Undergraduate Programs in English

College of International Relations

College of Policy Science

Admissions in 2014

K YOTO JA PAN

ABOUT KYOTO, JAPAN

Kyoto is a mid-size city with a unique blend of traditional culture

and modern living. The city, the former capital of Japan, attracts

around 50 million visitors a year from all over the world, all keen

to see its famous temples, shrines, gardens, museums, and

World Heritage sites. Among the premier attractions are the

Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi-inari shrine, Nijo-jo castle,

and Kyoto International Manga Museum. In Kyoto, culture

blends effortlessly with modern technology, and the city is

home to a number of the world’s leading high-tech companies.

Kyoto is also an ideal place to live. You will find everything you

want within walking distance, from shopping centers, cafes

and bakeries, to restaurants with a wide variety of Japanese

and international cuisines. The city offers convenient access to

Tokyo (a little over two hours by Shinkansen), and cities such as

Osaka, Kobe, and Nara are just a short train ride away.

Home to many renowned institutions of higher education,

including Ritsumeikan University (RU), the city of Kyoto has

become known as one of Japan’s major college towns. There

are plenty of things to do here – including many art museums,

movie theaters, and outdoor areas ideal for strolling or relaxing.

Whether as a host of international conferences or the home

of ground-breaking research, Kyoto is a name that is known

throughout the world. In today’s international community and

global economy, it is clear that the most dynamic developments

are taking place in Asia, and it is essential to have a thorough

grasp of this region. Thanks to the rich history and diversity of

Kyoto, RU’s location makes it the perfect place to develop an

in-depth understanding of Asia as a whole, while experiencing

firsthand the culture and history of Japan.

Ninnaji Temple

Gion Festival

Cafe near Kinugasa Campus

Kyoto Station Introduction 3

About Ritsumeikan Living in JapanStudent Life at RU

Peer Support

Each College has a group of higher-year students called

“Oritor” (Orientation Coordinators) who provide first-

year students with guidance and support in academic

and daily life. Oritors organize welcome events to

promote mutual friendship among new students, and

assist them with the “Introductory Seminar” course.

RU offers the complete range of student advisory services, including career planning, academic guidance, and services catering specifically for international students, such as assistance in obtaining visas and support for finding housing. There is also an extensive range of dining and retail options close to the campus. With hundreds of student clubs engaged in everything from sports through traditional cultural activities to community service, the campus provides plenty of opportunities to take a break from studies and meet other students.

RU is committed to providing students with the best possible opportunity to reach their full potential. At the International Center, students will find friendly staff ready to answer any questions they may have and to help them interact with Japanese students and the local community through excursions, parties, and cultural activities. The administrative office of each college also provides advice on all academic matters, such as course registration and internship opportunities.

The average monthly living cost, including accommodation, food, and insurance, in Kyoto is estimated at 100,000 to 115,000 yen.

International students in the Global Studies and Community and Regional Policy Studies majors are guaranteed accommodation in a furnished off-campus apartment. With reasonable monthly rents (35,000 to 50,000 yen) and convenient locations close to the campus, these apartments offer a safe, convenient base from which to start a new life in Japan.

While studying here, international students will enter Japan’s National Health Insurance scheme. For an annual premium of 18,000 yen, the scheme covers 70% of all costs incurred for treatment at recognized medical providers in Japan.

International students are permitted to do part-time jobs up to a maximum of 28 hours per week during semester (8 hours per day during holidays) with a special work permit.

The history of Ritsumeikan dates back to 1869 when a private academy of the same name was founded in Kyoto. The academy has become a comprehensive institution consisting of two universities, including Ritsumeikan University (RU), four junior and senior high schools, and a primary school.

RU, which boasts 13 colleges and 19 graduate schools across three campuses, has actively promoted research collaboration with industry and has made significant contributions to society both nationally and globally through various academic projects. The RU alumni network extends throughout Japan and to all corners of the globe, promising students a wide range of contacts and career opportunities.

RU places importance on the internationalization of education and research. Partnerships with academic institutions beyond Japan have been strengthened and student exchange programs have been expanded, further raising the university’s profile internationally. RU sent and received students to and from 124 universities in 26 countries and regions in the 2012 academic year, and 1,307 international students from 51 countries and regions are currently studying at the university.

