Six Skills Targetted in the FILA
In today’s rapidly changing society, individuals need to learn how to navigate the complexities of life while thinking critically and independently. The Faculty of International Liberal Arts advocates this while also augmenting key skills necessary to thrive in a number of trending career fields. Depending on one’s chosen career path, key areas for development may include:
What Would Your Four Years at FILA Look Like?
A key feature of the Faculty of International Liberal Arts is its flexible curriculum, allowing students to choose courses that align with their interests. Of the 126 credits required for graduation, 78 can be selected freely. This approach, alongside a solid liberal arts foundation, encourages deep engagement in specialized subjects and enhances career readiness.
Customizable Specialized Subject Groups that can be Tailored to Individual Goals
The Faculty of International Liberal Arts offers a range of specialized courses, organized into four subject groups to help guide students in their class selections. Unlike the standard course system, students are not required to belong to a specific subject group. They can focus on one particular subject group or choose classes from multiple groups based on their interests.
The Global Business Track
#Economics
#Business Administration
#International Finance
#Accounting
#Management Strategy
#Public Policy
#Marketing
The Global Communication Track
#Intercultural Communication
#Media
#Translation
#Tourism
#Hospitality
#Mass Communication
#Languages / Foreign Languages
The Global Culture Track
#Gender
#Religion
#Fieldwork
#Subculture
#Regional Studies
#SDGs
#International Society
The Human Innovation Track
#Psycology
#Counseling
#Statistics
#Information
#IT・AI
#Data Science
#Programming
You have the freedom to choose specialized subjects that align with your unique preferences and goals, empowering you to shape your academic journey.
For example…
A. Learn broadly from all four subject groups.
e.g., Learn about various fields and consider what you would like to do in the future.
B. Choose both major and minor courses of study.
e.g., focus on key aspects of management and economics while learning communication skills applicable to the discourse community.
C. Make English the central focus of your studies.
e.g., Take courses conducted primarily in English to communicate the efficacy of your thoughts or ideas to a broader audience.
D. Gain comprehensive expertise in a single field.
e.g., Study the field of psychology to become a licensed psychologist.
Learning methods to diversify one’s career path.
→ Improve your English skills while studying subjects that deepen your knowledge of business and international society.
English : Business English, Active Listening, Public Speaking, Skills of Discourse, Skills of Negotiation
Knowledge of Business : International Economics, Global Business Studies, International Finance, Marketing Theory, Trade Practices
International Society : International Development Studies, International Politics, Environmental Sociology, International Law
→ Understand the efficacy of media communication to aid in understanding various points of view and better characterize cultural differences.
Intercultural Understanding : Intercultural Communication, Japanese Subculture, Southeast Asian Studies, Anthropology of Religion
Language Proficiency : Bilingualism, Register, Writing and Reading Proficiency, Syntax, Diction
Practice Knowledge of Tourism : History and Geography of Tourist Destinations, Hospitality Studies, Cultural Awareness, Ethical Tourism
Communication Skills : Mass Communication Theory, Media Culture Studies, Media Editing
→ To create a product, it is necessary not only to have ideas but also have the ability to foresee market trends and anticipate customer needs. Another key is developing receptiveness to ideas by being well informed, prepared, and having tenable presentation skills.
Knowledge of Business : Global Business Studies, Management Information Systems, International Economics
Knowledge of Psychology : Perception and Cognitive Psychology, Psychology Practicum, Behavioral Economics
Analytical Skills : Introduction to Data Science, Data Science Statistics, Marketing Theory
Presentation Skills : Communication Theory, Logical Thinking Methods, Presentation
→ In addition to learning the underlying principles of psychology, diversify your knowledge related to healthcare, education, welfare, justice, and industry, and acquire the foundation to become a support professional.
Listening and Discourse Skills : Psychological Support Methods, Psychology Practicum, Psychology Exercises
Research and Analytical Skills : Psychological Research Methods, Psychological Statistics, Psychological Experimentation
Interprofessional Experiments : Forensic and Criminal Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Educational and School Psychology, Administrative Relations Theory
Multidimensional Evaluation Skills : Social, Group, and Family Psychology, Psychological Assessment
Study Abroad
In the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, there is a planned one-week overseas training program during the first year. The purpose of this training is manifold. Students will converse in English with foreign peers and professors, thus improving their language skills. In addition, they will think both pragmatically and innovatively to address some challenges faced by the people in the destination country while exploring the background that lead to the challenges.
Training destination: The Philippines, Malaysia
Goals : To broaden our understanding of the local people and their challenges while using English. Through interactions with people at sites where social issues arise, students consider the root cause(s) of the issue(s) and posit possible solutions.
Schedule : Around August to September, 1 week
Activities : One-on-one English lessons, Group English lessons, an SDGs tour (a weekend)
Message from the Dean of Faculty of International Liberal Arts(FILA)
Prof. Junichi Torigoe,
Dean of Faculty of International Liberal Arts
鳥越 淳一
(学部長/教授)
What is International Liberal Arts?
In recent years, we’re as perplexed as we are astounded by the rapidly changing pace of globalization and technological innovation. New things emerge one after another, and the knowledge or gadgets we acquire quickly become outdated. Knowledge is digitized and, subsequently, exchanged, shared or borrowed in vast quantities rapidly. The progress of AI is remarkable and, in a few years, some of the jobs we have now may be replaced by AI. While we can easily connect with others through the internet, a recent survey by the Cabinet Office suggests that young people in their twenties, who are supposed to be proficient in using social media and various applications, feel much loneliness. While viewing through the looking glass at our modern society, we should pause and ask, can we keep up with the pace of change in the current era? Is it appropriate to set standards or measure our contributions by some speed index currently manifesting itself in our society?
At the Faculty of International Liberal Arts, we focus on the essence of living. Rather than just accumulating knowledge, we aim for students to be able to apply that knowledge. Our diverse faculty members from various fields teach not mechanically but through meaningful connections with students. Rather than being shaped by the times, we, the faculty, strive to cultivate in students the ability to thrive in the current age and shape the times.
Career Education
We provide comprehensive support for each student from their first year, aiming to foster independence and enable proactive career choices. Through individual career guidance at the Career Center and support from faculty members via classes and seminars, students can realize a path that aligns with their aspirations.