Department of International Studies

Department of International Studies
Department of Global and Transcultural Studies

Becoming citizens who think for ourselves and act with others in a globalized world

In today’s society, events occurring on the other side of the globe can immediately affect our lives. We are also increasingly expected to work with people of diverse origins and cultural backgrounds. Students in the Department of International Studies explore the various multicultural, environmental, and peace issues we face with faculty members who are experts in fields related to culture, economics, politics, law, and society in various regions worldwide. Through small-group exercises and hands-on learning, our students develop the ability to flexibly think from multiple perspectives, along with communication skills for logical discussions with others.

Department of International Studies

Key Features of the Department of International Studies

Point 01
Interdisciplinary learning

We study global issues from diverse fields related to culture, economics, and politics. Even if you enroll without specifying a concentration, you can customize your studies to suit your interests and future aspirations. A combined approach is also possible, such as considering regional development from a multicultural perspective, or studying environmental protection from the perspective of legal systems. Learning that focuses on a specific world region is another feature of our program.

Point 02
Learning communities: Small-group exercises

Students learn through small-group exercises with approximately twelve students per class in all years. They develop critical thinking and communication skills in a learning community where a sense of mutual trust allows them to freely express and discuss their opinions.

Point 03
Useful and intensive English education

The Department of International Studies offers English courses until the third year. Through small-group learning, students develop the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and cultivate the capability to learn, think, and communicate in English.

Point 04
A truly global environment

The Yokohama Campus, where students in the International Studies Department learn, is a global environment where young people from around the world gather. We offer a range of study abroad and overseas internship opportunities, including the double degree program through which students earn degrees from both San Francisco State University and Meiji Gakuin University, and a program to learn the language and culture in Australia while assisting in a Japanese language program.

Program Structure

Students begin by learning the basics in small-group seminars and lecture courses. English, which is positioned as a specialized subject, is systematically and intensively taught until the third year. In their second year, students select a major and a seminar from among six fields of study. Students deepen their understanding through a combination of study abroad and off-campus study, and as a capstone project, write a graduation thesis.


Topics

Principles of Environmental Studies

While experiencing nature in Maioka Park, adjacent to the Yokohama Campus, students use crops and honeybees to consider themes such as agriculture, food, and ecosystems.

Peace Studies 1, 2

Peace studies is scholarship related to ending violence. Here, violence means anything someone considers incompatible with their going on living. Specifically, we treat “violence” as inclusive of everything from bullying to poverty, discrimination, environmental issues, terrorism, and war. In these classes, we discuss each type of violence and how it can be eliminated.

Where Our Graduates Are Now(2020-2022)

Faculty of International Studies Original Site