Department of Economics

Developing an understanding of economic systems and nurturing individuals who can solve difficult problems.

Modern society rests upon a foundation of vast economic activity encompassing product and service production, product exchange in the marketplace, and consumption. It is the role of economics to clarify the fundamental economic principles that operate in this complex economic system. In the Department of Economics, starting from the study of economic fundamentals, students cultivate economic viewpoints and ways of thinking. Through their studies, they strive to develop the ability to understand changing social phenomena from an economic perspective and to independently select methods for solving problems.

Curriculum overview

Economics is an extremely broad discipline, extending from history to theory. As an introduction to specialized courses they will study in subsequent years, first-year students take courses in the fundamentals of economics. In the second year, students begin their more specialized study by choosing from two courses. The Course in Public Policy deepens the student’s knowledge of economic theory; the Course in Global Economics addresses a variety of real-world problems. Students also have the option of not joining either of these specialized course groups, and instead pursuing a broad range of economic studies by selecting suitable courses from both areas of specialization. There are also courses that enhance the student’s information literacy and personal computer skills through practical training in gathering and analyzing information using the Internet.

From year three, students engage in research through discussion of specialized areas in seminars consisting of small classes of only about ten people. In the fourth year, they prepare a graduation thesis.

Other special features of the department include practical training (internships in which students experience working at a company, faculty-led field study abroad, etc.), an emphasis on foreign-language and computer skill acquisition, and a system of grade skipping for early admission to graduate school. When added to the study of specialized areas, these other courses and systems enable students to acquire a broad-based education. This kind of education will serve them well in their future employment activities and career decisions.