2025
Admissions Handbook
Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies

Tokyo Christian University Graduate School Admissions OfficeEmailgraduate-school@tci.ac.jp

Phone+81-476-46-1131

Websitehttps://www.tci.ac.jp/english/

Office Hours

Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Japan time (GMT +9:00)

Address

3-301-5-1 Uchino, Inzai City, Chiba 270-1347 JAPANCONTENTS
1.

Our Faith

1-1

Statement of Faith ------------------------------------------------------------

1

1-2

Foundational Principles -----------------------------------------------------

2

2.

Graduate School of Theology, Division of Theological Studies

2-1

Graduate School of Theology Objectives ------------------------------

3

2-2

Graduate Programs ----------------------------------------------------------

3

3.

Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

3-1

Educational Objectives ------------------------------------------------------

3

3-2

Curriculum Policy -------------------------------------------------------------

3

3-3

Diploma Policy ----------------------------------------------------------------

3

4

Admissions

4-1

Application Process ----------------------------------------------------------

44-2

Admissions Policy ------------------------------------------------------------

44-3

Admissions Quota ------------------------------------------------------------

4

4-4

Qualifications for Admission -----------------------------------------------

4

4-5

Prescreening Consultation -------------------------------------------------

5

4-6

Deadlines and Screening Schedule -------------------------------------

5

4-7

Screening Details -------------------------------------------------------------

6

4-8

Required Documents for Application ------------------------------------

6

4-9

Application Fee ---------------------------------------------------------------

7

4-10

Contact Information ----------------------------------------------------------

7

4-11

Applicant Misconduct --------------------------------------------------------

8

5.

Enrollment

5-1

Final Result Notification -----------------------------------------------------

8

5-2

Enrollment Procedures ------------------------------------------------------

8

5-3

Tuition & Fees (2025) -------------------------------------------------------

9

6.

Faculty and Syllabi

6-1

Faculty (2024) -----------------------------------------------------------------

10

6-2

Syllabi (2024) ------------------------------------------------------------------

10

7.

Maps and Directions -------------------------------------------------------

15

1. Our Faith
1-1 Statement of Faith
Tokyo Christian Institute is founded on the Biblical, historical and orthodox rule of faith, which wasconsistently revealed in both the Old and the New Testaments, expressed in the Ecumenical Creeds of
the Ancient Church, and proclaimed in the Reformation. In response to various challenges, including
those stemming from certain aspects of the Enlightenment and liberal theology, contemporary
Evangelical faith has endeavored to defend this historical faith and to practice the piety of belief.
The articles which are the basis of this Evangelical faith are the following:
1.

The Bible, which consists of 66 books of the New and Old Testaments, was written by each writerunder the perfect inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus in the original writings there is no error, and it
contains all that God desires to reveal to human beings concerning salvation. The Bible is the
single and absolute standard for faith and practice.

2.

The living and true God is one, who is eternally existent in three persons ― Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.

3.

God created all things, visible and invisible from nothing, the same being subject to His absolute
sovereignty.

4.

Adam was created in the image of God in right relation with God, but was tempted by Satan andsinned against the will of God, thereby incurring both the pollution and punishment of sin with theresult of both spiritual and physical death. All human beings are therefore born with a sinful nature
being sinners in thought, word and deed.

5.

The Lord Jesus Christ is true God and true man. He was begotten by the Holy Spirit and born of
the Virgin Mary, died on the cross for the sins of the world, was buried, and was raised again on
the third day according to the Scripture. He ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of God
where he executes his ministry as high priest for us.

6.

Because of the substitutionary death of our Lord Jesus Christ, all who believe in Him are forgivenof their sins and justified by faith and redeemed from the penalty and dominion of sin. There is noother way to salvation.

7.

The Holy Spirit is a person whose ministry is to convict and regenerate sinful human beings,
making them children of God, empowering them for a life of holiness and service, and conforming
them to the image of Christ.

8.