4 Student Life Student Life 5

Courses

Language Courses Japanese (Comprehension / Writing) Academic English I, II, III, IV

General Education Courses Introduction to Economics Introduction to Law Introduction to Sociology

Introduction to Politics Introduction to Linguistics Introduction to Anthropology

Introduction to Geography Introduction to Natural Sciences Japan and the West

Peace Studies Seminar Kyoto and the Japanese Arts Modern World History

Peace Museum Seminar

Foundation Courses Introduction to Peace Studies Introduction to International Relations Introduction to the United Nations

Global Simulation Gaming Computer Literacy Introduction to Area Studies

Contemporary International Politics Global Political Economy Global Studies Seminar

Global Studies Research Global Sociology Advanced Topics in International Relations

Core Program Governance Development Culture Courses and Peace and Sustainability and Society

International Law Global Environmental Issues Cross-Cultural Communication

Peace and Conflict Studies International Development Cooperation Media in World Politics

Security Studies International Finance Historical Sociology of Globalization

International Human Rights International Trade and Investment International Migration

International Organizations North-South Relations Gender Analysis of Security and Development

Theories of International Politics Social Development Race and Ethnicity in the Modern World

Related Courses Internship Professional Workshop

Area Studies Courses Japanese Economy Japanese Politics Japanese Society

Japanese Culture Business Administration in Japan Foreign Relations of Japan

Japan-U.S. Relations U.S. Politics and Foreign Policy ASEAN Studies

Asia-Pacific Relations Contemporary China Korean Studies

Seminar Introductory Seminar I, II Advanced Seminar

Befitting the international character of the Global Studies major, the college boasts a faculty comprised of members originating from all over the world. In addition and appropriate for the practical nature of this major, a number of faculty members have considerable work experience with international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Bank; others have worked as international journalists or in a wide range of international careers. The student body is equally diverse. Of the students taking the Global Studies major, around half are from Japan, with the other students coming from over 20 different countries around the world.

International Character

In today’s world, almost all major issues are ultimately global

and complex. An ability to understand and analyze global affairs

from an interdisciplinary perspective is essential whatever

future career you pursue. As a student of the Global Studies

major in the College of International Relations, you will examine

interactions across global, national, organizational, and individual

levels through an interdisciplinary lens. You will employ a variety

of approaches to make sense of international affairs and develop

the skills and knowledge essential to make a difference in a

globalized world.

Interpreting the World

What is the nature of globalization and how does it affect us?

How do international trade and commerce function in today’s world?

What is the character of international cooperation among nations and international organizations?

How does cultural communication take place between one nation’s society and another?

College of International RelationsGlobal Studies MajorUnderstanding How the Globalized World Works

Program Design

Global Simulation GamingIn this unique course, students adopt such roles as UN secretary-general, heads of government, and media representatives, and they then debate about key international topics like environmental degradation and development issues. Through this course, students have the opportunity to learn about the workings of international politics and the world economy and also to develop their presentation and negotiation skills.

Advanced SeminarThis takes the form of seminars comprised of small groups of students with similar study interests. It results in a particularly close, rich academic relationship between professors and students. The Advanced Seminar begins in the third year, when students conduct research in a topic of their interest. This research forms the basis of their graduation thesis in the fourth year.

Course Highlights

A key feature of the Global Studies major is great flexibility: students design their own learning program based on their academic interests and career, choosing study items from the above Courses. First-year students learn the basics of international relations, and for international students studying Japanese is compulsory for one semester. From the second year, students follow one of the three Core Programs listed above and take advanced courses; there is also the hands-on Global Simulation Gaming class. Third-year students can participate in an internship, and they deepen their studies in the Advanced Seminar. In the fourth year, students write their graduation thesis.

Opportunities beyond Japan

The College of International Relations encourages students to experience studying beyond Japan at some stage during their degree course. RU currently runs student exchange and study abroad programs with more than 120 overseas partner institutions.

In addition, RU operates the Dual Undergraduate Degree Program (DUDP), in which students can earn bachelor’s degrees from both RU and universities in the United States. Under this program, students study at American University or Suffolk University for two years while still registered at RU and can obtain degrees from RU and the U.S. university in as little as four years.

