Comparative Studies of Civilization and Culture

Civilization and culture cross geographical, linguistic, and various other types of boundaries. Focusing mainly on scientific civilization and linguistic culture, the Comparative Studies of Civilization and Culture Group is devoted to comparative historical research into the dynamic transformation induced by this transmission-reception interaction. With the progress of globalization, asymmetric relationships deriving from relative superiority and inferiority in the spheres of civilization and culture are clearly surfacing. Focusing on the undercurrents of resistance, prejudice, and creation behind the phenomenon of one-sided acceptance, the Program will take up the findings of the latest research so as to deepen understanding of the interactive nature of such interchange and metamorphosis. Although the production of particular professions or professionals is not its objective, the master's course is aimed at producing graduates capable of extensive activity in a wide range of fields including mass media, publishing, and education by imparting profound knowledge and deep insight about civilization and cultural interchange. Similarly, the doctoral program is designed to yield educators and researchers in specialized areas such as the history of science and comparative culture.

 

Messages to prospective students

Messages from each instructor are organized as follows:
1. Expectations of students and guiding principles
2. Research keywords
3. Academic societies, social activities, etc.
4. Contact information (E-mail, URL, office, etc.)

 

Miura Nobuo
1.
In this course, we study the history of science and technology, history of scientific thought, and comparative study of civilizations. Toward this end, students are shown how to examine data and decipher literature. Ours is an interdisciplinary field, and so I invite students from both the humanities and sciences with a broad range of scholastic interests to join us. This course is also open to working adults and teachers from junior and senior high schools, with an abundance of hands-on experience.
2.
Wasan (Japanese mathematics), religion and science, Western medieval and Renaissance culture, planned language, history of mathematics, relationships between art and geometry (projection method)
3.
Japanese Society for the History of Chemistry (Councilor), Society for the History of Mathematics (Steering Committee member), Society for the History of Science and Technology (Editorial Committee member), Japan Society for the Comparative Study of Civilizations (PR Committee member)
4.
E-mail: miuranob[at]kobe-u.ac.jp
URL: http://web.cla.kobe-u.ac.jp/~miuranob 、
http://web.cla.kobe-u.ac.jp/staff/miuranob
Office: E415, Tsurukabuto 1 Campus (Please contact via e-mail before visiting the office.)

 

Tsukahara Togo
1.
Students must study as hard as they can, just as the Japanese scholars of the Edo period once did by means of the Dutch language. Social commitment, political views, and cultural sophistication are also necessary. This course aims to train "generalist specialists," and vice-versa, who act intelligently according to the front-line-first principle with a full recognition of their new responsibilities on a global level.
2.
History of science, technology, and medicine and social policies, techno-science in a social context, life / global environment and food / climate, science policies of the United Nations (WHO) and EU, historical meteorology, Dutch soccer, techno-pop politics
3.
International Society for the History of East Asian Science, Technology, and Medicine (ISHSTM, former Secretary-General), STS Society (Director), Kicking Tulips Japan Holland Soccer Promotion (right wing, senior advisor), HET Japan-Nederland Instituut
4.
E-mail: leiden93[at]gmail.com (Or visit my website by "googling" or searching on Spysee)

 

Toda Masaru
1.
I specialize in comparative literature, but in this course I not only deal with literature, but also compare general linguistic culture between modern Japan and Western countries. For individual student guidance (choosing a thesis topic), students' preferences take precedence. So long as they have a general interest in taking a relative view of the linguistic culture of modern Japan from an outside perspective (Europe, U.S., China, Asian countries, etc.), students from any faculty are welcome. E-mail me at the address below for consultations and inquiries about the admission test.
2.
Koizumi Yakumo (Lafcadio Hearn), Japanology, orientalism, modern Japanese literature
3.
Kansai Chapter (Secretary), Japan Comparative Literature Association
4.
E-mail: mtoda[at]kobe-u.ac.jp
URL: http://www.eonet.ne.jp/~todam/index.htm (Use this link to visit my personal website, which contains dates for interviews, information about my office, telephone numbers, a list of theses under my advisory, etc.)

 

Kitamura Yuika
1.
I study the acceptance of classic Japanese literature in modern times from the perspective of translation. In class, I would like to work with my students on a comparative analysis of the original texts of such classics and their translations (mostly English) and reading of literature on cultural translations. My personal research topic is The Tale of Genji, but I hope that students will make their own research choices from the wide array of classic literature.
2.
Translation, classic Japanese literature, The Tale of Genji, invented traditions
3.
Japan Comparative Literature Association
4.
E-mail: yuika[at]kobe-u.ac.jp
Office: E404 (Tsurukabuto 1 Campus) (Please contact via e-mail before visiting the office.)

 

Yamasawa Takayuki
1.
By carefully reading together written materials on ancient Greek and Roman culture, I hope that students will be able to discover their contemporary significance. Students are expected to read materials written in English and other modern languages steadily and patiently, although ideally they will be able to read the original texts in Greek and Latin, which admittedly involves a considerable amount of time and effort.
2.
Ancient Greek and Roman culture, Greek and Latin literature, philology, grammar
3.
Classical Society of Japan
4.
E-mail: yamasawa[at]kobe-u.ac.jp
Office: E416 (Tsurukabuto 1 Campus)