The church universal is the body of Christ, and all who are born again by the Holy Spirit become
members thereof, Christ being the head. The church on earth, in a manner befitting Christ its head,should maintain purity of faith and life; and according to His command, should preach the Gospel
to every creature.

9.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is coming again personally, bodily and visibly. He will raisebodily the just and the unjust, one to everlasting blessedness and the other to everlasting
punishment, after which He will renew all things and deliver the kingdom to God the Father.

11-2. Foundational Principles
Providing practical theology education to foster workers of world mission standing on protestantevangelical faith, serving the church and society of the 21st century across denominations.
1.

EvangelicalTokyo Christian University (TCU) is a theological educational institution with the purpose of
educating ministers and lay workers (clergy and laity) to be well equipped with historical, orthodox
theology, which stresses the evangelical view of the Bible as the infallible Word of God and as the
only rule for faith and life. Upon this stance, TCU embraces its statement of faith, prepares a wideranging curriculum with theological depth, and aims at sending talented human resources wellgrounded in orthodox theology out to evangelical churches.

2.

Interdenominational
TCU was founded through the cooperation of three previous schools, each of which has madedistinctive accomplishments in interdenominational education. TCU will create a greater potential
by combining the talents previously dispersed among the three schools, and it expects to contributeto the service for and the development of both domestic and foreign churches transdenominationally.

3.

Practical Theological Education
While providing interdenominational theological education to serve diverse churches, TCU aims
to respond individually and practically to the needs and expectations of evangelical churches andorganizations since the areas of service have become more diverse today. Therefore, TCU aims
to provide practical theological education based on biblical faith in order to foster an attitude ofservice to the church combined with a capacity for effective leadership, thus producing students
who with brave and warm hearts exemplify the gospel in their personal lives.

4.

Commitment to Global Missions
In response to the Great Commission of the Lord of Mission, Jesus Christ, TCU places world
missions within its educational vision. It builds relationships with evangelical churches andtheological institutions worldwide, in Asian countries in particular, contributing towards the eventual
sending of missionaries and dedicated workers with an international spirit to the various fields
home and abroad. By so doing, it will, in a positive manner, be involved in the precious task ofbuilding up of the Church as the Body of Christ that supersedes national and ethnic boundaries.

22. Graduate School of Theology, Division of Theological Studies
2-1 Graduate School of Theology Objectives
Based upon its founding principles, and in accordance with the Fundamental Law of Education and the
School Education Act, Tokyo Christian University (TCU) Graduate School of Theology aims to contributeto the peace and development of church and society through educating Christian women and men inscholarly theory and praxis in the theological disciplines. TCU aims to accomplish this through cultivating
deep learning and outstanding levels of competency and character in women and men to serve as church
ministry professionals (pastors, missionaries, evangelists, ministers of education, etc.), theologicalresearchers, and theological educators who have acquired highly advanced and professional levels of
expertise in their fields.

2-2 Graduate Programs
Tokyo Christian University Graduate School of Theology, Division of Theological Studies
Degrees Offered

Standard Period Language of Instruction* Time of Entrance

Master of Arts in Theology
・Church Ministries Program
・Theological Studies Program

2 years

Japanese

April

Doctor of Philosophy in Theological Studies** 3 years

Japanese / English

April / August* TCU operates on a trimester system. Spring Trimester: April to July
Fall Trimester: August to November
Winter Trimester: December to March** Extended Period of ResearchUpon receiving approval from TCU, Ph.D. students may extend their period of research beyond 3 years. Please contact
the graduate school admissions office for details.

3. Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)
3-1 Educational Objectives
The doctoral candidates will be engaged in advanced creative theological research with integrated
methods in theology. This program aims to train theological researchers and educators who are able tocontribute to an increasingly complex church and society concerning theological issues at TCU and otheruniversities and theological institutions inside and outside of Japan, and to train leaders who possesshigh levels of theological expertise and research abilities who can serve in churches, mission
organizations, and Christian NPO/NGOs.

