Course Nature
The Master of Arts in Asian NGO Studies (MAINS) is an alternative social studies program taught in English with special reference to Asian civil society. The program particularly encourages applications from Asian and Korean students with experiences of non-governmental activities in Asia. MAINS offers an advanced and intensive program, with teaching methods based on individual self-research, mutual learning by students and thematic approaches. Reading and writing as well as debating and interacting with other students are strongly emphasized.
Course Structure
* There might be some changes in the curriculum schedule.
MAINS is a 18-month, 4-quarter (including 6 months for field work and thesis writing) program consisting of core courses, elective courses, and a thesis, making up a total of 24 credits. There is a particular theme given to each quarter as a synthesizing structure. Class schedules run from one quarter to the next with a week's break in between. Quarters have a varied number of sessions. Some courses may be taught intensively by visiting lecturers. Courses combine lectures and student-led seminars.
- Spring Term : Feb 20 ~ May 26 2023
- Break : May 29 ~ Jun 2 2023
- Summer Term : Jun 5 ~ Aug 25 2023
- Break : Aug 28 ~ Sep 1 2023
- Autumn Term : Sep 4 ~ Dec 8 2023
Core Courses
- Tutorials with the academic director
Elective Courses
Not all elective courses are available each year.
- International Development in Context
- Critical Peace Studies and International Relations
- Global Human Rights
- Global Asia Feminism
- NGO Management and Development
- Political Change and Civil Society in Asia
- Refugee and Migration Movement
- Contemporary Issues in Asia
- Migration and Multiculturalism in Asia
- Modern Korean History and the Process of Past Dealing
- Korean Politics
- Popular Culture and Modernity in Korea
- MAINS Tutorial 1 ~ 3
Special Program (non-credit courses)
- Korean Language
Thesis
All students are required to write a thesis or an equivalent research report on a topic related to social changes and non-profit/governmental sectors with special reference to democracy or development or civil society in Asia. An emphasis on the applicant’s own country context is strongly recommended. A special attention will be given to this point when the application is considered. The choice of topic outlined will be the priority point of consideration throughout the entire admission process. In the third quarter, students should be able to defend their thesis/report proposal in the form of the First Chapter of the thesis. The fourth—the final—quarter is devoted mostly to the thesis/report, including field work, data collecting, writing-up and the final submission of the thesis.