Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies

International Cooperation, Security and Safety Course

• Research
• Education
• Careers after Graduation
• Features of the Course

After a practical at the graduate school International Cooperation, Security & Safety Course carries out theoretical, historical and practical studies aiming to contribute to the justice and the sustainability of the world.

After a practical at the graduate school

Problem Solving Approach for a Diversified Contemporary Society

This course underlines the importance of “problem solving approach”. Issues in human society can only be understood through multilayered perspectives, especially in the contemporary world that is increasingly getting more and more complicated. Therefore, collaborations and knowledge integration among various academic disciplines are necessary to deal with such various challenges.

For example, let us think about the goal of fostering industries and achieving a well-off and more equal society in a developing country. To realize this goal, one needs to learn not only about economics and managements, but also politics and welfare in that country. History and culture are also related; knowledge on the international relations, as well as technology and environmental studies are important. It is necessary to bridge wisdoms of these fields dynamically to scrutinize the related problems and draw solutions based on various considerations.

What can I learn in the International Cooperation Security & Safety Course?

In this course, we implement "integrated interdisciplinary approach,” the core spirit of our graduate school, to analyze contemporary society from various angles. Students can mainly study the following fields.

1. Major Fields of Study
   Political Science, Political Theory, Political Philosophy, International Relations, Area Studies, Social Welfare, History of Science and Technology, Policy of Science and Technology, Economic Geography, Industrial and Economics Theory, Management History, Military History, etc.
2. Integrating Research Methodologies
   To study the problems in the contemporary world in depth, multi-disciplinary approaches are required. In other words, one has to learn and acquire various theories and methods. For example, field research methodology is needed to understand specific circumstances of a certain issue. In addition, the abilities to investigate, evaluate, and interpret the historical materials appropriately are necessary to examine the historical backgrounds of the issue. Furthermore, students are expected to become familiar with different types of theories, philosophies and ideas to draw solutions for the specific issue. In this course, students would master a wide range of research methods.

Careers after Graduation

The graduates of our course choose multiple careers. There are many alumni who continue their research in academia, and work in national or private universities such as Nagoya University, Niigata University, Fukuoka University, etc. Some, mostly international graduates, work in universities outside of Japan. Others work in public service in national or local governments as well as in the business world, making use of interdisciplinary and problem solving approaches to deal with practical issues they face.

Features of the Course

There are some features that characterize International Cooperation, Security & Safety Course:

First, students can carry out researches that cross beyond boundaries of current academic disciplines using the problem-solving approach. Issues in the complicated contemporary society can hardly be confined to specific academic disciplines such as political science, economics or geography. Moreover, in many cases, a student is likely to reach a stalemate of research if he/she approaches only through theoretical studies (documentary analysis) or practical studies based on fieldworks. Comprehensive methods often help researchers to overcome those obstacles. In our course, you can learn various academic disciplines and research methods in a flexible manner.

Second, the course has many unique faculty members outstanding in their own fields. It is necessary to see things from multiple aspects in order to understand and examine the issues of the complicated world today. In this course, students can take classes and receive guidance from the faculty members with various backgrounds. Some faculties are involved in policy formation process in Japan, while others are actively providing their own opinions in media. Students also have many opportunities to think about the social significance of their own research.

With Professor E. Vogel of Harvard University, a famous researcher of East Aslan Societies. (September, 2013) Professor Vogel is smiles while listening to the students’ research reports.

Third, we have established a comprehensive and systematic package for students to facilitate and support their education and research under the common principle of the Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society. To name a few, there are (1) tutorial system for the introductory period, (2) advisory committee for each student that normally consists of three or four faculty members, (3) portfolio system to manage students’ research progress online, and (4) academic conference presentation support project that provides financial support for students to participate and present in academic conferences.
In addition to these, faculty members also make their own efforts to advise students. Please do not hesitate to contact them directly.

The Academic Exchange with our partner university, East China Normal University. The Party after the seminar with Professor D. Miller, a political philosopher in England.

Faculty List