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. Students learn legal problem-solving skills, practical communication skills, and intercultural understanding. A second-year study abroad component helps students enhance their language skills and acquire 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 1
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 2
Original English-language curriculum
The Department’s English education program includes pre-study abroad courses that emphasize the four skills of language acquisition, as well as courses on Japanese law taught in English. After returning from study abroad, students apply what they have learned and further enhance their knowledge through courses taught in English on law, politics, culture, and business.
Point 3
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 4
All students study abroad in an English-speaking country
All students in the Department study abroad in the fall semester of the second year. While overseas, they study the local legal system and experience the local culture using English.
Point 5
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 their 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.
Our Graduates
Graduates of this newly-established department can expect to find employment in a wide range of fields, including domestic and international business, travel, civil and public service, journalism and broadcasting, and the legal profession. Students can apply their legal knowledge and English abilities by working at foreign-owned manufacturers, trading companies, financial institutions, and IT companies. Overseas experience will help graduates pursue careers as domestic or international civil servants and as staff with international NGOs. Students can also use their linguistic skills and broad-based legal knowledge to find work in the airline industry, media, and similar fields. Options in the legal field include careers as lawyers specializing in international issues or as administrative or judicial scriveners.
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.
International Human Rights Law
Students learn the history of international human rights law. We also consider issues in human rights law as they relate to cultures, religions, and ethnic groups around the world.