http://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/index.htm
Important Notice for JDS
Public Policy/Public Administration (Bangladesh, Kyrgyz,Philippines)
- Applicants are required to take classes/courses related to Public Policy/Public Administration. A Master of Political Science or International Studies will be obtained.
Introduction to Kobe University
Kobe is located in the middle of Japanese Islands and is one of the largest international trading ports in the world. The cosmopolitan port city has a population of 1.5 million including 45,500 foreign residents from more than 100 countries. Sandwiched by Mt. Rokko in the north and the Seto Inland Sea in the south, Kobe enjoys a colorful change of four seasons with a relatively mild climate all the year around. Situated in such a favorable environment, Kobe University has a free, open atmosphere where students and scholars actively participate in academic and educational activities.
Kobe University is one of the oldest and largest national universities in Japan. Its history traces back to the establishment of Kobe Higher Commercial School in 1902, which was renamed as Kobe University of Commerce in 1929, and Kobe University of Economics in 1944. In 1949, Hyogo Normal High School, Hyogo Junior Normal High School, Kobe Technical College, and Himeji High School were integrated with Kobe University of Economics, and thus Kobe University was established.
Today, Kobe University consists of 11 faculties, 9 graduate schools, the Research Institute for Economics and Business Administration, libraries, a hospital, and various other facilities and centers. It has 2,600 members of teaching and administrative staff and 17,000 students including 1,000 international students from more than 60 countries. Also, the University has concluded 164 academic exchange agreements with foreign institutions in 38 countries in the world.
In 2002, Kobe University celebrated the centennial anniversary of its foundation. With these 100 years of history, we are endeavoring to make further progress to be one of the best institutions for education and research in the 21st century.
Message from the Dean
Hiroshi Ohta, Dean
Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies, Kobe University
The Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS) is one of the newest schools of Kobe University. Since its establishment in October 1992, GSICS has distinguished itself in the field of international cooperation studies and has coped with the demands and challenges posed by a rapidly changing international environment. When GSICS was first established, Japan was the world’s top donor of Official Development Assistance (ODA) but there were disproportionately few Japanese nationals working in international organizations, such as the World Bank and United Nations. To help address this discrepancy, the Ministry of Education supported the establishment of GSICS in Kobe University.
Initially, the primary mission of GSICS was to develop young Japanese into professionals who could make a significant contribution to the international community. One innovative feature that set GSICS apart from other more conventional graduate schools was its curriculum which reflected both the depth of a wealth of inter-disciplinary academic studies as well as the dynamism of its field and practitioner-orientation.
During the early years of the School, the majority of the students were Japanese. International students comprised less than ten percent of the student population. Some of the students were actually mid-career professionals, many of whom already had practical overseas experience in international cooperation and assistance. The rich and diverse international background of the students helped to make study at GSICS a truly unique experience.
In recent years, however, the GSICS community has become even more international, due to a major increase in the number of international students. This was in part a result of a decision to open our doors to international students supported by funds and grants from not only the Ministry of Education and Science (Monkasho) of Japanese government, but also other sources.
An additional attraction is the “English Program,” which started in October 2002. This program enables students to complete their MA entirely in English, without any Japanese language requirement. Moreover, all the faculty members of GSICS now conduct lectures and seminars in English (as well as in Japanese). This has made them accessible to a broader range of students. International students now comprise more than forty percent of the student population, making GSICS truly worthy of the name international.
A development worth noting that has had a significant impact on GSICS is the changing perception of the majority of Japanese citizens about the meaning of “international cooperation.” When GSICS was first established, everyone was talking about “internationalization” and “Japan’s international contribution.” However, largely because of domestic developments brought about by economic decline and stagnation, many Japanese citizens seem to have become weary and disenchanted with international cooperation. For instance in 2003, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held nation-wide public hearings in conjunction with the revision of the “ODA Charter.” In this context, many people questioned the idea of Japan continuing to give ODA, in the light of the continuing recession and high levels of domestic unemployment. As a result, the volume of Japanese ODA has been drastically reduced.
The impact of these developments can be seen in changes in the motivation of students who enroll in GSICS. In the early years, many students came to GSICS with only a general – and sometimes even vague – idea of wanting to work in an international organization or in an NGO overseas. The domestic and international developments over the past few years have made incoming students more clear about their personal objectives. Many now begin with a good idea of both what they want for their future career, and the area of international cooperation – such as environment, education or poverty reduction – in which they want to hone their skills.