3-2 Curriculum Policy
The doctoral program, based on education and research in a master's program, educates students
through advanced mentoring. The program will cultivate abilities in problem solving and logicalargumentation through critical and constructive engagement with other researchers.

3-3 Diploma Policy
The requirements for receiving the Ph.D. degree are as follows:
1. Study and research for three years or longer.
2. Acquire 14 credits or more.
3. Successfully defend the Ph.D. dissertation.
Through the Ph.D. dissertation, degree candidates must acquire and demonstrate advanced and creative
research skills based on integrated and specialized knowledge of theology. Furthermore, they must
demonstrate the ability to perform these research skills through collaboration with other researchers.
3

4. Admissions
4-1 Application Process
1) Prescreening consultation▶ Confirmation of application eligibility and research area
2) Notification of prescreening consultation result3) Application submission▶ Initial screening based on submitted documents
4) Notification of initial screening5) Second Screening▶ English exam and interview
6) Final result notification
7) Enrollment

4-2 Admissions Policy
Applicants who are the most capable among those who have expressed dedication to Christ and havecompleted a master’s degree in theological studies or the equivalent (as determined by the graduate
committee) are eligible for consideration.

4-3 Admissions Quota
Time of Entrance
April 2025
August 2025

Quota
2

4-4 Qualifications for Admission
Individuals recognized as possessing superior academic skills among those who have expressed faithin Christ, and who have completed a Master’s degree or the equivalent (as determined by the graduate
committee) before entering the Ph.D. program at TCU.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent in Japan (as defined by the School
Education Law in Japan).
Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent outside of Japan.
Those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent in Japan through a correspondence
course offered by a foreign institution.
Those who have received a Master’s degree or equivalent from a foreign institution that is recognizedby the Ministry of Education in Japan.
Those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent at United Nations University.
Those who have completed a program in a foreign country, at a designated institution, or at United
Nations University, and have passed the exam stated in Japan’s Standards for Establishment ofGraduate Schools or equivalent.
Those designated by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan.
Those who are older than 24 years of age and are considered to be as academically capable as
those who have completed a Master’s degree or equivalent through individual reviews by TCU
graduate school.

44-5 Prescreening Consultation
The applicant is required to send the following documents before submitting an application. The
graduate school admissions committee will determine whether the desired field of research matches what
is offered at TCU. These documents should be submitted at least one month before starting date of theapplication period.
Required documents:
1. Prescreening Consultation Application (Form 5)
2. Academic Transcript (theological education only)
3. Certificate of Graduation (theological education only)
4. Master's Thesis and Summary (Paper size: A4 or Letter size)
A. Written in Japanese or Englisha-1) One copy of Master's thesisa-2) One copy of the summary of Master's thesis
・Summary in Japanese (approximately 2,000 characters)
・Summary in English (approximately 1,500 words)
B. Written in a language other than Japanese and Englishb-1) One copy of Master's thesis in original languageb-2) One copy of the Japanese or English summary of Master’s thesis.
(Summary should be long enough to convey the content of the thesis.)
C. Those who are in the process of writing a Master's thesisc-1) Master's Thesis Progress Report (Form 6)c-2) One copy of the Bachelor's thesis in Japanese or English if applicable.
If not, one copy of a paper in Japanese or English written and submitted during the Master's
program.
D. Those who were not required to write a Master's thesisd-1) One copy of a published or presented paper in Japanese or Englishd-2) One copy of a summary of a published or presented paper in Japanese or English
・Summary in Japanese (approximately 2,000 characters)
・Summary in English (approximately 1,500 words)

4-6 Deadlines and Screening ScheduleTime of Entrance
Prescreening Consultation
Application Periods

November Screening

January Screening

April / August 2025 *April / August 2025 *Applicants must have a prescreening consultation at least one month before application.

