Within the major of Global Business and Economics the course offerings allow students to choose between a more applied (Global Business) emphasis and a more social-science oriented (Economics) emphasis. Both are embedded in a liberal arts approach that stresses the humane point of view, criticality, social responsibility and intellectual depth. Students take a minimum number of foundation courses in both business and economics, so as to acquire a good grounding in basic theory and knowledge of the real world, before they go on to build, with much flexibility, a major most suited to their individual interests and possible career inclinations.
- Global Business and Economics
- Political Science
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Japan Studies
- Fee Structure
- Scholarships
Overview
Why study Global Business and Economics
Business and economic activities are an important part of modern life. Complex, challenging and rewarding, these often highly specialized activities take place within certain cultural, social and legal contexts. Participants of these activities, either as professionals in the field or intelligent citizens in other fields, stand much better chances of success in their chosen career paths if they are equipped with relevant advanced training through focused studies, and with a broad knowledge base that helps them to understand the contexts.
What will I study?
Students who choose the major will take business courses typically offered in an undergraduate business program, and economics courses taught in the social science tradition. Because some of these courses require quantitative skills, students in the major also take courses in mathematics, statistics and research methods. These courses are then supplemented by a required number of other liberal arts courses chosen with broad freedom from the other disciplines.
Some of the sub-areas we offer courses in include:
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Entrepreneurship
- Competitive Strategy
- Corporate Finance
- Economic Growth
- History of Economic Thought
- International Trade & Globalization
- Japanese Economy & Business
- International Business
What can I do next?
Typically, majors upon graduation either go on to careers in business and management, or they continue with studies at the graduate level to acquire qualifications required for teaching and research. They find positions in corporations, government, international agencies; or they may choose to start their own businesses. As our college trains students with an international outlook, through its overseas exchange programs and emphasis on the English language, our graduates are very globally employable.
Overview
Political Science addresses some of the fundamental problems facing human society. Questions concerning government policies aimed at achieving economic stability and growth, the gap between the rich and poor, the role of NGOs to affect social and political change, the relations between countries, the crisis of our democratic institutions, and the world peace are all on the research agenda of contemporary political scientists.
The general purpose of the major is to address these and other similar important issues in a multidisciplinary way, and, simultaneously, to expose students to think critically and reason analytically about the constant evolving political landscape in Asia compared to the rest of the world.
In addition to the knowledge students gain from the major, iCLA also prepares students for postgraduate studies and for a rich and rewarding career. Political Science graduates are well equipped for professions both in Asia and globally in the fields of international relations and diplomacy, public administration and government service, non-government organizations and community building, and research and business.
Why study Political Science
As Political Science Majors, students will gain a wide range of knowledge and skills to enhance their future career opportunities:
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of political science, its various sub-fields, major themes, and analytical techniques
- International perspective on political science research, the nature of change in Asia and in the global political community, and the complex character of processes such as globalization
- Understanding of human cultural and political variability in the Asian and the global community, and an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and culture-specific attitudes, ideals and practices
- Intellectual framework for vigorous participation in civil society and public debate over the nature of the “global society”
Skills:
- Ability to examine written material and oral presentations critically
- Ability and desire to engage with social and political problems, to acquire relevant data, and use insight, knowledge, reasoning, and technical skills to analyze that data and develop logical solutions
- Ability to gather information, assess its importance, and organize it for use.
- Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information verbally, visually and in writing
What will I study?
Students embarking on this major will study the required number of credits for modules organized in the following way:
- A foundational or entry-level course which is mandatory for all political science majors:
- Introduction to Political Science
- Major-core courses which cover the four main sub-fields of political science:
- Comparative Politics
- Social & Political Theory
- International Relations
- Introduction to Public Administration
- Required electives which will further the study in each of the above listed sub-fields. Those include more advanced modules such as:
- Global Politics
- International Relations in the Asian Pacific Region
- Japanese Politics and Diplomacy
- Political Simulation
- Social Policy
- Political science majors are also required to take two modules which are functional to the study of the major:
- Research Methods
- Statistics
These courses will be supplemented by a required number of liberal arts courses, electives and workshops chosen with broad freedom from the other disciplines iCLA offers.
