University

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department of International Communication

The Department of International Communication seeks to cultivate students who can understand the complex changes in global society and can respond positively, with a global perspective. Based on this objective, the curriculum has been constructed so that students may acquire the specialized knowledge and broad learning education necessary to become independent, internationally-minded women:

Classes are offered in the areas of international relations, globalization, and intercultural understanding (regional studies). In the classes on international relations, students examine issues relating to today's complex international society from multiple perspectives, including politics, economy, security, and international organizations. In the classes on globalization, students examine the various phenomena of globalization from perspectives such as gender, culture, media, and thought. In the classes on intercultural understanding (regional studies), students use their understanding of Japanese culture and history as a basis for examining the culture and history of various regions, including Asia, the Middle East, North and South America, and Europe.

Many classes aim to develop students' ability to communicate in English. English education classes include basic classes for re-learning the fundamentals of English, advanced classes that aim at a high level of English language competence, and classes that help students prepare for overseas study. Students also have the opportunity to study issues relating to politics, international problems, gender, and the United States in English. In particular, overseas study programs have been incorporated into the curriculum, and all students have the opportunity to participate in overseas language study programs in the second half of their second year. Through language study that raises their communication abilities and through the experience of internships and fieldwork overseas, students learn how to live and participate actively in foreign countries.

All students in the Department of International Communication participate in small seminar classes from their first through their fourth year. Through intellectual exchanges with their seminar professors, students develop their capacity for problem-solving and logical thought. In their fourth year, they complete their university education by writing a graduation thesis.