Courses
- Each fall semester, the East Asia Institute offers four primary courses (subject to change, though unlikely). However, students may replace primary courses with electives listed below.
- Syllabi for TCU courses (all of the “primary courses” as well as a number of electives) can be viewed online.
- Students who need more information about the courses offered should contact the Admissions Office.
- Courses available in 2025 EAI semester will be updated in March 2024.
Primary Courses (Fall 2025)
SGS203E Global Studies III: Japanese Arts and Aesthetics (3 credits)
This class will study Japanese culture through the artistic expression of the Japanese people, and will address the question of what is characteristic of the Japanese people and Japanese culture. Since the early modern period, Japanese people have admired Western culture and have been influenced by it in every field, but it is said that Japanese art is the only one that has influenced the Western world. However, the Japanese themselves are not fully aware of the value of Japanese artistic expression. For example, special exhibitions of Western art such as Van Gogh and Picasso are overwhelmingly more popular than those of the Tokyo National Museum, which houses a complete collection of Japanese art from ancient to modern times. In this class, we hope to learn about Japanese art that can be seen at the Tokyo National Museum and to actually go and see it. In particular, we will focus on Jomon earthenware and works of Ukiyoe and Rimpa school from the Edo period to appreciate Japanese art. We will also view some of Hayao Miyazaki's animation works, which have received worldwide acclaim as contemporary expressions of Japanese art. Using Professor Susan Napier's “The Miyazaki World: The Darkness and Light of Hayao Miyazaki,” known in the United States as the Ghibli Queen, as a textbook, the course will consider Ghibli animation as a contemporary Japanese art form while reading critiques of Miyazaki's works from a Westerner's perspective.
SGS307E Global Studies VII: Religion and Society in Japan (3 credits)
In this course, we will explore and analyze how religions functions as social systems in contemporary Japan. While Japan is often seen as one of the least religious countries in the world, we will investigate how religion continues to play a significant role in both private and public aspects of Japanese life. We will examine the intersections of various themes, such as Shinto and politics, Buddhism and views of life and death, new religious movements and their social engagement, and the Aum Affair and violence. Throughout the course, we will engage with readings, lectures, student presentations, weekly discussions, and field trips. These activities will guide us in gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between religion and society in Japan, and will help us familiarize ourselves with the religious landscapes of contemporary Japanese society. Additionally, we will develop critical skills for reflecting on our own views of religion. We will also have the opportunity to visit local religious sites.
SGS316E Global Studies ⅩⅥ : Japanese Culture and Society (3 credits)
This course introduces Japanese culture and society through studying forms, patterns, and expressions of life in Japan today. Students will get a broad overview of Japanese economic life, family and community life, Japanese religions and worldviews, and forms of education. While the focus will be on contemporary Japan, students will also learn about historical forms and expressions of Japanese culture that have led up to the present day. Students will learn through classroom lectures, readings, and discussions, of course, but also through interviewing local Japanese people about their own understanding and experiences in various areas of life, and through reflecting together on what they have seen and learned during their experiences in daily life. Throughout the course, students will have many opportunities to reflect on what it means to live as a Christian in Japan today, whether as a Japanese citizen or as an expatriate. The course's broader aims are for students to learn how to become critically minded and compassionate interpreters of their own and other cultures to live and act in ways that lead to the flourishing of life both locally and globally.
LJA110E-210E Elementary – Intermediate Japanese Language and Culture (4 credits)
The elementary and intermediate courses help students to build a strong foundation in the Japanese language, aiming for the ultimate goal of being a true bridge person between Japan and their home countries. In order to be such a bridge person, the students should be able to use the Japanese language as their tool, being fluent in reading and writing as well. All four skills speaking, listening, writing, and reading will be covered.
Students will be assigned to the course below that best suits their level:
LJA110E Elementary Japanese Language and Culture I
LJA210E Intermediate Japanese Language and Culture I
Electives Courses
Elective (Fall 2025) *Elective courses vary from 1 to 2 credits.
