Graduate Schools Graduate School of Religion and Culture Studies
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Contents
Learning Key Points
Exploring Religion, Striving to Build Bridges Across Cultures
As globalization and borderless exchange continue to expand, 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.
Encounter, Dialogue, Mission: Three Practices that Enrich People and Society
Interreligious Dialogue
A symposium entitled “Tenrikyo–Christian Dialogue” was held twice. These open
discussions, grounded in a willingness to understand one another, foster an understanding of our global community.
Intercultural Encounters
True dialogue doesn't discourage us to ask, “How are we different?” By facing our differences
openly, we uncover the purposes, values, and actions we hold in common. Indeed, many forms of
intercultural and interreligious cooperation have emerged through this very process.
Intercultural Mission
Missionary work is not about imposing beliefs but about building human 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 common 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 lecture-based classroom formats, students engage in questioning and discussion, thereby enhancing the capacity to analyze and explain world religions in depth.
- Personalized Academic Advising
Through the academic advisory 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 duration of the student’s enrollment.
- Introduction of the Long-Term Enrollment Option
To accommodate working professionals and busy students, this program offers a long-term enrollment option 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 take diverse forms across the world. In this course, students compare doctrines and
practices, examining both similarities and differences. Through this comparative approach, they gain a deeper
understanding of religious anthropology and explore the fundamental nature 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 texts in English,
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
Awarded Degree:
Master of Arts in Religion and Culture Studies
Career Paths After Graduation
Possible 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 Plan
Step 1
続きを読むSet a Study Plan with Your Academic Advisor
Each student is assigned an academic advisor from the full-time faculty. The academic advisor provides ongoing support with individual course work and offers supervision throughout the entire process of the master's thesis, from initial planning to its completion.
Step.2
続きを読むDevelop a solid foundation in the study of religion and culture through an extensive selection of specialized courses.
Working closely with their academic advisor, students follow a well-structured course plan that builds a solid foundation in religious theory which prepares them with necessary research tools essential for the study of religion and culture.
Step.3
続きを読むAcquire specialized knowledge and up-to-date research skills.
In the second year, students enroll in seminars that build on the foundational subjects completed earlier, while further advancing their knowledge and research methodologies required at a graduate level.
Step.4
続きを読むBegin writing the master's thesis while broadening an advanced expertise and strengthen the ability to share research findings effectively.
Under the guidance of a supervisor, students engage in thematic research, literature review, and fieldwork, leading to the completion of a highly specialized master's thesis.
For Working Professionals, a Three-year Program Option is Available
With preliminary approval, students may use the Long-Term Enrollment Option to complete the program in three years while paying tuition for two.
※This option supports working professionals, such as in-service teachers, who cannot complete the two-year curriculum within the standard timeframe.
Curriculum
Students first acquire the foundational knowledge and research methods essential to the study of religion and culture and then pursue their own research topic as the first step toward becoming an expert in their own field of specialization.
Three Key Concepts
- Study religion and culture situated in diverse periods and regions, deepening insights into the essence of humanity.
- Examine the study of religion and culture from a global perspective and explore the significance of religion in contemporary society.
- Understand humanity and the world through the study of religion and culture and explore the ideal relationship between self and other.
- Curriculum tree
- Curriculum map
- List of Class Subjects (2021-2022 Academic year)
- Steps in Preparing a Master's Thesis
Faculty list
Education Policy
Admission Policy
In order to fulfill the educational goals of the Graduate School of Religion and Culture Studies Graduate Program in Religion and Culture Studies, we seek for students with the following qualities:
1. (Motivation) Those who aspire to study and conduct research on religious cultures in Japan and around the world.
2. (Knowledge, Attitude) Those who wish to acquire specialized knowledge and broad competencies in religious culture and contribute to interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
3. (Thought, Action) Those who aspire to serve a s bridge between different cultures.
4. (Skills) Those with practical experience in religious institutions who seek to deepen their specialized knowledge.
5. (Motivation) Those who are motivated to pursue doctoral studies to Japan or abroad.The examination will be conducted according to the entrance examination method for graduate school admissions (university recommended selection, international student selection, general selection, special selection for working professionals).
Curriculum Policy
Through the interdisciplinary study of the world's diverse religious cultures, this program is systematically designed to deepen students' understanding of the essence of humanity and to explore the significance of religion in contemporary society.
The curriculum is structured to include foundational courses, which cultivate the essential competencies required of specialists; advanced courses, which provide in-depth expertise in each student's chosen field; and research courses, which guide students in formulating research themes and developing problem-solving skills. As the culmination of their studies, students are required to write a master's thesis that integrates their learning and research achievements.
Diploma Policy
A Master's degree (Religion and Culture Studies) will be awarded to students who have acquired the following knowledge and abilities:
1. (Motivation) Those who acquire the language proficiency and research skills necessary for the study of world religious cultures.
2. (Knowledge, Attitude, Action) Those who are able to apply specialized knowledge and broad perspectives in religious culture to promote dialogue and cooperation among religions.
3. (Thought, Action) Those who are capable of taking a leadership role as a bridge between diverse cultures.
