What IGESS Offers

The Faculty of Economics at HOSEI University, founded in 1920, has more than 3,000 students, and is accordingly one of the largest and oldest faculties among private universities in Japan. Established in 2018, the IGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences) offers English-based degree programs in small classes. The annual student quota is 30 students. When you join the IGESS, you can:
  1. Spend the first three semesters at the Ichigaya Campus in central Tokyo attending the First Year Seminar, Japanese, Academic Skills and Liberal Arts classes, and the following five semesters on the beautiful, spacious Tama Campus in suburban Tokyo where you can take subjects offered by the Faculty of Economics as well as other faculties (including Social Sciences, Social Policy and Administration, and Sports and Health Studies);
  2. Study Economics from the first semester, and from the fourth semester attend specialized courses in Economic Theory and Applications, Applied Global Economics and Global Business, and Business English and Communication;
  3. Take basic Japanese lessons at the Ichigaya Campus and many advanced lectures at the Tama Campus to improve your Japanese skills;
  4. Study with Japanese students in both English-spoken courses and Japanese seminars.

Curriculum & Course List

Students require extensive knowledge of Economics and a variety of other disciplines to understand today’s global economy. Accordingly, the IGESS curriculum encompasses the following course and program elements:
  • Extensive basic education and liberal arts courses up to the third semester
  • From the fourth semester, well-balanced courses in Economic Theory and Application, Applied Global Economics and Global Business, and Business English and Communication
  • Graduation thesis preparation with supervision from seminar instructors
Social Sciences, Social Policy & Administration, Sports & Health Studies, International Institutions, Adult Education and Social Movement, Globalization and Japanese Society, Media and Social Problems, Film Studies, Topics in Comparative Culture, Disability and Development in Asia, Community Based Inclusive Development, Sport Consumer Behavior, Judo, Strength Training, Health and Exercise Sciences
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring Fall Spring
Ichigaya Campus Tama Campus
General Education Courses First Year Seminar, Academic Skills (Academic Literacy, College Writing), Japanese (level separation), Liberal Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Language Education, Information Technology, Career Development Skills, Health and Physical Education), Global Open Courses Tama Campus General Education Courses(Japanese Communication, Japanese Seminar, Japanese Culture, Japanese Society)
Advanced Course Introduction to Economics Japan and the Global Economy, Principles of Economics, Practical Economics, Demography, Business Communication Ⅰ, Japanese Business and Economy
International Economics, Macro Economics, Micro Economics, Japan and ASEAN Economy, Area Studies, Comparative Economic Systems, Business CommunicationⅡ,　Business Research Seminar, Multi-National Enterprises
Seminar Seminar Ⅰ Seminar Ⅱ Seminar Ⅲ Seminar Ⅳ Honors Thesis
Elective Courses Exchange Students from Overseas Program / English Reinforcement Program / Faculty of Business Administration(Global Open Courses) / Faculty of Sustainability Studies / Faculty of Economics(taught in Japanese) / International Internship＆International Volunteer

*The curriculum is subject to change.

3 IGESS policies

●Admission and prerequisites

    1. Sufficient basic academic ability for learning after admission
    2. Certain levels of capacity for thought, judgment and self-expression and a desire for the improvement of such
    3. Proactive attitude toward learning via study and discussion with a variety of people
    4. Active approach toward learning about global viewpoints, international matters and related communication
  Prerequisite abilities (knowledge, intellectual ability, skills, motivation, interests, attitude, etc.)
    1. Sufficient basic academic ability for learning after admission – Knowledge of English and other subjects equivalent to high-school level
    2. Interest in economic and social issues on a global scale as well as science, culture and humanity
    3. Propensity for autonomous learning
    4. Capacity for dynamic interaction with others and attainment of mutual understanding
 

●Degree conferment and graduation requirements

Knowledge and understanding
    1. Advanced knowledge of social science to enable global economic analysis
    2. Broad general knowledge
    3. Basic understanding of different cultures
Skills
    1. Ability to communicate in English and other languages
    2. Ability to accurately express and communicate ideas
    3. Ability to work as part of a team
Intellectual capacity
    1. Capacity for multilateral and logical analysis
    2. Ability to identify problems, set tasks independently and propose solutions based on advanced expertise
Interest, motivation and attitude
    1. Curious mind and propensity for continuous learning
    2. Capacity for dynamic interaction with others and relationship development with people and society
    3. Ability to independently set and work toward goals
 

