About the Community Engagement
CEP is a hands-on curriculum offered in the Faculty of Global Engagement that allows students to learn in the real world. Students are to come up with ideas to solve issues faced by local communities, based on social science theories that they learned in class. By applying those theories in society, students acquire social skills such as communication abilities that embody pluriculturalism. For about one month during their summer and spring vacation in their 2nd year, students will gain the experience of working together and problem-solving with the locals in their communities either at home or abroad.
01Become a member of a community through cooperation and collaboration that go beyond participation
First, you will see what interests and concerns you during your preparatory studies as you continue to learn the basics, and then will work toward solving issues in countries and regions. Unlike standard practical training, you will work together with members of the community (regional community) and work in real society. Rather than acting as a mere participant, you will cooperate and collaborate as a member of the community. Expect to encounter frustration and failure. However, these experiences will lead to major growth and will increase your potential. This growth is the goal of "Community Engagement."
02Growing through drawing a single cycle from project design to implementation
Unlike typical training or study abroad programs provided by universities, Community Engagement requires students themselves to plan their projects and bring them into practice. Although students are provided with overall frameworks and venues, the topics and goals vary from student to student, and so it is important for each student to engage in their project with a personalized action plan. Students are more than mere participants, and must consider and tackle issues as members of communities, repeat the trial and error process, and form global connections.
THEORY
First, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to put your Community Engagement project into practice. You will then learn the definition and history of "global engagement," study the roles played by international organizations such as the U.N., and gain specialized knowledge in your desired program.
PLAN
One unique characteristic of Community Engagement is that, although you are provided with a venue, it is up to you to select your topic and goals. You will create an action plan, set goals to achieve, and get everything prepared so that you can participate fully in your program. Once you have decided on a program, you will work on further polishing your knowledge and skills in areas that need more work.
ENGAGE
You will tackle a range of practical issues in communities inside and outside Japan.
CHECK
We see Community Engagement as a means to develop an awareness of the issues. You will therefore reflect on what you have done as a form of ex post facto study, and make a presentation to verify the validity of your plan and the degree to which you achieved your goals. After identifying any problems with your plan, you will then continue to the next learning step.
03The Center provides thorough support for your work
Community Engagement Center
The Community Engagement Center serves as a network site with regional communities inside and outside Japan, and serves as a central section for promoting Community Engagement. It provides a range of support for students participating in programs, such as program development and improvement, and even collaboration with activity partners and crisis management work. It collaborates with a range of departments in the university to further enhance programs while comprehensively leveraging the knowledge of the university.
Taking advantage of the Center from your first academic year is the key to success
You will participate in Community Engagement Workshops from your first academic year, in order to prepare for Community Engagement. It is important at this stage to make use of the Center and gain a detailed understanding of your activities and what you will need to study.
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