The Faculty of Contemporary Social Studies

  • Department of Contemporary Social Studies (2025 enrollment limit: 130 students): Established in 2014
  • Department of Social Studies of Disaster Management (2025 enrollment limit: 90 students): Established in 2014
This Faculty was established in 2014 with the aim of developing human resources who can understand problems of contemporary society and find solutions. This Faculty consists of two majors: Contemporary Social Studies and Social Studies of Disaster Management.
This Faculty focuses on the problem-solving type of active learning where students learn from and about the community, starting in Kobe, which is known for being an international city and is using progressive approaches to disaster prevention. The students aim to learn how to understand problems from various angles, analyze them scientifically, and search for practical solutions.

Gain a Multifaceted and Comprehensive Understanding of the Complex Problems of Modern Society,and Develop the Ability to Solve These Problems

How can we solve the many different problems of modern society which have no set methods for resolution? As part of their liberal arts education, students study "specialized basic subjects" such as sociology, economics, business administration, and public administration. They approach issues related to the themes of both departments from various viewpoints and analyzing them using scientific methods. Students also learn methods for exploring solutions to various issues in contemporary society through trial and error.

Studies Based on “Kobe” as an International DisasterPrevention City, to Gain a Global Perspective

ProblemsStudents deepen their understanding of modern society not only through classroom lectures but also activities carried out in the setting of the international city of Kobe with its experience in suffering the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, by actually walking through the city and interacting with its people. In addition, the scope of study will be expanded from Kobe to include various other regions in Japan and abroad, to think about the state of social contributions and international cooperation while keeping in mind the risks faced by modern society.

“Active Learning” for Problem Solving byLearning from Local Communities

PerspectiveStudents visit corporations, government agencies, NPOs, and other organizations, and emphasis is placed on active learning for problem solving based on field studies. They learn by thinking and acting on their own, and by investigating what is necessary in order to solve problems. In addition, active participation in volunteer activities and internships will allow students to develop independence and the ability to take action.

Department of Contemporary Social Studies

Cultivating the ability to solve problems through a wide range of practical work in various local areas

The main pillars of the study are the three sectors of “citizens and livelihoods,” “work and industry”, and “regions and culture.” With sociology as a base, students will also study areas such as economics, politics, and public administration to acquire the wide-ranging special knowledge that is necessary to understand modern society whilst also nurturing the ability to think flexibly from multiple perspectives. Seminars and practical learning are used to nurture analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Qualifications available: Social Researcher*1, First Class Junior High School Teacher’s License (Social Studies)*1, First Class High School Teacher’s License (Civics) *1

Department of Social Studies of Disaster Management

Acquiring disaster-prevention knowledge and skills to support safe and secure lifestyles for local residents

residentsThe main pillars of the study are the two sectors of “disaster prevention, citizens, and the administration” and “disaster prevention, social contribution, and international cooperation.” We aim to use the knowledge and experiences gained in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake to realize a safe way of living for the future. Students will learn about the basic ways of thinking about disaster prevention and disaster mitigation, understand the current situation, and develop their ability to solve problems. They will also learn about volunteering and international cooperation.
Qualifications available: Disaster Prevention Expert*2, Fire Prevention Manager*2, Disaster Prevention Manager*2, Social Service Activities Support Specialist*2, First Class Junior High School Teacher’s License (Social Studies)*1, First Class High School Teacher’s License (Civics)*1

*1. These are qualifications that can be obtained by acquiring credits in the subjects specified.
*2. This is a qualification that can be obtained by acquiring credits in the relevant subjects and passing a certification examination. Students cannot acquire qualification to take the Emergency Life-saving Technician national certification examination.

【Close-Up】
Active learning that prioritizes practice

Topics 01

Learning together with fellow students

The main part of the study at the University is seminars. With the support from their teaching staff, students draft a plan and conduct investigations by themselves and then give presentations and hold discussions to broaden their thinking and further deepen their research.

Topics 02

Learning from the local region

As part of their active learning, students visit various regions and disaster-stricken areas both within and outside Hyogo Prefecture..They gain an understanding of community issues and people’s lives through interactions with the local residents.

Topics 03

Implementation of citizen life-saver lectures

Students with a first aid instructor qualification give civil life-savers lectures (Ordinary lifesaving course I) to local residents and students at schools in Kobe.


Detailed information is available in the Faculty of Contemporary Social Studies brochure