SHOKEI GAKUIN UNIVERSITY

Department of Humanities and Social Studies
Field of International Liberal Arts

Student Development Goal

With deep insights into the existence of humanity and international perspectives, cultivate people who actively participate in the formation of societies that will enable the co-existence of people with diverse characteristics in the world, in Japan, and in the Tohoku region.

Characteristics of Learning

Learn about humanity

Learn about human ideas from ancient times to the present and the history of various regions of the world through literature from all ages and cultures. Ancient people had many of the same problems as human beings as modern people, but their approaches in addressing those problems varied from region to region. Students will learn broadly and deeply about the universe and the diversity of human beings.

Learn about other cultures, become aware of our own

Students will learn not only about East Asia and the Western world, which have long been closely related to Japan, but also about Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. As well as English, Chinese and Korean, students will be given opportunities to learn languages such as classic Greek and Modern Hebrew. Look back on our own culture through understanding of other cultures.

Learn through off-campus field work

Students will be given opportunities for short-term and long-term study abroad in places such as China, South Korea, the United States, and Australia. There are also opportunities to interact with the international community in Japan. Students will deepen understanding of different cultures and foreign languages through field work experience.

Is “international” overseas? It’s here in Japan, Tohoku, and Sendai!

Prof. Shizuka Uemura, Ph.D.

Specialization
Judaism Studies, Bible Studies, and Religious Studies
Class Subjects
Religions and Cultures in the World, Modern Ethics, Religious Thoughts, Diasporology, Modern Hebrew
Seminar
Renew understanding of various problems of modern society (war, terrorism, hunger, poverty, inequality, refugees, pollution, etc.), not only from superficial phenomena but also from the values that lie at their roots.

It is certainly not wrong to say that “international” exists overseas. However, there are many opportunities here in this town and on campus to meet people with foreign roots. Japan, Tohoku, Sendai, and Natori are also part of “international.” By encountering other diverse cultures, take a fresh look at our own.

Class Recommendations by Prof. Uemura

Ethnology

Students will learn about various cultures and societies around the world through readings on “ethnography,” as well as taking a fresh look at Japan.

Diasporology

Through hardships and wisdom experienced by people living far from their own lands, students will consider how we should co-exist with diverse people.

Intercultural Fieldwork

By interviewing foreign nationals living in Sendai, students will learn that they themselves also exist in that “international” space.

No respect no understanding!

Assoc. Prof. Jeongbae Oh, Ph.D.

Specialization
Foreign Language Education, Mutual Recognition between Japan and South Korea
Class Subjects
Japanese as a Foreign Language, Practical Korean communication III, IV, International Exchange Practice, etc.
Seminar
We will consider what misunderstandings can arise when communicating with people from different backgrounds, and what attitudes and abilities are needed to overcome such misunderstandings.

When communicating with people from different culture, the effort to learn about the other person’s background is important, but the ability to convey your own background is just as important. It is only by encountering other cultures that you can recognize your own culture objectively. Experience diverse cultures by studying in this domain and hone your ability to understand yourself (and your own culture) objectively.

Class Recommendations by Assoc. Prof. Oh

Japanese as a Foreign Language

Students will analyze the unique character of the Japanese language and study background knowledge about how to speak and write Japanese.

Multicultural Society Theory B

Through comparative studies of Japan and South Korea, students will obtain the knowledge needed to understand South Korea and acquire the perspectives to understand Japan objectively.

International Exchange Practice (China, Korea)

Through overseas practical work (research and exchanges) in China or South Korea, students will broaden their horizons and foster the ability to live in the international age.