With ever-increasing globalization comes the need for people highly skilled at intercultural communication. Students in this faculty develop cross-cultural understanding and intercultural skills by appreciating and accepting cultural diversity while aiming toward effective intercultural relations with persons from a wide variety of backgrounds or cultures. This faculty fosters students’ open-mindedness, cultural sensitivity, and the knowledge necessary in preparation for becoming world citizens and potential leaders of tomorrow.
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Department of Intercultural Studies
The “global society” has its basis in the mutual appreciation of human and cultural diversity. The concept of the global society is furthered in Intercultural Studies by the deepening of intercultural understanding and multiculturalism through foreign language and area studies, intercultural communication and related courses, as well as field work experience in Japan by integrating theory and practice of intercultural studies. Students gain awareness of world and community affairs in their social and cultural contexts as well as the analysis for deeper insights.
Educational Features
Focus on intercultural understanding and multiculturalism.
The Department of Intercultural Studies aims at fostering the appreciation of the diversity of local cultures in a global society and the contributing to a vibrant society based on coexisting co-cultures by practicing cultural exchange. Through the prism of departmental courses, students enhance their cultural exchange experiences by grasping the realities and transformational process of culture.
The Department of Intercultural Studies aims at fostering the appreciation of the diversity of local cultures in a global society and the contributing to a vibrant society based on coexisting co-cultures by practicing cultural exchange. Through the prism of departmental courses, students enhance their cultural exchange experiences by grasping the realities and transformational process of culture.
Emphasis on the Here and Now
The leaders in this global era must be capable of adapting themselves in the fast changing global society nearly at a moment’s notice. The Department strives to implement education through relevant material in pace with world currents and developments. Students hone their research skills through experiential study through field work in Japan and furthered through study abroad programs.
Acquisition of the basics of Japanese culture
In order to actively participate in the global society, a person needs to understand the history and culture of the society in which he or she belongs. For Japanese students or others calling Japan home, this means deepening their understanding of Japanese culture. Students learn the essentials through a comparative framework; thus raising their cultural awareness while learning analytical tools for comparing cultures.
Language learning for cross-cultural understanding
The language courses this department offers include not only English courses for international communication but also courses in other foreign languages and area studies. Various study-abroad programs serve to further enhance language and intercultural skills through practical educational activities at the sites of globalization.