Three Projects Adopted by Waseda University for the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s 2005 Initiative “Program for Supporting Distinctive University Education (Distinctive GP)”

　Waseda University (President: Katsuhiko Shirai) has undertaken the 2005 “Program for Supporting Distinctive University Education” (please refer to the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science web site) and has adopted three projects, the largest number by a private university. (see below)

　There is great demand for the promotion of strong and functional educational research capabilities amongst future graduate schools. A major focus is improving international competitiveness, standing and credibility through further systematic curriculum expansion. The Initiative for Attractive Education in Graduate Schools was established by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in 2005 with the aim of promoting substantive graduate university education (i.e., increased, systematic curriculum expansion) through focused efforts to cultivate highly motivated and innovative young researchers and to answer their contemporary needs.

■Synopsis of the 2005 “Program for Supporting Distinctive University Education”

【 1 】

Name of Graduate/Research course Major Graduate School of Political Science, Research Divison　Political Science Major Implementation Supervisor Professor Takayuki Ito Name of Education Program Formation of an International Hub for Cross-National Research - Political Science Methodology Education Approach Project Summary 　Historically there have been few creative accomplishments in Political Science Research in Japan. This project will develop a new educational program for Political Science Methodology and cultivate human resources of an internationally high level. 　In this project, clear, normative consciousness and an intrinsic understanding of Asia will be coupled with the methodology that is the world standard for contemporary political science, to offer a new world standard that could come to be known as the ‘Waseda Method’. Through education in such methodology, the Waseda University Graduate School of Political Science will develop into a base of creative, cross-national research to surpass the Political Science of Britain and the United States. 　As for concrete plans, the uniform, five-year, coursework-based program will be altered for 1) the mastering of the three analytical methods (by making methodology subjects compulsory) 2) the acquisition of broad, specialized knowledge (through the adoption of multiple selection from among the five research areas) 3) process administration all the way through to the submission of the doctoral thesis and the annual presentation of goals accomplished 4) the improvement of students’ individual research management skills (via the adoption of a system of workshops) and 5) the strengthening of students presentation abilities (through the creation of information transmission exercises).

【 2 】

Name of Graduate/Research course Major Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Research Division　International Relations Major Implementation Supervisor Professor Masaya Shiraishi Name of Education Program Organic Development of an Overseas Cooperation Project Project Summary 　Restructure the current masters program curricula – based on the achievements and accomplishments to date – into two types and three clusters: 1) making the main focus be internships to cultivate active businesspeople in the Asia-Pacific region (Asian business human resources, international information, mass-media human resources, international cooperation human resource, etc.) 2) focusing on field research to cultivate specialists with the variety of needed project management skills to undertake examination and research of similar regions. In addition, a course entitled ‘International Cooperation of Labor Project’ will be created. 　 　As for post-doctorate courses, the aim is to develop (with the support and cooperation of the international branches of overseas universities) a diverse menu of options focusing on workshop projects and including international workshops, cooperative research, field research, internships and exchange study opportunities. Instead of a one-way relationship – with just Japan reaching out – these relationships will be organic, having bilateral / multilateral arrangements. The work will be carried out through international cooperation which will extend to guidance for publications and reports.

【 3 】

Name of Graduate/Research course Major Graduate School of Science and Engineering – Research Division　Life Sciences Major Implementation Supervisor Professor Mitsuo Umetsu Name of Education Program Amalgamation of Disparate Departments PBL　Cultivation of Independent, Creative Researchers Project Summary Based on four years of experience in the Life Sciences Major, and reflecting the opinions of faculty and students, two proposals are put forward as central to educational reform. (Ａ) In keeping with the need for understanding and for a harmonious social system (social linkage) which utilizes science and technology with an eye towards establishing education which emphasizes social linkages and their adoption into integrated fields of research: 1) develop an environment where broad learning and research can be brought together 2) work together with organizations outside the school 3) establish a course on Social Connections.   (Ｂ) Develop a practical PBL with the main body consisting of a transit-type laboratory taught by a number of tutors. 1. Develop a doctoral course using PBL with the main body consisting of a transit type laboratory taught by a number of tutors. 2. Establish lectures and practical coursework – such as project management – as tools to assist graduate school students in achieving their goals. 3. Hold a Fermentation Colloquia to bring various areas of research together for exchange.