This is a new department established in 1996. Its aim is to carry out research and to diffuse information about the twentieth century. This century is extremely important not only because it is our own, but also because it is a century which has experienced communism, fascism and two World Wars, events which have moulded the consciousness of everyone who has lived through the past one hundred years. Today, we are confronted with a new historical epoch symbolized by the globalization in both economical and cultural affairs.
This century can be understood in terms of economic forces and sociological perspectives. But its meaning can also be understood through the philosophy it created, the literature it inspired, and through other forms such as films of the time in short – through the imaginative life.
Our intention is, therefore, to combine the research methods of both the social sciences and humanities sectors, most of which have originated in the last century, and thus create new research methods.
This year, lecture courses are to be given on the following subjects: Comparative study on comics (Manga) and films of the 20th century, and on memorization of wars.

The department works in close collaboration with the Department of Contemporary History in its teaching and research activities.

• http://www.bun.kyoto-u.ac.jp/20century/ (in Japanese)