Read the human mind, study humankind.

Department of Japanese Literature

The Department offers courses in Japanese language and literature, from classical literature (e.g., Manyoshu, the Tale of Genji, and Heike Monogatari) to contemporary literature (e.g., works of Soseki Natsume, Haruki Murakami, Shuntaro Tanikawa). The Department also provides various courses such as courses in Media, on Child literature, and on Performance.

In your first year you will learn about Japanese language and literature and the methods for studying it.

In your second year you will be able to practice using logical thinking through debates and presentations and will be able to study in a wide range of specialized courses.

In your third year you will be able to join a seminar class in which you can further develop your knowledge and research skills. You will also be able to take a variety of specialized courses.

In your fourth year you will write your thesis.

Department of English and American Literature

The Department provides English courses to strengthen students' English proficiency and courses on English and American literature, poetry, theatrical performance, film and arts culture, and history. The Department also offers courses on English linguistics ranging from the history of English to variation in English.

In your first and second years you will develop practical English language skills through the course, "Speech and Communication." You will also acquire the knowledge and reading skills needed to appreciate English literature through the "English Exercise" and "Literature Reading" courses.

In your third year you can choose from a variety of elective courses based on your own individual interests. You will also take a small-group seminar course to acquire more advanced knowledge and to hone your research skills.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis through the support of tutorials.

Department of Geography

Cultural Study Program

The Department offers courses and opportunities to do field work which help develop your skills for observing and investigating life in cities and in farming and mountain villages from a geographical perspective. The Department also provides courses which equip you with the skills needed to research the essence of regional culture in Japan and other countries in a comprehensive manner.

In your first year you will learn about the basics of geography and will develop analytical skills in introductory and practical courses.

In your second year you can choose from a variety of specialized subjects according to your own individual interests.

In your third year you will learn research skills in field work in elective courses.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis based on the knowledge you have acquired in courses and while doing field work.

Environmental Study Program

In this Major you can study courses concerning the relationships between the regional environment and human beings, in terms of climate, geography and water circulation.

In your first year you will learn about the basics of geography and will develop analytical skills in introductory and practical courses.

In your second year you can choose from a variety of specialized subjects according to your own individual interests.

In your third year you will learn research skills in field work in elective courses.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis based on the knowledge you have acquired in courses and while doing field work.

Department of History

Japanese History Program

The Department offers practical courses in which students learn how to conduct historical document research and decipherment, theory construction and proof, and how to present their research results. The Department also provides chances to practice historical research in the field through courses such as the one leading to the qualifications necessary to be a curator.

In your first year you will learn the basics of Japanese history and basic skills in historical research.

In your second and third years you will choose from a variety of specialized subjects on different periods and fields according to your own individual interests. "Studies in Historical Materials I to IV" are very important courses for acquiring the skills for empirical research.

In your third and fourth years you will learn how to interpret historical materials in the "Seminar on Studies in Japanese History I and II." In the fourth year you will write a thesis based on the knowledge you have acquired in the courses.

Foreign History Program

In this section of the Department you will be able to develop your knowledge and skills through a variety of lectures and lessons which will help you acquire insight into current situations in the world from the perspective of history.

In your first year you will learn basic skills such as how to use the Library and how to write papers, while studying an outline of world history. You will also develop your understanding of historical science methodology.

In your second year you will gain knowledge about history and methodology while studying oriental and occidental history. You will learn basic skills for dealing with literary and historical documents.

In your third year you will learn about the latest research on history. You will conduct research into the literature and on historical documents and will report the results.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis based on your research results.

Archaeology Program

In this section of the Department you will have the opportunity to participate in archaeological digs in China as well as in Japan. This major also provides practical courses on photographic techniques, survey work, and antiquities measurement in order to develop students' skills for participating in archaeological digs.

In your first year you will learn about the basics of archaeology and acquire abilities to interpret archaeology from a broad perspective.

In your second year you will learn the basic skills and practical methodologies you will need on archaeological digs through practical courses.

In your third year you will experience archaeological digs overseas as well as in Japan, and will further develop your understanding of practical research methods on site.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis testing your own hypothesis by collecting, analyzing and interpreting archaeological materials.

Department of Sociology

Sociology Program

This section of the Department systematically offers courses from basic to advanced levels. Students can learn about social systems in a systematic way, discover their interests through study, and acquire the knowledge and flexible skills required in today's society.

In your first year you will learn the basics of Sociology, develop computer skills and study methods in social research.

In your second year you will learn how to read and write reports and how to make presentations in seminars. You will also be able to take lecture courses in a variety of fields.

In your third year you will be able to take a seminar class and learn more about research in Sociology. You will also conduct a collaborative research project and make a report on it, as you acquire an understanding of advanced methods in social research.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis based on your own interests under the supervision of your seminar instructor.

Social Work Program

You will receive a step-by-step career education through the courses in this major. Courses on counselling and client support are provided for those who want to be professionals in the social welfare field.

In your first year you will learn the basics of Social Welfare, develop computer skills and study methods in social research. You will develop a firmer image of the direction you wish to take in your future career.

In your second and third years you will be able to choose lectures and courses based on your own interests. You will gain more advanced knowledge and skills and will be able to put these to the test in practical training classes provided by the Social Welfare specialist courses. You will also learn about living as a member of society in the career training classes provided in the Social Welfare basic course. In seminar classes you will develop your problem-solving abilities.

In your fourth year you will write a thesis and learn special social welfare skills in the training course for mental health care.

Department of Psychology

The three main features of the Department curriculum are "an emphasis on fundamental education," "provision of a wide variety of subjects" and "making use of the most up-to-date information."

In your first year you will learn about the basics of psychology through introductory courses and special lectures.

In your second year you will learn about various fields in psychology from both theoretical and practical perspectives. You will also learn about scientific approaches and methods in psychology.

In your third year you will learn from a new range of topics more about psychology and related areas.

In your fourth year you will study a topic which interests you and write a thesis.

Academic Staff

• Japanese Literature
• English and American Literature
• Geography
• History
• Sociology
• Psychology

Department of Japanese Literature Academic Staff

Department of English and American Literature Academic Staff

Department of Geography Academic Staff

Department of History Academic Staff

Department of Sociology Academic Staff

Department of Psychology Academic Staff