Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences

 As the twenty-first century approaches, we find ourselves in a time of great social upheavals. The world is beset with problems of a global scale, and the purpose and direction of sci-ence are being questioned. Japan's society has not been immune to these changes: the country is now undergoing a massive shift toward increasing tech-nological sophistication, computerization, globalization, and the aging of society.

  The Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences was established in 1990 at the Nishi-Ikuta campus to encourage among today's students a deeper examination of what constitutes a humane society, to help them to distinguish between what must be changed and what must not, and to allow them to develop the ability to take charge in the building of a warmer, more humane society. This faculty, which can be seen as a direct extension of the educational ideas of the University's founder, Jinzo Naruse, was established by reorganizing existing departments and adding new ones. Its goal is to nurture individuals who will draw on the strengths inherent in women to become leaders of the twenty-first century.

  In accordance with this mandate, the Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences is not merely an amalgamation of the humanities and social sciences. Covering five disciplines-contemporary sociology, social welfare, education, psychology, humanities and cultural studies-its raison d'etre lies in transcending the borders of academic disciplines to question the purpose and direction of society, never neglecting the inner pursuit of the question, "What is humanity?"

  The Faculty of Integrated Arts and Social Sciences is unique in several ways.

  Firstly, the Faculty strives to instill in students a comprehensive awareness and understanding of the humanities and social sciences. All students follow general introductory courses as well as specialist courses in their own departments. Departmental courses include broad integrated overviews of their own and related disciplines taught by the most senior staff of each department. Students also follow a further two courses that they choose from a special list of courses offered by other departments in the Faculty. These requirements ensure that the students' education does not become overly specialized.

  Second, the Faculty's curriculum is designed to promote the discovery, recognition and solving of social problems among students. Students of this faculty should take the initiative in uncovering problem areas, deepening their awareness of these issues, and working to find solutions to these issues through research in their fields of specialization. As a result, all of the departments in this Faculty assign great importance to laboratory and hands-on learning and field work.

  The third characteristic of the Faculty is its diverse faculty. The recruitment of women professors is encouraged in each department, and academics are also invited from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Austria, Canada and China.

Fourth and finally, the Faculty aspires to the ideal of an open university. Returning adult students and international students are welcomed, and the Faculty strives to attract students not only from the affiliated senior high school but from a wide range of other high schools as well. It also sponsors lectures that are open to the local public.