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Public sociology

In 2009, the Department of Sociology at Fukuoka Prefectural University was reformed, changing its name to the Department of Public Sociology.

Public Sociology may be defined as the study of society for the benefit of society. It prioritizes the challenges faced by individual citizens in societies all over the world, and seeks solutions through greater knowledge and understanding. In order to achieve this, the Department of Public Sociology encourages study and further research into public policy, political activism, social movements and the institutions and mechanics of the advanced welfare society.

The Department of Public Sociology offers the following two study courses: The Community Network Course, and The Asian International Cooperation Course.

The priorities of The Community Network Course are community planning and the challenges posed by regional issues. Participating students are expected to conduct actual social research in Fukuoka prefecture and formulate appropriate responses and solutions to whatever problems may exist there.

The Asian International Cooperation Course emphasizes the study of international relations with the ultimate objective of fostering harmony, cooperation and tolerance, particularly among Asian societies. Fukuoka Prefectural University has established international student exchange and study abroad programs with Nanjing Normal University (China) and Daegu Haany University (Korea), and students in this course are encouraged to participate in these programs.

The Department of Public Sociology also offers 5 career support programs, as follows:

1. In support of the passing of the civil service examination
2. In support of the acquisition of a teaching license: Society and Culture (High School); Social Studies (Junior High School)
3. In support of the acquisition of information processing skills and qualifications
4. In support of the acquisition of social research skills and qualifications
5. In support of the acquisition of business skills and qualifications

The Department of Public Sociology has been designed in recognition of the potential of all of our students to make a profoundly positive contribution to local society and the wider world. Through diligent application to the courses outlined above, we expect this potential to be realized.