Academic Calendar

We offer an integrated program that allows students to acquire introductory and applied knowledge in International Studies and Regional Development and to successfully carry out their MA-thesis projects.

For the spring−enrollment program
For the fall−enrollment program

Courses

Special Subjects

For the purpose of understanding and studying the multi-layered structure of international relations, our program consists of three academic fields; international society, regional international relations, and area (country) studies. Courses of international society aim to provide principle concepts and theories and discuss policy issues to understand international society from various aspects. In courses of regional international relations, students are expected to acquire the ability to analyze the regional system through the comparison of countries. Courses of area (country) studies shed light on East Asian countries (Japan, Korea, China, and Russia), in particular, from the aspects of politics, economy, and society.

Cross-sectional Courses

The program offers Introductory and Basic Courses that lie across research subjects. Students are expected to acquire knowledge and theory that can be applied to all the research fields and to learn methods of statistical analysis. In addition, we offer Academic Language Courses such as Academic Writing and Presentation to develop communication skills in English.

Curriculum for Academic Year 2023

Dissertation Evaluation Criteria

Based on the Diploma Policy and Curriculum Policy of the Graduate School of International Studies and Regional Development, the University of Niigata Prefecture, the criteria for evaluating a master’s thesis are as follows:

  1. The applicant must be the sole author of the master’s thesis. The content of the thesis must not contain any part that infringes on the originality or ideas of the thesis or research output of any party other than the applicant.
  2. The master’s thesis must not infringe copyright, portrait rights or any rights of any party other than the author himself / herself.
  3. The master’s thesis must show that the degree recipient has acquired basic research abilities in each specialized field / course and abilities to pursue careers that require a high degree of specialization.
  4. The master’s thesis shall include the background and objectives of the research, the status of previous and related research, the positioning and significance of the research content, and conclusion with a reasonable structure.
  5. In the review and final examination of the master’s thesis, the following points are considered in the evaluation.
    • The subject of the dissertation has social and academic significance, and the research method is appropriate.
    • Investigations are conducted on the basis of previous research on the subject; data as well as historical information and materials are collected, processed, and verified with due care.
    • The arguments are clear, consistent, and presented in appropriate literary expressions.
    • The thesis achieves a certain extent of academic or practical significance that contributes to deepening and development of dialogues in the relevant academic field or profession.

Curriculum Models

Studies on International Society

This model is designed for those who intend to work at international organizations (e.g., UN) or foreign companies. In this model, students can take courses that offer knowledge and skills necessary for the global field.

First year

Introductory and Basic Cources
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Introduction to International Studies and Regional Development
Theory and Methods of Regional Research
Basic Research SeminarⅠ
Method and Application of Data Analysis
Basic Research SeminarⅡ
Research Cources
International Society
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
International Institutions and Organizations
International Economic Policy
International Economics
Research Cources
Regional International Relations
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
  International Relations of East Asia
Research Cources
Individual Country Studies
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Contemporary Diplomacy Contemporary East Asia(Russia)
Academic Language Courses
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Presentation in English Academic Writing in English

Second year

Research Cources
International Society
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
International Politics  
Research Courses
Regional International Relations
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
Policies of International Development  
Independent Studies
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
Directed Research
(MA Thesis)

Individual Country Studies

This model is designed for those who intend to work for local communities by using their analytical capability in international relations. In this model, students can take courses that offer not only basic knowledge of International Studies and Regional Development but also specific subjects such as international institutions, international relations in East Asia, and policies and politics of international development. In addition, they can take courses on data analysis and area studies (e.g., Russia, China, and Korea).

First year

Introductory and Basic Cources
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Introduction to International Studies and Regional Development
Theory and Methods of Regional Research
Basic Research SeminarⅠ
Method and Application of Data Analysis
Basic Research SeminarⅡ
Research Cources
International Society
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
International Institutions and Organizations International Economics
Research Cources
Regional International Relations
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Comparative Politics International Relations of East Asia
Regional Integration
Research Cources
Individual Country Studies
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Contemporary Diplomacy  
Academic Language Courses
Semester Ⅰ Semester Ⅱ
Presentation in English Academic Writing in English

Second year

Research Cources
Regional International Relations
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
Policies of International Development  
Research Cources
Individual Country Studies
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
Contemporary East Asia: China  
Independent Studies
Semester Ⅲ Semester Ⅳ
Directed Research
(MA Thesis)