Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe Campus

Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts was established in Kyoto in 1876 by Joseph Hardy Neesima, the founder of Doshisha; his wife, Yae Neesima; Alice J. Starkweather, an American missionary; and others. Dedicated to core principles of Christianity, internationalism, and liberal arts, the college has a history of constant innovation. It has grown to include eleven departments in six faculties and four graduate schools on two campuses in Kyotanabe and Imadegawa. Total enrollment is currently approximately 6,500 students.

Our educational and research activities are based on the three educational pillars of Christianity, internationalism, and liberal arts. In 2016 we celebrated the 140th anniversary of our founding.Since its foundation, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts has upheld our founding spirit of love and freedom based on Christian teachings. The process of learning to establish oneself is deepened by nurturing feelings of love and dedication toward others. We aim to nurture women who are capable of demonstrating their love for others freely and willingly, without being preoccupied with their own benefit—women who can truly be “the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

Through his experience in the Western world, Joseph Hardy Neesima realized the importance of the ability to see and analyze history and events from an international, objective perspective rather than from the viewpoint of a single country, and he put this insight into practice through education. To look at the world from a global perspective beyond differences in religion, culture, language, and ethnicity, and to seek a way of coexistence—these are the guiding principles of international education.

Liberal arts originated from the seven areas of study (grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music) that intellectuals in medieval Europe pursued in order to cultivate their views of mankind and the world. Ever since, liberal arts education has been a proud tradition in the Western world. Since our foundation, we at D.W.C.L.A. have been committed to liberal arts as the core of our education. We encourage students not only to acquire knowledge and skills in the area of their specialization but also to study a wide range of academic disciplines in order to obtain a broad perspective and understanding, and ultimately to contribute to making the world a better place.

With liberal arts as part of our core educational philosophy, we offer a wide range of flexible study options that enable students to demonstrate their individuality and eagerness to the full while they expand their knowledge. Students can take courses offered by departments other than the one they are enrolled in, take courses at Doshisha University and the Consortium of Universities in Kyoto and participate in a domestic student exchange program. By selecting courses of interest from a wide range of options and correlating them as they study, D.W.C.L.A. students can deepen their interests and specialization while gaining a broad perspective on life and developing a lively, creative mind.

With our step-by-step curriculum of specialized courses, students can acquire a high level of expertise in a systematic and effective way. We also offer an array of courses aimed at practical training. As a result, a high percentage of our students pass the national exams for pharmacists and registered dietitians. Students can also take deepen their studies by taking related courses offered at other departments.

Since our founding, we have continually emphasized intensive small-group instruction to cultivate students’ individual qualities and intellectual potential. Discussions and group work are the main activities of such intimate classes. This is an ideal environment for students to acquire independence and logical thinking as well as to hone presentation skills and communication skills over the four years of study.

We are committed to offering each student support and guidance regarding her career path throughout her four years at our college. From the beginning, students are encouraged to think about their future career options and shape their outlook on life and work through related courses. In addition, we offer qualification examination preparation courses that are attended by more than 2,000 students every year, as well as internship programs at business and governmental organizations. Third and fourth year students are eligible for job placement guidance, seminars, and meeting sessions with recruitment staff and alumnae. Also available are a hospitality seminar in collaboration with ANA Group, and the teacher training program center for those who seek a teaching position as their first career choice.