●Curriculum development and implementation policies

IGESS provides students with opportunities to learn from all facets of about social science and develop broad areas of expertise necessary for global economic analysis. Graduates are equipped with the ability to work on problems using this knowledge and to lead sustainable, healthy and fulfilling lives. The curriculum (described below) supports the development of talented global individuals capable of working in various cultures with individuals from a range of backgrounds.  
    1. The curriculum consists of General Education Subjects and Advanced Subjects. General Education Subjects are subdivided into Basic Education Subjects and Foreign Language Subjects.
    2. Basic Education Subjects cover introductory matters to guide students gently into the academic arena of university.
    3. Foreign Language Subjects ensure that students have the English ability necessary for advanced learning and sufficient Japanese proficiency for everyday living. There is also an advanced Japanese course.
    4. General Education Subjects/Perspective Formation Subjects on philosophy, culture, politics, history, art, linguistics, the environment, design and self-expression are also being introduced to enhance general knowledge.
    5. Cross-cultural communication skills are promoted via the study of relevant subjects and programs in which students from different backgrounds work together.
    6. To provide the advanced social science expertise necessary for global economic analysis, the following seven Advanced Subject groups are offered:
    　　Group Ⅰ (Introduction to Economics)
    　　Group Ⅱ (Global Economy)
    　　Group Ⅲ (Global Business)
    　　Group Ⅳ (Global Issues)
    　　Group Ⅴ (Japanese Society in a Global World)
    　　Group Ⅵ (Media, Communication and Culture)
    　　Group Ⅶ (Seminar)
    7. Advanced Subjects are designed with the idea of a sustainable society in mind.
 

IGESS Mission Statement:

The mission of the Institute for Global Economic and Social Sciences (IGESS) is to provide globally-minded students with the solid educational foundation and practical knowledge they need in economics and other social sciences to understand modern society and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. 

IGESS Assessment Policy

1. Admission process

Admission to the IGESS program is based on an assessment of a candidate’s high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, English proficiency test scores, statement of purpose, and self-introduction video. Following a careful inspection of this information, a committee comprised of internal examiners from the Faculty of Economics evaluates the candidate’s academic achievements, level of motivation, and potential for academic and professional success before making a collective decision whether or not to accept the request for admission to the program.

●Methods

    Internal examination of required admission items, described in Admission Process

●Assessment criteria

    (AP I) Sufficient level of academic knowledge and skills
    (AP II) Logical reasoning ability as demonstrated in written/verbal expression
    (AP III) Understanding of the program objectives
    (AP IV) Motivation and attitude
    (AP V) Sufficient level of English
 

2. First phase of studies (Ichigaya campus)

IGESS students spend the first three semesters of their studies on the Ichigaya (main) campus. During their first year, they become acclimated to their new environment in central Tokyo, a process that fosters self-reliance, independence, and problem-solving skills. During their studies, IGESS students build on the academic skills they acquired in high school through general education courses and take an introductory course in economics. During their second year, they enroll in electives in fields such as intercultural communication, sustainability, and business administration in order to gain a broad range of foundational knowledge and cultivate critical reasoning skills. GPAs and feedback from IGESS professors are compiled periodically to evaluate the students’ academic performance and identify specific problems in the classroom. 

●Methods

    Small classes with students from different backgrounds and cultures. Collection of GPA data to gauge students’ academic performance and interviews with professors to identify specific problems in the classroom.

●Assessment criteria

    (DP I) Developing students’ ability to think multidimensionally and from multiple perspectives.
    (DP III) Broadening students’ understanding of different cultures and societies through discussion and debate.
    (DP-IV) Identifying and analyzing important issues facing society and being able to explain and discuss them logically with others.
    (DP-V) Fostering critical reasoning and problem-solving skills in order to develop more effective leadership and collaborative capabilities.
 

3. Second phase of studies (Tama campus)

In the second semester of their second year, IGESS students may begin to take classes on the Tama campus, located in the suburbs of Tokyo. These classes are designed to further improve the skills they gained in the first phase of their studies. At Tama, they are eligible to take more advanced courses in economics and business as well as various electives offered by the faculties of economics, social sciences, social policy and administration, and sports and health studies. IGESS students are also given the opportunity to join special seminars to enhance their understanding of the global economy and business, acquire practical skills through experiential learning such as fieldwork, and prepare themselves for post-graduate studies by writing an honors thesis.

●Methods

    Encouraging students to join specialized seminars where they can to enhance their understanding of the global economy and business, acquire practical skills through experiential learning such as fieldwork, and prepare themselves for post-graduate studies by writing an honors thesis.

●Assessment criteria

    (DP I) Developing the ability to think multidimensionally and from multiple perspectives.
    (DP-II) Developing the ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their specialized field of study, with an understanding of how it relates to other fields of study.
    (DP III) Broadening students’ understanding of different cultures and societies through discussion and debate.
    (DP-V) Fostering independent thought and problem-solving skills in order to be an effective leader and collaborator.
    (DP-VI) Cultivating respect for global diversity and awareness of the need to build a more sustainable society through knowledge acquisition and active learning experiences.
    (DP-VII) Engaging in activities both on and off campus to apply their knowledge and skills in novel and creative ways.
 

4. Before and at the time of graduation

Tama Career Center provides recruitment information and career consultations to IGESS students who wish to work in Japan after graduation. Students who have met all of their course requirements are eligible to graduate. A survey is conducted at the time of graduation to assess the IGESS students’ level of satisfaction with the program and the university/their university experience in general.

●Methods

    Providing guidance and assistance to students to help them achieve their career goals. Confirming students’ eligibility for graduation. Administering a graduation survey to collect student feedback.

●Assessment criteria

    Ensuring that the students’ needs have been met. Assessing and improving program quality.
 
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