Department of Global Legal Studies
Department of Juridical Studies
Department of Current Legal Studies
Department of Global Legal Studies
Department of Political Science
Legal studies to bridge Japan and the world
The Global Legal Studies Department prepares students for careers on the global stage. In addition to learning legal problem solving, students develop practical communication skills and the capacity to understand other cultures. A second-year study abroad component helps students enhance their language skills and acquire a real-world understanding of the cultures and laws of other countries. The Department seeks highly motivated students eager to study law across national borders.Department of Global Legal Studies
Key Features of the Department of Global Legal Studies
Point 01
Three curricular components designed to help students meet the demands of global society
Japan is currently globalizing on two levels. As Japanese companies expand into overseas markets, the country is also rapidly internationalizing on an internal level. The Department prepares students to meet the demands of both types of globalization by offering a curriculum that blends legal knowledge, problem-solving skills, English communication skills, and intercultural understanding.
-Legal problem-solving skills -Practical communication skills -Intercultural understandingPoint 02
Original English-language curriculum
The pre-study abroad curriculum consists of two parts: English courses that stress the four skills and courses that give students the opportunity to study Japanese law in English. Third- and Fourth-year courses taught in English are designed to help students apply what they have learned overseas while also acquiring new knowledge. Topics include law, politics, culture, and business English.
Point 03
Small, intensive classes from the first year
Starting in the first year, students receive individual instruction in small, intensive courses. The program provides a supportive learning environment for all students.
Point 04
All students study abroad
All students in study abroad in the fall semester of their second year. While overseas, they study the local legal system and English, meet new people, and experience other cultures.
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 Grant. This award facilitates study abroad through individual grants of 250,000 yen. (Please note that students studying abroad are required to pay tuition fees to MGU during the semester abroad.) 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
Small-group introductory seminars are offered in the first year. Stressing academic literacy, these courses are specifically designed to help students develop their communication skills through oral presentations and debates. All students in the Department study abroad in the fall semester of their second year. While overseas, they study the local legal system and English—all while experiencing the local culture. In the third and fourth years, students enroll in seminars designed to help them use their legal knowledge to tackle global society’s most pressing problems.
Topics
Introduction to Japanese Law
Students use textbooks written in English to learn legal English and acquire a basic knowledge of Japanese law in international society while improving their communication skills.
Food Culture and Law
Students learn about food culture in Japan and overseas, as well as laws related to agricultural products, food, and alcoholic beverages. Legal policies designed to protect food culture are also considered.