History Major: This course aims at students cultivating their skills needed to examine the workings of the present-day society, and the people and societies of the past by analyzing historical documents and material evidence. Depending upon their individual interests, students may focus on any of the following tracks.
Japanese History
The faculty member’s research interests cover a wide range of topics, such as the formation of ancient Japan, politics and society in the Middle Ages, modern life and culture, and the history of Meiji and Taishō-era thought. Through over-night field trips, students have the opportunity to undergo hands-on research experiences, such as examining historical documents.
Asian History
This field focuses primarily on China and Southeast Asia, in the hope that students will develop their competence with shrewd, historical views by reading documents written in various foreign languages. Students may consider participating in short-term or long-term study abroad programs to experience diverse cultures of Asia.
Occidental History
The Occidental history shows the richness of its context with traditions that extend back to Ancient Greece. This field allows students not only to cultivate their ability to read documents written in European languages, but also to develop their knowledge and global perspectives.
Archaeology
This field focuses on archaeological research and education regarding Japan and other countries from the Paleolithic to the historical era. Through field works during every spring and summer breaks, students have an opportunity to experience excavation of archaeological sites such as Jōmon-period settlements and ancient burial mounds. Despite all the struggles in group work, students find such experiences incredibly valuable in their lives.
Faculty Information
- KURACHI Katsunao
- Academic Field
- Japanese Early Modern History
- Research Interests
- History of Life and Culture of the People, Governmental History of the Okayama Clan
- HISANO Nobuyoshi
- Academic Field
- Japanese Medieval History
- Research Interests
- History of Medieval Temples, the History of Okayama
- JIANG Keshi
- Academic Field
- Japanese Modern History
- Research Interests
- A View of the 1920s & History of Social Work
- IMAZU Katsunori
- Academic Field
- History of Ancient Japan and Asia
- Research Interests
- Ancient Society and States
- NIIMURA Yoko
- Academic Field
- People and Society in Late Imperial China
- Research Interests
- Revisional Study of the Opium War
- WATANABE Yoshinari
- Academic Field
- History of Southeast Asia
- Research Interests
- History of Konbaung Dynasty in Burma (Myanmar),Kingship in Southeast Asian History, History of the Chinese in Mainland Southeast Asia
- KAJI Toshiyuki
- Academic Field
- The History of East Asian Thought
- Research Interests
- Popular Religion, Society in the Ming and Qing Eras
- TAKUMA Fumio
- Academic Field
- Modern European and German History
- Research Interests
- Social History, Thought of Citizens and Working Classes
- NAGATA Ryoichi
- Academic Field
- Medieval and Early Modern European History
- Research Interests
- Reformation, Religious Wars, Little Ice Age
- YOSHIDA Hiroshi
- Academic Field
- Modern and Contemporary History of Europe
- Research Interests
- Legal Integration of the Russian Empire, Gastronomical History of Russian Aristocracy
- NIIRO Izumi
- Academic Field
- Archaeology
- Research Interests
- Protohistoric archaeology and Kofun excavations in Japan, Computer Archaeology, Geographical Information Systems
- MATSUGI Takehiko
- Academic Field
- Archaeology, Museum Studies
- Research Interests
- Japanese Archaeology, Evolutionary Archaeology, Comparative Archaelogy
- MATSUMOTO Naoko
- Academic Field
- Practicum in Archaeology, Theoretical Archaeology, Gender Archaeology
- Research Interests
- Cognitive Archaeology, the Jomon Society of Prehistoric Japan
