First Year:
Increasing Knowledge of International Relations
Through the courses International Relations I and II, students study themes such
as globalization and culture and racial disputes, these giving them grounding in the
theory of International Relations. Additionally, overseas students take Japanese
language courses to improve their Japanese ability and understanding of
Japanese society.

Second Year:
Specialized Courses and Encouraging Advanced Specialization
Students enroll into specialized courses, gradually advancing to specialized levels
in the fields of law, politics, economics, culture, environment, trade and education.
Students also take part in Global Simulation Gaming sessions, involving current
international issues. They also take part in group research.

Global Simulation Gaming
A simulation project in which students choose global problems such as the
greenhouse effect or racial conflicts and simulate the policy making decisions of
international society such as United Nations. Students play the role of leaders of
countries, international organizations, or the media.

Third Year:
Building of Practical skills and Developing Independent Research Skills
through Seminars
Students take part in study and research through internship programs, either
through a program arranged by the Faculty of International Relations or through
overseas internships. In addition, small group seminars are held in which students
choose their own independent research projects, with international themes.
Outstanding research is presented by students in special open seminars to
company representatives or international institutions.

Overseas Internship Program
This unique program allows students to take part in field work in factories or
undertake cultural activities in other Asian nations, such asTaiwan, theRepublic
ofKorea, Thailandand thePhilippines. Students are required to submit a report
upon the completion of the program.

Fourth Year:
Thesis
As part of developing their research ability, students are required to submit a thesis.
In addition, students are able to apply for courses offered by theGraduateSchool.
In their final year, students are encouraged to begin seeking work in international
organizations or the civil service.

Graduate School:
Increasing Knowledge in Professional Fields and Developing Research Skills
Graduates students are able to take an internship program or overseas research in
addition to their courses research and specialty courses. Students are also able to
apply for the Dual Master’s Degree Program withAmericanUniversity; a unique
program allows them to spend a year at Ritsumeikan and a year atAmerican
University. Upon the successful completion of the program, students earn master’s
degrees from both institutions.


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