CCW120E Christ and the World II: Issues Facing the Church through Time (2 credits)
This course introduces students to Christ’s relevance in their contemporary context by exploring the church’s call to perceptive biblical engagement in the most pressing conundrums and fractures besetting all corners of culture, local and global. From the impact of religious extremism, to the rise of naturalistic atheism, to the popularity of pluralism, the church’s concept of God continues to require reevaluation and articulation. Simultaneously, the church grapples with embodying a biblical concept of community that dignifies all image-bearers. For instance, presently salient—particularly for Japan—is navigating issues of gender and sexuality. The church faces fresh challenges in its relation to power as structures consolidating influence now incorporate complex international and economic dynamics. As technological advancement ushers in an unprecedented information age and exposes environmental crises, the church encounters a new set of hermeneutical hurdles, considering if and how the Bible speaks to such matters. With issues multiplying and modulating at a dizzying pace, this course seeks to invigorate students’ pursuit of a Christian liberal arts education as an invaluable asset for coming to think and relate in redemptive kingdom-oriented ways that bear the life-renewing presence of Christ into His world today.
RHU210E Humanities I: Survey of Western Philosophy (2 credits)
This course surveys the history of Western philosophy from the beginnings of Greek philosophy until modern times. This survey course has a double agenda: first, to be a general introduction to the nature, problems, methods, concepts, vocabulary, and divisions of philosophy, and second, to introduce the history of Western philosophy. A broad selection of ideas about nature, the mind, and ethics are explored through the various examples of philosophers throughout history. Students will learn about important philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, Plotinus, René Descartes, John Locke, and Immanuel Kant. Students will also learn distinctive characteristics of philosophical schools or trends. Among the ancients, these schools include Platonism, Aristotelianism, Epicureanism, Stoicism. Among the medievals, these include Thomism and nominalism. Among the moderns these include British empiricism, German Idealism, and existentialism. Students will become familiar with basic terms and ideas used by philosophers, which will prepare them for further studies in philosophy and theology.
LJA350E Japanese Extensive Reading and Listening (2 credits)
This course aims to help students acquire and effectively use Japanese through Extensive Reading and Listening, which we call Tadoku. A large amount of Japanese input through Tadoku helps students to improve their output by speaking and writing more fluently. In order for students to be successful at Tadoku, they are encouraged to keep the following four rules: (1) Start with simple and easy materials. (2) Read without using a dictionary. (3) Skip unknown words. (4) When stuck, or when something becomes uninteresting, find something else. Students are required to keep a Tadoku log, write brief reflections about book they read, and share their Tadoku experience with other students.
<Prerequisites and Other Notes>
Ability to read Hiragana (+Katakana) is the minimum requirement. Students must be willing to spend a large amount of time reading, listening, and enjoying a variety of materials for Japanese input throughout the term.
SGS101E Global Studies I: Intercultural Communication (2 credits)
The need to acquire the knowledge and skills in intercultural communication is growing in the globalized word. Developing the ability and competence in cross-cultural communication is not simply relevant but crucial today. This course aims to introduce the basic knowledge and skills necessary for developing healthy intercultural relationships. To archive this goal, this course will explore the fundamental concepts and variables in cross-cultural communication. In addition, students will learn cultural patterns that help students to objectify both their own and other cultural ways of communication in order to foster healthy intercultural relationships. The cultivation of positive attitudes towards different cultures is essential. The necessary components and basic skills for effective intercultural communication will be discussed. In this course, a special emphasis will be given to the intercultural communication in the Japanese context. This specific emphasis is intentional and it aims at helping students for their cultural adjustment in the Japanese culture and society.
SBS451E Biblical Studies V: Selected Biblical Books (2 credits)
This course aims to study the basic content of Old Testament books, especially focusing on the Writings. Students are expected to learn about the techniques of Hebrew poetry, such as parallelism and metaphor, the purpose of each book, its theological significance, and how each book has been interpreted by the church throughout history. Students are also expected to propose today's application of biblical texts to the challenges of the contemporary church and society.
The class consists of lectures and exercises based on the students' presentations and questions. In addition, the assignment requires the ability to listen and interpret biblical texts (Exegesis) on your own, rather than reading your own ideas and specific theologies into the Bible (Eisegesis). Therefore, it is encouraged to read the biblical text carefully and use as little secondary sources as possible, such as commentaries.
SPT360E Practical Theology VI: Philosophy and Theology of Music (2 credits)
The New Testament tells us, “In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1a) and “The word of God is alive and active.” (Hebrews 4: 12) If the Word is of primary importance, why should we use our valuable time and energy making and listening to music? Furthermore, if it is true (in the words of comedian Steve Martin) that “Talking about music is like dancing about architecture,” why should we spend 10 weeks reading about and discussing it? These indisputable truths notwithstanding, this course aims to help us discover and affirm the role of music in God’s plan, by helping us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of music, and how it can be used to glorify God. To do so, we will review the history of philosophical and theological approaches to music over the centuries, with specific reference to (primarily Western) music from a wide variety of periods and genres. At the same time, we will consider in depth the parallels between the big-picture story of the Bible and the structure and social functions of music.
