Trends in Science Humanities Convergence Education in Japanese Universities and their Implications

Abstract

As science and technology advance, fundamental changes are taking place in individual lives and society. At this time, the dichotomous thinking that excessively distinguishes between science and humanities, as is prevalent in Korea and Japan, hinders the nurturing of the next generation’s capabilities. Since the 21st century, the Japanese government has continued to promote transversal and/or convergence education in science and humanities to overcome the limitations of early specialization in secondary education and the resulting limitations in college education. With the help of government financial and policy support, Japanese universities offer transversal education in a variety of ways, such as degree programs in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental studies and data science, a problem-solving-oriented curriculum, the activation of double major and minor systems, and bachelor degree programs in the liberal arts. Also, a trend began to redefine education goals to fit its nature and strengthen the liberal arts and sciences. This article explores the background and process of promoting transversal education through the Japanese government's official documents and articles, showing that it is being carried out within the larger framework of the pursuit of liberal arts in the 21<sup>st</sup> century. Lastly, this study shows that these trends fit into the context of liberal education and demonstrates how this field is reemerging globally.