A unique division comprising the four departments of the Faculty to help develop a strong awareness of issues from a wide range of perspectives

Keywords

child and family support, adult learning, social exclusion, gender equity, voluntaryism, development of sustainable society

The Division of Support for Human and Community Development was created to reflect the main features of the Faculty of Human Development. In the third year, students in any department with an interest in practical research can go on to this division and attend any classes they would like to choose; the aim of this is to include the experience in the graduation thesis. Students preparing the graduation thesis may participate in activities in HC Center (Center for Human and Community Development),the Graduate School of Human Development and the Environment as well as in action research, which is a kind of research methods with a practical basis. By participating in a range of projects of the five research areas offered at the HC Center, students are able to hone their awareness of issues. One example is action research projects of a satellite facility “Arch,” attached to HC Center, which provides a venue for the local residents in the city area outside the university. At this venue, two sections—“Support for Child and Family” and “Support for Inclusive Society”—manage a range of projects. Each year, the students use this facility while preparing their graduation thesis. It also provides a forum for students to express themselves. This division requires that students have an interest in the changes that take place in society and its future trends, as well as a positive attitude toward participating in a range of activities and establishing links with other participants.