Sharing Knowledge with Society
—Lifelong learning opportunities for all
Research and education at Keio is constantly evolving to benefit society in a variety of ways, whether it be through the practical application of research findings or the careers of our alumni. Here at Keio, we also strive to contribute directly to the general public. One way we do this is by offering a numerous opportunities for lifelong learning.
At Keio University, we consider it an important mission to offer opportunities for lifelong learning, and our target is to reach as many people as possible with knowledge in a broad range of fields. These opportunities come in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as symposiums, which tend to be highly academic; lectures and classes, offered to those who belong to a course or program; and open lectures, open to the public as a way to casually come in contact with a wide range of knowledge and culture.
As for lectures and classes, we offer correspondence courses and programs held by the Keio Research Center for Foreign Language Education in addition to an auditing system for non-degree students, who can earn credit alongside degree-seeking students. While Keio’s open lectures are often taught by leading academic faculty, it isn’t rare for successful Keio alumni from a field such as business or art to come give lectures, a testament to the caliber of Keio’s graduates, many of whom are at the forefront of their fields. This is just one unique strength and characteristic of Keio University.
Another characteristic, from the standpoint of collaboration with the local community, is Minato City Citizen’s University (kumin daigaku), which is held jointly with Minato City in Tokyo. A total of six universities offer lectures for those who live, work, or attend school in Minato City. Keio University holds four lectures over a two-day program at Mita Campus every year. Participants related to Keio University, including students and alumni, can attend the lectures at no charge. “Who is the President of the United States?” “The British Royal Family,” and “Africa Today”—these are some recent themes, all of which have been well-received.
In October 2013, lectures were held under the theme “Have the Skies of Japan Changed?” by Professor Ushio Chujo of the Faculty of Business and Commerce and representatives from Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). Both days around 100 people filled the lecture hall to listen attentively to experts in the airline industry.
We welcome you to come join the lectures which interest you. With some 300 public lectures held annually with and without charge, there is sure to be a lecture for everyone.
