Faculty of Humanities（English Department）

Overview

Students will learn practical English skills and the cultures of a range of countries, with the aim of becoming global human resources with communication skills in different cultures and a wide range of international education.

The Department of English offers students the chance to master the English language skills to communicate with people from many countries and regions, and the ability to understand different cultures and to take action. Students will gain basic specialist knowledge in one of the fields of English literature / Anglosphere culture / English linguistics / English education / International cooperation along with education as an international person, developing into people who can wield their strengths as international citizens both in Japan and abroad. In addition to learning linguistics related to English and other languages, students will also master the education needed to become a true international citizen through understanding different cultures.

The three abilities students will master

1. The ability to communicate in English
   English is the world’s common tongue. Students will learn the basic linguistic skills needed to communicate their thoughts to people in any country or region.
2. The ability to understand different cultures
   The important thing about talking with people from different countries is to have a deep understanding of their culture and customs, of different cultures. Students will learn about the cultures of a range of countries from a range of different angles, deepening their ability to understand.
3. The abilities needed to become an international citizen
   A broad education and knowledge are vital in becoming the sort of international citizen that is suited for our global society. Students will master those basics and hone their international sensibilities.

Features of learning

1. Aim to become true international citizens by properly mastering international education and English skills
   Students will learn a good balance of the basic skills of English – listening, speaking, reading, and writing – and acquire an international education. They will gain an extensive background in English by their second year. From their third year, students will select more specialized courses, choosing from either the Literature & Culture Course or the Linguistics & Pedagogy Course (course-based specialist subjects can be taken from the second year). The curriculum is designed to help students properly master English skills, and there is also a comprehensive support system in place for studying abroad.
2. Classes by native speakers to solidify basic skills
   In English for International Communication (EIC), a compulsory subject, students will be given a wide range of instruction, from daily conversation to debates, by native English-speaking faculty members. Classes are divided based on English interviews and so on, so students can expand their English skills at their own level.
3. TOEIC measures and CALL for ensuring English skills are acquired
   The TOEIC is used as hiring materials and internal testing by a large number of Japanese companies. In this department, taking the TOEIC is required, and it is used to set learning targets. CALL, or Computer Assisted Language Learning, is our self-study program for English using computers, allowing students to tackle topics on their own.
4. A diverse overseas study system connected with the world
   Matsuyama University has a rich variety of language training programs in overseas countries such as Canada, Britain, and Australia. Students can take long-term English training courses lasting some 12 to 30 weeks, or short-term language courses lasting some 3 to 4 weeks. Many students in this department have used these programs.
5. Two course system to suit interests from the second year Detailed instruction to increase practical English skills
   Literature & Culture Course
   Literary studies are essential for extensive research into Anglo-American culture. Students will use a range of literary works to examine the authors’ views of humanity and the world, as well as the social and historical backgrounds behind these works. In addition, as literature is a part of culture, we will use it as a starting point to broaden learning and gain a wider understanding of different cultures. As part of their study of societies and cultures around the world, students can also study international issues, with a focus on developing countries. 

   Linguistics and Pedagogy Course

   The academic field that seeks to analyze and explain scientifically the language known as English is English studies (linguistics). However, this is not about just remembering grammatical rules, but about looking into what is happening in the human psyche, or the brain. In addition, the academic field that researches and practices ways of teaching English is English pedagogy. Both these specialist fields are vital for anyone considering becoming an English teacher in the future.