2025 年 95 巻 1 号 p. 23-28
The founding spirit of Umeko Tsuda, which aimed to nurture independent "all-round women" who could contribute to society by acquiring specialized knowledge and a broad perspective, remains the educational philosophy of Tsuda University to this day. With a foundation in traditional English education and small-group seminars, Tsuda University has been sending out highly knowledgeable and skilled human resources to society as required by each era. In response to evolving social challenges such as declining birthrates, an aging population, globalization, and technological advancements, Tsuda University established the Department of Policy Studies at the Sendagaya Campus in 2017. This was the first such department at a women's university in Japan, aiming to develop female leaders capable of addressing societal issues. The department's curriculum focuses on three core areas: Social Science for understanding societal structures, Data Science for analyzing issues through data, and English for global communication. It also emphasizes practical learning through partnerships with companies, industries, and local governments. This paper explores the department's diverse studies, its guiding philosophy, and the career paths of its graduates, while reflecting on the social significance of the Department of Policy Studies at a women's university.