Area Studies

GSIR provides a wide range of area studies courses to our MA students. It is perhaps a paradox that globalization requires us to pay more attention to what is happening in local communities; on the one hand, the rise of global issues demands the deepening of global governance, but, on the other, the building of effective global governance requires a deeper understanding of local dynamics at the national and social levels. Ignoring the locality is not only problematic but also dangerous for students of International Relations, who are expected to be drivers of peace and prosperity across the world, hence we highlight Area Studies as a significant component of our IR program.

Area Studies

[Japanese based program]

Japanese Studies, East Asian Studies, South East Asian Studies, African Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, American Studies, European Studies, Special Lecture on Area Studies

[English based program]

East Asian Studies, South East Asian Studies, South Asian Studies, European Studies, African Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, American Studies, Special Lecture on Area Studies

Learning in practice with international students from various cultures and backgrounds

In addition to acquiring practical skills through training courses offered in English, students will be able to study together with international students.

Professional Training
With Japanese Perspective

This program provides an unique opportunity of field trip around Kyoto to learn about challenges and innovations for the local development.

Research Training

This course is designed to enhance students’ research competency. In addition to instructors’ research guidance sessions, students can take part in research projects run by faculty members. Participating in such research projects will provide effective opportunities to learn how to pursue research in the field of International Relations as well as how to manage collaborative research, workshops, and symposiums.

DMDP - Obtain Two Master’s
Degree in Two Years

The DMDP (Dual master’s degree Program) allows students to study for one year at Ritsumeikan and one year at one of our partner institutions and be awarded two master’s degrees upon completion of their studies. Students pay significantly less in tuition than when they study independently.

  • American University
    U.S | Washington D.C.
  • University of East Anglia
    U.K. | Norwich

Being on the front lines of the international on campus

We offer classes with visiting professors who are active in the international community. In addition, we have invited prominent researchers from Japan and abroad to share their valuable insights with students. The GSIR offers many opportunities to be exposed to the front lines of international relations studies.

Guest Speakers

2019
Our students met with delegates from Israel and Palestrina to share their view on peace in Middle East.
Visiting Professor Acharya Amitav from American University (Former Chairperson of the board, International Studies Association)
Dr. Denis Mukwege, Gynecologist, human rights activist and Nobel Peace laureate from East Congo
H.E. Mrs. Adela Raz, Afghanistan ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations
Visiting Professor Kopper Ákos from Eötvös Loránd University (Head of Department of International Relations and European Studies), Budapest (Hungary)
Former UN Under-Secretary-General Mr. Yasushi Akashi on UN Policymaking
2018
Professor Kent Calder (Director of the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies at Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, D.C
Mr. Takeo Akiba (Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Japan)30th Anniversary of the College of International Relations: Event and Symposium