History and Archaeology

Japanese History

In the field of Japanese history, students study the history of the region called Japan by learning how to read and understand written historical materials such as ancient documents and classics. The Faculty of Letters of Okayama University has faculty members covering all periods of Japanese history: ancient, medieval, modern, and contemporary. In some classes, actual archives from the university library are used, and archival research is conducted in cooperation with local governments, allowing students to study on the frontline of historical research.

Asian History

In the field of Asian History, students study the history of various Asian regions from a variety of perspectives, including politics, society, religion, culture, economics, and international relations. In class, students read historical texts written in Chinese and English, but they are also encouraged to get out of the classroom and travel to Asia on their own, and many students actually experience study abroad and research trips. The graduate school is home to students from China and Southeast Asia, and the opportunity to be in close contact with them is one of the charms of Asian History.

Western History

Western History studies the history of Europe and the Americas from the perspectives of politics, society, religion, and culture. History is the study of reconstructing past human activities through fragmentary documents and objects. By reading and interpreting historical materials in Western languages, we will find the missing links that do not appear directly in the written history of the West, and elucidate the course of history in the West and how it has influenced world history.

Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of revealing the society and culture of the past through the excavation of archaeological sites and the analysis of excavated artifacts. In Okayama University’s Faculty of Letters, , students acquire knowledge and skills for research and study, from excavation to computer analysis, mainly on archaeological sites and artifacts in the Japanese archipelago. Comparative research with overseas sites is also actively conducted. Overnight research conducted during vacation periods allows students to excavate sites from the Jomon to Kofun periods.