Program

Overview

The Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program sets out to cultivate self-motivated, reflective students who have a sophisticated knowledge base and the necessary practical skills to meet the challenges that they will face in our fast-changing, globalized world. The program aims to give students a well-defined area of disciplinary expertise that can be applied in different settings to bring workable solutions to a variety of problems and issues. This exciting and innovative program was launched in October 2011 by the School of Human Sciences in collaboration with other schools, graduate schools, and research centers at Osaka University. We aim to provide a vibrant and multicultural learning environment for students. In addition to providing an English-medium teaching and learning environment, we also expect students to gain proficiency in the Japanese language. There are curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular opportunities to learn the language and interact with regular, Japanese language-medium program students, domestic and international. We introduced a new structure to our program in the autumn of 2020. After taking shared foundation courses in the first three semesters, from the fourth semester students will begin to take advanced courses. At that time, we will invite students to choose one of three areas to focus their studies: Diversity and Inclusion Studies, Japan Studies or Political and Global Studies. They will take advanced level courses to build their expertise in one of these areas of concentration and also focus their undergraduate dissertation in a related area of research. Please note that regardless of area chosen, the degree awarded at graduation is a Bachelor of Human Sciences.

Shared Vision for the Three Focus Areas

The Human Sciences International Undergraduate Degree Program aims to give students a well-defined area of disciplinary expertise that can be applied in different settings to bring workable solutions to a variety of problems and issues. After taking shared foundation courses in the first three semesters, from the fourth semester students will begin to take advanced courses. At that time, we will invite students to choose one of three areas to focus their studies: Diversity and Inclusion Studies, Japan Studies, and Political and Global Studies. They will take advanced level courses to build their expertise in one of these areas of concentration and also focus their undergraduate dissertation in a related area of research. At graduation students will be awarded a Bachelor of Human Sciences.

Diversity and Inclusion Studies

This focus asks students to address issues of inequality, participation and inclusion for people who are differently located in society. Students will be expected to explore the question of what systems and practices are needed to create greater equality, participation, and inclusion across diverse settings such as education, health, and business.

Japan Studies

The Japan Studies focus invites students to study Japan from a number of angles including its culture, social systems, and institutions, as well as its global influence.

Political and Global Studies

Knowledge of politics and international relations is more important than ever in today’s interconnected world. The Political and Global Studies concentration offers students a rigorous selection of courses covering domestic politics, international relations, and political economy.

Exchange Opportunities

Currently, Osaka University has concluded 155 inter-university and 643 inter-faculty academic exchange agreements (as of March 1, 2024). Students of our Program can apply for short- or long-term periods of study abroad during their degree studies, based on their interests and place availability.