Hiroyuki Konno
Dean of the Faculty of Law
Welcome to the Faculty of Law. The Faculty of Law has been organizing and proceeding with a new curriculum as a part of the Seijo Innovation Project. The new curriculum was launched in Spring 2007.
The primary concept in our new curriculum is “Back to the Basics,” which focuses on acquiring a solid foundation in the learning of law and educating individuals in a diverse social environment. In other words, our emphasis is to learn various types of contemporary laws systematically and to cultivate the ability in each student to utilize legal knowledge and perspectives that are vital in our society.
Toward fulfilling this goal, our curriculum boasts three features as summarized below.
First, a systematic and steady learning approach from introductory to advanced studies of law is stressed. Specifically, students in their first and the second years take fundamental courses such as constitutional law, civil law, and criminal law. Based upon what they have learned in these introductory classes, third and fourth year students choose one of four courses of study depending upon their academic interests and future career plans. Ranging in both diverse areas and specializations, these four courses include the following. 1. Legal Profession Course. This course of study is mainly for those who desire to pursue a carrier as legal professionals and experts. It also includes preparation for those interested in additional graduate study. 2. Business Law Course. This is mainly for students desiring to employ their legal knowledge and skills in corporate and business environments. 3. Public Policies and Administration Course. This is designed for those who would like to engage themselves in the sphere of public institutions such as serving as local, prefectural, and federal workers. 4. International Relations and Law Course. This is for those who are interested in applying their legal knowledge to various areas in international settings.
Second, diverse types of seminars with small size classes are offered. Such intensive interaction between faculties and students encouraged by a small teacher–student ratio has always been one of the traditional strengths of a Seijo education. Seminars are available to all students, from freshman to senior, and students are encouraged to participate in them actively. Basic seminars in the first year, which emphasize intensive readings on law, and seminars A and B offered in the second year, provide a solid background and basis which is essential for further understanding other law courses. Specialized seminars offered in the third and the fourth years give students the chance to explore more advanced and complex research into diverse legal issues.
Third, for becoming an informed and insightful citizen, as well as a capable legal expert, we believe overall intellectual discipline and academic literacy is crucial. Because we value this idea, a number of courses on the humanities, the social and natural sciences, and a variety of foreign languages are offered from the first to the fourth year. These courses not only expand students’ intellectual horizons but also benefit the understanding of the study of law.