Kanazawa University School of International Studies website.Kanazawa University School of International Studies website.

Curriculum

  1. Home
  2. Kanazawa University School of International Studies website
  3. Curriculum
  4. Area Studies Domain

Area Studies Domain

This program is focused on fostering a deep understanding of regions throughout the world. This includes Japan and East Asia. The program also aims to educate and prepare internationally minded individuals who are knowledgeable about the diversity of the world. There are four available courses. Most of these courses are conducted in Japanese but some are conducted in English. These are as follows: English Speaking Studies, English Speaking Studies (in English), European Studies, and Asia Japan Studies.

English Studies Program

In this program, students learn about issues across the English-speaking world and about how to build bridges between different cultures. English, as the main international language, is being used more and more to communicate with people of different nationalities and ethnicities. By learning about issues across the broad “English-speaking world”, we aim to hone the knowledge and skills necessary for intercultural communication and to foster students who can flexibly respond to changes in the international community.

Philosophical and Educational goals of the program

Students will acquire a detailed knowledge of the English-speaking world from the perspectives of history, cultural anthropology, literature, and culture. The students analyze the histories, societies, and cultures of English-speaking countries, and participate in practical training classes on how to use English. The program provides the necessary intellectual foundations and abilities with which students can become global citizens who wish to work and co-operate with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Program content and schedule
The First Year An Introduction to International Studies (in English), General Education subjects, and Japanese Culture (in English).
The Second, Third, and Fourth Years American and British Media Culture, American and British Politics and Diplomacy, American and British Studies, Graduation Thesis research, In-depth study of specific subjects, Language Training Overseas, Research Guidance, Studying Abroad, Theories regarding English-speaking cultures
Available qualifications

1) Bachelor of International Studies

2) Junior High School Teacher’s License (for Japanese, English, and/or Social Studies, English)

3) Senior High School Teacher’s License (for Civics, English, and / or Japanese)

4) Japanese Education (Major)

How the program system and its courses work

In the second year [WHAT ABOUT THE FIRST YEAR AS WELL?], students study across multiple programs, and acquire a foundational knowledge of English and of the workings of the international community. This is done through such classes as “Global Topics in English” and “US-British Cultural Relations.” Students not only broaden their knowledge of other cultures. They also acquire perspectives of their own culture. In addition, the students participate in short-term language training, gain intensive experience of English-speaking societies, and acquire cross-cultural negotiation skills. In the third year and afterwards, students take a wide range of specialized classes and subjects. These include “American and British Studies”, “American and British Media Culture”, “American and British Politics and Diplomacy”, and “Cultures of the English-speaking World.” About half of all the program’s students will also study abroad. By continuing to study a specific field under the supervision of an academic advisor, students will also deepen their specialized understanding and develop the skills necessary for research. Students decide on the theme of their graduation thesis in consultation with their academic advisors, and complete their studies within the program by writing a thesis in their final year.

Courses that characterize the program
“American and British Studies” Second, Third, and Fourth Year students select topics related to the culture and socio-political life of the United States and Great Britain and then examine them from the perspective of history, society, and culture
“American and British Media Culture” Second, Third, and Fourth Year students focus on the history of queer and LGBT films. Students also develop the ability to analyze various differences and commonalities such as body, race, and sexuality through film analysis.
“US-British Politics and Diplomacy” Second, Third, and Fourth Year students examine the history of US-UK relations from the perspective of politics, diplomacy, and economics.
“Theories regarding English-speaking Culture” Second, Third, and Fourth Year students analyze and discuss literary and cultural texts in the English-speaking world from a specific perspective which is determined in each academic year.
Specialized Subjects within the Program
A Message from a Faculty Member
Professor David Kiyoshi Abe (Specialist subjects: Anthropology and Sociology).

I hope that students will become graduates who can play an active role in the world by strengthening the following three abilities. The first is the ability to communicate in English. English is instrumental to interacting with the outside world. The second is academic and intellectual skills that allow graduates to perceive changes within and between the US, the UK, and the international community. Such skills will expand students’ future career opportunities.
The third is having a sound knowledge of Japan. Without a solid knowledge of Japanese politics, economy, and culture, it is difficult for graduates to possess the necessary perspectives to analyze the outside world. We teachers will do our best to support you to acquire and improve these abilities.

