Global Liberal Arts Courses
Source: https://globe.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/globalliberalarts.html
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Global Liberal Arts Courses
News
10 Mar.2026 : Center for Global Education (GlobE) Special Page for April 2026 Incoming Undergraduate Students
24 Feb.2026 : The syllabi for the 2026 S Semester will be published on UTAS starting March 1. Please find the course list in the GLA, L-GLA, and GLC sections.
10 Feb.2026 : Notification of Grade Reports and Submission of Grade Confirmation Request for 2025 A Semester (PDF: 408KB)
27 Aug.2025 : The syllabi for the 2025 A Semester will be published on UTAS starting August 30. Please find the course list in the GLA, L-GLA, and GLC sections.
18 Aug.2025 : Notification of Grade Reports and Submission of Grade Confirmation Request for 2025 S Semester (PDF: 408KB)
27 Mar.2025 : GlobE Offers 35 Global Liberal Arts Courses and 3 Language-Global Liberal Arts Courses in the 2025 S Semester!
19 Feb.2025 : Notification of Grade Reports and Submission of Grade Confirmation Request for 2024 A Semester (PDF: 416KB)
27 Aug.2024 : GlobE Offers 34 Global Liberal Arts Courses in the 2024 A Semester!
02 Aug.2024 : Notification of Grade Reports and Submission of Grade Confirmation Request for 2024 S Semester (PDF: 391KB)
14 Feb.2024 : GlobE Offers 31 Global Liberal Arts Courses in the 2024 S Semester!
13 Feb.2024 : Notification of Grade Reports and Submission of Grade Confirmation Request for 2023 A Semester (PDF: 407KB)
27 Jul.2023 : ★New!★ 24 Global Liberal Arts Courses are coming up in 2023 A Semester!
19 May.2023 : Academic Calendar for the Center for Global Education 2023
Syllabus and course registration are HERE! (Faculty: “Center for Global Education”)
Global Liberal Arts (GLA)
―Learn together transcending all borders and boundaries―
GLA courses explore pressing global issues, particularly those related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and cover topics such as gender, diversity, health, poverty, and GX, in English and other languages. Classes are principally conducted with a small number of approximately 20 students, focusing on interactive activities such as discussions. Through studying with students from different fields of study or with those from different cultural backgrounds, you learn how to clearly and persuasively express your thoughts in languages other than your first language, to listen to differing opinions, and to seek better solutions through discussion.\ In addition to English, courses are offered in a total of seven languages: Russian, Korean, Chinese, German, French, and Spanish.
Features of GLA
- Approximately 30 courses are offered each semester. A wide range of options are available, including classes on Hongo Campus, Komaba Campus, and online.
- Don't worry if you're not confident in your language proficiency. The classes are designed for students with various language abilities.
- GLA courses can help prepare you for studying abroad.
Attention to those students who are considering taking GLA Courses!!\ In the video, an instructor and students of GLA Courses share the appeal of the courses. There is also a message from the Director of the Center for Global Education (GlobE). Watch the video and find out about the learning experiences you can gain at UTokyo GlobE. (Video: about 2 minutes 30 seconds)
Number of Courses (2026 S semester)
- Offered in English: 33 courses
- Offered in Russian: 1 course
- Offered in Korean: 1 courses
- Offered in Chinese: 2 courses
- Offered in German: 1 course
- Offered in French: 1 course
- Offered in Spanish: 1 course
Click HERE for the list of GLA courses along with an overview of each course (PDF 137KB)
Language-Global Liberal Arts (L-GLA)
―Develop advanced language proficiency and gain a multifaceted perspective on the world―
Language-Global Liberal Arts (L-GLA) courses provide students with the opportunity to develop advanced proficiency in another language in addition to Japanese and English through small, interactive classes. The courses aim to further develop the language skills you have learned so far and cultivate the ability to engage in discussions and clearly and persuasively express your thoughts in that language.\ *L-GLA courses focus on language acquisition skills. Students who use the language as their first language or whose proficiency does not meet the standards set by the instructor are not eligible to register. Please check with the instructor before enrolling in the course to confirm your eligibility.