It is within the context of the above developments that GSICS is currently preparing a major revision of its curriculum. It is imperative that the curriculum offered by GSICS be sensitive not only to changes in the international cooperation environment, but also to changes in the needs and desires of current and potential students, as well as those of the society as a whole. Thus, we are seriously studying the possibility of introducing revisions in our programs that would allow us to address such issues as “poverty reduction,” “peace building,” “capacity building,” “human resource development,” and “social capital” within the framework of international cooperation. In addition, we have also begun to look into the possibility of broadening and enriching the field study component of our programs.
We are also working to intensify our linkages with the international community. For instance, we have developed programs that entail close cooperation with other educational institutions such as the National University of Laos. Since June, 2005, our school, jointly with a development consultant company, has developed supporting projects in Yemen to help girls study in primary schools. We have intensified cooperation with local and international donor agencies. The World Bank has given a series of lectures directly from Washington DC to our students via internet. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) supported the establishment of the Young Leaders’ Program (YLP) local government course that aims to develop future national leaders in developing countries in Asia and in the transitional economies. We admitted our first group of YLP students in October 2003.
Indeed, over the past decade, the Kobe University Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies has tried hard to be sensitive to the demands of a rapidly changing environment, and to transform itself accordingly. It is the view of GSICS that the future of Japan and its citizens is largely dependent upon close cooperation and collaboration with the global community, of which Japan is an integral part. It is this commitment that drives us to continually seek improvement and strive for excellence.
We welcome applications from those who share our vision and our goal to continuously work toward improving cooperation in the international community.
Outline of the Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS)
Aims and Objectives
The Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies seeks to enhance the capabilities of motivated students who are interested in pursuing careers in international fields, in order to help to prepare them to make a significant contribution to international society. The program is divided into three departments – Economic Development and Policies, International Cooperation Policy Studies and Regional Cooperation Policy Studies – emphasizing the study of policy formulation and implementation in each area of specialty. Students are encouraged to take a diverse, multi-disciplinary approach, rather than limiting themselves to narrow subject areas. As a whole, GSICS is working to create a broad approach to international policy studies, based on globalization and respect for human rights, which contributes to multi-faceted and reciprocal international cooperation.
Distinctive Features１．Today, international cooperation does not only mean tackling North-South problems, but also means dealing with a variety of multi-faceted transnational networks. The GSICS curriculum is therefore multi-disciplinary and is designed to identify and clarify the diverse aspects and objectives of international cooperation.
２．In addition to core fields such as economics, law and politics, the GSICS curriculum is based on tight links among its three departments, and receives support from seven faculties within Kobe University, including the Faculties of Law, Economics, Medicine, Engineering and the Research Institute for Higher Education.
３．In pursuing their studies, students are trained to take a practical and applied approach to international issues. At the same time, they must master the basic methodologies for fundamental, theoretical and project research. The combination of these approaches and methodologies will give students a broader understanding of policy studies in general, and encourage them to take particular notice of the diversity of actors and the importance of free will in international society.
４．The full-time faculty of GSICS includes experts in international cooperation from within and outside of Japan, including visiting professors. At present, there are 29 full-time professors and associate professors.
５．In addition to recent graduates, GSICS welcomes students who have already gained international, working, academic and other experiences. These students are trained to become able professionals and academics in the field of international cooperation. So far, in addition to those with working experience in private firms and local public offices, professionals such as journalists, school teachers, university teaching staff, NGO staff, teachers of the Japanese language, doctors, nurses and pharmacists have been admitted. Students entering directly from college also come from a variety of academic disciplines. This diversity contributes to the uniquely attractive atmosphere of GSICS.
６． For international students who do not speak any Japanese, GSICS offers a Master’s Course in English .
