Graduate Program in Global Studies
Area Studies
International Relations
International Cooperation
The small scale of the GPGS and the diverse specializations, broad experience, and research interests of the faculty enable flexible course selection within each degree area. Students are also able to take courses in other degree programs in the GPGS or other graduate programs in the university. In consultation with faculty members, students select courses designed to meet their individual interests and to further the acquisition of specialized knowledge in their chosen fields.
The master’s degrees have two tracks; each track has different graduation requirements. Students in the thesis track write a research thesis while those in the credit track complete a graduation project. The selection of the track takes place after a student matriculates in the program. Those who seek to enter the thesis track need to apply for it, typically at the start of the second semester, with entry contingent upon academic performance, availability of a mentor for the proposed topic, and successful defense of a thesis proposal.
M.A. Thesis Track
Students who wish to write a thesis apply for the thesis track, typically at the beginning of their second semester in the GPGS. The thesis track enables a student to pursue independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. The final result should be a paper that makes an original contribution to knowledge in a designated academic discipline.
The credit track emphasizes coursework, with a graduation project. The project allows students to further their knowledge of a topic or issue they encountered in a course. The project is a research paper, unless the student requests another format and the advisor agrees. The research paper is undertaken in the student’s final semester and is supervised and evaluated by a professor of the student’s choosing in the student’s degree area.
A total of 30 credits are required for graduation, to be distributed as follows:
| Thesis-track students | |
|---|---|
|
Foundational Courses in Global Studies Elective Courses in Global Studies Research Guidance Thesis Seminar Master’s Thesis |
4 credits 22 credits 0 credit 4 credits 0 credit |
| Credit-track students | |
|
Foundational Courses in Global Studies Elective Courses in Global Studies Research Guidance Graduation Project |
4 credits 26 credits 0 credit 0 credit |
List of Global Studies Courses
A total of 30 credits are required for graduation, to be distributed as follows:
| Thesis-track students | |
|---|---|
|
Core Courses in International Business category or Development Studies category Elective Courses in any BD category Research Guidance Thesis Seminar Master’s Thesis |
12 credits 14 credits 0 credit 4 credits 0 credit |
| Credit-track students | |
|
Core Courses in International Business category or Development Studies category Elective Courses in any BD category Research Guidance Graduation Project |
12 credits 18 credits 0 credit 0 credit |
List of International Business and Development Studies Courses
A total of 30 credits are required for graduation, to be distributed as follows:
| Thesis-track students | |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Japanese Studies Arts and Culture category courses Thought and Society category courses Elective courses in any JS category Research Guidance Thesis Seminar Master’s Thesis |
2 credits 4 credits 4 credits 16 credits 0 credit 4 credits 0 credit |
| Thesis-track students | |
|
Introduction to Japanese Studies Arts and Culture category courses Thought and Society category courses Elective courses in any JS category Research Guidance Graduation Project |
2 credits 4 credits 4 credits 20 credits 0 credit 0 credit |
List of Japanese Studies Courses
Doctoral students work on their dissertation under the guidance of an advisor. Six credits of coursework from a list of specified courses are required. English is the language of instruction. However, the study of Japanese is encouraged. Students may take advantage of the comprehensive Japanese language courses offered at Sophia. Those with a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency as determined by a language examination may also take courses taught in Japanese as part of their studies. Additionally, students may study other languages at Sophia that are relevant to their studies, depending on availability of space in the courses. For detailed requirements, please refer to the Bulletin of Information.