What can I do next?
By nature, Liberal Arts majors make great employees in any field because of their ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and solve complex problems. These timeless skills make them attractive to employers in all walks of society.
Specifically, Political Science majors who graduate from iCLA can pursue careers in both Asia and globally such as:
- Public Administrators
- Diplomats/Experts in International Relations
- Non-Profits / Non-Governmental Organization Leaders
- Journalists
- Law Enforcement
- Political Consultants
- Community Organizers
- Research Analysts
The Political Science major at iCLA also prepares students for a smooth admission into graduate schools such as: Political Science, Public Administration, Law School, and Journalism.
Overview
Interdisciplinary Arts is an exciting major that includes art, music, performance, literature and linguistics. You will gain a rich understanding of your chosen field and the wider creative process by exploring these disciplines from practical, theoretical and historical perspectives.
Interdisciplinary arts is about crossing boundaries, exploring ideas and having new experiences. To facilitate this you can choose from a wide selection of courses that best reflect your interests and support your ambitions. As well as the chance to study creative practice in a variety of fields, you will also gain valuable cultural experience though our study abroad program and by being immersed in Japanese culture and society. If you wish, you can choose to pursue a Japan studies theme through Interdisciplinary Arts, with courses in Japanese theatre, film, art and crafts, manga, anime, literature and culture to help you get the most out of this extraordinary country.
Why study Interdisciplinary Arts?
The Interdisciplinary Arts major at iCLA enables you deepen your artistic skills and broaden your creative options. After laying the foundations during the first half of your studies, you will have maximum freedom to discover new fields and cultivate your interests. You are encouraged to supplement your core arts studies with courses from other areas to tailor your degree towards your chosen career. The unique blend of courses offered at iCLA gives you the opportunity to develop your own area of practice while gaining inspiration from related disciplines.
What will I study?
The central ideas of iCLA’s Interdisciplinary Arts curriculum:
- Interdisciplinarity: study across artistic subjects to gain experience of collaboration and wider creative practice
- Flexibility: choose courses which inspire you and support your ambitions
- Personal development: learn skills and have experiences which will make you stand out from the crowd
- From “roots” (foundation courses in years 1 & 2) to “wings” (electives in years 3 & 4)
During the first two years of study “roots”, students take foundation courses from our core curriculum, and are required to explore at least three different fields within Interdisciplinary Arts:
- Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, graphic design)
- Music (music technology, sound art)
- Performing Arts and Film (Western and Japanese film and theatre)
- Language Arts (literature and linguistics)
- Japanese Culture
The final two years of study “wings” gives students the freedom to take elective courses and focus on the areas of study which are of most interest and relevance to their own development.
What can I do next?
Creativity is the lifeblood of any business and creative graduates are always in demand. Interdisciplinary Arts prepares you for a rich and rewarding career in a wide range creative industries. The major also prepares students for postgraduate study, with many MA options worldwide which open further career options in teaching, research and academia.
Possible careers for Interdisciplinary Arts majors include:
- Fine Arts
- Design
- The media and web industries
- Video and film industries
- Games
- Sound Design
- Advertising
- Publishing
- Theatre and performance art
For certain careers, supplementing your Interdisciplinary Arts studies with courses from our wider curriculum can be beneficial. For example:
Interdisciplinary Arts + Economics = Gallery or museum curator
Interdisciplinary Arts + Political Science = Journalism
Interdisciplinary Arts + Sociology = Art Therapy
Overview
For many observers and visitors Japan is one of the most intriguing countries on earth. For them Japan offers a vast variety of exhilarating and sometimes puzzling experiences that often give rise to many questions. Japan Studies endeavors to answer most, if not all, of them. Japanologists understand their field as an interdisciplinary project that engages with all aspects of Japanese culture, history, and society. Many students and scholars investigate these topics in relation to historical and present-day events in East-Asia and the West. Such an approach relates their study and research not only to other disciplines but also to other nations, civilizations, and geographic areas.
