Program Overview

Introduction to the TEACH Program

The TEACH program, which stands for Transnational European and East Asia Culture and History, is a unique academic initiative that brings together students from Japan, Germany, and Korea to explore the cultural and historical ties between these nations. This program is designed as a double degree program, allowing students to earn two master's degrees from participating universities.

Educational Approach and Curriculum

The TEACH program focuses on two primary themes: the shared experience of modernization among Japan, Germany, and Korea, and regional integration. Students delve into the historical processes of modernization in these countries, comparing and contrasting their experiences to understand the similarities and differences. Additionally, the program examines regional integration, particularly in the context of Europe and East Asia, analyzing the roles of Japan, Germany, and Korea in these processes.

Key Themes

• Shared Modernization Experience: Japan, Germany, and Korea have undergone similar modernization processes, with Japan heavily influenced by German systems in law, medicine, politics, and education. Korea, after its opening to the world, adapted to both German and Japanese models during its modernization, especially under Japanese colonization. This shared experience has created a transnational discourse on modernization unique to these three countries.
• Regional Integration: Post-World War II, regional integration became a significant issue for Germany in Europe and for Japan and Korea in East Asia. Each country's political activities have been heavily influenced by their modernization experiences. However, the progress of regional integration differs significantly between Europe and Asia, prompting various approaches to understand these differences and future developments.

From Admission to Graduation

Admission Selection

To join the TEACH program, students must first be admitted to one of the participating universities' graduate schools (master's or first-term doctoral program) and then apply for the TEACH program. The program has a limited capacity, with each university accepting up to five students per academic year. Once accepted into the TEACH program, students will also apply to a second university (either the University of Bonn or Korea University) for a second master's degree, following a recommendation from the TEACH operating committee and a selection process at the desired university.

"Wandering Birds"

TEACH students will form a cohesive group, studying together at one of the participating universities each semester. For students from the University of Tsukuba, this means spending one semester at each of the three universities (Tsukuba, Bonn, and Korea) and an additional semester either back at Tsukuba or at the university from which they are seeking a second degree. Travel expenses are a consideration, and some financial assistance is expected to be provided by the universities.

Double Degree

Students who fulfill all the requirements of the TEACH curriculum will be awarded a master's degree from both their home university and the university from which they are seeking a second degree. Students who do not complete the TEACH curriculum or withdraw from the program before completion will only receive a degree from their home university, provided they meet the home university's requirements.

Curriculum

The TEACH curriculum consists of three core subjects:

Joint Research Seminar

All TEACH students must participate in a Joint Research Seminar (JRS) each semester. The JRS is a specially designed seminar prepared and taught jointly by TEACH faculty members from all participating universities. It covers methodological and practical research in international relations and comparative cultural studies, including video conferences and small-group autonomous research.

Regional Studies

Students must take compulsory courses in regional studies, covering the history, culture, politics, and societies of Germany/Europe, Japan, Korea, and East Asia.

• Regional studies on Germany and Europe are conducted at the University of Bonn.
• Studies on Japan and East Asia are based at the University of Tsukuba.
• Korea and East Asia regional studies are offered at Korea University.

Foreign Language Skills

TEACH students must acquire language skills in the national language of their home institution and the language of the partner university. The level of foreign language study is tailored to the individual's language proficiency. Students from the University of Tsukuba are expected to reach an advanced level in either German or Korean that would enable them to write their thesis.

All credits earned through the TEACH curriculum are automatically and mutually recognized among the participating universities. Credits from the University of Bonn (based on the ECTS system) are equivalent to credits at the University of Tsukuba and Korea University.