overview(College of International Relations)

The College of International Relations was established in April 1988 to meet the demands of the time when our world was becoming more and more interconnected and the role of Japan and Japanese people in international economy and society was increasingly important. Our target is firstly progress of general and academic study and education over political, economic and cultural fields. Secondly, evolution of area study which is based on Japan with global view. Thirdly, Nourishing the practical language ability which is useful in international field.

Fresher's target is hold of problem with broad view through general education and understanding of present global problems through small group lecture called basic seminar. From sophomore, students divide into "International Order & Peace Course", "International Cooperation & Development Course" and "International Cultural Understanding Course" to meet the future needs which they are interested in, and that enable to take the organic lectures. This system reorganize the old disciplines of "politics and law", "economics and business administration", and "culture and society". This aim is bring up not "generalist" but "professional on international relations" with high Specialty.

To meet the social needs which call for high language skill and computer management ability, we have solid program, for instance "minor subject" to study special language intensively, and lots of "computer literacy subjects" Our students have the chance of various experience which isn't prepossessed with book learning, for example "Global Simulation Gaming" which each students impersonate the international actor and simulate the international movement, and "Internship" for international organizations, NGOs, multinational corporations, and media. We also have massive program for students overseas to foreign universities all over the world and many students studies abroad every year.

In 1998, "International Administration Course" was founded to the three courses for the students to be diplomat. In 2000, International Institute was established expecting internationalization throughout Ritsumeikan University, and we progress to nourish the talents leading the internationalization with "Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University" which half of students is overseas students.