Introduction
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 constantly 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.
International College of Liberal Arts - Yamanashi Gakuin University
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
The 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:
1. A foundational or entry-level course that is mandatory for all political science majors:
Introduction to Political Science
2. Major-core courses that cover the four main sub-fields of political science:
Comparative Politics
Social & Political Theory
International Relations
Introduction to Public Administration
3. Required electives that 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
4. Political science majors are also required to take two modules that 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.
International College of Liberal Arts - Yamanashi Gakuin University
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.
