Department of International Studies

Addressing political, economic, and social problems from a global perspective to develop individuals who can contribute to world peace

In turbulent contemporary society, scholarship is growing more and more specialized. So in higher education there is an increasing need for a synthesis that can transcend past boundaries in order to tie things together. In the Department of International Studies, we promote personal growth and develop the student’s ability to think in courses that illuminate our increasingly complex society and that are taught by full-time faculties from various branches of the humanities and social sciences. We nurture students who have the ability to state their opinions logically based on intellectual curiosity and firm evidence; who have compassion for others, especially the disadvantaged; and who have a strong desire to understand other countries and work together with people of other cultures.

Curriculum overview

In the Department of International Studies, we have a curriculum that encompasses a variety of specialized fields and regional studies, with the aim being to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education that will serve as a foundation for success in a globalizing society.

In the first year, students build a learning foundation in basic courses taught in classes of about 40 and in basic seminars. From the second year, students continue their learning by focusing on one of six fields (peace research, environmental problems, multicultural society, comparative culture, international/comparative economics, or comparative politics). At the same time, they can also acquire both a trans-regional perspective and a deep understanding of specific regions by taking regional-studies courses.

We provide an English-language education program for the step-by-step acquisition of English language ability that can be put to use in an academic environment. In addition, there are many specialized courses taught in English as well as opportunities to study with exchange students from the University of California.

The Department of International Studies actively works to provide students with opportunities for off-campus learning. More than half of our seminars have practical training held off-campus over a period of about two weeks, and we also offer overseas internship programs held in cooperation with outside institutions.