Contemporary Culture and Society
Contemporary Culture and Society
Modernity Studies
Originating in Western Europe, the principles of modernity have long served as the basic framework for the modern world. However, the recent wave of globalization has raised profound questions about their validity. In the Modernity Studies Program, we seek to understand where this turbulent world is headed, based on a thorough reexamination of the significance of modernity.
Modern Social Thought (Shigeru CHO)
This course considers the roles played by the concept of “society” in the development of modern societies, cultures, and philosophies.
Modern Economic Thought (Yoshihiko ICHIDA)
We will trace the history of such concepts as “market,” “value” and “labor,” and examine the changes that they are undergoing today.
Modern Political Thought (Naritoshi UENO)
An examination of modern political concepts like “freedom,” “equality” and “citizenry,” with emphasis on the fundamental factors that underlie them
Modern Culture Discourse (Keiko ISHIDA)
A consideration of the nature of modern society through discourse and concrete examples concerning beauty and the arts.
Modern Culture and Representation (Rie MATSUYA)
This course investigates modern characteristics of “nature” as depicted in literature and the visual arts.
Contemporary Social Issues
This program uses various perspectives to explore the pace-setting issues of our times. Issues covered include healthcare, ecology, genetic engineering, gender-specific standards, multiculturalism, the effects of information technology and consumerism on social consciousness, and the social role of sports.
Sociology of Knowledge (Takeshi MIKAMI)
A sociological exploration of the roles of various types of “knowledge” in contemporary society.
Media and Cultural Studies (Hiroki OGASAWARA)
A critical examination of the relationship between multicultural capitalism and the media.
Bioethics (Yasuji YAMAZAKI)
This course considers the ethical norms related to the concept of “life” and “death” that have become entangled in controversy due to recent advances in science and technology.
Environmental Ethics (Toru SAKURAI)
Discussion of major environmental ethics topics in light of an overview of the current state of the global ecology.
Gender Approach to Culture (Megumu MUNAKATA)
This course covers a variety of cultural phenomena related to gender in contemporary culture and analyzes problems relating to notions of gender.
Sociology of Gender (Kaoru AOYAMA)
This course examines the relationship between society and the conception of “gender” with cases from various fields.
Art, Culture and Society
The program focuses on the roles of art in society, and examines the historical and contemporary relevance of various art forms and media, including music, theater, visual images and text. It also looks in detail at cultural administration and art management, important vehicles for bringing art to society.
Modern Art (Hiroko IKEGAMI)
The development of modern art after World War II is discussed from historical and social factors.
Visual Culture (Noriko YOSHIDA)
The relationship between art and society is explored through analysis of paintings and other visual artwork.
Art, Culture and Society (Mie ASAKURA)
A study of the dynamism of the turn of the 20th century through linking fashion and art.
Art and Cultural Environment (Kazuo FUJINO)
This course discusses ways to build links between art and society and foster social vitality through the power of culture.
Art in Cultural Formation (Kazuko IWAMOTO)
This course explores the formation of art and culture with reference to ethnicity and nationhood, drawing upon examples from the French-speaking world.
Modernism Art (Kumi TATEOKA)
This course examines the modernist art that flourished in the early 20th century, as the expression of a new worldview.