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 in the twenty-first century and the international environment undergoes dramatic changes, the Department of Global and Transcultural Studies is educating students who will excel in the global arena. The Department attracts students from Japan and other countries and offers a cosmopolitan environment. Our program develops advanced cross-cultural communication skills based on English proficiency, an interdisciplinary approach required for an accurate understanding of 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
Program Structure
Topics
Admission Policy
Key Features of the Department of Global and Transcultural Studies
Point 01
A curriculum that develops global human resources
The Department of Global and Transcultural Studies offers a curriculum based on an interdisciplinary approach designed to give an accurate understanding of today’s global society. We foster global citizens who can flourish in careers with international agencies, global NGOs, and multinational corporations, or in fields such as journalism and the mass media.
Point 02
In principle, all classes are taught in English
The Department of Global and Transcultural Studies provides intensive English language education from the time of enrollment so that all students can pursue specialized studies in English. Subsequently, a wide range of courses—including lectures, seminars, and practical classes—are offered in English.
Point 03
Academic advisors provide support for long-term study abroad and internships in Japan and overseas
Under the academic advisor system, each student is assigned a faculty member who advises them on their learning program and can also help them create a plan for long-term study abroad and internships in Japan or overseas.
Point 04
The opportunity to attain a double degree from two universities
Under the double degree program, students in the Department may earn bachelor’s degrees from both Meiji Gakuin University and San Francisco State University. It takes five years on average to earn both bachelor’s degrees, including around two and a half years of study abroad.
Point 05
Internships that develop global competencies
The term “global competencies” refers to the skills, abilities and attitudes that enable individuals to work in a globalized society. Through internships in Japan and overseas, students acquire the ability to work alongside people with different values, and to think independently, solve any problems that may arise, and keep their stress levels under control.
Point 06
Our students come from diverse backgrounds
In addition to many students from Japan, the Department includes many who have foreign nationalities, who grew up abroad, and who studied at international schools in Japan. There are also exchange students from universities around the world. Our faculty members, too, have diverse backgrounds. In every class, students can thus experience a multicultural learning environment in a culturally and linguistically diverse community of faculty and students.
Program Structure
In the first three semesters after admission, students choose introductory courses in the four fields of culture, society, politics and economics to acquire basic knowledge and academic skills. This equips them to receive authentic specialized education at various universities worldwide. From the fourth semester onward, our students receive a specialized education in Japan and abroad. They also participate in overseas study and internships that may help them to shape their future careers.
Topics
Transcultural Studies
- Focusing on transnational cultural exchange
This introductory course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of human communication. Using examples of transculturalism, they explore the creative process of accommodating imported ideas and look at interactions between cultures. Studying this theme leads them to an understanding of how concepts such as boundaries, culture, the state, society, and civilization are constructed.
Labor Market in the Global Economy
- Analyzing changes in the global labor market
In this course, students first thoroughly study the basic theories of labor economics, and then engage in active discussions based on the latest research and data analysis. Specifically, they explore important themes such as education gaps, gender wage gaps, minimum wages, and immigration, and examine structural changes in the global labor market, as well as its true nature, while comparing and analyzing the systems and policies of various countries.