Division of University Management and Policy Studies
Course Description
1. Program
The Department of University Management and Policy Studies was established at the Graduate School of Education in 2005 to offer theoretical and practical education on university management and higher education policy and to prepare outstanding scholars and leaders for this field. In the Master’s Program, students learn basic theories and knowledge and apply them to case studies. Through the writing of a master’s thesis, students develop into professionals who can bring broad perspective, professional skill, and practical decision-making to positions as university executives and administrators. The Doctoral Program provides students with the high-level research opportunities needed to be world-class scholars, executives, and senior managers who can lead university management and policy into the future.
2. Research
Faculty members conduct research and analysis on the current state of university management and policy in Japan and abroad and examine university reform. In addition to theoretical research, our faculty perform domestic and international case analyses, contribute to shaping national policies on higher education, and engage in global dialogue on critical issues in the field. Every year, the Department hosts many symposia and seminars to which many distinguished scholars are invited from overseas. We are also creating a network of senior managers at Japanese universities and are becoming a hub for international exchange among similar educational and research programs in the West and Asia.
Staff
Akihiro ASONUMA
Professor (University Policy Studies)
While academic knowledge develops according to its own intrinsic logic, in reality, it is difficult for it to exist without the support of society, and it is often strongly influenced by society. This is where contradictions and conflicts can arise. I am interested in the relationship between universities and society,
and how education and research at universities are adjusted to the demands of society. So far, I have mainly studied the organization,financing, and policies of higher education and academic research from the perspective of how these institutional frameworks mediate between education and society, and between research and society.
Hideto FUKUDOME
Professor (Historical and Comparative Higher Education)
My research interest lies in the historical and comparative study of higher education, particularly, American higher education. Although American higher education might be the model for higher education reform in other countries, I am interested in it because American colleges and universities are dynamic and have developed with great diversity. Their histories include many attractive themes for considering the question, “What are colleges and universities?” My research interest extends to diverse areas of higher education: undergraduate curriculum, academic governance, academic professions, and graduate education. I approach these areas with historical and comparative perspectives, which can help us broaden our thinking of higher education. I am looking forward to working with many students who believe colleges and universities are important to our society and culture.
Akiko MOROZUMI
Professor (University Management)
With the developing knowledge society, the social role of universities is growing. At the same time, as the college-age population declines university management is becoming a major issue and many are pondering the need for change in university management and related policies. Researchers are not only required to conduct basic studies from a social scientific perspective and within a certain framework, but also present ideas with practitioners of university management with whom they will work closely. I conduct empirical case studies especially from the perspective of the decision-making patterns and accounting of universities, hoping to build a logical basis that can respond to practical problems.