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Course Numbering

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Course Numbering

About the subject numbering system (introduced from the 2015 academic year for BA courses)

What is the subject numbering system?

The subject numbering system assigns a code to each subject offered in the university, and serves to display the level and sequence of the subjects. Its aim is to support students in deciding which classes to take by providing information about the level of the subject and in which order they should be taken. From the faculty members' point of view, it creates an opportunity to examine the systematic structure of the curriculum and reflect on the content and level of the classes they teach, helps them understand students' knowledge and abilities before and after the class, and therefore encourages improvement of teaching methods and course content if deemed necessary. Furthermore, university education is becoming increasingly global. By displaying the subject content and level in a simple format, subject numbering will contribute to the smooth operation of overseas exchange programs and joint degree systems run in cooperation with overseas universities.

Decoding the subject numbering code

  1. Major category code (comprised of letters of the alphabet)
    The part consisting of letters is called the major category code.
    The two three-digit components are connected with a hyphen, with the first three digits representing the faculty and the next three digits showing the degree program. For KIKAN education the second three digits represent the subject category. The major categories are shown in the following chart.

  2. Level code (the first number)
    Of the four numbers, the first digit ("1" in the above example) represents the level.
    <1: Introductory level>
    Aimed at acquiring basic knowledge of the academic field as well as a broad point of view, underpinned by the adoption of an autonomous learning process
    <2: Basic level>
    Subjects focused on acquiring basic knowledge of the academic field and practicing its basic applications
    <3: Advanced level>
    Subjects focused on utilizing basic knowledge in the academic field and acquiring and practicing advanced/specialized skills
    <4: Graduation research level>
    Subjects focused on approaching self-set research topics using specialized knowledge and skills

  3. Subject code (the last three numbers)
    Of the four numbers, the last three ("234" in the above example) is a subject code that represents aspects other than the level, such as the subject area.

  4. Language code
    The last letter ("L" in the above example) displays the main language that will be used in the class. It follows the rules shown below.
    This code refers to the language that students will use in the class. Therefore, some foreign language classes will be shown with a "J".
    Classes held in Japanese: J
    Classes held in English: E
    Classes held in both Japanese and English: W
    Classes held in other languages/formats: M