Students from many countries and regions

United KingdomTurkmenistan Uganda United States

Australia Belgium China France Germany Hong Kong

Indonesia

ThailandSingapore

PhilippinesParaguayMalaysia Papua New GuineaSouth Korea Nepal

Finland

6 College of International Relations College of International Relations 7

Good Grounding for an International Career

I decided to study International Relations at RU because it was my aim to build an international career, and I wanted a place where I could study about global matters alongside students from all around the world. After graduating, I worked for a time in international marketing and sales at Universal Studios Japan, where I was mainly involved in promotions, sales,

Practical Professional Skills through International Relations Studies

I originally wanted to study overseas, but I decided on RU because of the Dual Undergraduate Degree Program (DUDP), which would allow me to get a degree in both Japan and the United States within four years. I was attracted by courses that allowed studies of international cooperation and development in addition to foreign languages.

Policy Strategies for Global Challenges

College of Policy ScienceCommunity and Regional Policy Studies Major

Carefully formulated, well-implemented policies have

the power to transform people’s lives. Students of

Policy Science learn how to unleash that power by

combining advanced academic knowledge in several

disciplines with a focus on solving real-life problems.

Issues such as poverty, demographic shifts, urbanization

and environmental change are recognized as global

challenges, but they all demand localized, tailor-made

responses. Policy Science connects the global and

the local, cultivating advanced practitioners to deliver

creative solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.

Students in Policy Science acquire basic knowledge

of economics, politics and other social sciences in

the first year. Studies become increasingly specific in

subsequent years. Second-year students select one

of the three Core Programs listed on the next page.

A prime feature of Policy Science studies is their

practical nature: students learn research methods,

such as statistical analysis and quantitative and

qualitative research, and they engage in field studies

with social surveys. This experience gives them the

ability to solve real social issues.

Global vision, local empowerment Policy Science at RU

Andy Law, United KingdomSecond year, Global Studies major

Andy (center) with his classmates.

Kristy Wang, TaiwanGraduated in 2009 International Relations major

Satomi Ichino, JapanGraduated in 2008 International Relations major

EnergyWhat are the challenges that future societies will face in energy supply?

City planningHow are we going to design our urban spaces of the future?

GovernmentfinanceWhat is the proper role of the government in the national economy?

Global environmentHow can we create a sustainable environment for the future?

events and handling foreign media for the Asian market. Through that job, I traveled overseas every month, and when I dealt with customers in addition to communication skills, I needed to understand the local culture and customs. Having studied International Relations and interacted every day with people from different countries helped prepare me a lot for that kind of work.

After graduation, I joined the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and then the United Nations Volunteers, and the practical knowledge I had acquired at RU in such areas as social statistics, data processing and project management techniques proved enormously helpful. I was therefore able to immediately apply the skills developed at university within a professional environment. The College of International Relations offers many opportunities to let you fulfill your dreams.

Student Voice

Messages from Alumni

Basic Information

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Yearly Intake

60 students

Language of Instruction

English

Duration

4 years full-time education

Enrollment

April and September

Global Studies students benefit from having classmates and friends from a wide array of countries and backgrounds. Each semester, the diversity is enriched as new students join the program. The faculty is also made up of staff from all points of the compass. Diversity is vital for systems to be stable, prosperous and self-supporting. This is true for both the biodiversity in ecosystems and the cultural diversity in social systems. The multicultural environment here questions and complements your worldview on a regular and random basis.

That worldview is also challenged in such classes as Introduction to Politics. In this class, we don’t use specific textbooks. Instead, we spend a lot of time talking, discussing concepts and ideas within politics, looking at how politics relates to us personally.

Study in Diversity

College of Policy Science 9 8 College of International Relations

Kimiko ShikiAssociate Professor College of Policy Science

Yusuke Nakamura, JapanGraduated in 2001, College of Policy Science

Wang Qian, ChinaFourth year, College of Policy Science

Research group in Kesennuma

Case Study: Earthquake Reconstruction

An Example of What Students Learn: City Planning Message from an Alumnus

In the College of Policy Science, we learn about such matters as managing small and medium-sized enterprises, urban construction, political systems, social welfare, the environment and sustainable development. A distinctive feature of the course is that it covers a wide range of studies, and there is a huge variety of study options. There are also many opportunities for carrying out fieldwork, and in my second year, I conducted a survey on traditional Japanese confectionery in Kyoto.

