Department of Humanities: Courses of Study
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Environmental Studies"Tackling the many problems our planet face" |
Studying with the Earth as our Campus
The Department of Humanities has been principally organized in terms of area studies. Recently, however, many global issues extend beyond particular regions, for example, problems of the environment, world peace, bioethics and the information society. Global warming continues to increase, the world is filled with conflict, and is troubled by food shortages, the energy crisis, and an ever-growing number of refugees. Nevertheless, there have been inspiring efforts on the part of international NGOs and other organizations that try to improve the harsh conditions of the present and bring a brighter future closer to reality. The earth-citizens' network is expanding and getting stronger, especially through the spread of the internet. We can now tackle various problems on the earth more directly, and create hope for the future. Environmental Studies takes up the challenge of this new global perspective, based on the findings of more specific area studies.
The Staff of Environmental Studies
Here at Environmental Studies, teachers conduct theoretical research in the areas of international peace, bioethics, the history of science, social psychology and information science. This specialization is ideal for students who consider the whole earth as our campus. Some teachers also study problems by carrying out empirical fieldwork. We sometimes learn through "study tours" in places as diverse as Thailand, India, Sweden, France and the Sudan.
Student Research
Many of our students are active in their attempts to tackle global issues. Through heated debate with teachers and with each other, students find their topic by themselves, and quickly progress toward possible solutions. It seems that it is not necessary to already know a foreign language well; it is more important to have a strong heart, allowing you to jump into international society and work there. The themes of graduation theses are as diverse as the issues addressed at the Department.