Features of L-GLA
- Courses will be offered in six languages: Russian, Korean, Chinese, German, French, and Spanish. Starting from the 2026 S Semester, courses will be offered in all six languages.
- We recommend L-GLA courses to those who wish to continue studying languages they have learned so far, or to those who want to enhance their proficiency in languages other than English for their research.
Languages Offered in the 2026 S Semester
- Advanced Russian: 1 Course
- Advanced Korean: 1 Course
- Advanced Chinese: 2 Courses
- Advanced French: 1 Course
- Advanced German: 1 Course
- Advanced Spanish: 1 Course
- English Language-Global Liberal Arts: 2 Courses
Click HERE for the list of L-GLA courses along with an overview of each course (PDF 113KB)
Global Leadership Courses (GLC)
―Become an active and empathic global leader―
In the Global Leadership Courses (GLC), students develop the teamwork skills and fundamental competencies needed for effective collaboration in diverse team to make a positive impact on society, based on practical knowledge.\ Developed in collaboration with Minerva Project, all Global Leadership Courses are offered online using Forum, the online platform created by Minerva University.\ GLC-II is an advanced course that builds upon the content of GLC-I. To enroll in GLC-II, it is required to have obtained credits in GLC-I.
Features of GLC
- Students will deepen their understanding of leadership in English, with peers from diverse fields and perspectives.
- Students will engage in active learning using cutting-edge online platforms.
- Students will examine real-world scenarios from a leadership perspective, as "Real-world activities".
You need to enroll via Microsoft Forms before the deadline written in the syllabus on UTAS (usually at least 7-10 days before the first class) and complete registration through UTAS based on the schedule designated by your faculty, college, center, or school. The form can be found in the syllabus on UTAS which will be available approximately one month before the start of each semester.
Course List (The link is the same for all courses)
- GLC-I: Leadership Foundation (Offered every semester) (PDF: 110KB)
- GLC-II: Logic and Persuasion
- GLC-II: Complex Systems (Offered in the 26S Semester!) (PDF: 110KB)
- GLC-II: Innovative Program-Solving (Offered in the 26S Semester!) (PDF: 110KB)
Pre-Registration MS Form for GLC-I (Deadline: March 30)
Enrollment Information
[Eligible Students]
Global Liberal Arts Courses are offered by the GlobE, and the following students are eligible to enroll.
- Those in the fourth semester of the Junior Division
- All students in the Senior Division
- Graduate students (Eligibility is subject to the regulations set by each graduate school)
- Exchange students
Please note that a Junior Division student whose future faculty is decided in advance is not allowed to enroll until their fourth semester.
[Evaluation Method]
For the Global Liberal Arts (GLA) courses and the Global Leadership Courses (GLC), students can choose a letter grade (from A+ to F) or a Pass/Fail. Make sure to choose your preferred method of assessment at the time of the course registration. For details, please see “Evaluation Method” on syllabus.\ For the Language Global Liberal Arts (L-GLA) courses, only a letter grade is applicable. The choice of Pass/Fail evaluation is not available.
Syllabus and course registration are HERE! (to UTAS)
FAQ
About Classes in General
Q
What is the "Global Liberal Arts Courses"? Who offers?
A
"Global Liberal Arts Courses" is a collective term for courses offered by Center for Global Education (GlobE) established in April 2023. It consists of Global Liberal Arts (GLA), Language Global Liberal Arts (L-GLA), and Global Leadership Course (GLC).
Q
Who can take the Global Liberal Arts Courses? What is the eligibility?
A
The Global Liberal Arts Courses are part of the “Liberal Arts Education for Undergraduate (Senior Division) & Graduate Students” and open to all students in the Senior Division. Those in the fourth semester of the Junior Division as well as graduate students (Eligibility is subject to the regulations set by each graduate school) may also register. Exchange students are also eligible to take these courses. Therefore, students with different specialities and cultural backgrounds will join the classes, and learn, think and express opinions about the issues in today's world.
Q
What is the class schedule?