SCH320E Christian History and Tradition II: The Reformation and Modern Church History (2 credits)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present. Its primary aim is to acquaint the student with the historical and theological developments of key figures, movements, and doctrines of the period. Some of the major developments covered during the course are the sixteenth-century Reformation, the response to the Reformation in the Catholic Counter-Reformation, Puritanism, the institutionalization of the Reformation in Protestant Orthodoxy, the transplantation of European Christianity to the New World (America), and modern theology after the Enlightenment.
Elective (Winter 2025) *Elective courses vary from 1 to 2 credits.
LJA120E Elementary Japanese Language and Culture 2 (4 credits)
A continuation of JPN 101E. Following the fall term, this course will continue to provide a basic foundation in the Japanese language. All four skills -- listening, speaking, reading, and writing -- will be covered. Always keep in mind your ultimate goal, i.e., to be a bridge person between Japan and your home country. Again, in order to be such a bridge person, you should be fluent in reading and writing as well. We will continue to build on kanji and by the end of the term, about 100 kanji will be covered. From this term on, an oral exam will be introduced. The students will continue to be encouraged to use their learning outside of the class, taking advantage of the Japanese-speaking environment. Detailed schedule will be provided in class.
LJA220E Intermediate Japanese Language and Culture 2 (4 credits)
Following the previous semester, this course will continue to enhance the students' ability in the Japanese language, as they aim for the ultimate goal of being bridge people between Japan and their home countries. During this semester, more colloquial expressions and casual styles will be introduced. The students will also learn how to respond appropriately so that the conversation will flow more smoothly. The process from input, in the form of audio recordings, to oral output is taken into consideration, so that ability in oral output can be increased. Grammar practice is designed so that, through "Notice and Discover" activities that take place within real communication, grammar can be learned within a meaningful context. The students continue to be encouraged to be independent learners, especially as they work on their reading and writing assignments. By the end of this semester, the students are expected to have a good awareness of the culturally-appropriate language use and also to demonstrate such ability in a variety of real-life contexts. A detailed schedule will be provided in class.
CCW110E Christ and the World I: Issues Facing the Church Today (2credits)
This course guides students in understanding some challenges that the church must confront today, focusing primarily in a Japanese context, related to issues that are relevant around the world. In weekly readings and class sessions, students will consider a range of topics, such as Christian responses to: social justice issues such as poverty, gender discrimination, and other inequalities; misconduct, abuse, and other toxic beliefs and practices in religious communities, including special problems faced by people raised in religious families (shūkyō nisei); the aging of Japanese society; ethnocentrism and xenophobia; the impact of AI on religious beliefs and practices; environmental destruction and stewardship. While considering these and other issues, students will reflect on questions among people of faith about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); interfaith dialogue and cooperation; religion and politics; religious misconduct and abuse; and gender roles. While fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue, the course aims to invigorate students' pursuit of a Christian liberal arts education in order to equip themselves with the ability to identify, analyze, and communicate the nature and scope of issues facing the church today.
SPT230E Practical Theology III: Introduction to Christian Ministry in Japan (2credits)
Everyone who follows Jesus receives a call to ministry. The students' situatedness in Japan indicates God's providential calling to carry out ministry in the Japanese context. To prepare the students to engage with ministry effectively and meaningfully, this course will first examine the biblical perspective and theological understanding of ministry and the current situation of the churches in Japan. With a proper understanding of ministry and the Japanese soil, this course will then explore the ministry of the church, highlighting the church's missional purpose, and provide some of the pointers for the church to be missional, particularly among the Japanese as an unreached people group. Against the backdrop of the growing population of foreign residents in Japan, this course will then investigate diaspora ministry in Japan, featuring diaspora missiology of how God continues to shape the contour of Christianity through migrants. The rest of the course will focus on ministry beyond the church walls, including ministry in the workplace, in the home, and in the community through the acts of justice and mercy. The students will learn from various means: lectures, discussions, interviews, presentations, and case studies.
