Overview
Through six interdisciplinary fields ― “Social Sciences,” “History and Thought,” “Human Rights and Minorities,” “Gender and Sexuality,” “Multicultural Perspectives and Alternatives,” and “Linguistics”—the department conducts cross-disciplinary research, ranging from fundamental theories and methodologies to specific issues. Students will refine their skills in a variety of specialized fields, including social sciences, human geography, cultural anthropology, cultural history, intellectual history, education, language and cultural studies, philosophy, human rights, minority studies, gender studies, and sexuality studies. They will tackle contemporary issues related to humans, society, culture, and language.
Social Sciences
Students will learn various theories of sociology, human geography, and cultural anthropology and will work on their own research subjects that are related to society in a broad sense.
History and Thought
Through research into the history and thought of individual countries and regions, students will deepen their understanding of the formation of society and culture and consider the values and perceptions that make up modern times.
Gender and Sexuality Studies
In addressing contemporary societal issues related to gender and sexuality, students will critically examine existing social systems, norms, human attitudes, and behaviors from the perspectives of gender studies, sexology, political science, philosophy, family sociology, and gender history. Through this, we aim to envision a more equal and just society.
Languages
The Department of Linguistics explores cutting-edge theories and practices in fields such as cognitive linguistics, Japanese and English language education, and sociolinguistics. Through these fields, we are engaged in linguistic research from a broad range of perspectives, focusing on both the fundamental understanding of language and its practical applications.
Human Rights and Minorities
Students will approach a variety of issues concerning human rights and minorities from the perspectives of sociology, history, and contemporary thought and also consider the influence of factors such as urban settings, space, and exclusion with the ultimate goal of envisioning a new form of society.
Multicultural Perspectives and Alternatives
From the standpoints of pedagogy, ethics, and philosophy, students will challenge existing social systems, values, and worldviews and aim to present diverse alternatives.