Discovery Program for Global Learners Educational Policy（Bachelor's Degree Courses）
- Educational Purpose and Vision
- Attributes of the Ideal Graduate
- Degree Policy
- Curriculum Policy
- Admission Policy
Educational Purpose and Vision
The Discovery Program for Global Learners provides an educational environment that nourishes students' academic curiosity and growth by emphasizing collaborative learning activities among a diverse population of domestic and international students. By crossing established disciplinary boundaries and working together with people of different backgrounds, students cultivate the ability to play an active role in today’s complex and intertwined world.
Attributes of the Ideal Graduate
Following the Okayama University’s educational philosophy and objectives, the program nurtures learners to be global leaders who continuously improve themselves, creating new values and contributing to global innovation. Based on the educational purpose stated above, the program expects students to acquire global understanding, disciplinary training, and inquiry through interdisciplinary learning, communication skills to appreciate the different backgrounds and value that people have and cooperate and collaborate with various groups of people, and the praxis to play an active role in today’s complex and intertwined world.
Our Graduates are:
Versatile, interdisciplinary problem-solvers who understand the value of diversity and are committed to continuous learning to address real-world challenges.
We cultivate global talent with the following five skills:
〇 Praxis: Practical and critical thinking to innovate in a global environment.
〇 Inquiry: Intellectual curiosity and methods to explore issues from diverse perspectives.
〇Communication: Multilingual communication for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration.
〇 Disciplinary Training: Various and adaptable academic skills.
〇 Global Understanding: Interdisciplinary insight rooted in a robust liberal arts education.
Graduation and Degree Conferral Policy (Degree Policy)
The Discovery Program for Global Learners awards degrees to those students who have completed a prescribed period of study, earned the necessary number of credits, and acquired the skills listed below that demonstrate the attributes of the ideal graduate.
Skills acquired: Praxis, Inquiry, Communication, Disciplinary Training, and Global Understanding
Praxis：Practical and critical thinking to innovate in a global environment
The ability to engage with and take action on real-world problems at both the local and global levels.
Inquiry：Intellectual curiosity and methods to explore issues from diverse perspectives
The ability to draw on interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives, fostering deeper learning and addressing complex issues.
Communication：Multilingual communication for interdisciplinary and cross-cultural collaboration
The ability to communicate with people from different cultures and disciplinary backgrounds for mutual understanding.
Disciplinary Training：Various and adaptable academic skills
The ability to acquire wisdom from multiple fields and integrate them, offering innovative approaches to existing knowledge.
Global Understanding：Interdisciplinary insight rooted in a robust liberal arts education
The ability to engage in continuous, rigorous learning with a deep understanding of diverse cultures, societies, and natural systems, drawing on a broad interdisciplinary knowledge base.
Curriculum Policy
The Discovery Program for Global Learners organizes and implements educational programs based on the following policies and concepts in order to develop global talent who have acquired the skills outlined in the Degree Policy.
Educational Strategy
The Discovery Program for Global Learners aims to foster independent, lifelong learning skills that empower students to contribute to a sustainable society as stated below.
Framework for Educational Content
In order to foster independent, interactive, and deep learning, our student-centered framework for educational content emphasizes student competencies achieved rather than simply the knowledge delivered.
General Education
Our curriculum is designed to cultivate essential, interdisciplinary skills by providing practical, collaborative learning experiences that encourage students to grow and create together. By transcending traditional academic boundaries, we foster the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary for meaningful dialogue and collaboration with people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. This interdisciplinary foundation equips students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in a complex, interconnected world.
Major Education
The program offers students the opportunity to explore specialized knowledge in both Japanese and English, fostering the integration of deep understanding across disciplines and creation of new values. Students progress systematically from foundational knowledge in lower-level classes to advanced courses within their discipline.
We provide an academic environment where students can take specialized courses in English through the Discovery Program for Global Learners, as well as courses from collaborating faculties and departments. Students are guided in designing a personalized curriculum that aligns with their interests and goals.
Language Skills for a Diverse International Environment
We offer education to develop language skills for effective participation in a diverse, international environment. While students improve their English, the program’s common language, they have an opportunity to learn other languages. The University offers Japanese language courses for international students, and the program offers additional courses that cater to the needs of our students. Practical language learning opportunities are provided both in and outside of the classroom to build skills in listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
Educational Practices
The educational content outlined in the Educational Strategy is implemented in the following ways:
1. Fostering Independent Growth and Potential
We provide an educational framework that empowers students to take ownership of their development, enabling them to pursue courses aligned with their interests while enhancing their interdisciplinary learning. This approach also supports their ability to independently acquire specialized knowledge, fostering both breadth and depth in their academic progress.
2. Leveraging the Strengths of a Comprehensive University
Based on the interdisciplinary learning gained, students complete their own capstone project as a culmination of their undergraduate degree demonstrating their academic growth.
3. Delivering Practical, Student-Centered Learning Opportunities
To meet the evolving needs of our students, we incorporate practical learning experiences—such as fieldwork, internships, and hands-on experiments—into the curriculum. These opportunities connect academic learning with real-world contexts, fostering deeper engagement with both local communities and global issues.
Approach to Academic Assessment
The grading standards and evaluation methods for each course are clearly outlined in advance to ensure a transparent and consistent assessment of student learning outcomes.
Co-curricular Learning
We encourage students to take the initiative in creating their own co-curricular experiences, fostering personal growth and development that complement their classroom learning.