September 24 - October 2, 2024

November 18 - 26, 2024

Initial Screening Result Notification

October 18, 2024

January 10, 2025

Second Screening **November 21, 2024

January 24 or 25, 2025

Final Result Notification

November 28, 2024

February 6, 2025

Enrollment Deadline

December 16, 2024

February 21, 2025

* Successful applicants may choose the time of entrance.
** (For January screening) Exam date and time will be notified at the time of the initial screening result notification byemail.
Applicants who are unable to take the second screening due to an infectious disease, etc. and who wish to take a
substitute or supplementary examination and are permitted to do so, will not be charged a separate application fee forthe substitute or supplementary examination.
In such cases, those who apply for the November screening may take a substitute examination on the January
screening dates. Those who apply for the January screening will be notified the date of the supplementary examinationby the Admissions Office.

5

4-7 Screening Details
1. Initial Screening
The admissions committee will review previous research achievement (a Master’s thesis orequivalent) and other application documents, including a dissertation proposal based on previous
research.
2. Second Screening
Applicants who pass the initial screening will be given an English exam and an interview.
Test location: TCU Campus or Online (via Zoom)

English Exam･Test time: 70 minutes･Test method
On campus: Written exam Online (via Zoom): Oral exam
･Exemptiona) A valid TOEFL score holder (score taken within two years):
90 or higher on the Internet-based test. (Those who will write a doctoral thesis in Japanese.)
101 or higher on the Internet-based test. (Those who will write a doctoral thesis in English.)b) Those who have finished (or expected to finish) a Master's program in English.

Interview･Test time: 60 minutes

Applicants may choose to have the online screening if the following conditions are met:a) The applicant must have a good and reliable Internet connection with clear sound and video. It is the applicant's
responsibility to ensure that he/she has a good and reliable Internet connection. Please note that the interview may becancelled if the sound and video are of low quality due to the applicant's Internet connection and/or computer problems.
b) The applicant must submit "Agreement regarding Online Examination" (Form 7) at the time of application.
c) The applicant must be available during the time specified by TCU. The interview will take place between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00
p.m. Japan time (GMT +9:00).

4-8 Required Documents for Application* Forms not provided by TCU should be prepared by the applicants.

Documents

Note*FormsFOR THOSE WHO APPLY WITHIN JAPAN
Application Card: Part C and Part D

1aApplication Card: Part A and Part B

1b

1

2

Application Fee

3

Application Form

Part B is a receipt for the applicant. Submit only part C and D.
Part C (with bank receipt stamp)
Part D (with bank receipt stamp and a photo)

FOR THOSE WHO APPLY FROM OVERSEAS
A photo must be attached to Part A.

¥35,000 See "4-9 Application Fee" on page 7.
2

A photo must be attached.
Include thoughts about TCU's Statement of Faith and yourinvolvement in church activities.

4

Testimony and Reasons for Applying

In Japanese: approximately 2,000 characters
In English: approximately 1,500 words

Paper size: A4 or Letter size
5

Pastoral Reference

3

6

Academic Reference

From Master's thesis advisor (or equivalent if the applicant
was not required to write a Master's thesis)

7

Official Academic Transcript

From all universities from which the applicant graduated(Undergraduate and Master's Programs)

8

Degree Certificates(or Certificate of Expected Graduation)

From all universities from which the applicant graduated(Undergraduate and Master's Program)

9

Dissertation Proposal

10

Envelope with stamps

4

Written in Japanese or English and sealed by pastor

See "6-1 Faculty" on page 10.
FOR THOSE WHO APPLY WITHIN JAPAN

11

Official TOEFL Score Report

Attach stamps for registered mail fee.
Write the applicant's mailing address and name on the envelope.
“Official Score Report” must be sent directly to the Admissions
Office from ETS (Educational Testing Service), the organizationthat conducts the exam. Please enter TCU's Institution (DI) code
"8472" for the "Recipient Code" when you request the official score
report to be sent. Scores taken within two years are valid.

Continue to next page6

12

Agreement regarding Online Examination

7

13

Health Status/Special Assistance Request

8

Those who choose to take the online exam only. In addition
to submission of form 7, send an email to the admissions
office. See the form for more information.
Those with temporary or long-term disability and who may
wish to receive consideration for the entrance examination(a copy of medical certificate is required).
The information is irrelevant to the admissions decision and will not be used
for any purpose other than considerations for the examination.

