Overview
The department conducts interdisciplinary research on topics that range from core theories and methodologies to individual issues, covering five categories: social sciences, history and thought, human rights and minorities, gender and sexuality, and multicultural perspectives and alternatives.
There is a variety of specialization choices, including sociology, human geography, cultural anthropology, cultural history, history of thought, pedagogy, ethics, philosophy, human rights and minority studies, gender studies, and sexuality studies. Students will sharpen their skills in their specialties and explore contemporary issues concerning people, society, and culture.
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
Students will examine gender and sexuality issues in modern society from the perspectives of sexology, political science, philosophy, family sociology, and the history of women. From this critical analysis of existing social systems, social norms, and human attitudes and actions, students will envision a more just and equitable 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.
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.