The College of Humanities responds in various ways to the ever-growing problems in modern society.

The College of Humanities, with its creed, “Respect the valuable lives of everyone,” contributes to the research and development of culture, society, and individual abilities by focusing on such subjects as linguistic literacy (reading and writing skills), international comparative studies, social welfare, and counseling studies.

In addition, new issues have arisen and become more serious in society: information and communication issues, problems stemming from globalization, the need for better rehabilitation programs for patients and victims, and issues on human development. In response to this phenomenon, the college is determined to further improve its educational programs and enhance its curricula on expressive knowledge and skills, techniques in designing cultural policies, and clinical psychotherapeutics.

Department of Cultural Studies

Development of knowledge and skills for the accurate understanding of information and the clear expression of individual ideas

The Department of Cultural Studies offers its students knowledge and skills necessary to accurately understand the wealth of information around them, to find a clear message from it, and to express individual ideas based on those data. The research themes chosen by faculty members are taken from the diverse sources of information, such as Japanese literature in the middle ages, British and American literature in the modern times, and cinema.

Japanese Linguistics and Japanese Literature Unit

A firm base of Japanese linguistics is built through studying Japanese culture and philosophy, as well as classical and modern literature. The skills to correctly interpret information and to clearly express the ideas obtained from these interpretations are also taught.

English Unit

Starting their first year, students taking this unit receive exercises to enhance their English ability in a small-class setting. Detailed, special support is provided for those who are planning to become English teacher for adults and/or children.

Comparative Culture Unit

Students who take this unit learn to appreciate themselves and others by studying different cultures of the world via literature, visual art, philosophy and ideology.

Expression Technique Unit

Students who take this unit learn techniques and methods to express themselves via writing, translation and film making.

Department of Contemporary Sociology

Observation of the changes in modern society and the search for effective approaches to its problems

From the aging population, declining birthrate and the degradation of the global environment to the problems arising from informatization and globalization, modern society is faced with many problems. In order to solve these problems, NPOs and ordinary citizens need to form a “civil society” and play a leading role to substitute efforts by governmental organizations and private companies. In the Department of Contemporary Sociology, students learn to understand sociological changes and learn how society can work to solve these problems.

Local Welfare Course

Students taking this course learn practical approaches for local community welfare services. They also learn the theory and current situation of social welfare and acquire supporting techniques (i.e., social work techniques) through the practical classroom and onsite training.

Comprehensive Sociology Course

The problems current society faces are studied from sociological perspectives. Students learn the techniques of logical analysis of the problems in relation to international society, history and cultures, as well as the designing of future courses based on such analysis.

Cultural Policy Course

Students taking this course gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a socially responsible person who takes a leading role in building a humane society. To achieve this goal, studies of continuing education, life-long participation in sports and cultural policies, as well as theories in local sociology, local administration and volunteer sociology are conducted.

Department of Psychology

Psychological studies that are useful for society with an aim towards a holistic understanding of human beings

Department of Psychology faculty members with diverse specialties aim to provide students with a “holistic understanding of human beings.” The area of psychology has greatly advanced in recent years, offering many interesting and exciting aspects of study. The department aims to convey such excitement to its students. Through studying psychology, students can obtain knowledge and skills that are useful for them when they start to work in society.

Clinical Welfare Course

Students who take this course study gain basic knowledge and skills to work as a psychological specialist in hospitals, welfare service institutions and other medical and welfare organizations. Methods of psychological support, including psychotherapy and counseling, are taught.

Educational Development Course

Students taking this course gain basic knowledge and skills to work as a psychological specialist in schools, at child consultation centers and at correctional institutions. Topics include school counseling, ethical issues related to crimes and delinquency, and psychological support.

Cognitive Information Course

Students taking this course study the mechanisms of human cognition and the methods of ergonomic application of psychology. Knowledge and skills from real-life situations, such as experimental plans and survey techniques, statistical analytics and data processing techniques, are also taught.