Department of Global Legal Studies
Department of Juridical Studies
Department of Current Legal Studies
Department of Global Legal Studies
Department of Political Science
Fostering human resources that connect Japan with the world through a focus on law
In addition to abilities for solving legal problems based on the objective rules we call “law,” this program fosters global human resources who have acquired practical communication skills, flexible cross-cultural understanding, and a legal mindset. In the second year, all students study abroad at a university in an English-speaking country. In doing so, they of course improve their English language skills, but they also learn about law and other cultures through practical experience in their classes and daily life there. We hope to see students with a challenging spirit who want to study law that transcends national borders.Department of Global Legal Studies
Key Features of the Department of Global Legal Studies
Point 01
Three curricular components for educating professionals capable of meeting society’s needs
Japan is currently globalizing on two levels. Japanese companies are expanding into overseas markets, while the country is internationalizing from within. In order to meet the demands of both types of globalization, students need legal knowledge, problem-solving skills, English language abilities, and intercultural understanding.
-Practical communication skills -Legal problem-solving skills -Intercultural understandingPoint 02
An English curriculum unique to our department
We offer students courses that will help them acquire the four skills of English and study Japanese law in English as preparation for studying abroad, as well as English-taught courses in law, politics, culture, and business English for application and development after returning to Japan.
Point 03
Small, intensive classes from the first year
Starting in the first year, students receive individual instruction in small, intensive classes. The program provides a supportive learning environment for all students.
Point 04
All students study abroad in English-speaking countries
All students study abroad during the fall semester of their second year, learning English and the laws of a foreign country and furthermore experiencing different cultures through interpersonal contacts.
Point 05
Meiji Gakuin University’s unique financial support system for study abroad
All students studying abroad through the Department are eligible to receive the Curriculum Study Abroad Student Scholarship. This award facilitates study abroad through individual grants of 250,000 yen. (Please note that students studying abroad are also required to pay tuition fees to MGU.) Students may also apply for additional assistance from the Study Abroad Scholarship Fund from the Shirokane Law Association, the Faculty of Law’s alumni association. The Association awards 200,000 yen per student to twelve students, with three selected from each of the Faculty’s four departments. This fund provides additional assistance for law students stepping beyond Japan’s borders.
Program Structure
In the first year, students acquire academic literacy through small group work; they also develop communication skills through presentations and debates. While abroad in the fall semester of the second year, students study English, law, and culture in local contexts. Seminars offered in the third and fourth years teach students how to apply legal knowledge to issues in global society.
Topics
Introduction to Japanese Law
Using textbooks written in English, students learn legal English and acquire basic knowledge of Japanese law in international society. Students will also hone their intercultural communication skills.
Food Culture and Law
Students study domestic and international food cultures and consider international law as it relates to agricultural products, foodstuffs, and alcoholic beverages. Legal policies for maintaining and passing on food culture are also considered.
