Asian Area Studies Program

Master's program

Considering the recent global situation in which the globalization of politics and economies and the pursuit and reinforcement of ethnic identity and national identity are spreading in a complicated manner, the master's program aims to develop individuals who have a global perspective regarding modern values and a sufficient understanding of the revival of traditional society in Asia at the same time. Following the above purpose, students are given an opportunity to study problems in Asian regions with focus on "The Modernization of Asia" and "The Revival of Traditional Society in Asia."
The curriculum was revised in 2009 to the following: to promote research based on disciplines. Academic discipline systems were categorized into social sciences and human sciences, and these categories were further divided into six majors, namely political study, economic study, and social study for the former category, and historical study, cultural study, and artistic study for the latter category. This curriculum aims to allow students to empirically study a group of problems common to Asia and deepen their understanding. For program courses, in addition to seminar courses, two lecture courses are provided per major (12 lecture courses in total). In addition, related courses are also provided, such as "Area Survey Methodology." Moreover, we are actively encouraging students to study in their research target countries and conduct fieldwork.

Doctor's program

Based on the two viewpoints in the master's program "Modernization of Asia" and "Revival of Traditional Society in Asia," the doctor's program explores more specifically the dynamism and traditional norms of Asia, which is becoming more energetic.
The curriculum for the doctor's program was also revised in 2009 to the following: to promote research based on disciplines. Academic discipline systems were categorized into social sciences and human sciences, and these categories were further divided into six majors, namely political study, economic study, and social study for the former category, and historical study, cultural study, and artistic study for the latter category. This curriculum aims to allow students to "participate in seminars" and "create research papers" under the supervision of instructing staff, empirically study a group of problems common to Asia, and deepen their understanding. In addition, by enriching its practical educational methods through students' active participation in fieldwork, overseas study and training, and joint research projects, the doctor's program aims to develop individuals with high-level expertise and practical skills who can actively work in Asia and internationally, and secure students awarded a doctor's degree who can be recognized globally.