Department of Global and
Transcultural Studies

Department of International Studies
Department of Global and Transcultural Studies

Take Yourself Across the World

As society becomes increasingly globalized and the international environment undergoes dramatic changes, the Department of Global and Transcultural Studies is fostering individuals who will excel on the twenty-first century global stage. Students from around the world contribute to the Department’s international atmosphere, participating in a program that develops advanced intercultural communication skills based on English proficiency, interdisciplinary perspectives necessary for understanding contemporary society, and the practical skills to actively contribute to solving a wide range of problems.

Department of Global and Transcultural Studies

Key Features of the Department of Global and Transcultural Studies

Point 01
A curriculum that fosters a global workforce

Students who complete the Department’s interdisciplinary curriculum have the ability to accurately understand contemporary global society and to succeed in careers with international agencies and NGOs, multinational corporations, media companies, and many other employers.

Point 02
Classes taught in English

The Department of Global and Transcultural Studies provides thorough English language education from the time of admission so that all students can receive specialized education in English. Subsequently, students may choose from some 66 lecture classes and 15 seminars taught in English across a wide range of subjects.

Point 03
Academic advisors provide support for study abroad and internships

Under the academic advisor system, each student is assigned a faculty member who advises them on their learning plans can also help them create a plan for long-term study abroad and internships within Japan or overseas.

Point 04
The opportunity to attain a dual degree from two universities

Students in the Department may attain bachelor’s degrees from both Meiji Gakuin University and San Francisco State University. The program takes about four-and-a-half years, including about two years of study abroad.

Point 05
Internships that foster global competency

“Global competency” refers to the skills and attitudes that enable individuals to work in the globalized world. Through domestic and overseas internships, students gain the ability to work alongside people with different values, think independently, solve problems, and control their stress.

Point 06
Students enroll from diverse backgrounds

The Department includes students with foreign nationalities, students who grew up abroad, students who studied at international schools in Japan, and exchange students from universities around the world. Our faculty too have diverse backgrounds. Students can thus experience a multicultural environment with students and faculty from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Program Structure

In the first three semesters after admission, students choose an introductory lecture in one of the two fields of cultural society or political economy to acquire basic knowledge and academic skills. This will allow students to pursue dedicated specialty education at various universities worldwide. From the fourth semester onward, our students learn specialized education in Japan and abroad. They also participate in internships that will help to shape their future careers.

Topics

Environmental Politics in Japan and East Asia

This course focuses on differences between East Asian and Northern European countries regarding their speed and efficiency in realizing renewable energy deployment and economic decarbonization. We will analyze political, economic, and social factors hindering the spread of renewable energy in Japan and other countries along with those accelerating its spread in some other countries.

Translation and Interpretation B

This is a practical course for students considering a career in translation or interpretation. Course B focuses on Japanese–English translation and interpretation, while Course A focuses on English–Japanese translation and interpretation.

Where Our Graduates Are Now (2020-2022)

Faculty of International Studies Original Site