[O-04] Geoparks in Japan

[O04-P32] Practice of university education by Kunibiki Geopark Project Center, Shimane University

*Akira Tsujimoto^1,4, Ritsuo Nomura^1,4, Akira Takasu^2,4, Toshiaki Irizuki^2,4, Hiroki Hayashi^2,4, Ikuo Tasaka^3,4 (1.Faculty of Education, Shimane University, 2.Interdisciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, Shimane University, 3.Faculty of Law & Literature, Shimane University, 4.Kunibiki Geopark Project Center, Shimane University)

Keywords:university education, geopark, Shimane Peninsula, Kunibiki myths

Kunibiki Geopark Project Center was created in Shimane University to promote “Kunibiki Geopark Plan” based on the knowledge accumulated in the University. The theme of “Kunibiki Geopark Plan” is the merging of mythology and geology in the Shimane Peninsula.
Special Minor Programs were established in Shimane University by organizing the class subjects systematically. The objective of Special Minor Program of Geopark is human resources development who have a knowledge of diverse region heritages and can support regional revitalization using Geopark with interdisciplinary perspective.
We have three class subjects, specializing in Geopark, named “Introduction to the Geopark”, “Elements of the Geopark”, and “Practice in Geopark”. The goals and objectives of “Introduction to the Geopark” are as follows.
i) understand basic concept of Geopark
ii) understand regional resources, such as geology, geography, and history
iii) understand the relationship between regional tradition and culture and climate
iv) understand the maintenance and utilization of natural resources
Students attending these lectures are increasing yearly, so these lectures contribute to the understanding of students about Geopark.
We will present university education by Special Minor Program of Geopark in Shimane University.