14

Application Fee Waiver Request

15

Copy of Passport and Residence Card

9

Only those who are eligible. (See "4-9 Application Fee" on page 7.)
Passport copy of personal information page must be attached.

Passport: Personal information page (name, etc.) only.
Resident card: Those who live in Japan only.
Copy both front and back.

Submitted documents will not be returned. Submitted information will not be used for any purpose other than admissionrelated matters, scholarship-related matters, statistics/analysis, educational guidance after enrollment, and to carry out
matters associated with the above-mentioned matters.

4-9 Application Fee
・Those who live in Japan: Please pay the application fee of ¥35,000 at a bank using attached form
#1a, and submit the application card C and D.
・Those who live overseas: Please pay the application fee of ¥35,000 with a credit card.
[ Credit Card Payment]
Start from the URL or QR code below.
https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML4CG7SFSEHHD/checkout/HZ6T4FR6BSA5B2WMQMXKRNZF

If you cannot use a credit card, please contact the Admissions Office.

・Application fee is non-refundable.
・Applications will not be accepted if the application fee is not received by TCU by the application
deadline.
・Please keep the receipt until you complete the admissions process.
・Those who reside in one of the countries classified as "Least Developed Countries" or "Low Income
Countries" in the list of DAC List of DAC List of ODA Recipients Effective for reporting on 2024 and2025 flows as published by OECD/DAC and hold nationality of one of those countries are eligible toapply for a screening fee waiver. (For the list of eligible countries, refer to Form 9.)

4-10 Contact Information
Send Application to:
Graduate School Admissions Office Tokyo Christian University
3-301-5-1 Uchino, Inzai City, Chiba 270-1347 JAPANContact Information:
Phone: +81-476-46-1131
Email: graduate-school@tci.ac.jp
Website: https://www.tci.ac.jp/english/
Business hours: Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Japan time (GMT +9:00)(closed 11:50 a.m. to 12:50 a.m.)7

4-11 Applicant Misconduct
During the examination, the university will immediately order any individual deemed to be engaging in
misconduct to stop the examination. The examination already taken will be invalidated, and theapplication for subsequent entrance examinations for the current year will not be allowed. A police report
may be filed. In the event that clear evidence of misconduct is found after the examination, admission
may be retroactively revoked, both after acceptance and after enrollment.
The following examples of misconduct are intended to be representative, but not all-inclusive:・making false statements, forgery, or plagiarism in the application documents;
・cheating during the time of examination;・ringing or beeping of cellular phones or other devices during the time of the examination;
・using (including items placed on the table or items on one’s person) materials (such as a smartphoneor electronic device) not approved by TCU during the time of the examination;
・conducting any act that disturbs other examinees in the examination room;
・not following the instructions of the examiner;・substituting for another person or permitting another person to substitute for oneself to take theexamination;・any other behavior that undermines the fairness of the examinations.

5. Enrollment
5-1 Final Result Notification
Applicants who reside in Japan will receive notification of the final result by mail. Applicants who resideoverseas will receive notification of the final result by email. Please contact the Graduate School
Admissions Office if you do not receive notification within a few days after the final result notification date.
For the applicants' convenience, the ID numbers of successful applicants will be posted on the following
TCU website on the final result notification day. The Admissions Office will NOT answer individual
inquiries by phone.
https://www.tci.ac.jp/future_student/exam/happyo.html

5-2 Enrollment ProceduresThose who are accepted must enroll before the enrollment deadline by paying the specified amount forenrollment and submitting the required documents to TCU. Details will be sent to the applicant along withthe final result notification.
In the event of withdrawal from the program after completion of the enrollment procedure, fees other thanthe enrollment fee will be refunded if the request is made before March 31, 2025, for April entry andbefore July 31, 2025 for August entry. The enrollment fee is not refundable.