A
The class schedule for Global Liberal Arts Courses follows that of the Senior Division of the College of Arts and Sciences.\ Please see this page for the class schedule of the Senior Division of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Q
Where are the classes held?
A
Global Liberal Arts Courses are offered on Hongo Campus, Komaba Campus, or online/ hybrid. Since it depends on the course, please check the syllabus or "Course List" on this page. All Global Leadership Courses are held online.
Q
What is the registration procedure? When is the registration period?
A
You must register through UTAS. *Click here to register for courses\ Registration schedule is based on the rules of the faculty, college, center, or school you belong to.\ \ Please note, for the GLC courses, it's required to submit a pre-registration request through the form before registering on UTAS. The link to the pre-registration form is provided in the syllabus and will also be announced on the UTAS bulletin board before the start of each semester. Please make sure to check this.\
Q
There are courses with the same name on UTAS. What is the difference?
A
The difference is the evaluation method—you may choose a pass/fail evaluation or a five-level scale evaluation, and the course number differs based on this difference. For details, please see “Evaluation Method” on syllabus.
Q
What is the evaluation method in Global Liberal Arts Courses?
A
For the GLA courses and the GLC courses, students can choose a letter grade (from A+ to F) or a Pass/Fail. Make sure to choose your preferred method of assessment at the time of the course registration. For details, please see “Evaluation Method” on syllabus.\ For the L-GLA courses, only a letter grade is applicable. The choice of Pass/Fail evaluation is not available.
Q
Is it possible to participate in classes as an auditor (participation without seeking or receiving academic credit)?
A
There is no auditing system for Global Liberal Arts Courses.
About Global Liberal Arts (GLA)
Q
What kind of topics are included in the GLA courses?
A
The GLA courses provide classes on topics such as gender, diversity, health, poverty, and GX in various languages including English. GLA courses provide students with the opportunity to study and discuss contemporary issues in a language other than their first language, with peers from diverse backgrounds. Please make sure to read the syllabus carefully for specific details.
Q
What level of language proficiency is required for the course?
A
GLA courses are open to all students who are motivated to improve their ability to express ideas. Students who do not feel confident and wish to improve their language proficiency are welcome to register.\ Classes are conducted on the assumption that the students show a range of language proficiency. They are also encouraged to consult the instructor if there are any concerns.They are also encouraged to consult the instructor if there are any concerns.
Q
What is the medium of instruction? How many students are there in each class?
A
GLA courses are interactive classes and will include such activities as presentations, discussions, and writing response papers. In principle, to ensure an interactive learning environment, each class is capped at 20.
About Language-Global Liberal Arts (L-GLA)
Q
Which language courses are available?
A
In the 2025 A semester, courses in Chinese, Russian, and Korean will be offered. In the future, we also plan to offer courses in German, French, and Spanish.
Q
What is the level of language proficiency required for subjects marked as "Advanced"?
A
Although it varies by course, these are classes aimed at developing advanced proficiency. The classes are designed with the premise that students have obtained some credits in the respective language courses or have undergone appropriate learning. For specific requirements, please check with the instructor of each course.
Q
What is the medium of instruction? How many students are there in each class?
A
L-GLA courses are interactive classes, involving activities such as presentations, discussions, and writing response papers. In principle, to ensure an interactive learning environment, each class is capped at 20.\ \
About Global Leadership Courses (GLC)
Q
What level of English proficiency is required to keep up with the classes in GLC? Do I have to be very good at English?
A
There is no English language requirement. Instructors will adapt to all levels.
Q
Is it possible to join the course simply by registering on UTAS, without responding to the pre-registration form?
A
No. All Global Leadership Courses (GLC) are carried out on the online learning platform "Forum". Prior to the start of course, you need to register and set up your account on Forum, so if you wish to take the course, please be sure to register via the pre-registration form.\ \ The link to the pre-registration form is provided in the syllabus and will also be announced on the UTAS bulletin board before the start of each semester. Please make sure to check this.
Q
After I have responded to the pre-registration form, how can I participate in the class?
A
Please follow the instructions in the email you receive after setting up Forum and access Forum via your browser to participate.