European Studies Program

In this program, students learn about Europe from multiple perspectives and cultivate a more international appreciation of Europe and its diverse cultures, languages, and nationalities. Today’s global society is a complicated one in which various values co-exist with each other.
Understanding and examining Europe, which is composed of numerous ethnic groups and a diverse range of societies and cultures, provides students with a wealth of suggestions and insights. This program aims to educate students through the study of European languages, cultures, politics, economics, history, etc. from multiple perspectives, and to cultivate internationally minded individuals who will play an active future role in the international community.

Philosophical and Educational goals of the program

Students will deepen their understanding of Europe and its numerous regions through various research methods in the humanities and social sciences. In addition to learning and practicing English (and other European languages), students acquire the ability to grasp the current situation in Europe from multiple perspectives. The program also addresses issues vis-à-vis Europe such as human rights, welfare, tourism, and the environment.

Program content and schedule
The First Year An Introduction to International Studies (in English), General Education subjects, and Japanese Culture (in English)
The Second, Third, and Fourth Years Graduation Thesis research, A History of French Literature, A History of German Literature, In-depth study of specific subjects regarding Europe as well as Africa, Language Training Overseas, Research Guidance, Theories regarding Modern European Society, and Studying Abroad
Available qualifications

1) Bachelor of International Studies

2) Junior High School Teacher’s License (for Japanese, English, and/or Social Studies, English)

3) Senior High School Teacher’s License (for Civics, English, and / or Japanese)

4) Japanese Education (Major)

How the program system and its courses work

In the first and second semester of the first year, students study general education and interdisciplinary subjects as well as “An Introduction to International Studies.” These classes include classes taught in English. By taking these courses, students can acquire some of the skills needed to proceed to more specialized subjects in the School.

In the second year, students will mainly study some of the core subjects of the program. This includes a foreign language or languages. Students are also encouraged to participate in short-term language training (in English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) during the summer vacation.
Lecture classes in “European Culture”, “European History”, and “European Society” are also offered, thus providing students with the opportunity to pursue “Area Studies” if they are interested.

In the third year, students deepen their knowledge of area studies through more specialized seminar-style courses such as “European Society”, “European History”, and “European Culture.” We also offer short-term (half a year or one year) study abroad opportunities for motivated students. Our university has signed study abroad exchange agreements with a large number of European universities, so please do not hesitate to participate in our study abroad programs. In the final year, students will take several specialized program subjects in preparation for completing their graduation thesis. The program’s teachers will carefully guide the students through the graduation thesis writing process.

Courses that characterize the program
“An Overview of Modern Western History” Students will learn about how international relations in modern Europe developed and were formed in a regional context where not a single superpower but multiple medium-sized nations have maintained their own cultures and languages.
“Special Lecture on European Society” By reading texts and literary works written in German on various issues facing modern Germany (especially immigration issues), students will improve their German language skills and deepen their understanding of the German-speaking world.
“European History Special Lecture” Using active learning methods, such as students making videos and fictitious exhibition catalogs, this class examines issues such as European art, tourism, food, etc.
“Theories regarding life in Europe” Students can learn directly about the current situation and life in Europe from people who have actually lived and worked there.
“Contemporary European Society” Three full-time faculty members will introduce the “present situation” in German-speaking, French-speaking, Italian-speaking, and Spanish-speaking regions and countries within Europe.
“An Overview of Europe and Africa” Students will learn about the global situation related to Africa, Africans, and people of African descent through the music of each region [ONLY MUSIC?] while examining multilingual sources of information (in English, French, and Japanese).
Specialized Subjects within the Program
A Message from a Faculty Member
Professor Morihisa Ishiguro (Specialist subjects: European Studies, Italian Studies, Renaissance Studies).

