1. Interdisciplinary education that integrates perspectives on regional nature, culture, daily life and social systems

Regional society in this day and age is diverse and complex, and the challenges surrounding it are also diverse, complex, and multilayered in nature. Activities within such regional societies require a flexible response in accordance with local resources and characteristics. In order to cultivate such a response, it is necessary to develop sufficient expertise to understand local resources and furthermore to understand social systems and regional life.

In light of this, this department focuses on three areas of specialization in order to equip students with the necessary expertise. These specializations are: social systems (public policy, local government, and social systems management), regional resources (landscape, tourism, and cultural management), and regional practice (social education, welfare, and multicultural conviviality).

2. Cultivation of practical regional problem-solving skills through active learning

In order to promote community development by solving problems in regional society, practical skills to work in regional communities are required. For this reason, we emphasize active learning, and in order to develop the qualities of practical problem-solving skills, we offer classes that incorporate a variety of participatory learning in each subject area. Furthermore, the Center for Regional Design provides practical education, treating the region itself as a field of study.

3. Cultivation of the basic skills and social skills required of working adults

The realization of regional planning requires the ability to effectively carry out collaborative work, which in turn requires soft skills such as communication and consensus building. Therefore, while taking a unique perspective, we will further strengthen the development of students’ basic skills and social skills required of working adults.