Department of International Communication

Department characteristics

The Department of International Communication educates students through multicultural understanding and foreign language learning to look towards the future and create possibilities by finding new meanings in any field. There are four courses: English Major, Chinese Major, Japanese Major, and International Studies Major. The department also actively supports students in regard to study abroad opportunities.

Degree policy

In the Department of International Communication, a degree is awarded to students who complete 124 credits and take the required courses and fulfill other requirements, and who are able to develop and comprehensively use the following abilities and qualities.
1. Well-educated, with the ability to think comprehensively and from multiple perspectives
By learning English, Chinese, Japanese, or a second foreign language, students are able to broadly understand the society, culture, and history of various regions.
2. The ability to learn independently and cooperate with others
Students are able to take on challenges and work towards building a career by using the knowledge, communication skills, qualifications, etc., acquired through the department. Students are able to support others by sharing their joy, sadness, surprise, anger, etc.
3. Regional co-creation
Students are able to consider the local environment and design while communicating with community residents to achieve a positive coexistence with foreigners.
4. The ability to use specialized knowledge and skills
Students are able to act on a world stage to contribute to regional society and share those achievements with the Okinawan community.

Curriculum policy (Content and method of education)

(1) Well-educated, with the ability to think comprehensively and from multiple perspectives
We have established core courses to ensure the necessary language skills for activities on an international level. We develop students’ English, Chinese, and Japanese language skills and foster views for multicultural understanding and communication. In the general courses, etc., that form the foundation of learning, students study various subjects such as IT literacy, health, culture/society, natural/environmental issues, Okinawa, career building, and seminars, in addition to language, while considering the past, present, and future of society, and they learn the core points of view for understanding and practicing other cultures.
(2) The ability to learn independently and cooperate with others
Years one through four include seminar courses so that students can learn independently and interact with others. We have a course system, and we provide detailed guidance on enrollment so that students can take classes that are useful for their specialized interests and future career building.
(3) Regional co-creation
We have practical courses so that students can participate in revitalization through communication with the local community.
(4) The ability to use specialized knowledge and skills
Specialized courses have been established so that each course’s field of specialization can be studied in greater detail, giving students to acquire specialized knowledge.
1) English Major
In addition to improving the four English skills, students also study English linguistics and develop literary comprehension in English through themes like movies, tourism, and business. Students can also acquire an English teaching license (JHS/HS).
2) Chinese Major
Students study interpretation in tourism, translation, and Chinese and Taiwanese culture while engaging in deeper study of the Chinese language. We also provide guidance for acquiring language certifications in both languages or a different language such as Korean, in addition to scholarships.
3) Japanese Major
We support students in the acquisition of a Japanese teaching license for teaching Japanese to foreigners as they engage in a technical study of the structure of Japanese.
4) International Studies Major
The goal of this major is for students to acquire the skills for international volunteering, international cooperation, and multicultural understanding from teaching staff with extensive overseas experience.
We have established small-group seminar courses in all courses in years one to four so that students learn how to investigate, summarize, present, and answer/ask questions in their field of interest. In year four, these skills culminate in the creation of a senior thesis.