We are pleased to announce that an open seminar will be held as follows:
■Date
11:00–12:40 Thursday, 9 July 2026 (JST)
■Theme
Reconsidering University Education: Employability Discourse and Management of Undeclared Major Programs
■Venue
Hybrid (In-Person & Online)
In-Person: Room 112, Research Institute for Higher Education (RIHE), Hiroshima University
Online: Zoom
■Language
English
■MC
Kim, Yangson (Hiroshima University)
■Lecturer
Edith Braun (Justus-Liebig University) Soo Jeung Lee (Sejong University)
※Click here for the biography
■Abstract
Despite growing discussions regarding the social contribution and value of universities, the increasing demand for international competitiveness has led to a noticeable trend, particularly among research-oriented universities, of placing greater emphasis on research than on education. However, given that the fundamental functions of a university are education, research, and service, none of these functions can be neglected. Accordingly, this seminar aims to examine international cases with a focus on education, one of the core functions of universities. In particular, we will explore the limitations and issues of the “employability” discourse emphasized in university education through the German case, and further examine “undeclared major programs” —which has recently been actively discussed and introduced in Korea—from the perspectives of support and career. Through this, we aim to examine discussions and perspectives on university education using various international case studies and to engage in an in-depth discussion of the implications for Japanese higher education regarding the future direction of university education.
■Program
11:00-11:05 Introduction (Yangson Kim)
11:05-11:45 Presentation (Edith Braun)
What contribution does higher education make to today’s society? – Benefits and risks of the discussion on ‘employability‘ and possible implications for university teaching
11:45-12:25 Presentation (Soo Jeong Lee)
Beyond Choice: Institutional Support and Career Development in Undeclared Major Programs
12:25-12:40 Discussion
■Note
・Participation fee is free.
・Registration is open noon on on Wednesday, 8 July 2026 (JST).
・Internet access and a camera/microphone device required to participate online.
・Use your full name as your personal meeting ID when you enter the meeting room. If you do not, you may not be allowed to enter the meeting room.
・Recording/screenshots not allowed.
・The meeting URL will be emailed to you separately by the day before the meeting. If you do not receive the e-mail, please contact us at k-kokyo(at)office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp
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