Contemporary society generates increasingly diverse resources and rules that humans require in order to live. As we are further liberated from traditional restrictions, our life becomes more dependent on society.
This course emphasizes the impact of social environment on individuals in contemporary society. We attempt to develop a logical and fundamental understanding of the ontology of the society and approaches to understand and explain the latter while simultaneously exploring specific solutions and measures in contrast to the diverse issues generated in the current social environment. Thus, the course consists of the following five, mutually reinforcing research themes:

1. Contemporary society and social theory theoretically and empirically examines issues on religion, welfare systems and theory, inequality, poverty, crime, bioethics, emotional capitalism, and various other contemporary issues
2. Empirical sociology is concerned with research and education in social research methodologies such as surveys and interview techniques
3. Sociology of communication and gender theory examines familial, gender, youth, and other forms of social communication
4. Sociology of culture considers the social aspects of medicine, science, and work as well as intercultural comparisons
5. Studies of welfare society and social policies explores research topics on the welfare state, old people, disabled people, children’s welfare, and civic activities

The research areas above are closely linked with one another, enabling the use of multiple perspectives and approaches for a given research problem. We attempt to maintain a dynamic research and educational environment where faculty and students can freely exchange ideas unrestrained by their home research fields.