Soka University
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Soka University (創価大学, Sōka Daigaku) opened in Japan in 1971 (undergraduate) and 1975 (graduate). Soka University of America, a separate, private non-profit educational organization, opened in 1994 (graduate campus in Calabasas, California) and in 2001 (four year liberal arts college in Aliso Viejo, California.) Both universities were founded by Daisaku Ikeda, leader of the Soka Gakkai International lay Buddhist organization.
Philosophy of Soka Education
Soka University's educational philosophy was established by Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the first president of Soka Gakkai, who had worked as the principal of elementary school in Japan. Makiguchi published the Value Creating Educational System based on his belief that "the purpose of education is to lead students' happiness," and emphasized humanistic education pedagogy. This educational philosophy was shared by his successor, Josei Toda, who had served as an elementary school teacher. Toda's successor Daisaku Ikeda describes his goal as carrying out the dreams of Makiguchi and Toda.
Schools
Soka University of America (SUA) encompasses a graduate school, opened in 1994, in Calabasas, California and a four-year liberal arts university, opened in 2001, in Aliso Viejo, California. The graduate school offers a Master of Arts degree in Second and Foreign Language Education concentrating on English as an additional language education. The undergraduate school offers bachelor's degrees in Liberal Arts with emphasis areas in Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and International Studies. With a mission to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life, the university graduated its first class in 2005 with an 83% graduation rate over four years. In 2005, Soka University of America received its accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Soka University in Japan is located in Hachioji, Tokyo and offers a wide range of both graduate and undergraduate degrees. It was founded in 1969.
Controversy
SUA has been beset by controversy since its founding. The university's curriculum is officially nonsectarian, but it was founded by Soka Gakkai International, which provided $25 million to purchase the 103-acre site in Aliso Viejo and $225 million to build the first 18 buildings on that campus. SUA also has a $300 million dollar operating endowment and raised $100 million for a scholarship endowment in its first four years - most of the money coming from Soka Gakkai member contributions. Some students and teachers have charged that the university is not independent from the Soka Gakkai religious sect, and one professor sued the university for religious discrimination after being dismissed. This professor lost her case.
See also
External links
- [Soka University of America] (homepage)
- [Soka University of Japan] (English portal)
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