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Faculty of
Humanities
Department of Arts and Sciences
Department OverviewAn Interdisciplinary and Comprehensive Study of the Humanities and Social Sciences
In the Department of Arts and Sciences, students can explore humanities and social science subjects. By navigating between the two specializations—"Modern Society" and "History and Philosophy"—students develop a well-balanced intellect and mindset, equipping them to respond flexibly to the challenges of the 21st century and lead independent, meaningful lives.
Specialization
- "Modern Society Specialization”
- This specialization includes Law and International Relations, as well as Intercultural Communication Studies and Psychology. Students explore contemporary society and culture from multiple perspectives by examining institutional structures and their functions, as well as the thoughts and communication styles of people living in today’s society.
- "History and Philosophy" Specialization
- This specialization includes Ancient & Medieval Japanese History, Early Modern & Modern Japanese History, Western History, Philosophy and Ethics. Students explore the historical and philosophical foundations that shape modern society and culture, gaining a deeper understanding of their origins and development.
Goals of the Department
The Department of Arts and Sciences consists of two specializations: "Modern Society" and "History and Philosophy." Through interdisciplinary learning that bridges these fields, students develop a multifaceted understanding of the complexities of societies and cultures.
What is Interdisciplinary Learning? Interdisciplinary learning goes beyond examining a research theme from a single academic perspective. Instead, it integrates multiple viewpoints and methodologies across different fields to explore issues more comprehensively. For example, in this department, students can study global issues like gender, poverty, discrimination, environmental problems, and the rights of Indigenous peoples from diverse perspectives. These diverse perspectives are derived from various academic fields, including intercultural communication, law, politics, culture, psychology, history, and philosophy.
Through this humanities and humanities and social sciences-focused curriculum, students not only deepen their academic knowledge of modern society and culture, but also gain a broader understanding of their historical development and underlying ideologies. Ultimately, the program aims to cultivate individuals who can analyze and navigate the challenges of a new era with well-grounded and well-rounded perspectives.
Strengths and features of the department
- Seminars Starting from the First Year Comprehensive Support for Four Years of Learning
- From foundational seminars in the first year, to specialized seminars in the second and third years, to graduation research seminars in the fourth year, students experience a variety of seminars. This system allows students to thoroughly explore their areas of interest while also broadening their perspectives by participating in seminars across different fields. Through personalized and detailed guidance, students develop the ability to identify and solve problems—skills that will help make them valuable contributors to society.
- Find What You Want to Learn from Over 170 Courses
- To cater to a wide range of interests, we offer a diverse selection of humanities and social science courses. Students can explore various fields to discover what interests them, or deepen their expertise by progressing from introductory courses to specialized subjects within a specific field.
- Extracurricular Activities to Enrich Student Life
- Students and faculty participate together in volunteer activities related to Sapporo’s arts and culture. As part of the department's programs, for example, first-year students may have the opportunity to visit local arts and culture sites, such as art exhibitions or historical monuments. Additionally, during the university festival, activities such as volunteer activity report sessions and department-run cafés are held, actively providing students with opportunities for extracurricular engagement.
Learning Points