Program Features
Practical Japanese Language Program
All international students (*1) will learn practical Japanese language skills in this Japanese Language Program (*2) as part of FILA’s formal curriculum. This Japanese program aims to enable students to reach the Japanese language proficiency level at which students can make smooth communication in their campus life and social life in Japan in general. With additional effort and commitment, students may reach the level at which they can seek careers in Japan. Evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 70 or IELTS 6.0) or higher is required to be eligible to enroll in FILA.
*1 In this context, 'international students' refers to students admitted through either of the following admissions processes, regardless of nationality:
・Undergraduate Admissions for International Students - Policy Type 1
・English Medium Program
*2 The FILA Practical Japanese Language Program is primarily designed for non-Japanese natives or beginners of the Japanese language. For those who have already achieved high Japanese language proficiency (e.g. students with Japanese Language Proficiency test level N2 or higher), please contact the FILA Office in advance of application.
Japanese Courses offered by Japan Studies Center
| Semester | Credits | Khoma * | /Hours | Total Study Hours | Cumulative Study Hours | Course Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 5 | 5 | 7.5 | 112.5 | / | E0 |
| 2nd Semester | 5 | 5 | 7.5 | 112.5 | 225 | E1 |
| Spring Break (2weeks) |
2 | 15 | 22.5 | 45 | 270 | Special Course |
| 3rd Semester | 8 | 8 | 12 | 180 | 450 | E2 |
| 4th Semester | 2 | 2 | 3 | 45 | 495 | E3 |
| 5th Semester | 2 | 2 | 3 | 45 | 540 | E3/E4 |
| 6th Semester | 2 | 2 | 3 | 45 | 585 | E3/E4 |
※1 Khoma is equal to one 90 minute class. Thus, a five Khoma class meets for five 90-minute classes per week.
Sample Schedule (for spring entry)
| Semester | FILA | Other Faculties |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Ｅ0）General Japanese for Beginners 日本語総合入門 (5 khoma) | |
| Fall | Ｅ1）General Japanese I 日本語総合Ⅰ(5 khoma) |
Ｅ0）General Japanese for Beginners日本語総合入門 (5 khoma) |
| Spring Break (2weeks) |
Japanese Practice for Beginners 日本語演習入門 (1 khoma) 単）Japanese Practice I 日本語演習Ⅰ (1 khoma) |
|
| Spring | Ｅ2）Japanese Practice II 日本語総合Ⅱ(5 khoma) Ｅ2）Japanese Reading II 日本語読解Ⅱ(1 khoma) Ｅ2）Japanese Listening 日本語聴解Ⅱ(1 khoma) Ｅ2）Japanese Grammar 日本語文法Ⅱ(1 Khoma) |
Ｅ1）General Japanese I 日本語総合Ⅰ(5 khoma) |
| Fall | Ｅ3 Elective Courses | Ｅ2）日本語総合Ⅱ⑤ |
| Spring | Ｅ3/E4 Elective Courses | Ｅ2 選択 |
| Fall | Ｅ3/E4 Elective Courses | Ｅ3選択 |
Students who attain TOEFL iBT 90/IELTS 7 (no subscore below 6.5) or higher before the beginning of the 1st or 2nd semester of Year 1 can obtain the credits for the following English language courses. (Application procedures must be completed by deadlines).
Academic Foundations I and II (2+4= 6 credits)
English for Academic Purposes II (2 credits)
International and interdisciplinary skills
The Faculty of International Liberal Arts at Soka University will develop students’ capabilities to engage in international and interdisciplinary issues. The global issues of today that straddle national boundaries, require the ability to gather, analyze and communicate information in English and across disciplines. English instruction of academic courses will emphasize the four aspects of communication: listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension and written expression. Students’ level of proficiency will allow them to engage in interdisciplinary discussions across global themes.
History, Society & Culture
These courses will analyze global issues from historical, social and cultural perspectives by examining how and why issues throughout history have arisen, investigating root causes of social problems
International Relations & Politics
These courses will analyze the current issues faced by countries by examining different nations’ politics, diplomacy and relations with neighboring countries, deepening students’ understanding of current world affairs.
Economics & Business
These courses will examine global developments from a business focus and study issues that confront businesses and organizations in modern times, including an examination of the current and future state of the Japanese and global economy.
Jobs of the 21st century will require an individual to examine issues, problems, and solutions from an interdisciplinary perspective. To prepare for this complexity of today’s global issues, students will have a variety of academic choices that provide both breadth and depth. In Years 1 and 2, students will be able to choose from a variety of principles courses such as Philosophy, History, Sociology, Economics, Business, Politics and International Relations (and others). In Years 3 and 4, students will be able to gain more in-depth content knowledge through specialized courses such as: Modern Political Thought, Transnational Migration, International Bargaining, Development Economics, and Management Science (19 courses are offered). Furthermore, a small-group classroom environment (Faculty-student ratio is 1 to 20) is conducive to active discussions, further developing students’ academic, research, presentation and English communication skills.
Professors will offer their individual perspectives and methods of analysis, resulting in the students’gaining a deeper understanding of different academic disciplines. Tying together the different strands from these fields will weave the fabric of an organized knowledge base. Collaborative learning implemented to induce creative problem-solving methods will lead to the development of analytical thinking and improved communication skills.
Courses
Education and International Development
Examining "Theories and Models of Development through Education" and the Possibilities of Learning and Education
Globalization has led to more sameness than differences in national educational policies and systems. It is necessary to consider issues such as whether this is the right thing to do and whether it is related to cultural, ethnic, and national contexts. This course examines the theory and practice of sustainable development of education in developed and developing countries. By examining theories and models of development through education, students will consider the possibilities for learning and education from locally rooted knowledge and other sources.
International Bargaining
Examining the importance of diplomacy and intergovernmental negotiations in a globalized world
This course will study diplomacy and intergovernmental negotiations in a globalized world. In particular, the course will focus on cases in which the international community has developed effective diplomacy to avoid war and respond to international crises, and cases in which foreign countries have failed to do so. The course will focus on how to maximize the effectiveness of international negotiations, how to combine diplomacy and the use of force, and how international institutions such as the United Nations can function effectively to avert human rights abuses and war.
International Business
Knowing the realities of human relations, organization, and the environment in international transactions in the age of globalization
In the age of globalization, businessmen need to know about human relations, organization, and the environment in international transactions. The primary goal of this course is to guide students on the path to doing business effectively in the age of globalization, whether or not they actually work for an international company. This course will help students become educated citizens and understand government policies and key issues affecting globalization. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the realities of international business.
FILA provides a wide range of knowledge in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Students will deepen their expertise through classes and seminars with individualized attention. All lecture courses are interactive and conducted in small groups, consisting of discussion among students, problem-based learning, small group work, etc. FILA also provides opportunities for students to seek the support of Student Assistants in tutorial sessions, especially when students cannot comprehend the contents taught in introductory courses from Year 1 (e.g. English courses and Statistics courses)
From Year 1, dedicated native English teachers train students’ to develop their English skills thoroughly, while offering individualized support for students. Until the completion of Year 2, one FILA full-time faculty member is assigned to every 5 to 6 students as an academic advisor to offer appropriate advice according to the individual needs of each student. Furthermore, all students will take Seminar I and Seminar II as required courses, deepening their knowledge in the fields of study and learning research methods under the instructions of Seminar professors together with Seminar classmates. This small-group support system enables FILA students to benefit from individualized attention for academic study, student life, and career choices.
The interaction with faculty members and other classmates will not only nurture academic competencies but also help students develop their personalities as capable individuals who can contribute globally.
