Dig deep into the subject by experience through fieldwork
The seminar activities in the Faculty of Liberal Arts are based on the principle of practical learning. Seminars are conducted not only in the classroom, but also in the city, at historic sites, or at actual education sites. Through fieldwork, students study their subjects of research deeply by experience.
Japanese Cultures
Specialized Fields
Japanese Music and Entertainment
Main research contents
It covers a wide range of topics related to Japanese culture, with a focus on Japanese music and performing arts.
Seminar Introduction
Each student sets their own theme and conducts research based on that theme. Each student will give an oral presentation of their research and will deepen their research through questions and responses from other seminar students. This seminar emphasizes 1) problem-setting ability, which involves deciding on a research theme with a sense of problem awareness, 2) research and exploration ability, which involves taking various approaches to that theme to deepen research, and 3) problem-solving ability, which involves improving the content of research through question and answer sessions. These are skills that we would like students to acquire while they are university students, and they will surely be useful even after they enter society. We hope that by experiencing this seminar, students will acquire such skills.
Research on the transmission of folk performing arts
Seminar Introduction
In this seminar, we will study folklore. Folklore is a discipline that uses what we see, hear, and sense as material. The research method for folklore is fieldwork. Hachioji City, where Teikyo University is located, is rich in folklore culture, so every year, a field site is set in Hachioji City. Seminar students collect materials in group work, study the history and culture of the field site in advance, and think about questions to ask in the interview before going on the survey. Interacting with local people and learning about their culture also leads to contributions to the community. In addition, volunteers also conduct a 3-night, 4-day folklore survey training (summer camp) during the summer vacation. Students will learn folklore survey and research methods and gain the ability to set their own questions.
Historical research on Japanese animation and manga from the prewar period to the occupation period
Seminar Introduction
The seminar attracts students who are interested in contemporary Japanese subculture, such as visual culture centered on animation, live-action movies, and online videos, as well as publications such as manga and light novels, and digital games. Students will think about the state of contemporary Japanese culture through the task of analyzing the fields they enjoy as hobbies using objective materials. In addition to handouts, students will be asked to make presentations using PowerPoint slides and videos. Through presentations that make full use of both analog and digital means, students will think through practice about how to convey their ideas to others in an easy-to-understand way, aiming to improve their communication skills.
This seminar examines how people in the Edo period (1600-1868) thought about social politics, life, and nature. Students choose a research topic based on their interests and pursue their research. Some students even write their graduation theses. For example, their graduation theses include Matsudaira Fumai and early modern tea ceremony, the concept of "God" by the Japanese scholar Motoori Norinaga, Kaibara Ekiken's theory of ritual, and Hirata Atsutane's cosmology. Please join this seminar and let's travel back in time and explore the unknown world of the Edo period together.
History of Japanese clothing culture, Heian culture
Main research contents
Japanese clothing culture (throughout the ages)
Heian culture, aristocratic culture
Seminar Introduction
In this seminar, students learn how to read academic papers and historical documents such as cursive script and classical Chinese, and while acquiring knowledge of how to approach documents, they delve deeply into their interests and find a research topic. Research topics related to clothing are wide-ranging, ranging from clothing to accessories, makeup, hairstyles, patterns and designs, and from various eras from primitive times to the present. Themes related to Heian culture are also diverse, ranging from food culture to magic and games. Individual research is centered on books, but at the same time, we believe that there is much to learn from the real thing. For this reason, once a semester, we hold a clothing tour and experience session outside the university. We hope that students will experience the fun of lifestyle and culture by carefully observing and trying things with their hands.
In Western History, we study the unusual history of the United States.
Seminar Introduction
The United States is probably the country Japan has had the deepest relationship with since the end of the war, but in fact, it is rare to find a country as unknown as the United States. In this seminar, students and faculty will study together the mechanisms by which the United States, which originated in European civilization, became "Americanized" and came to have an impact on the world, using political, cultural, and social history documents that faculty members believe are useful for understanding the present state of the United States. Based on this, we will attempt to understand the shape of the United States as a country and to reposition the present state of the United States within world history. Through these efforts, we aim to broaden and deepen our understanding of Japan, the country in which we live.
Field of expertise: Early modern political history
Research topic: Negotiations between the shogunate and feudal domains in the first half of the 19th century
Seminar Introduction
In the seminar's reading of Japanese historical documents, students read famous laws such as the "Imagawa Kana Mokuroku" and "Koshū Hōtō no Shidai," which are provincial laws from the Sengoku period, and the "Buke Shohatō" from the early Edo period, training them to master historical documents. In the Japanese history seminar, students study the political and social conditions of the Edo period through works such as "Seidan" written by Ogyu Sorai, a leading scholar of the early 18th century, and "Uge Jingon," an autobiography of Matsudaira Sadanobu, who led the Kansei Reforms. In addition, students read papers analyzing Seidan and Uge Jingon and hold discussions. In addition, we provide guidance for students who want to become researchers or curators in the field of early modern Japanese history, in preparation for entering Graduate School.
Through excavation surveys, students will learn the basic knowledge and techniques necessary for archaeology.
Seminar Introduction
In this seminar, we have conducted excavation surveys at the Arakawadai site in Niigata Prefecture, a Paleolithic site. In addition, in collaboration with Research Institute of Cultural Properties, Teikyo University, we have also conducted excavation surveys at the Osoyashiki site in Yamanashi Prefecture, the remains of a medieval residence, and the Kikkozuka tumulus in Yamanashi Prefecture. Through excavation surveys, students can learn basic knowledge and techniques required for archaeology, such as surveying, determining soil layers, and analyzing and examining excavated artifacts. Excavations are generally carried out over a period of about two weeks, and students participate in the surveys in a training camp format. By living together in this way, students can not only learn archaeological knowledge and techniques, but also acquire communication skills with upperclassmen and underclassmen.
Students are guided to choose a topic that interests them and deepen their knowledge and opinions on that topic on their own.
Seminar Introduction
The aim of this seminar is for each student to set a topic that interests them and acquire the ability to investigate and research that topic on their own. To achieve this, we first provide counseling for each student to clarify the direction of their interests, and then have them make a very basic report on the topic. After that, we lecture on how to find, read, and summarize papers, referring to overviews and introductory research books, and gradually guide them to make specialized presentations. We fully support each student to develop their own view of history as they face their own research topic of interest and engage in repeated discussions with faculty and other students.
Research theme: Reconstructing historical climate using weather records from ancient diaries and lake freezing records
Seminar Introduction
In the geography practical training of this seminar, students are mainly trained on campus (indoors) to create land use maps, use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), obtain statistical data necessary for geographic research, and analyze the data. In the geography field training, fieldwork (field surveys) are carried out twice a year, for three days and two nights, during the first and second semesters, and students are instructed on surveys of the natural environment of the target area, how to conduct interviews, and how to write survey reports. In addition, students are occasionally taken on day trips around Hachioji Campus to observe the topography and strata around the campus.
Global warming, plastic pollution, endangered species, increase in invasive species, etc.
Seminar Introduction
Students will make predictions about environmental issues that interest them, conduct research, and compile the results as their graduation research. So far, they have researched invasive species in the Tama River, crows in Tokyo, the role of green spaces in cities, environmental problems caused by toys and cosmetics, waste problems at events, and renewable energy issues. In addition to conducting research, students also decide on a theme each semester and engage in activities to tackle environmental issues to the extent possible. In the past, students have conducted activities such as biological surveys near the university using an app, picking up sports waste, cooking meat substitutes, and comparing snacks with high and low plastic waste. By actually working on the issue, students will learn that there are things they can do, and by realizing the barriers to taking measures, they will be able to deepen their research.
I am researching various issues surrounding family and gender in modern society from a sociological perspective.
Seminar Introduction
Family may seem like something familiar and natural to us. Similarly, things related to sex and gender may be easily treated as "natural" or "the way things are usually done." However, in reality, neither of these are true. Rather, what is considered "natural" or "normal" about both family and sexuality has been influenced by society and history. In this seminar, we will consider the various issues facing modern society regarding family and sexuality through literature reading and discussion, and aim to help students acquire a perspective that will allow them to reconsider what is "natural" and "normal," and to develop an outlook on future families and sexuality while respecting diversity.
Representational analysis of media discourse and related content on idols and fan culture, and investigation of fan practices
Seminar Introduction
By analyzing the content of media content that constitutes modern culture, such as movies, TV programs, anime, manga, games, music, entertainment magazines, fashion, and idols, and by investigating the process by which people in Japan and abroad accept these media, we will clarify questions such as why they are popular, what role they play in society, and what characteristics their recipients/fans have. While learning basic research methods, students will visit media-related facilities and have the opportunity to hear from media professionals about the situation on the ground. The class focuses on students analyzing, investigating, and making presentations on cases that interest them.
Theoretical organization of critical criminology, theoretical formulation of criticism of meritocracy in educational research
Seminar Introduction
We will study the phenomenon of "deviation," including crime and social problems. "Deviation" refers to any phenomenon that goes against the norm. It covers a wide range of topics, including crime, delinquency, war, corruption, harassment, child abuse, violation of school rules, immorality, and violation of manners. Deviation may be a violation of the rules to one person, but may be perceived as a normal phenomenon by another. By studying "deviation," which has the characteristic of being seen differently depending on one's position, we will develop sociological thinking that does not accept conventional wisdom at face value but considers it from multiple perspectives. We will also consider solutions to problems and tackle the social challenge of coexistence with diverse people. The course will proceed with literature reading and presentations by participants. In the second semester, students will explore their own themes while learning how to write a thesis in preparation for writing their graduation research.
Analysis of survey results (cross-tabulation using Excel, etc.)
Seminar Introduction
Every year, we conduct a survey of students attending Teikyo University Hachioji Campus, mainly third-year students, and prepare a report that includes the overall results and an analysis by seminar students according to their individual interests. We do this to learn how to refine questions through group work and logically grasp and output things through analysis. In 2025, we plan to conduct a survey on the theme of "viewing short videos" and analyze what types of videos are popular and what types of people watch videos frequently. The data can also be used for graduation research and graduation theses.
We are trying to understand the psychology of crime (delinquency) and explore the best ways for offenders to recover.
Seminar Introduction
The seminar theme is the "psychological understanding" and "recovery support" that the Ministry of Justice has conducted for criminals. In the psychological understanding section, we consider the possibility of utilizing projective psychological testing. In the recovery support section, we focus on the key points of correctional education that has been implemented for various criminals, and explore them as important hints for interpersonal assistance. In the seminar, the supervising teacher will share his/her practical experience (legal technical officer) with explanations, and the seminar will focus on the students' "want to know" and focus on freely researching and presenting their findings. Guest speakers will also be invited according to the needs of the students. For those aspiring to become public servants (Ministry of Justice, police, courts, child welfare institutions, etc.), we will work with the Career Support Center to support them in achieving their career goals.
Mental and physical health, cognitive behavioral therapy
Main research contents
The relationship between the way we think and understand things (cognition) and our behavior, emotions, and mental and physical health
Methods and effects of educational approaches that consider the psychological aspects of mental and physical health (psycho-education)
Seminar Introduction
We cover a wide range of fields related to mental health. Students with similar research interests will form teams and work on seminar papers. Fourth-year students will lead the research, and third-year students will learn the flow of research under the guidance of fourth-year students. In the seminar papers, students will actually conduct surveys such as questionnaires and analyze the results. Past research topics include the relationship between sports experience and stage fright, positively distorted thinking and stressful events, and the characteristics of HSPs (Highly Sensitive Persons). We place importance on experiences that allow students to academically explore and verify their interests.
Perceptual and cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience
Main research contents
Visual cognition, spatial cognition, virtual reality, cognitive development, measurement of brain function, gaze, and pupil diameter
Seminar Introduction
In this seminar, we use experiments to explore how we perceive and recognize the world, focusing on perceptual and cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience. In addition to behavioral experiments, we also conduct experiments to measure physiological indicators such as gaze, pupils, heart rate, and brain waves, and consider the relationship between the mind, body, and brain. We also conduct research on cognition in VR space and collaborative research with developmental and clinical psychology. Students independently choose their research topic and learn the fascinating world of measuring the mind by putting it into practice, from planning to analysis.
Research on the environment surrounding children, including those with developmental disorders
Seminar Introduction
The goal of this seminar is for each student to explore a topic of interest in the fields of developmental disorders and education from a psychological perspective. Many students are conducting research focusing on the interactions of their surroundings as part of the environment for a variety of children, including those with developmental disorders. When conducting research, students begin by finding a topic that interests them and clarifying their research question. At the same time, students will learn how to effectively communicate their research to others by reviewing the literature and giving presentations on their research. In addition, students are exposed to various ways of thinking and values through group discussions, and it is important to view things from multiple perspectives and learn from each other.
