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The Area Studies Program is characterized by attachment to and empathy with local communities, familiarity with the life and culture of local societies, fostering ideas from the local community, rather than from the national level, and collaborating on research across multiple disciplines. In the 21st century, important issues like hunger, which knows no borders; regional conflicts; environmental problems, such as global warming and declining biodiversity; and the challenge of building globally shared values for our coexistence are felt on a global scale but their solutions demand the local, on-the-ground responses informed by area studies.
It was in response to this demand that Sophia University established a specialized area studies major in 1997. The Department of Area Studies offers instruction in the history, society, culture, politics, economics, and development of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, aiming to foster professionals with advanced knowledge of the region and an advanced ability to apply that knowledge.
Curriculum In the Master’s Program, students deepen their specialized understanding of their selected target region by taking seminar-style courses in area studies, a group of courses that examine the development of each region, and fieldwork. In the second year, students work on their master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
In the doctoral program, students are required to complete prescribed coursework and receive guidance from multiple faculty members for deep investigation of their own research themes. After doctoral dissertation qualifying examinations in the second year (consisting of submitting a thesis proposal, oral examination, and foreign language examination), students prepare a research plan and concentrate on writing their doctoral dissertation. The doctoral program offers a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including positions at domestic and international universities, regional research institutes, think tanks, media, government offices, and private companies.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Area Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Area Studies Program is characterized by attachment to and empathy with local communities, familiarity with the life and culture of local societies, fostering ideas from the local community, rather than from the national level, and collaborating on research across multiple disciplines. In the 21st century, important issues like hunger, which knows no borders; regional conflicts; environmental problems, such as global warming and declining biodiversity; and the challenge of building globally shared values for our coexistence are felt on a global scale but their solutions demand the local, on-the-ground responses informed by area studies.
It was in response to this demand that Sophia University established a specialized area studies major in 1997. The Department of Area Studies offers instruction in the history, society, culture, politics, economics, and development of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, aiming to foster professionals with advanced knowledge of the region and an advanced ability to apply that knowledge.
Curriculum In the Master’s Program, students deepen their specialized understanding of their selected target region by taking seminar-style courses in area studies, a group of courses that examine the development of each region, and fieldwork. In the second year, students work on their master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
In the doctoral program, students are required to complete prescribed coursework and receive guidance from multiple faculty members for deep investigation of their own research themes. After doctoral dissertation qualifying examinations in the second year (consisting of submitting a thesis proposal, oral examination, and foreign language examination), students prepare a research plan and concentrate on writing their doctoral dissertation. The doctoral program offers a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including positions at domestic and international universities, regional research institutes, think tanks, media, government offices, and private companies.
Admission Requirements
The program seeks students with the following qualities:
Students with the language proficiency skills to understand the basic literature required to understand individual phenomena and challenges occurring in East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin Ameria, as well as to understand various global issues
Students who have a spirit of social and academic curiosity and ambition, are able to write logical and thoughtful essays on specific issues, and have a proactive approach to their work
Students who aspire to become professionals who can contribute to society in a practical way to support global civil society and local diversity
2 Years
Tuition fees
Domestic
5,820 USD
International
5,820 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Graduate Program, MA, Area Studies (taught in Japanese)
Yotsuya Campus, Tokyo, Japan
24 monthsProgramme duration
5,820 USDTuition Fee/year
Programme overview
Main Subject
Area Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
It was in response to this demand that Sophia University established a specialized area studies major in 1997. The Department of Area Studies offers instruction in the history, society, culture, politics, economics, and development of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, aiming to foster professionals with advanced knowledge of the region and an advanced ability to apply that knowledge.
Curriculum
In the Master’s Program, students deepen their specialized understanding of their selected target region by taking seminar-style courses in area studies, a group of courses that examine the development of each region, and fieldwork. In the second year, students work on their master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
In the doctoral program, students are required to complete prescribed coursework and receive guidance from multiple faculty members for deep investigation of their own research themes. After doctoral dissertation qualifying examinations in the second year (consisting of submitting a thesis proposal, oral examination, and foreign language examination), students prepare a research plan and concentrate on writing their doctoral dissertation. The doctoral program offers a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including positions at domestic and international universities, regional research institutes, think tanks, media, government offices, and private companies.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Area Studies
Degree
MA
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
It was in response to this demand that Sophia University established a specialized area studies major in 1997. The Department of Area Studies offers instruction in the history, society, culture, politics, economics, and development of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, aiming to foster professionals with advanced knowledge of the region and an advanced ability to apply that knowledge.
Curriculum
In the Master’s Program, students deepen their specialized understanding of their selected target region by taking seminar-style courses in area studies, a group of courses that examine the development of each region, and fieldwork. In the second year, students work on their master’s thesis under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
In the doctoral program, students are required to complete prescribed coursework and receive guidance from multiple faculty members for deep investigation of their own research themes. After doctoral dissertation qualifying examinations in the second year (consisting of submitting a thesis proposal, oral examination, and foreign language examination), students prepare a research plan and concentrate on writing their doctoral dissertation. The doctoral program offers a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including positions at domestic and international universities, regional research institutes, think tanks, media, government offices, and private companies.
Admission Requirements
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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