85-3 Tuition Fees (2025)
・Tuition fees are subject to change each year.
・Successful applicants must pay the amount due by the enrollment deadline. Tuition and fees may be
paid in three installments each academic year.
Payment periods: (April entrance) by the enrollment deadline, August, and December(August entrance) by the enrollment deadline, December, and April

・Ph.D. students may reside in the dormitories if there are vacancies.
【Tuition & Fees】

Currency: Yen
Total Amountfor the First Year

Amount Dueby the Enrollment
Deadline

Enrollment Fee

50,00050,000Tuition

630,000

210,000

Facility

261,600

87,200Insurance andother fees

35,20035,200Total (a)976,800

382,400【Dormitory Fees】
Single Dormitory

Family Dormitory (A) Family Dormitory (B) Family Dormitory (C)※1

1S,2DK,B,T (44㎡)

293,100※2

2DK,B,T (39㎡)

1S,1DK,B,T (37㎡)

Amount Due by
the Enrollment
Deadline

293,100

293,100

293,100-

306,900

248,100

207,000

Cleaning fee※3(Family Dormitory)-

20,00020,00020,000204,700

Electricity※4(Single Dormitory)

12,000--※5

285,000--

Total (b)590,100

620,000

561,200

520,100

204,700

Total (a+b)

1,566,900

1,596,800

1,538,000

1,496,900

587,100

Dormitory
Additional for
Family Dormitory

Board

-

*1 (Family Dormitory) S: Study room, DK: Dining room with kitchen, B: Bathroom, T: Toilet (Utilities and meals are not included.)*2 (Single Dormitory) Includes utilities (except electricity). The room is for ten and half months per year. Additional payment will be
required if the student stays in the dormitory longer. An additional fee of ¥21,000 will be charged for living in the Zion Dormitory (foursingle bedrooms with a shared living room and bathroom).
*3 (Family Dormitory) To be used for cleaning expenses at the time of leaving the dormitory. Additional costs will be incurred if repairs
other than age-related deterioration occur.
*4 Adjustments based on actual costs will be made.
*5 Includes three meals a day on weekdays (except weekends and holidays) during trimester periods.

96. Faculty and Syllabi
6-1 Faculty (2024)* Omnibus classResearch Areas

NameClasses in Ph.D. Program* Advanced Research Seminar in Theological Studies
Ph.D. Research Guidance

Bible

Akio Ito(Professor)(Research Keywords)
Biblical Hermeneutics, New Testament and the Old Testament
Law, Quotations from the Old Testament in the New, Gospel andthe Torah, New Testament Manuscripts and New Testament
Textual Criticism* Advanced Research Seminar in Theological Studies
Ph.D. Research Guidance
Naoki Okamura(Professor)

Theology
andChurch(Research Keywords)
Practical Theology, Religious Education, Religious Psychology,
Qualitative Research in Religion, Mixed Methods Research in
Religion, Development of Religious Sentiment, Religious andEducational Methodology, Religion and Psychological Care,
Youth Ministry* Advanced Research Seminar in Theological Studies
David Sytsma(Associate Professor)

Ph.D. Research Guidance(Research Keywords)
Reformation, Post-Reformation, Puritanism, Enlightenment,
History of Biblical Interpretation, History of Ethics

Ph.D. Research GuidanceIsomi Saito(Associate Professor)(Research Keywords)
Holy Trinity, Redemptive historical perspective, Soteriology, Union
with Christ, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Family of God,
Ecclesiology, Heidelberg Catechism6-2 Syllabi (2024)
Course Name
Advanced Research Seminar in Theological Studies
Instructor
Naoki Okamura (Coordinator), Akio Ito, and David Sytsma
Course Objectives
In order to conduct doctoral-level studies in theology, students not only must possess extensive
knowledge of research methodologies in their own specific subjects, but they also must have a broad
awareness of theological studies in general. This course will introduce to students important academic
recourses in biblical studies, theology, and ministry in order to give them a better understanding of thesefields in preparation for their own original research.

