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The Dean’s welcome message

 

Tomoko Tanaka, Dean of the Faculty of Letters

 

The activities of the Faculty of Letters are based on a sincere observation of human activities. Therefore, research subjects are linked to various activities in society. The inclusion of perspectives from the humanities in various research fields, including science, could lead to the resolution of prevalent social issues and to new research. Humanities and science interdisciplinarity and international joint research will expand research, finding ways to contribute to society from the point of contact with the region. We can respond to the creation of scientific theories and basic knowledge that our university is aiming for, with a solid research foundation.

 

The Faculty of Letters has a solid, sincere, and intensive approach. Research guidance for a high-quality graduation thesis fosters inquisitive thinking; it is an educational activity highly evaluated by graduates. Accumulated discussions and refined inquiry methodologies will lead to the ability to proactively solve problems in society. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to the teaching of inquiry-based learning in relation to the next generation.

 

Currently, we are promoting reforms to outdated curricula for undergraduate education. We are also conscious of the connection with the graduate school. We will continue to refine our graduate-level education, such as program development focused on training researchers and an educational system for national certification as a certified psychologist.

 

The faculty, approximately 30% of whom are women, consists of talented youth, foreigners, and individuals with overseas work experience. To capitalize on diverse ideas, we aim to promote dialogue that uncovers the buds of creativity from different perspectives and demonstrates our ability to respond to diversifying needs and the resilience to face change. We would like to take a leap forward by using our individuality in the inclusion of mutual recognition and strengthening our awareness in exploring new possibilities.

 

All students are welcome to join this community and play a role in it. A university is, so to speak, a manufacturer of knowledge. You are all welcome to this site of knowledge production.  This is the moment when knowledge triumphs. I trust that this will be a place where you can refine your young intellect and play an active independent role. I hope you will bring different perspectives to what you will learn in the Faculty of Letters. We live in an era in which we are aware of global changes, the situation in Japan, and movement of individuals. I hope you will use what you learn in the Faculty of Letters as inspiration to pursue new research and solve problems on your own.

 

April 1, 2022
Tomoko Tanaka, PhD
Dean of Faculty of Literature, Okayama University