It goes without saying that capitalism, democracy, and liberalism are foundational principles and systems that have greatly contributed to the modern world we live in today. It cannot be denied that such systems were first created in Europe in centuries past. For Japanese people and other non-European peoples, it is insightful and educational to learn from European history, and how capitalism, democracy, and liberalism relate to other countries and regions. In this program, we study European history and how these principles and systems work and influence the development of Europe. In addition, Europe, and especially the European Union (EU), plays a leading international role in funding and supporting institutions that address important global issues such as human rights, human welfare, the environment, and diversity. Europe is thus still a very important region in terms of creativity and productivity. Students still have a lot to learn from how Europe works and what influences the region. As such, by studying Europe, you will enhance your understanding of the world and of how the international community works.

Asia-Japan Studies Program

In this program, students learn about Japan and Asia, and how the country and region are inter-related. The diverse peoples, political systems, languages, and cultures of the region are examined, and students benefit from acquiring a greater understanding of the region and of the importance of international exchange and mutual respect. As relations between Japan and Asian countries have deepened in various fields, it is becoming more and more necessary to learn about the diversity of Asia and of Japan’s role in the region. The Asia-Japan Studies Program aims to foster students who will be useful in future international exchanges and diplomacy between Japan and other Asian countries.

Philosophical and Educational goals of the program

We analyze various Asian regions including Japan using various approaches related to the humanities and social sciences. Students study, compare, and examine the societies and cultures of a wide number of Asian countries, including Japan. The languages of certain Asian countries are also studied. Through this program, students acquire a specialized knowledge of the subjects.

Program content and schedule
The First Year An Introduction to International Studies (in English), General Education subjects, and Japanese Culture (in English)
The Second, Third, and Fourth Years An Economic History of Asia, Graduation Thesis research, In-depth study of specialized educational subjects such as “An Overview of Japanese History”, Japanese Philosophy and Religion, Language Training Overseas, Theories regarding modern China, Research Guidance, and Studying Abroad.
Available qualifications

1) Bachelor of International Studies

2) Junior High School Teacher’s License (for Japanese, English, and/or Social Studies, English)

3) Senior High School Teacher’s License (for Civics, English, and / or Japanese)

4) Japanese Education (Major)

How the program system and its courses work

In the first and second semesters of the first year, students take core subjects such as “Introduction to International Studies” and “Japanese Culture.” These include so-called “E-courses” which are taught in English. By taking these courses, students can acquire some of the skills needed to proceed to more specialized subjects in the School.

When entering the second year, students study multiple programs across various fields, and improve their proficiency in English and other foreign languages. By taking these courses, students will broaden their knowledge of the societies and cultures of Japan and other Asian countries and regions.

If you major in the Asia-Japan Studies Program when you enter the third year, you can deepen your knowledge of each field by taking further specialized education courses. You can also enhance your understanding of academic research methods if you participate in faculty seminars. Students will learn how to explore issues that interest them and how to analyze those topics of interest in a graduation thesis. Students conclude their studies in the Asia-Japan Studies Program by conducting theoretical and empirical research and analysis in the form of a final year graduation thesis. The overseas language training and short-term study abroad programs can be studied as specific subjects in this program.

Courses that characterize the program
“An Overview of Japanese History” Students acquire a foundational knowledge of Japanese history and culture, and learn about research perspectives and methods that will help students to acquire a deeper understanding of the subjects contained within the class.
“A History of International Exchange in East Asia” Using the Hokuriku region of Japan as a model, the “History of International Exchange in East Asia” class considers the relationships between Japan and the outside world. In this class, we aim to acquire historical perspectives and ideas that are not bound by national boundaries or frameworks, as well as perspectives and knowledge about Asia that are useful for students who are eager to understand Japan today.
“Theories regarding Modern China” In this class, students learn about the history (including the political history) of China, a powerful state with which Japan has a close relationship across numerous fields (history, politics, economics, culture etc.). The class mainly covers the period from the mid-1800s until the present day. At the end of the course, students will have acquired a satisfactory knowledge and understanding of China.
Specialized Subjects within the Program