.
Third grade

The aim is to acquire the ability to ask questions, debate, and give presentations in English.
We will consider the uniqueness, commonalities, and connections of each region based on documents and literature.
4th grade

You will study abroad and take general courses to ensure that you have a level of English proficiency that will enable you to master the language.
Students will write their graduation thesis on a topic related to the culture of the region they have researched.

ヨーロッパとアメリカの文化・文学専攻（現：英語国際コミュニケーション専攻） 3年生　高山ここもさんイメージ

Through crossover learning
Higher communication skills
I have learned it.

Otemae University 's "crossover" environment, which allows me to study a wide range of fields, is perfect for me. In my first and second years, I focused on Western history, and from my third year, I studied many areas of interest, such as design, programming, and sociology. As a result of communicating with teachers and students through various classes, I realized that I wanted to learn more about the differences in national character and the personalities of each person. My research topic for the seminar has also become clear, and I am able to work with curiosity on the theme of "communication between Japan and the UK."

高山さんの「学びのクロスオーバー」 — ヨーロッパとアメリカの文化・文学専攻※
*The program will be reorganized as English and International Communication major in April 2022.
Takayama Here tooMr. Miss.
Graduated from Osaka Prefectural Minato High School

Pick Up Classes

LEO400 Advanced Vocabulary & Note-taking: Gordon CarlsonAssociate Professor

Master's degree (Philosophy/Ethics)

This class incorporates many participatory learning methods, such as games that make it easy to learn vocabulary and grammar, and small and large group discussions, to help students learn and speak English independently. In particular, discussions allow students to exchange opinions while stimulating various interests, allowing all participants to feel that their English skills are improving. This creates a virtuous cycle in which students become more motivated to study and are able to communicate at an increasingly high level. Language study is a lifelong process. Come and build the foundation for that here.

Living and enjoying life in Europe: Hirohide OhshimaProfessor

Master of Arts

We will look at the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm as a clue to understanding European life and culture. Fairy tales mean old stories, children's stories, and folk tales. By exploring the customs, habits, beliefs, and lifestyles of the time reflected in the characters and events in these tales, we will understand the underlying ideas of European society, compare and contrast them with our own situation living in modern society, and consider our own way of life. On the surface, the Grimm fairy tales seem like stories from another world, but at their core they have a universality that is applicable not only to Europe, but to any region, person, or era, and should serve as a guide for students living in modern Japan on how to live their own lives as people.

By research topic

● Cinderella Comparison
~Perrault's fairy tale "Cinderella"
・Grimm's fairy tale "Cinderella"
● Misconduct seen through witch hunts
● Multiculturalism in Japanese Education
● Ethnic Identity and Acculturation for Minorities in Japan
"Ethnic Identity and Acculturation of Minorities in Japan"
● The effectiveness and usage of language learning apps among university students studying languages
● Survey on occupational stress and working environment of young foreign workers in Japan