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Sociology is a study of the whole and parts of society, mainly focused on the conduct of individuals. Because we are almost obligated to live and take part in various groups and organizations in our lives, the sociology program aims to theoretically and empirically define the problems and meanings of such phenomena. In other words, the subject of our study includes movements, human relations and changes of individuals and society as a whole.
The sociology program at Chiba University basically has three classifications. There are lectures which give students some background and historical knowledge of the discipline; there are field research practices to let students perform social researches “in the field”, and then there are seminars which give students the opportunities to work towards the completion of their final thesis through discussions and tutorial sessions. The two major characteristics of the sociology program is that we do not settle for “book knowledge”; therefore, every student in the third year participates in the social field research where students and professors decide on a specific area and experience the “on the spot” practice of sociology.
The students are expected to learn a wide range of materials covered in the field of sociology, to promote a deeper and better understanding in the specific fields of individuals’ interests, and reflect such achievements on the final thesis.
Specific themes of research ranges from theoretical studies concerning behavior, institutions, value, organizations, social systems, communication, culture and social conscience to some of more empirical studies such as: family, communities, comparative studies, corporations, employment, consumption, environment, social development, traffic, leisure and adolescent culture.