SPT220E Practical Theology II: Public Speaking (2credits)
The chief aim of this course is to develop speech organization with an emphasis on practical speech-making and delivery. Over the period of the term each student will have the opportunity to organize, prepare and present a variety of speeches (to inspire, to demonstrate, to inform, to persuade, etc.). These speeches will prepare you to present in various settings, but also become more equipped for speaking in church or ministry settings. In addition to preparation and delivery, students will learn how to evaluate the speeches of others based on the stated purpose of each speech. As a result of the opportunities to practice public speaking and speech evaluation, students will be prepared to be effective communicators in their futures.
Method of Instruction: Reading, video, discussion, and lots of practice
SCH330E Christian History and Tradition III: The Heidelberg Catechism (2credits)
In this course, we will study the Heidelberg Catechism (HC), which has been used more widely than any other catechism in the world since the time of the Reformation, from historical, theological and practical perspectives, and aim to familiarize ourselves with the HC through practical exercises.
From a historical perspective, the aim is to learn how the HC was drafted and to look at the role it has played in history. From a theological perspective, we will clarify the soteriological significance of the “union with Christ” expressed in the HC's distinctive tripartite structure.
Finally, from a practical perspective, we will confirm the significance of the act of “confessing one's faith” in the context of church ministry. In addition, the second half of each lecture will be used as a practical exercise, where all the participants will read the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) and become familiar with this historical confession of faith, experiencing its historical, theological and practical significance.
RGB120E Great Books II: Japanese Literature (2 credits)
Expanding students' exposure to seminal literary works across time, space, and culture, this course focuses specifically on important works of Japanese literature. Literature nurtures your inner self by exposing you to human reality. Experiences in the literary world broaden your worldview, which helps you to grow in your understanding of other human beings and relate to them in the real world. Being informed of Japanese mentalities through pivotal modern/contemporary works helps Christians deepen their understanding of Japanese people outside of Christian communities. Each literary work in our selection offers unique and important insights into Japanese culture and its core values, which have been intricately cultivated under internal and external influences throughout history. Students may read the selections in English, Japanese, or any other available translation. We will learn from each other as we share and discuss each other's discoveries in class. The titles for Winter 2025 will be announced before the winter trimester at the latest.
SGS309E Global Studies IX: International Development (2credits)
This course aims to introduce a basic concept of poverty and development with a special emphasis on a biblical perspective. The first part of the course will examine the nature of poverty and existing perceptions of global charity, while focusing on the emerging roles of entrepreneurship as an alternative to alleviating world poverty. In addition, the course will also explore social and political dynamics of development including the neocolonial power mechanism and paternalism reinforcing the predominant ways of doing development and aid. The second part of the course will focus on the biblical understanding of human flourishing, entrepreneurship, justice for the poor, and the important role of church to bring the eternal solution to human nature, the transformative power of the Gospel. The course will also address some key biblical concepts and practical strategies to promote the global Christian partnership and entrepreneurial solutions to poverty.
SGS204E Global Studies IV: Introduction to African Culture (2credits)
This course introduces students to Africa’s varied and complex history, culture and society. It examines how a range of people, including students, children, women, and more, past and present, organize their lives, respond to daily challenges, and interact with the ever-changing outside world. This class will use multiple sources including films, literary texts, and websites to encourage critical analysis and use of information. It will also promote participatory and practical learning through interviews and presentations by students from Africa or non-African persons who have interacted with Africa in various ways. This course helps students deepen their understanding of societal dynamics and gives them practical skills in analyzing societal issues and responding to them. This course is open to students from both the English and Japanese track. It will be taught by two instructors, one from Africa and the other from Japan.
SBS440E Biblical Studies IV: Topics in Biblical Theology (Fear and Thanks) (2credits)
Topics in Biblical Theology general description: This course aims to study important topics in biblical studies that are considered significant when studying the Old and New Testaments. The Bible contains many important topics, such as the kingdom of God, covenants, the law, atonement, and the eschatology, etc. Students are expected to understand each topic and to delve deeper to have their own understanding based on the Bible.
2025 course description: In this course, students will study thanks and fear as they occur in the Bible from a biblical-theological approach. Following introductory consideration of the nature of biblical theology, students will consider the two themes of thanks and fear throughout Old and New Testaments by means of course readings, presentations, and class discussion. Each student will apply the methods of biblical theology through completion of a research paper on either thanks or fear in a book of the Bible or corpus within the Bible.