日本大學將培養“漫畫博士”

日本京都精華大學本週二宣佈，該校將於明年4月起正式開設漫畫博士課程，從而成爲日本首個培養“漫畫博士”的大學。據介紹，漫畫博士課程的開設是爲了應對漫畫文化國際化、日益增加的公衆認可度以及數字媒體的發展趨勢。該課程學制爲三年，將由著名動漫作家、漫畫翻譯家以及文化人類學家等專業人士任教，其中包括《奔向地球》的作者竹宮惠子，目標是通過漫畫、動畫理論等多角度的學術研究培養漫畫作家、研究人員及大學教師。京都精華大學從事漫畫和動畫研究已有40年的歷史，該校在2000年率先開設漫畫研究專業，並於去年設立漫畫碩士學位。據悉，漫畫博士課程將於明年1月起接受學生申請，2月舉行考試，並將於4月正式開課，預計招收4到12名學生。

Kyoto Seika University announced on Tuesday that it will offer Japan's first doctorate program in manga studies to new students, beginning in April of next year. The university in Kyoto has a 40-year history of academic study in manga and animation. The university was first to install a specialized area of manga studies in 2000, and it then created a Faculty of Manga in 2006. It was also the first to establish a master's degree program in manga last year, when it accepted 20 students.

The university notes that the creation of the doctorate program is a response to internationalization of manga culture, increased public support, and developments in digital media and global contents culture. The faculty's teaching staff includes To Terra creator Keiko Takemiya and manga translator and cultural anthopologist Matt Thorn.

Candidates in the doctoral program will study manga theories for at least 3 years to receive this Doctorate of Arts degree. After completing coursework, the Kyoto Seika University expects graduates to become researchers, professors, and manga artists. The teaching staff includes internationally known manga researchers and active authors and editors. With this staff, students will get a close view of authors' perspectives on manga research and develop professional knowledge about production.

Kyoto Seika University will accept applications next January, hold admission tests in February, and accept 4 to 12 students into the program in April 2012.