Graduate School of North East Asia & Development Studies

Developing graduates who can play active roles in the new age of North East Asia

Along with the development of globalization and an information society, exchanges between people and of ideas are more widespread across borders and we can now feel globalization more closely. On the other hand, such problems as aging populations with fewer children, declining populations and regional disparities which are found in Shimane Prefecture are emerging as common issues across North East Asia. The Graduate School of North East Asia and Development Studies, the University of Shimane, is developing research and education that corresponds to such changes.

Master's Program

Regional Development Policy Course

Program Description	Students will deepen their understanding on the tasks in redevelopment of local communities in Japan including Shimane prefecture and in development policy at national level. The course aims to nurture professionals and researchers with the ability to identify local social problems newly caused by the changing relation with international society including North East Asia, and with the ability to plan and manage the solutions to them.
Degree	Master (Development Studies)
Course Duration	2 years

 North East Asian Studies Course

Program Description	With various methodologies of studies in international relations, area studies and regional development studies, the faculty of languages in North East Asia and English, field research skills, statistical-analytical approaches and other practical research methods, this course aims to nurture graduates with the ability to analyze social structure and identify issues. Also, the course is designed to nurture specialists in North East Asian Studies as prospective doctorate students, or professionals who can utilize the expertise in social sciences such as society, politics and economy in North East Asia.
Degree	Master (Sociology)
Course Duration	2 years

Doctoral Program

Trans-Area Studies on North East Asia

Program Description	In contemporary North East Asian region we are facing with interdisciplinary issues which cannot be covered by the conventional research methods such as research of a particular nation and comparative research. Students are expected to have expertise in relation to North East Asian region, mainly in geography, history, anthropology, folklore and linguistics, acquired through the master's program at the University of Shimane or other graduate schools. With this expertise along with the specialist knowledge and research experiences in area studies, area analysis, area languages, and international relations, the course aims to nurture graduates who can contirbute to forming intellectual hubs in North East Asian region and to the creation of dynamic and global North East Asian Studies.
Degree	Doctor (Sociology)
Course Duration	3 years