My graduation thesis deals with reconstruction and recovery after natural disasters, and it focuses on the huge Tohoku earthquake of March 2011. I compare that situation with the May 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. In

Practical Value of Policy Science

In pursuing their chosen research topic in Policy Science, students find themselves involved in the whole process from examining current situations to mapping out future policies. My own research area was nonprofit organizations, and I undertook an internship with the Osaka Voluntary Action Center, where I was involved in drafting policy measures. In Policy Science, you learn how to handle problems and situations in different fields. You learn how to get things done.

After graduation, I worked for several years

I teach about urban and housing policies implemented in Japan and other countries. Like many countries, Japan is experiencing city shrinkage through demographic and economic changes. I explore housing policy solutions to tackle problems related to housing affordability as well as accessibility to jobs and services among low-income households in declining cities.

Both domestic and international students show strong interest in studying city planning and urban society. Historically, cities have been the cultural, economic and political centers where people, goods and

New Campus for Policy Science students

In 2015, the College of Policy Science is scheduled to move to a brand-new campus located in Ibaraki, Osaka Prefecture. Midway between the cultured serenity of Kyoto and the vibrant urban spaces of Osaka, the Ibaraki Campus will provide the ideal location for students keen to take advantage of all Japan has to offer.

December 2012, our research group surveyed Kesennuma in Tohoku, where the destruction caused by the earthquake was appalling – much worse than we’d expected. Afterward, we discussed the situation with many experts, analyzing the support policy of China’s government and the current situation of the disaster area in Tohoku.

As part of the fieldwork in Kesennuma, I carried out interviews with the mayor, local members of the National Diet and the president of a company in Shanghai that had donated an electric generator. In this way, I was practically applying the methods of qualitative research I had studied in Policy Science, and in that investigation I was able to make good use of the interview techniques I had learned.

in Relo Holdings Inc. before becoming one of the founding members of a start-up company offering services related to real estate. As head of operations at that company, I’m now responsible for such wide-ranging areas as project planning, systems development and legal matters. Society is confronted with various problems – both big and small – on a daily basis, and dealing with those issues requires the ability to weigh up alternative courses of action. What you learn as an undergraduate and whether you acquire that appropriate way of thinking will have a major impact on your ability to deal with such issues in a professional situation.

information intersect. Such dynamism and diversity have attracted many scholars and students to study cities. Currently, cities are going through major socioeconomic and spatial restructuring, resulting in urban decay in advanced countries, and growth and expansion in developing countries. In this area of study, students learn the historical evolution of city planning and housing policy to solve urban problems and find out what is behind recent changes in urban environments.

CORE PROGRAMS

This program covers

Development Economics, Regional Development, Economic Institutions, Public Economics, International Trade and Finance

This program covers

Urban Planning for Sustainable Cities, Community Safety, Housing and Policy, Environmental Policy, Community Development and Planning

Sustainable Urban Policy

Regional Economy and Development

This program covers

Inter-Government Relations and Cooperation, Global Public Policies, Public Management, Constitutional Law, Social Welfare Policies

MultilevelGovernance

Basic Information

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Arts in Policy Science

Duration

4 years full-time education

Language of Instruction

English

Yearly Intake

20 students

Enrollment

September

Career Paths

Graduates with a major in Community and Regional Policy Studies will find that a number of attractive career options are open to them. With the skills, knowledge and experience gained during the program, graduates will have considerable opportunities for jobs in planning and research in the public sector

Potential Career Paths

• National/regional policy planning, research

• Corporate research, planning

• International public administration

• Urban planning, development

• Non-government/non-profit sector

• Community leadership

• Academic research, consultancy

at both the national and regional level. However, those qualities are also very much sought after in the private sector, and graduates will be attractive candidates when global corporations are hiring for their research and planning departments.