HISTORY
October 1992 Foundation of GSICS・Establishment of the Department of Economic Development and Policies
(Master’s Course)
April 1993 Establishment of the Department of International Cooperation Policy Studies (Master’s Course)
April 1994 Establishment of the Department of Regional Cooperation Policy Studies (Master’s Course)
April 1995 Establishment of the Doctoral Courses in the Department of Economic Development and Policies,
and in the Department of International Cooperation Policy Studies
April 1996 Establishment of the Doctoral Course in the Department of Regional Cooperation Policy Studies
October 1999 Establishment of the Doctoral Course in English
October 2002 Establishment of the Master’s Course in English
October 2003 Start of the Young Leaders’ Program (Local Government Course)
Master’s Program in English
Characteristics Since October 2002, the Kobe University Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies has offered a Master’s Course in English for international students. As the world faces rapid globalization, the use of English as the most common international language has gained much importance. Moreover, the ODA policy of the Japanese government in recent years has given high priority to the development of human resources through education for international students.
To meet these needs from both international and Japanese societies, our new course puts emphasis on the studies of economic development, political development, international law and international relations for those who will become experts in developing countries in the future. Graduates are expected to contribute toward the development of their own countries as civil servants, academicians, journalists or industrialists.
Study Requirements and Degrees The subjects offered in the Course in English are divided into two areas: Economics and Law, Politics and International Relations. Students must choose between these two areas. Students are required to earn at least 30 credit units, and complete a master’s thesis in English. Successful students are granted one of the following master’s degrees according to their special field of study: Master of Economics, Master of Laws, Master of Political Science, or Master of International Studies.
The school year for the Course in English commences in October, and is divided in two semesters.
Study Requirements and Degrees
Master’s Course１．The usual course of study is for at least two years. Students are required to earn at least 30 credits, complete a master’s thesis, and pass a final oral examination.
２．Depending on the student’s special field of study, he or she may be granted a Master of International Studies, a Master of Economics, a Master of Laws or a Master of Political Science degree.
Class Subject Credits
Microeconomics 2
Macroeconomics 2
Monetary Theory 2
Public Finance 2
International Economics 2
Mathematics for Social Sciences 2
Statistics 2
Econometrics 2
Growth Theory 2
Economic Development Studies 2
Socio-Economic Development Theory 2
Environmental Economics 2
Development Management 2
Human Capital Development 2
Special Lecture on Development Economics 2
Special Lecture on Development Policy 2
Special Lecture on Development Planning 2
Special Lecture on Development Management 2
International Law of Civil Servants 2
International Cooperation Law 2
International Human Rights Law 2
Law of International Organizations 2
International Environmental Law 2
Law and Development 2
Comparative Law for Development 2
Comparative Politics 2
Political Development 2
International Relations 2
Issues in Peace and Development I 2
Issues in Peace and Development II 2
Comparative and Quantitative Political Analysis 2
Japanese ODA 2
International Health 2
Research Method in Epidemiology 2
Special Lecture on International Cooperation Law 2
Special Lecture on Transnational Relations 2
Special Lecture on Political and Social Development 2
Special Lecture on Institution Building 2
Academic Writing 2
Readings in Social Sciences 2
International Field Work 2
Seminar 4
1. Some of these classes will be offered for the first time in 2007.
2. These classes are open to all GSICS students.
Teaching Staff
Name Research Fields
FUKUI, Seiichi (Professor) Economic Analysis of Agrarian Institutions, Globalization and Poverty Reduction
MATSUNAGA Nobuaki (Professor) International Trade and Economic Growth, Enterprise in Economic Development
MIENO, Fumiharu (Associate Professor) Financial System in Developing Economies, Empirical Analysis of Financial Systems
NISHINA, Katsumi (Professor) International Financing Strategy, Public Policy for Development
CHEN Kuang-hui (Professor) Applied Econometrics, the Chinese Economy
TACHIBANA, Towa (Associate Professor) Forest Resource Management in Developing Countries (Nepal, Vietnam), Rice Farming in African Countries (Ghana), Environmental Economics
