Academics
The Semester System
The University schedules classes according to the semester system, with two regular semesters (Spring and Fall). Each semester consists of 15 weeks, followed by final exams (see also: Academic Calendar page). ILA students can enter the program in either the Spring or Fall.
”The small class size allows you to receive the amount of attention most students wish they had.”
Francis Sande, Uganda
Curriculum Outline
Students in this four-year degree program choose one of three concentrations: Humanities and the Human Sciences,
Business and Economics, or Politics and Policy Studies. All students begin by studying Foundation Courses, where they
master the methodologies and research skills required for comparative analysis. They then design their own
individualized curriculum by selecting courses across the disciplines based on their interests.
Students can take advanced courses in their concentration where they gain in-depth knowledge pertaining to specific
fields:
Humanities and the Human Sciences (Japanese Society and
Global Culture)
Business and Economics (Japanese Business and the Global
Economy)
Politics and Policy Studies (Japanese Politics and Global
Studies)
Students can choose to specialize within their chosen concentration or combine courses across fields, from the classes
offered in English at the ILA, as well as in Japanese and English throughout the University.
Students may also have the opportunity to spend a year abroad at one of Doshisha’s many partner universities worldwide.
While taking academic courses, students can study the Japanese language at any level.
Curriculum［PDF 10KB］
Click image to enlarge
Foundation Courses
Academic and Research Skills
- Library Research Skills
- Introduction to Information Systems
- Academic Presentations and Debate
- Academic Writing
- Mathematical Methods for the Social Sciences
- Introduction to Asian Philosophy and Thought
- Introduction to Social, Political, and Economic Thought
- Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods
- Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods
- Advanced Mathematical Methods for the Social Sciences
- Each course is two credits.
Understanding Japan and Kyoto
- Basic Japanese
- Communities of Practice in Japan
- Japanese Issues and Topics
- Introduction to Kyoto
- Doshisha and Christianity
- Geography of Japan
- Nature and the Environment in Japan
- Religion in Japan
- Understanding and Experiencing Work in Japan
- Each course is two credits.
Curriculum Map
Regarding ILA's curriculum map, please refer to the following PDF.
Curriculum Tree
Regarding ILA's curriculum tree, please refer to the following PDF.
Curriculum Tree- The Institute for the Liberal Arts, Doshisha University