Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you provide a simple explanation regarding the structure of the curriculum?
In their first year, all students study International Relations and Area Studies in order to gain a rudimentary understanding and analytical skills, from both the global and local standpoints. In parallel, students lay their academic footing by selectively taking basic courses presenting the character of the globalized world, from the academic standpoints of political science, economics, sociology, cultural anthropology, and so on.
In their second year students begin to take some specialized courses, and during the autumn semester they begin to decide exactly what fields within International Relations (International Politics, Civil Society/International Cooperation), and what fields of Area Studies (Asian Studies or Middle East/African Studies) would constitute their major and minor (or sub-major). They are also urged to pursue some independent study, wherein they undertake some fieldwork or on-site research pertaining to globalization.
During their third year, students continue taking courses on specialized subjects, participate in seminars, and decide on a topic for their research project, and during their fourth year, students complete their graduation thesis or research, or specialized thesis or research.
