Over the century since its founding, Sophia University has built an organization and body of know-how for enhancing global competency—an educational system based on specialized study and language skills, back-up structure for study abroad, and other supports—premised on values and perspectives shared with people around the world. Making full use of the accumulated experience of 100 years of global education, Sophia educates people who are “internationally intelligent and public-minded” through the efficient, effective cultivation of perspectives and theories that understand the world three-dimensionally.
Understanding the World Three-dimensionally
Research and education at FGS is aimed at gaining an in-depth grasp of the globalized world through the pursuit of Global Studies, integrating the fields of International Relations theory and Area Studies.
Global Studies unique to Sophia University
As a study International Relations tends in its approach to adopt an all-inclusive global perspective, but areas where individual problems arise are largely local. Likewise, Area Studies has an outlook generally focused on local areas and regions, though most local issues are linked in diverse ways to global phenomena. Thus, by combining the two we acquire an insight that is both immediate and three-dimensional.
International Relations Sophia-Style
At FGS International Relations is interdisciplinary, and yet simultaneously, it actively incorporates everything linked to globalization. In other words, it inquires into the problems of globalization across the widespread fields of politics, economics, and society (Globalization and Politics; Globalization and Economics; Social Sciences of Globalization), and tackles themes directly related to globalization (Global Governance; Globalization and Civil society; Globalization and Developing Economies), as well as nations and international organizations that play leading roles in forming the global order (United States, China, the United Nations).
Area Studies Sophia-Style
Area Studies at FGS is experience-oriented. It urges students to delve deep into people’s lives, as well as their regional cultures, politics, and economics. The subjects of study are not limited to Japan but include the other parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East as well, areas now transforming into engines of world growth. (Students are granted the option of pursuing studies concerning North America, Latin America, Europe, and Russia-Eurasia as well, by registering for courses offered by the Faculty of Foreign Studies).
Studying with Competence, Tenacity, and a deep sense of Inquiry
At FGS, each student has the liberty to choose from a wide range of classes, depending on the individual’s interests and concerns. Yet, a highly diversified and well-structured curriculum, as well as the backing of a highly professional faculty will support your choices.
An Opportunity to learn and Freedom to choose from a wide range of Options
At Sophia we encourage interdisciplinary learning through the selection of courses transcending faculty lines. FGS students can opt for courses offered in the Faculty of Foreign Studies and the Faculty of Liberal Arts, and credits so earned will be counted towards their degree. They can also opt for courses at other Sophia Faculties.
FGS actively supports study abroad as part of the university course. Students in their second, third, and fourth years, are also provided a framework whereby they can engage in fieldwork, internship, and so on in a variety of organizations, as Independent Study. These options will assist them in pursuing a study that is in line with their future interests and aspirations.
A Copious and well-structured Curriculum
FGS offers an abundant array of courses under the disciplines of International Relations and Area Studies. These comprise four different fields, namely International Politics, Civil Society and International Cooperation, Asian Studies, and Middle Eastern/African Studies.
Courses offered are divided into four levels, namely introductory, basic, specialized and applied study, in accordance with the progression of the study and the specialty. They are numbered from 100 to the 400 levels, in the same manner as conducted in the United States and Europe with reference to higher education.
Students are at liberty to choose from this curriculum in accordance with the future careers they desire to pursue, as well as vary the emphasis of their study (that is, major, sub-major, and minor).
A Highly Professional Faculty conversant with both Theory and Practice
The lavish curriculum and wide-ranging choice of opportunities for learning can realize their potential only through the devoted efforts of both students and staff members. At FGS, faculty members imbued with cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and skilled in fieldwork and collaboration with international organizations and NGOs, work closely with students on a person-to-person basis. The commitment and enthusiasm of the FGS faculty is one of its major assets.
