Master's Course Division of International Languages and Cultures

Today's world is entering an era of interdependence. Japan is a part of this system of global cooperation. However, it is also an era of wars, political strife, and many economic and environmental problems that cause disruption of societies' well-being. In order to deal with this complex international environment, there is a need for people trained in international affairs. This faculty hopes to equip people with the understanding of other cultures and languages necessary to meet future challenges. In the future, Japan will continue to be deeply involved with both the West and Asia. Knowledge of the languages and cultures of both these areas will become increasingly important. In response to these future needs, the faculty has attempted to structure its curriculum around the study of these two areas.

Setsunan University, which opened its doors in 1975, adheres to the founding spirit of Josho Gakuen Educational Foundation: "For the world, for the people and for the community, we strive to develop specialists with science-based practical skills who play an important role in society." Our educational credo is to train smart specialists with a strong sense of humanity and practical, well-rounded capabilities who can independently identify and address challenges, with all-round education as our first priority. In accordance with this credo, by fiscal 2020 we will be a comprehensive university, with 17 departments in 8 faculties across 5 academic areas (social science, literature, science and engineering, medical and health science, and agricultural science), as well as 6 graduate schools. To meet the challenge of social change and the needs of stakeholders, we will continue to evolve and develop into the future.

Humanity now faces numerous global-scale challenges, including environmental issues, problems of income inequality and poverty, and regional conflicts. Japan, moreover, is subject to frequent earthquakes and is experiencing natural disasters that may be caused by climate change. Coping with these disasters and rebuilding in their aftermath is a pressing challenge. Through interdisciplinary, global-scale research activities that leverage its strengths as a comprehensive university, Setsunan University will continue striving earnestly to contribute to building a peaceful, sustainable society. And as we do, we will make advanced education through research activities a reality.

Setsunan University is actively promoting the expansion of distinctive educational programs throughout the university. These active learning classes include Problem/Project-Based Learning, Team-Based Learning, and Case-Based Learning, all of which train students to identify and address challenges faced by local communities, enterprises, and others. Through these programs, students independently achieve dialogue-based deep learning, and it is our earnest hope that by applying these learning opportunities, students will grow into individuals who can contribute to building a peaceful, sustainable society. I look forward to your continued understanding and support for our education and research activities, now and in the future.