» Message from the Department Chair | The Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin UniversityMessage from the Department Chair – The Faculty of International Studies at Meiji Gakuin University
Since its establishment in 1986, the Department of International Studies has aimed to cultivate the multifaceted and critical thinking skills necessary to thrive in the global society. Our goal has always been to develop the qualities and abilities essential for individuals living in the rapidly changing 21st century, characterized by the increased availability of new knowledge and information, and by technological innovation.
The Department of International Studies offers three specialized fields of study: Comparative Studies of Culture, Economics, and Political & Legal Studies. Additionally, there are three fields of study for exploring global issues: Multicultural Society, Environment, and Peace. Our flexible system of majors allows students to engage in interdisciplinary studies, such as combining Comparative Law and Politics with Peace Studies or delving into Environmental Issues while studying International and Comparative Economics. Students are encouraged to develop their own learning framework based on their interests, within this system of majors.
Furthermore, we provide small-group seminars from the first to the fourth year, where students and faculty engage in dialogue, deepen their thoughts, and develop the ability to discuss specific issues. Learning opportunity extends beyond the campus through field trips, internships, and study abroad programs. Finally, students’ four-year learning journey culminates in a graduation thesis.
Starting in the 2027 academic year, we will introduce a new curriculum. It emphasizes the interconnections and synergies among four key areas: “Linguistics and Cultural Studies”, “Global Economy Studies”, “Peace, Justice and Diversity Studies”, and “Regional, Local and Environmental Studies”. We provide a diverse team of faculty members specializing in various research fields and regions, waiting for you to join our vibrant global learning community.