ISEP at the Tokyo Gakugei University is a special program that offers overseas students a wide range of courses conducted in English. These courses look at diverse perspectives of Japan through various academic fields, such as pedagogy, humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. We also offer field study courses with the primary aim of enriching experiential learning through school visits, corporate tours, field trips, and hands-on seminars in the arts and sports. Students enrolled in ISEP will also conduct an in-depth study of a specialized academic field by carrying out an Individual Study project under the guidance of a supervisory professor. The themes of Individual Study can range from social and cultural issues, arts, literature, education, and science to many other topics of student interest. We invite undergraduate students from overseas partner universities to enroll in ISEP to explore Japan through on and off campus courses and activities. Every ISEP academic year consists of two semesters: Autumn Semester (October-February) and Spring Semester (April - August). Enrollment for half a year program (Autumn Semester only) is also accepted.

1.ISEP Courses

ISEP Courses conducted in English are open to all overseas students and to Japanese students. For a list of available courses and course descriptions, please refer to the PDF files below:

• ISEP 2023 Spring Semester Courses
• ISEP 2023 Autumn Semester Courses

2.Individual Study

Individual Study is compulsory for ISEP students. Students will pursue their own study projects under the guidance of academic advisors throughout their year of study. At the end of the Autumn Semester, students will be required to submit a report of around 1,000 words which describes the aim of the project, methodology, and discussions from their initial research, including a literature review. At the end of the Spring Semester, students are expected to produce a paper of around 4,000 words or other equivalent forms of work, such as a work of art, e.g. a painting. Students only enrolled for the duration of the Autumn Semester are expected to complete the study within that one semester. In this case, the length of the paper would be around 2,000 words. Following the submission of their work, students will give short presentations in the presence of academic advisors and instructors from the ISEP.

3.Japanese Language Courses

Optional Japanese language courses are available for ISEP students from elementary to advanced levels. These courses are divided into five levels, ranging from level 5 (elementary) to level 1 (advanced). Each student is assigned to a level based on a placement test.

• Japanese Language Course descriptions (levels 1-5):

4.Japanese Studies Courses and Multicultural Co-learning Courses

Japanese Studies Courses (nihon rikai kamoku) are conducted in Japanese for overseas students who possess advanced Japanese language proficiency. Courses are designated from A to H, and each ofthem has a specific theme, such as pedagogy, humanities, the social sciences, natural science, arts, and sports.
Multicultural Co-learning Courses(tabunka kyôshû kamoku) from A to D look at various aspects of Japan and beyond. In these co-learning courses, students from abroad and Japan study together, aiming to enhance the learning experience through working together and learning from each other.

• Japanese Studies/Multicultural Co-learning 2023 Spring Semester Courses
• Japanese Studies/Multicultural Co-learning 2022 Autumn Semester Courses

5.Other Courses

ISEP students are also accepted to enroll in courses offered for undergraduate students of the Tokyo Gakugei University. As these lectures are given in Japanese, enrollment is based on the ISEP students’ Japanese language proficiency. When ISEP students wish to take any of these courses, they are advised to consult their own academic advisors and the lecturer of the course they wish to take.
Students can browse the course timetable and descriptions in the Tokyo Gakugei University Syllabus Search System, accessible at: http://portal.u-gakugei.ac.jp/syllabus/

• ISEP Courses = 1 or 2 credits: Refer to the course descriptions for how to count credits.
• Individual Study = 1 credit per semester
• Japanese Language Courses = 1 credit per class
• Japanese Studies Courses = 2 credits per course
• Other courses for the Tokyo Gakugei University undergraduate students = 1 or 2 credits

Tokyo Gakugei University Syllabus Search System is available at:http://portal.u-gakugei.ac.jp/syllabus/