Why study Japan Studies?
The Japan Studies major at iCLA provides you with competence in Japanese language and with a comprehensive understanding of Japan’s culture, history, politics, and economics. Guided by experts in their fields you will aim at linguistic fluency while at the same time experience an in-depth exposure to key fields in Japan studies. Furthermore, living in Japan over an extended period will offer you a unique opportunity to further familiarize yourself with a wide variety of Japanese lifestyles, customs, and arts. You will become a knowledgeable specialist on the subject of Japan who also has a comprehensive knowledge of the wider East Asian and Western context. During your study will also develop your communication skills and analytical expertise. Students graduating from the Japan Studies Program will be well prepared for a wide range of professional career opportunities both within Japan and the rest of the world.
What will I study?
The central ideas of iCLA’s curriculum Japanese Studies
- Simplicity
- Flexibility
- Expandable
- Give latitude to students and their advisers
- From “roots” (foundation courses in years 1 & 2) to “wings” (electives years 3 & 4)
ICLA offers you a wide variety of more than forty different courses that cover the core disciplines of Japan studies, including:
- Japanese culture and society
- Japanese business and economics
- Japanese politics and diplomacy
- Visual arts in Japan (Anime, Manga, film, Noh and Kabuki theatre)
- Japanese and East Asian history
- Japanese calligraphy and Samurai culture
- Japanese martial arts (Nanba, Aikido, Judo, Karate, Shugendo)
- Japanese music (Koto, Shakuhachi)
- Japanese language (elementary, intermediate, and advanced)
What can I do next?
Your studies in Japanese culture, history, and society together with your enhanced academic skills will prepare you well for a large variety of rewarding careers:
- You might pursue a career at the increasing number of Japanese companies that hire international students to meet the challenges of globalization.
- Tourism to Japan is expanding rapidly. There will be an increasing demand for sharing your expertise in Japan with foreign visitors.
- The global impact of Japanese culture is widening dramatically. Your multilingual language skills and wide-ranging knowledge about Japan will be crucial factors to open the door for a promising career in the media industry.
- As a future researcher or educator, you can engage in postgraduate studies or devote yourself to becoming a teacher.
Scholarships
The International College of Liberal Arts (iCLA) offers merit-based full and partial tuition-waiver scholarships to a select number of students each year. Yamanashi Gakuin University financial aid may be combined with outside funding sources.
| Type of Award | I | II | III | IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | Full Scholarship covering 100% tuition, facility and equipment fees |
3/4 Scholarship covering 75% tuition, facility and equipment fees |
Half Scholarship covering 50% tuition, facility and equipment fees |
1/4 Scholarship covering 25% tuition, facility and equipment fees |
| Scholarship Duration | Renewable every year based on overall performance. Maximum of 4 years. | |||
| Selection Criteria |
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| Selection Process | Scholarship recipients are chosen based on the quality of their application materials and interview results. | |||
| Required Document | Application form | |||
| How to Apply | Apply through the online application system. | |||
| Announcement of Results | The announcement of your scholarship application result will be included with the announcement of admission results. | |||
External Scholarships
JASSO Scholarship (for Pre-Arrival Admission International Degree-Seeking Students)
The Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) provides support to international students in Japan through various scholarships.
New international degree-seeking students admitted to iCLA have an opportunity to apply for the JASSO Scholarship (formally known as: Reservation Program for Monbukagakusho Honors Scholarship for Privately-Financed International Students by Pre-Arrival Admission (University Recommenders)) through iCLA.
You may see detailed info and eligibility requirements on the JASSO website.
There are numerous scholarship foundations and government institutions in Japan offering scholarship opportunities to international students.
We notify students of scholarship opportunities regularly throughout the year and offer assistance in applying.
Considering that there are an extensive number of scholarships for international students, students are highly encouraged to do their own research.
For a comprehensive list of scholarships in Japan, please see JASSO’s pamphlet: