Pleasure of the research
To learn is fun. By learning we not only absorb new knowledge, we deepen our understanding of various phenomena in the world through that knowledge. However, in order to learn, we must make clear the target of our learning, in other words, what knowledge we are absorbing. Unfortunately, many of the phenomena in this world cannot be understood through clearly defined knowledge alone. In reality, many matters are complexly and simultaneously intertwined, and their actions change with time, sometimes giving birth to new phenomena.
In order to understand these complex phenomena of the world, it is essential to first ask ourselves, “What is happening? Why does it happen like that?” In order to ascertain whether our answers to those questions are correct, we must patiently untangle threads, formulate new ways of solving problems, and look at things from a different perspective. This series of actions—posing questions, searching for answers, and conducting investigations—we will call this “research.” This activity called research may be a difficult activity; success is not guaranteed at the end. However, this activity to explore unknown fields is actually more fun and stimulating than simple “learning.”
While at university, education is mainly about learning, graduate school is a place in which one engages in research or obtains the skills to conduct research while researching. In order to understand complex matters, acquiring existing knowledge is essential, and of course you will learn at graduate school as well. However, simple learning is not enough. An attitude to conduct research and to pioneer new horizons is necessary. This attitude is essential, not only for those aiming to become researchers, but for those aiming to become high-caliber professionals as well. This is because often times, the issues of modern day society that high-caliber professionals undertake to resolve are often not resolvable through existing knowledge alone.
The academic fields that the Graduate School of Political Science and Economics covers include political science, sociology, economics, and other related fields of study. We pursue a comprehensive study of social sciences with each of the fields of study structured around a trinity of standpoints: theory, history, and policy. We offer two majors: political science and economics. The master’s program for both majors is divided into a Research Development Course and a Professional Course. The Research Development Course focuses on cultivating research and application abilities in students’ fields of study, and the Professional Course advances educational research from the viewpoint of cultivating high-caliber professionals and promoting lifelong education.
I firmly believe that terrific, highly motivated, and diverse students will gather at the Graduate School of Political Science and Economics to grow through mutual learning, exchange, and cooperation under the tutelage of our faculty, and produce excellent results.
Dean, Graduate School of Political Science and Economics
Doctor of Business and Commerce
NAGANO, Hitoshi