Skill Building

• Small classes ideal for developing communication and teamwork skills

• Strong focus on active participation, lively discussions and presentations

• Intensive Japanese-language study (first year, compulsory; second year, strongly recommended) leads to intermediate or advanced proficiency—providing major advantages in future employment

• Great emphasis on practical training, carrying out social surveys and field research

• Summer fieldwork programs in various countries around the world

• Students develop analytical methods, logical ways of thinking and presentation skills used in Policy Science

• Opportunity to become qualified as Certified Social Researcher by Japanese Association for Social Research

10 College of Policy Science College of Policy Science 11

General Information

How and When to Apply

The decision on an application is based on the application documents and an interview.

Application documents include registration forms, essays, high school academic transcripts and a letter of reference.

Students residing overseas are not required to travel to Japan for interview.

For details, please refer to the application handbook. The application handbook and application forms can be downloaded from

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/admissions (GS)

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ps/admissions (CRPS)

From Kansai International Airport in Osaka to Kyoto Station1hr. 15 min. by JR Limited Express “Haruka”

From Kyoto Station to Kinugasa Campus30 min. by taxi / 45 min. by bus

From Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station2hr. 10 min. by JR Shinkansen (bullet train)

Tokyo

Kyoto(Kinugasa Campus)

Osaka

Shiga(Biwako-Kusatsu Campus)

Access to RU Kinugasa Campus

Academic Calendar

Late March New student orientation (spring enrollment) Start of April Spring entrance ceremony Early April Spring semester classes begin Late July Spring semester classes end; final examinations Early August to late September Summer vacation Mid- to late September New student orientation (fall enrollment) Late September Fall entrance ceremony Fall semester classes begin Late December to early January Winter vacation Late January Fall semester classes end; final examinations Early February to late March Spring vacation

Fees and Scholarships

Admission Fee (one-time only)

Annual Tuition Fee (1st year)

Annual Tuition Fee(2nd & subsequent years)

GS300,000 yen (US$ 3,045)

1,065,000 yen (US$ 10,809)

1,225,000 yen (US$ 12,433)

CRPS970,000 yen (US$ 9,845)

1,130,000 yen (US$ 11,469)

*All figures are for 2013. Fees for each academic year are finalized in the preceding year.*Payment of the admission fee is required after acceptance to secure a place at RU.

Scholarships awarded before enrollment

*No special application is required for the above scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on academic merit. Notification of award is sent to the successful applicants along with admission results.*Only students who will hold the status of residence of “Student” while studying at RU are eligible for consideration.

100% tuition waiver in the first year

50% tuition reduction in the first year

20% tuition reductionin the first year

*GS = Global Studies major CRPS = Community and Regional Policy Studies major

Examples of scholarships available:

• JASSO scholarship: 48,000 yen (US$ 487) per month

• International Students Assistance Scholarship by RU Faculty/Staff: 250,000 yen (US$ 2,537) per year

• 20% to 100% tuition reduction scholarship (second and subsequent years)

Application for the above scholarships can be made after enrollment. In the first year, scholarships are awarded on the basis of students’ admission evaluation. In the second and subsequent years, scholarships are awarded on the basis of students’ grades during the previous year of study.

Other available scholarships for International Students

*Amounts in US$ are for reference only. US$ 1 = 98.53 yen (as of April 8, 2013)

College of International Relations

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/

College of Policy Science

www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ps/

www.facebook.com/RitsIR

Ritsumeikan University International Admissions Office

56-1 Toji-in Kitamachi, Kita-ku, Kyoto 603-8577 Japan E-mail: hello@st.ritsumei.ac.jp Telephone: +81-75-465-8162

Enrollment Date GS CRPS Application Period Interview Announcement of Results

2014 April 1

1stperiod

2013 Jul. 19 – Aug. 1

2013 Oct. 5 or 6 2013 Oct. 23

2ndperiod

2013 Oct. 3 – 17

2013 Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 2013 Dec. 25

2014 September 26

1st period 2014 Jan. 16 – 29

2014 Mar. 22 or 23 2014 Apr. 17

2nd period 2014 Mar. 28 – Apr. 8

2014 May 24 or 25 2014 Jun. 16

*For Japanese nationals applying for the Global Studies major, the application schedule differs from the above. Visit our Web site at www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/ir/admissions/japanese for details.