Division of studies on cultural forms
Two Specialized Fields of Division of Studies on Cultural Forms
Programs of two fields of study described below were established in 1998, with the aim of promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in both research and educational activities. Although graduate students cannot directly belong to the programs of these fields, doctor course students can participate in research teams formed in the individual fields of study. Working as members of such research teams, students can broaden their perspectives and learn interdisciplinary research methods. Depending on the research theme, some research teams are led by guest Professors (or Associate Professorss) invited from Japan or abroad.
Studies on Cultural Foundation
Programs of this field of study have been established with the aims of promoting basic studies in the academic fields covered under the Graduate School of Letters, together with interdisciplinary researches encompassing various other academic fields.
Graduate school students do not belong directly to the programs of this field, but are allowed to attend classes and research meetings as necessary in pursuing their individual study themes. Classes for master course students primarily focus on basic philosophical questions. For doctor course students, research meetings are organized on such themes as challenges related to modern science and technology, environmental problems, and problems related to participatory technology assessment. These research meetings involve faculty members not only of the Graduate School of Letters, but also of other graduate schools of Osaka University and other universities.
Professor
- NAKAOKA, Narifumi (M.A.)
- Ethics, Clinical Philosophy; Hegel’s Philosophy, Hermeneutics, Postmodern Philosophy, Philosophy of Modern Japan, Communication Theories
Comparative Studies of Regional Societies
The programs of this field of study feature collaboration of doctoral students of the Graduate School of Letters with researchers from within and outside Osaka University. Through the collaboration focusing on themes primarily related to history, archaeology, geography, ethnology and folklore, students and researchers are expected to pioneer a new frontier of cultural science. Collaboration projects continue, in principle, for about three years, and results are published. A new research project commenced in 2004 on the theme of history concerned with manners and customs concerning death and life in Japan, Asia and Europe. This project is expected to address various issues related to the theme, including those concerning regional communities, states, religions, ethnic groups, and gender, thereby exploring a new direction for further development of cultural science.
Professor
- KATAYAMA, Tsuyoshi (M.A.)
- Early Modern and Modern History of China; History of Rural Society in South China