10

Course Name
Ph.D. Research Guidance (Directed Ph.D. Research)
Instructor
Akio Ito, Naoki Okamura, David Sytsma, and Isomi Saito
Course Objectives
ItoStudents will receive guidance for doctoral-level research in the field of New Testament Studies, andBiblical Hermeneutics (Biblical Theology). The research will focus on the backgrounds of a certain bookor themes from the New Testament in its original language, the Hellenistic Greek, with special reference
to both the early Jewish literature such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Philo, Josephus and the Old Testament
Pseudepigrapha, and to the Greco-Roman philosophies and rhetoric. The research will be by nature interdisciplinary and seek to explore the linguistic, literary, cultural, religious, social, and theologicalsignificance for today.
OkamuraStudents will receive guidance for doctoral-level research in the field of Practical Theology, especiallyin Religious Education and Religious Psychology. In a modern society where diverse values areaccompanied by changes in the way Christianity is perceived, it is essential to deeply understand therecipients of ministry and apply this understanding in practical settings. We will guide research which
utilizes qualitative research methods focusing on the topics such as educational practices, psychologicaldevelopments as well as psychological adaptation.
SytsmaStudents will receive guidance for doctoral-level research in the fields of Church History and Historical
Theology. The research will focus on studies relating to the history of Christianity from the second century
to the present. Students will explore primary source documents in their original languages, including Latin,
and with reference to their original social and intellectual contexts. Students are encouraged to pursue
research questions that they find personally relevant, while formulating answers to such questions basedon primary sources and good method. Students will also learn methodological practices that increase
objectivity and minimize personal bias in their research.
Saito
This course provides research guidance on systematic theology, the history of confessions or creeds,
and the history of doctrines. The course will focus on one of the specific areas in systematic theology,
confessional documents mainly from the Reformation period, and the interdisciplinary content ofdogmatics and church history in the history of doctrines. Students are expected to have the language
skills to read primary sources in the areas on which they focus. To ensure objectivity in research,guidance on research methods is provided from the initial stages of the research project.

11

Course Themes and Content (Model for standard three-year study period)【First Trimester, First Year】
Session 1 Orientation and Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #1
Students will receive guidance concerning the different phases in Ph.D. research. Students will
receive guidance for writing the research application. Students will receive guidance for writing
the guidance team application.
Session 2 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #2
Students will receive guidance concerning research methodologies and research proposals forthe purpose of deciding upon a research topic. Students will receive guidance for writing aprovisional research proposal.
Session 3 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #3, Exploring Related Academic Resources #1
Students will receive guidance for locating academic resources related to the subject matter,
adopting an appropriate research methodology, and writing a provisional research proposal.
Students will receive guidance for preparation of the first mid-term research report presentation.
【Second Trimester, First Year】
Session 4 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #4, Exploring Related Academic Resources #2
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the first mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for investigating
important academic resources.
Session 5 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #5, Exploring Related Academic Resources #3
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the first mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for investigating
important academic resources.
Session 6 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #6, Exploring Related Academic Resources #4
Students will receive guidance for completing the research proposal. Students will receive
guidance for investigating important academic resources.
Session 7 Finding an Appropriate Research Topic #7, Exploring Related Academic Resources #5
Students will receive guidance for completing the research proposal. Students will receive
guidance for investigating important academic resources.
【Third Trimester, First Year】
Session 8 Research Methods Guidance #1, Exploring Related Academic Resources #6
Students will receive guidance for beginning research according to the research proposal that
was accepted by the graduate school committee. Students will receive guidance forinvestigating important academic resources.
Session 9 Research Methods Guidance #2, Exploring Related Academic Resources #7
Students will receive guidance for beginning research according to the research proposal.
Students will receive guidance for investigating important academic resources. Students will
receive guidance for preparation of the second mid-term research report presentation.
Session 10 Research Methods Guidance #3, Exploring Related Academic Resources #8
Students will receive guidance for beginning research according to the research proposal.
Students will receive guidance for investigating important academic resources. Students will
receive guidance for writing the first mid-term research report.

