Explore the university's Faculty of Economics and Business Administration!
Professor Mika Ueyama, Faculty of Economics, Ryukoku University [Part 4]
A joint project between the educational information media "ACTIVE!" and the socio-economic news media "Kidsnomics"
*Parts 1 to 3
It is published in Kidsnomics, a children's economic media.
Introduction
The authentic educational information media "ACTIVE!" and the social and economic news media "Kidsnomics" are working to deliver articles on the theme of "learning that stimulates curiosity."
This time, we will be bringing you a special feature titled "Exploring University Economics and Business Administration Faculties!", a joint project between the two media outlets.
In this interview, we spoke with Professor Mika Kamiyama from Ryukoku University's Faculty of Economics.
Ryukoku University's Faculty of Economics not only teaches theory, but also places emphasis on fieldwork, where students visit local areas to learn, in order to acquire practical skills. The range of topics is wide, allowing students to study in depth in areas that interest them. The program is characterized by research on developing countries, collaboration with local companies, and continuous small class education from the time of enrollment. In particular, in small classes for first-year students, upperclassmen "peer supporters" are assigned to stand between the instructor and the first-year students, providing support to the first-year students, and the program offers a unique education that emphasizes mutual learning between students of different grades.
We spoke to Professor Kamiyama about his approach to classes and how he helps students acquire the skills they need to succeed in society.
This book will also be of interest to those who are thinking about studying economics in the future, as well as parents who are considering choosing a university for their children.
Professor who participated in the interview
Mika Kamiyama 先生
Ryukoku University
Associate Professor, Faculty of Economics
His specialty is development economics, and he is conducting empirical research on the relationship between multifaceted poverty in developing countries and human capital such as economic development, education, and health.
In addition, with regard to gender and development, we will also undertake regional comparisons of gender division of labor and gender disparities.
To future economics students
～Message to parents～
Professor, taking into account what we've discussed so far, what do you think elementary and junior high school students reading this, and their parents, should do to become interested in economics in the future?
Uphill先生 : I wasn't a very good child... (laughs) Yes, that's right.For now, "give it a try"I think that's a very important thing. You don't know what it will lead to, but just taking action is very meaningful.
I myself happened to enter the Faculty of Economics, but I had a vague interest in developing countries since I was a child. When I studied Asia as part of my research in high school, I wanted to learn more about it. However, at that time I still didn't know exactly what I wanted to do.
So I thought I would go to a faculty related to social sciences, but I didn't know which faculty to go to specifically, so I ended up going to the Faculty of Economics. But at first, it wasn't interesting at all (laughs). I wanted to learn about developing countries, but there were a lot of subjects like macroeconomics and economic history that didn't directly relate to my interests...
However, was there any particular reason that allowed you to continue?
Uphill先生 : Yes. After that, as I learned about developing countries, I realized that rather than just providing assistance,How can we grow ourselves?I began to find this perspective interesting.
In addition, EconometricsThe biggest factor was my encounter with Mr. Ito. Before that, I was only thinking about abstract things, but now I can use data to concretely express my opinions. I found that really interesting.
However, in the process, I sometimes faced issues I was weak in, such as statistics and English.
I myself was not good at English, but I needed English to learn about developing countries, so I had to work hard and not shy away from it. I feel that overcoming that was connected to my growth later on.
That is also important for students today. Don't give up halfway through, and try things you're not good at, as that could lead to a bright future.
Uphill先生 : That's right. Many high school students today feel uncomfortable with mathematics and statistics,The fun lies aheadTo find out, I would like you to persevere a little.
Especially when I was in elementary and middle schoolAnyway, broaden your interestsis important. And,Connecting to the world in everyday lifeI want people to realize this.
For example, when you go to a supermarket and look at a product,Where did this shrimp come from?It's also a good idea to take an interest in the country and watch videos on TikTok where foreigners introduce the tourist spots of their countries.Feeling the world little by littleI wonder if this will have relevance to economics in the future.
The Faculty of Economics is not just about theory; you can also learn empirically using data and through on-site experience. So, if you think the Faculty of Economics sounds interesting, I encourage you to give it a try.
そ し て,You can find your direction in learning after you enroll.I think so, and we want to support that.
Do people who graduate from the Faculty of Economics have a wide range of careers?
Uphill先生 : Yes, our graduates go on to pursue a wide variety of paths.
Some students go into finance, some into IT, and many return to their hometowns to work for local banks or become civil servants. It seems like everyone is finding the path that's right for them.
Can students who are not good at math succeed in the Faculty of Economics?
Uphill先生 : Being good at math broadens your horizons, but in some fields, advanced math is rarely used, soDon't worry.
However, I don't feel bad about math at all.I want you to face me even just a little bit.That's right. It will also broaden your options for the future.
I want students to develop an interest in a variety of things during their elementary and junior high school years, and to dig deeper into whatever interests them. I think this will help them learn at the Faculty of Economics, and will give them hints about what path they should take in the future.
For example, giving your child an assignment like "Collect the things in your room and find out which country they are from" is an easy thing to do. When children's curiosity is sparked, they will focus on the task at hand, so try using this as an opportunity to increase their interest.
Thank you so much for your valuable time today!
Afterword
Through the interview with Professor Mika Ueyama of the Faculty of Economics at Ryukoku University, the appeal of the Faculty of Economics became even more apparent. The Faculty of Economics is a field of study that allows students to broadly grasp society, acquire analytical skills based on data, and grow through real-world experience.
At Ryukoku University's Faculty of Economics, small-group education allows each student to study independently and deepen their knowledge while being aware of connections to the local and global community. Studying economics is a valuable experience that connects theory and practice and broadens one's possibilities.
Parents should consider the Faculty of Economics as an option for their children as an environment that will help them develop the ability to contribute to society through the economy in the future. High school students should also consider studying at Ryukoku University's Faculty of Economics as a step towards understanding how society works and gaining the ability to carve out a path to the future.
Thank you, Professor Kamiyama Mika, for sharing with us the exciting appeal of economics.
Ryukoku University Faculty of Economics
Interview with Mika Kamiyama
*Parts 1 to 3
It is published in Kidsnomics, a children's economic media.
Thank you for your cooperation in the interview.
University Introduction
Ryukoku University
612-8577 67 Fukakusa Tsukamotocho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City
Ryukoku University is one of the most traditional universities in Japan, boasting a history of over 380 years since its founding. The university places emphasis on the "idea of coexistence" based on Buddhist principles and provides practical education in a wide range of academic fields.
The Faculty of Economics offers a wide range of programs that allow students to study modern economics, international economics, and development economics in depth, and aims to understand and solve social problems. It features small-group education, supporting each student's independent learning, and education that combines theory and practice. In addition, students can learn while valuing on-site experience through collaboration with the local community and fieldwork.
A joint project between the Kyoto Association of Long-Established Companies, which is made up of companies with over 100 years of history, and Ryukoku University, which has a history spanning more than 380 years.
https://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/nc/news/entry-14839.html
This is the first joint project between Kyoto Prefecture and the Kyoto Old-Established Business Association, whose members are companies with over 100 years of history that have been recognized under the prefecture's "Kyoto Old-Established Business" program, and Ryukoku University, which has a 400-year history in Kyoto.
https://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/nc/news/entry-14845.html
