グローバル社会専攻とは

The Graduate Program in Global Studies emphasizes inquiry into global processes in the contemporary world and their historical antecedents. Its English-taught curriculum combines the perspectives and methods of academic disciplines with the linguistic competencies and cross-cultural understandings of Japan and area studies.

The 28 faculty members have advanced degrees from leading universities around the world and are active in research and publishing. The curriculum is also supported by affiliated professors from other graduate programs in the university as well as adjunct professors. All together, these instructors represent about a dozen nationalities, ensuring a diversity of viewpoints and experiences.

Every semester up to 15 applicants are admitted to pursue an M.A. degree, as well as one or two Ph.D. candidates. The student body consists of Japanese and international students. In addition, a few Monbu-kagakusho Fellows are admitted each year as research students. The small number of students encourages close student-faculty interaction.

Four degrees are offered. The M.A. and Ph.D. in Global Studies focus on the study of global issues and processes from social science perspectives. The M.A. in International Business and Development Studies emphasizes the acquisition of analytical skills to deal with a range of contemporary global business and development problems, with a strong focus on Japan and Asia. The M.A. in Japanese Studies offers an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to the study of both historical and contemporary aspects of Japanese history, literature, religion, art history, society, and culture.

Each master's degree has two tracks that specify different graduation requirements. The credit track requires the completion of a graduation project while the thesis track requires the writing of a research thesis. All master's students enter the program on the credit track. Subsequent entry into the thesis track is contingent upon academic performance, availability of a supervisor for the proposed project, and successful defense of a thesis proposal.

The program's small scale, and the broad experience and research interests of faculty members enable flexible course selection. In consultation with faculty members, students select a range of courses designed to meet their individual interests and to further acquisition of specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.

While English is the language of instruction, the study of Japanese and other languages is encouraged. Graduate students may take advantage of the wide range of Japanese language courses offered through the undergraduate program. Graduate students with a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency as determined by a language placement examination may also take courses offered in Japanese as part of their studies.

Students have access to the university library system, which contains about one million volumes and 11,000 periodicals. The library has an especially rich collection of books and journals in English related to the study of Japan. Digital resources include extensive databases, e-journals, and search engines for journal and newspaper articles. Holdings from other universities can be obtained through inter-library loan, while the university's location in central Tokyo provides easy access to the National Diet Library and other external facilities.

The program draws on the resources of the Institute of Comparative Culture. The Institute's lecture series features leading scholars in Japan studies, and prominent international figures, such as Nobel Prize winners and heads of international organizations. It also sponsors research projects and seminars, such as "Civil Society and the Role of the University" and "Teaching Tokyo." These activities are an opportunity for graduate students and faculty members to come together in fruitful exchanges.

The program has its own computer facilities and provides students with on-campus lockers and space for storing materials. Gradute students can also use the university computing facilities, cafeterias, athletic facilities, and medical and counseling centers. As with urban universities generally in Japan, Sophia has limited dormitory space and most students live off-campus.