12【First Trimester, Second Year】
Session 11 Research Methods Guidance #4, Investigative Reading of Academic Resources #1
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the second mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance fororganizing academic resources and conducting research. Students will receive guidance forinvestigative reading and examination of academic resources.
Session 12 Research Methods Guidance #5, Investigative Reading of Academic Resources #2
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for investigative reading and examination of academic
resources.
Session 13 Research Methods Guidance #6, Investigative Reading of Academic Resources #3
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for investigative reading and examination of academic
resources. Students will receive guidance for preparation of the third mid-term research reportpresentation.
【Second Trimester, Second Year】
Session 14 Research Methods Guidance #7, Investigative Reading of Academic Resources #4
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the third mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for organizing
academic resources and conducting research. Students will receive guidance for investigative
reading and examination of academic resources. Students will receive guidance for writing thesecond mid-term research report.
Session 15 Research Methods Guidance #8, Investigative Reading of Academic Resources #5
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the third mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for organizing
academic resources and conducting research. Students will receive guidance for investigative
reading and examination of academic resources.
Session 16 Research Methods Guidance #9, Dissertation Writing #1
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation.
Session 17 Research Methods Guidance #10, Dissertation Writing #2
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation.
【Third Trimester, Second Year】
Session 18 Research Methods Guidance #11, Dissertation Writing #3
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation. Students will receive guidance forpreparation of the fourth mid-term research report presentation.
Session 19 Research Methods Guidance #12, Dissertation Writing #4
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation. Students will receive guidance forpreparation of the fourth mid-term research report presentation.
Session 20 Research Methods Guidance #13, Dissertation Writing #5
Students will receive guidance for organizing academic resources and conducting research.
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation. Students will receive guidance for
writing the third mid-term research report. Students will receive guidance for submitting thedissertation application.
13

【First Trimester, Third Year】
Session 21 Dissertation Writing #6
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the fourth mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for writing thedissertation.
Session 22 Dissertation Writing #7
Students will receive guidance for overcoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to
the fourth mid-term research report presentation. Students will receive guidance for writing thedissertation.
Session 23 Dissertation Writing #8
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation. Students will receive guidance forpreparation of the fifth mid-term research report presentation.
【Second Trimester, Third Year】
Session 24 Dissertation Writing #9
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation. Students will receive guidance forovercoming difficulties that were pointed out in response to the fifth mid-term research reportpresentation.
Session 25 Dissertation Writing #10
Students will receive guidance for writing the dissertation.
Session 26 Dissertation Writing #11
Students will receive guidance for completing the dissertation.
Session 27 Dissertation Writing #12
Students will receive guidance for completing the dissertation.
【Third Trimester, Third Year】
Session 28 Dissertation Writing #13, Oral Defense Guidance #1
Students will receive guidance for completing the dissertation. Students will receive guidancefor preparation of the oral defense.
Session 29 Dissertation Writing #14, Oral Defense Guidance #2
Students will receive guidance for completing the dissertation. Students will receive guidancefor preparation of the oral defense.
Session 30 Oral Defense Guidance #3
Students will receive guidance for preparation of the oral defense.

14

7. Maps and Directions
By Train The closest train station to TCU is Chiba Newtown Chuo Station (Hokuso Line).
From Chiba Newtown Chuo Station:◼ Go out of the south exit and get on a bus boundfor 'Takabana'. Get off at "Denwa- kyoku Mae"and walk straight in the direction where the bus
is going. Then turn right at the T-junction. Walkstraight for 7 minutes and TCU is on your left
hand side.

Chiba New Town ChuoSt.
HOKUSOU HANANOOKA Park

Hotel Mark-1

Bus stop"Denwa- kyoku Mae"

Address:
3-301-5-1 Uchino
Inzai City, Chiba 270-1347 JAPAN15