SURUGA, Terukazu (Professor) Economic Development and Employment, Foreign Direct Investment
OHTA, Hiroshi (Professor) Applied Microeconomics, International Trade Theory
KAWABATA, Koji (Associate Professor) Applied Econometrics, Industrial Development in East Asia
LEE, Hiro (Professor) General Equilibrium Evaluation of Free Trade Agreements in East Asia
UCHIDA, Yasuo (Professor) Social Sector Management in Developing Countries
TAKAHASHI Motoki (Professor) Economic Development in Eastern and Southern Africa, Development Assistance for Least Developed Countries
OGAWA, Keiichi (Associate Professor) Economics of Education, Education Finance, Education Policy and Planning
NISHIMURA, Mikiko (Associate Professor) International Educational Development, Empirical Analysis of Education Policies and Reforms
IGARASHI, Masahiro (Professor) International Law
SHIBATA, Akiho (Professor) Study on International Law-Making Process, Antarctic Treaty System, Multilateral Treaty Negotiation
HAYASHI, Mika (Associate Professor) International Law
KAGAWA, Kozo (Professor) Labor Law and Social Security in Asia
KANEKO, Yuka (Professor) Economic Laws in Asia and Transition Economies
KATAYAMA, Yutaka (Professor) Political Development in Southeast Asia
TAKADA, Hirofumi (Professor) Local Public Administration and Finance
MATSUNAMI Jun (Professor) Comparative Study of Deregulation, Privatization and Local Governments
TATEBAYASHI, Masahiko (Professor) Policy Activities of Political Elites in Japan
KIMURA, Kan (Professor) State Formation and Nation Building in Korea
TAKAHASHI Yuriko (Associate Professor) Comparative Politics, Comparative Political Economy, Latin American Politics
ALEXANDER, Ronni (Professor) Peace Studies (Focusing on Gender, Pacific Island Countries)
TOSA Hiroyuki (Professor) Critical Theory and Its Application in International Relations
NISHITANI Makiko (Associate Professor) Theories of International Politics, International Public Opinion
Visiting Staff
Name Affiliation
FOCARELLI, Carlo University of Perugia
LEHMAN, Howard P. University of Utah
NABESHIMA, Kaoru World Bank
SHOJI, Hitoshi Japan Bank for International Cooperation
THOBURN, John University of East Anglia
TJIPTOHERIJANTO, Prijono University of Indonesia
YOKOZEKI, Yumiko Japan International Cooperation Agency
Adjunct Lecturers
Name Affiliation
ABE, Michiaki Kyushu University
ABINALES, Patricio N. Kyoto University
AKAGUMA, Yokichi Development Bank of Japan
ANDO, Toshiyuki Asia University
ASHITATE, Hideaki Kyoto Sangyo University
HAYASHI, Shigeki Osaka Institute of Technology
HIROHATA, Nobuo Development Bank of Japan
HIROSATO, Yasushi Nagoya University
KITAGAWA, Toshimitsu Kansai University
KUME, Ikuo Waseda University
MASWANA, Jean-Claude Kyoto University
MATSUDA, Tomohiro National Cancer Center
MATSUYAMA, Akiko Nagasaki University
NAKATA, Toyokazu Kobe Empowerment Center
NARA, Masami
OKUBO, Toshiyuki Japan Economic Research Institute
SAKATA, Masayo Osaka International University
YAMADA, Akira Miyake & Yamazaki
YAMADA, Miwa Institute of Developing Economies
YASUNAGA Eishi Development Bank of Japan
Facilities of Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies
The Building of GSICS
The building of the International Cooperation Study Department is located at Kobe University, which overlooks the city of Kobe. We can enjoy the scenic view of Kobe Harbor here. The campus is at Rokko-dai, where there is the most greenery compared to other campuses.
The first ward, built in September 1996, followed by the second ward added in March 1997, is the newest buildings to be completed at Kobe University. They each have 6 floors, and cover 5,324㎡. A quiet campus with many greens, it is the ideal spot for education and research for professors and students.
The main facilities include: 1st floor, General Office of GSICS, and Conference Room; 2nd floor, seminar rooms; 3rd floor, graduate students’ laboratories; 4th floor, Information Processing rooms, Presentation Rooms, and Language Training Rooms; 5th floor, GSICS Reference Room;6th floor, Simulation Room and professor’s laboratories, and others.
Introduction to each facility
Conference room (1st floor)
This room, which can hold 60 people, is used for professors’ conferences and meetings for each department. Equipped with a simultaneous interpretation system, international conferences and lectures can also be held. At the Japan-Korea seminar held in June 1996, this system was used for the first time. The fact that an international conference was held nearby was well received.
Graduate students’ laboratories (3rd floor)
As a study space for graduate students, each student is given desk space. Copy machines and computers are available as well, which helps in thesis work and preparing teaching material.
