Graduate Schools Graduate School of Clinical Human Studies
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Contents
Learning Key Points
Exploring Religion, Striving to Build Bridges Across Cultures
As globalization and borderless exchange continue to advance, opportunities to engage with different cultures and religions are increasing, underscoring the importance of mutual understanding grounded in accurate knowledge of religious cultures. Today, it is no longer possible to discuss modern international relations, politics, economics, culture, or even family issues without taking religion into account. In response to this reality, this program seeks to deepen understanding of the human condition through the study of diverse religious cultures worldwide and to explore the significance of religion in contemporary society. We cultivate individuals who, equipped with advanced expertise and broad perspective, can foster dialogue and coexistence, serving as bridges between different religions and cultures.
Dialogue, Engagement, and Missionary Work: Three Practices for Enriching People and Society
Interreligious Dialogue
In the past, a symposium entitled “Tenrikyo–Christian Dialogue” was previously held. Such open
discussions, grounded in a willingness to understand one another, foster a multifaceted understanding of the global community.
Intercultural Encounter
Through dialogue, we should not hesitate to ask, “How are we different?” By facing our differences
openly, we uncover the values, purposes, and actions we hold in common. Indeed, many forms of
intercultural and interreligious cooperation have emerged through this very process.
Cross-Cultural Missionary Work
Missionary work is not about imposing beliefs, but about building relationships. It involves understanding the differences and perspectives of others and then allowing them to learn about you in return. As in marriage—or in any human relationship—it is ultimately grounded in shared values.
Key Features of the Program
- Interactive Learning between Faculty and Students
Emphasizing interactive learning, the program maximizes the benefits of small-group instruction. Moving beyond one-way knowledge delivery, students engage in questioning and discussion, thereby cultivating the capacity to analyze and explain world religions in depth.
- Personalized Academic Advising
Through the Academic Advisor system, students receive close and continuous research guidance. Based on the study and research plan submitted by each student, an academic advisor is assigned from among the full-time faculty. The advisor provides comprehensive guidance—from course selection to the planning, development, and completion of the master’s thesis throughout the student’s enrollment.
- Introduction of the Extended Enrollment System
To accommodate working professionals and other diverse students, the program offers Extended Enrollment System for those unable to complete their studies within the standard two-year period. Under this system, the period of study may be extended to three years.
Students admitted under this option will, at the time of enrollment, receive guidance to create a three-
year study plan, including course enrollment and thesis schedule, with the thesis submitted in the third
year. (Additional conditions apply.)
Featured Classes
- Comparative Religion
Religions manifest in diverse forms across the world. In this class, students compare doctrines and
practices, examining both similarities and differences. By doing so, they develop a deeper
understanding of religious anthropology and explore the essence of religion and human existence. - Seminar on Tenrikyo Study
Through comparisons between Tenrikyo and other world religions, students learn to examine religion
objectively. Drawing on contemporary scholarship in religious studies, the seminar clarifies
perspectives on divinity, salvation, humanity, the world, and ethics from a comparative religious
standpoint. - Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
After developing an understanding of sociology and anthropology through English-language texts,
students explore a variety of case studies from Japan and other cultures. Fieldwork at local festivals in
Nara Prefecture further enhances their grasp of religious culture. - Overseas Research Project
To support their master’s thesis, students may conduct research and fieldwork abroad for about two
weeks during long vacation periods. Projects may be carried out at overseas research institutes or
religious facilities, and Tenri University’s International Branch Campus and Tenrikyo facilities around
the world is also available as research bases.
Degree and Career Paths
Degree Granted:
Master of Arts in Religion and Culture Studies
Career Paths After Graduation
Expected Career Paths
Graduates pursue careers in government agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international
organizations, trading companies, private enterprises, cultural institutions, Tenrikyo facilities in Japan and abroad, as well as research institutions both in Japan and overseas.
Two-year Study
Step.1
続きを読む3領域を学び、確かな基盤を作る
1年次春学期の「体育・スポーツ学特論」を学び、全体像を理解します。さらに3領域「武道・スポーツ文化研究法」「保健・スポーツ教育研究法」「健康・スポーツ科学研究法」を学び、学習基盤を作ります。
Step.2
続きを読む豊富な専門科目を組み合わせ、 自らの強みを培う。
特論ならびに演習では、体育科教育、身体表現学、武道学、体力科学、スポーツ栄養学、スポーツ医学など。多岐にわたる専門を自由に学べます。
Step.3
続きを読む理論学習と実践で、人間力やマネジメント能力まで磨く。
本研究科では、研究活動はもちろん、その成果を試し、行動につなげるための数多くの実践機会を用意しています。それにより人間力やマネジメント能力を磨き、高めます。
Step.4
続きを読む修士論文で、学んだ知識と幅広い研究を、課題解決力へと高める。
修士論文では、自分がどのように関わるかに応じ、現場の課題を発見、解決策まで立案します。知識や研究力を総動員する「課題解決」の力を確立します。
職を有している方は３年制という選択肢も！
事前審査で認定されれば、「2年間の学費で3年間」履修できる長期履修制度も用意されています。
※現職教員など職を有し、2年間の修業年限で教育課程履修が困難であること等の事前審査が必要です。
カリキュラム
宗教文化研究に必須の基礎的知識と研究方法を身につけ、そのうえで自らの研究課題に取り組み専門性を深めます。
3つのコンセプト
- 多様な時代と地域の宗教文化を学び、人間の本質についての洞察を深めます。
- 宗教文化をグローバルな視点で捉え、現代社会における「宗教」の意義を探究します。
- 宗教文化を通じて人間と世界を理解し、自己と他者のあるべき関係性を探ります。
教員一覧
Education Policy
アドミッション・ポリシー
宗教文化研究科宗教文化研究専攻の教育目標を達成するため、次のような人を求めています。
①日本を含む世界の宗教文化を研究したい人（意欲）
②宗教文化の専門的知識と幅広い能力を身につけ、宗教間の対話や協力に貢献したい人（知識・態度）
③異文化間の懸け橋として活躍することを目指す人（思考・行動）
④宗教施設での実務経験があり、さらなる専門知識の修得を目指す人（技術）
⑤国内外の大学院博士課程進学を目指す意欲がある人（意欲）
試験は、大学院入学者選抜（学内推薦・外国人留学生・一般選抜・社会人特別選抜）の各入試方式によるものとします。カリキュラム・ポリシー
世界の多様な宗教文化の学際的な研究を通して、人間の本質についての洞察を深め、現代社会における宗教の意義を探求するための科目を体系的に配置しています。
専門家としての基礎的能力を養う基礎科目、自らの専門領域に関する高度な専門的知識を学ぶ専門科目、研究テーマを策定し課題解決の力を身につける研究科目を設け、さらに学修の総まとめとして修士論文を執筆するカリキュラムを編成しています。ディプロマ・ポリシー
次のような知識や能力を備えた学生に修士（宗教文化研究）の学位を授与します。
①世界の宗教文化研究に必要な語学の能力と情報収集力を身につける（意欲・技術）
②宗教文化の専門的知識と幅広い能力を活かし、宗教間の対話や協力に貢献できる（知識・態度・行動）
③異文化間の懸け橋として指導的役割を果たすことができる（思考・行動）
