Inter-Asia Graduate School of NGO Studies Sung-Kong-Hoe University, Seoul, Korea
Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS)
About MAINS (The Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies) The Master of Arts programme in Inter-Asia NGO Studies starts in February 2007, jointly offered by the Inter-Asia Graduate School of NGO Studies at SungKongHoe University and the Asian Regional Exchange for New Alternatives (ARENA).
Its multidisciplinary curriculum, integrating academic and practitioners’ training with dynamic changes occurring in Asia and the globe, is unique in the field of studies on social changes, non-governmental organizations and civil society. The curriculum covers a wide range of current issues of international relations from both regional and global perspectives as a major field of studies, placing a special focus on the development of solidarity among civil society constituents.
MAINS is intended for the people who have been contributing or have the potential to contribute to a better understanding of or leading social changes in Asia. Benefiting from both academic and practical resources offered by two distinct host institutions, MAINS offers both intensive and flexible preparation for either those seeking leadership and skills for more just and equitable social changes in Asia, or those seeking further studies in the field.
Curriculum Course nature
The Master of Arts in Asian NGO Studies (MAINS) is an alternative international and social studies programme taught in English with professional and practical focus in Asia. The programme particularly encourages applications from international students and Korean citizens with experiences of non-governmental activities in Asia. MAINS offers an advanced and intensive programme, 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 field groups are strongly emphasized.
Course structure
MAINS is a 12-month, 4-quarter programme consisting of four required courses, four elective courses, and a thesis, totalling 30 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 recess in between. Quarters have a varied number of sessions. Some courses are taught intensively by visiting lecturers. Courses combine lectures and student-led seminars.
Core Courses
▶ Globalization and Social Movements in Action
▶ Democracy and Democratization in Asia
▶ International Relations and Peace Issues in Asia
▶ Research Methodology and Thesis Writing
Elective Courses * Not all elective courses are available each year.
▶ Development and Social Changes in Asia
▶ Local Community and Asia
▶ Gender in Asia
▶ Globalization and Ecology in Asia
▶ Globalization and Migration in Asia
▶ Democracy and Social Movements in Korea
▶ Leadership and Strategies in NGOs
▶ International Conflict and Policy Studies
▶ Transnational Social Movements for Alternatives
▶ Emerging Inter-national Relations in Northeast Asia
▶ Emerging Inter-national Relations in Southeast Asia
▶ Religious Dialogue in Asian Context
▶ Workshop: Life and Issues in Asia – an Interactive workshop
▶ Field Study: Social Movements in Korea
Special Programmes (non-credit courses)
▶ Language Support Programmes, Korean and English
▶ Study Tour on Democratization and Civil Society Formation in South Korea
▶ Colloquium on Inter-Asia and Inter-national
▶ Simulated Conflict Resolution
Faculty - Dean of IGSONS Prof. Oh Jae-shik
MAINS Programme Faculty Honorary Chair: Dr. Kinhide Mushakoji
Co-Directors: Dr. Hur Song-woo and Prof. Mohiuddin
Teaching Advisory Board Dr. Jayati Gosh (India. Focus on the Global South)
Dorothy Guerreoro (Focus on the Global South)
Kuan-Hsing Chen (Tsing-Hua University; editor of Inter-Asia Cultural Studies Movement)
Hyoje Cho (sociology, SKHU)
SungHoo Lee (General Secretary, Forum Asia)
Dae-Up Chang(Research Professor, Hong Kong University)
Board of Teaching and Resource Persons
Park Gyung-tae (sociology, SKHU)
Cho Hee-yeon (sociology, SKHU)
Hur Song-woo (gender studies, SKHU)
Johan Saravamuttu (research dean for social transformation, University Sains Malaysia)