Information processing rooms/ Information processing seminar rooms (4th floor)
Complementing the original information processing room, we have constructed information processing seminar room with 40 computers as new additions. This promotes a more effective environment for information processing instruction.
There is one monitor TV for every 2 computers thus making it easier for students to understand by looking at the same screen as the professor’s.
Presentation rooms (4th floor)
OHPs, slides, TVs, videos and 110 inches projectors (which can be projected from computers by using special cables) are available here. They can be used for classes, lectures, and study groups. Images that are projected on the large screen are sure to impress educators and researchers in the International Cooperation field. Also, by moving the desks, graduate school ceremonies and events can be held here.
Language training room (4th floor)
There are 10 personal booths; each one can be used for cassette, videotape, CD, and LD software. 17 languages of the presently kept software are available, including English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Swahili, Indonesian, Thai, Malaysian, Pilipino, and Hebrew. Students are given an opportunity to be able to learn a vast amount of languages here.
GSICS Reference Room (5th floor)
The GSICS Reference Room has resources relevant to all of the divisions of GSICS, as well as books issued by IDE-JETRO, JICA and FASID. In addition, there are Japanese University journals (economics, law, international development, etc.), other serial publications and dictionaries. These materials are kept on open shelves. In addition, all GSICS doctoral theses and master’s theses (since 2002) are available. Some resources are available on CD-ROM and video. The materials in the Reference Room may be read in the room, borrowed temporarily (excluding certain books, or photocopied). We will continue to upgrade the resources kept here.
As of 1 October 2003, the GSICS Reference Room has opened a World Bank Information Kiosk, with the cooperation of the World Bank Tokyo Office. World Bank publications can be viewed here, and on-line access to the Bank is also available.
The GSICS Reference Room also has computers which enable users to have access to the Kobe University OPAC and an overall index database, www search service (NACSIS Web cat), which covers libraries nationwide.
The Reference Room is also responsible for the editing and publication of the GSICS Journal of International Cooperation Studies.
Simulation room (6th Floor)
With desks laid out «globe-style», not only classes, but small study groups and meetings may be conducted here.
Student lounge
On the southern side of every floor from floors 3 to 4, sofas and reception devices are placed to provide a space for friends to relax and converse in between research. In order to maintain a quiet research environment, students must take care not to disturb others.
Common-Use Facilities of Kobe University
International Student Center
The International Student Center provides education for international students including Japanese language courses. It also endeavors to research and develop teaching materials for such students. Advisory and information service is available to assist their life at Kobe University.
Information Science and Technology Center
Kobe University Information Science and Technology Center provides high-performance computation facilities (SGI ORIGIN 3800 64 CPUs), 600 personal computers for educational purposes (Sun Microsystems Ray1 appliance, NEC’s PC), and database systems for various affairs in Kobe University. It also manages a campus network system called KHAN (Kobe Hyper Academic Network) and provides network services such as Internet connection, e-mail, WWW for all the staff and students of Kobe University.
School of Languages and Communication
The School of Languages and Communication (SOLAC) was established in October 2003 in response to a call for more international communication at Kobe University. SOLAC aims to provide language-related support to the greater University community by introducing self-access rooms and CALL facilities for independent study, as well as developing more effective curricula, methodologies and teaching materials for language courses. SOLAC, in addition, plays an active role in promoting research and education at post-graduate levels in the fields of language, culture, and communication.
Center for Supports to Research and Education Activities
The Center was reorganized in 2004 by unifying the former three independent centers, Radioisotope Research Center, Center for Instrumental Analysis and Cryogenic Center. The Center consists of three divisions, Isotope Division (ID), Instrumental Analysis Division (IAD), and Cryogenic Division (CD).
The aim of the Center is to play an essential role in supporting research and educational activities in the various fields of science and technology. The first division (ID) supports research and educational activities involving the use of various types of radioisotopes. The second division (IAD) provides with technical assistance to research and education on analytical technology. The last division (CD) supplies with liquid helium and liquid nitrogen and gives general services concerning low temperature technology.
Academic Calendar
Early October Entrance Ceremony and Beginning of Master’s Program, Doctoral Program and
Young Leader’s Program
Late December Winter Vacation (until early January)
Late March Spring Vacation (until early April)
Early August Summer Vacation (until late September)
Late September Commencement
