Students will study the history of humankind and culture
And will pass on the passion to the future
Training for those who can relay the meaning and purpose of art
The Department of Art aims for students to obtain knowledge and the ability to think while staying true to existing artwork and artistic phenomena. We believe this can be accomplished by learning the basics of art management and becoming thoroughly cultured in art, thus having a deeper understanding of art. Students need to develop more knowledge and thoughts on art and the history of the society that surrounds it. In addition to providing students with courses that allow them to present their research, the department supports students in developing diverse skills by learning basic skills and participating in on-campus activities. The Department of Art is made up of three types of courses: Music, Visual Arts, and Art History. Students can choose to either write their dissertations by concentrating on one set of courses or expand their overall knowledge by selecting from multiple groups of courses.
Types of Education
From ancient days until present day, many people have been trying to define art. Many theories that have created many controversies, such as the philosopher Plato's Mimesis Theory, which places art as a recreation of reality by mimicking nature, and Hegel, who placed art as an expression of an artist's subjective imagination. However, there still is no clear definition. Despite all this, history proves that many artworks continue to move and inspire people. The Japanese word Geijutsu (art) came from translating the Latin word ars, which means a person's skill or techniques. In the past, this word used the Kanji 'Geijutsu'. The Kanji 'Gei', written in the old form of writing called ancient Chinese hieroglyphic characters left on bones and tortoise carapaces or on bronze ware, used to be shaped like two hands holding up a sapling for dedication or like a sapling that is being planted into the ground. In regions that use Kanji, it seems that the word art stemmed from characters that means 'to plant' or 'the first stage when growing something.' Therefore, art is an important and practical 'skill' that was invented by humans. We can say that art is the mental activity itself that creates values and suggests new standards of value. Art was created in different eras and societies; there are many forms of art that have constantly been changing. Such historical significance cannot be ignored when researching art. Works by artists in the past show those of us living in the present many things. The most interesting point is that artwork is produced by an individual, yet at the same time it functions as a social existence. Art is what drives human society.
However, there is no need to take art too seriously. Living in the modern day in the 21st century, we are in a place where we can see art as a whole, from a larger perspective and with flexible ideas without being restricted. It is possible to make a new sense of the values when considering many works and theories created by humans. Complex research themes may sprout from a simple question.
Art is constantly changing its form in this highly information-oriented society of mass consumption. To understand the wide variety of art in the present day, it is necessary to take history and societal factors into consideration. It is necessary to seek the identity of art and to also consider the correlation with other genres. Our department has prepared a diverse curriculum in addition to the specialized courses for each subject matter. There also are various lectures, symposiums, concerts, and exhibits off campus that will help you deepen your knowledge of art. We want you to cultivate your ideas about art at our department.
In this department, freshmen are expected to grasp an overall sense of art by studying and exploring different areas. Instead of thinking about music, pictures, and art individually, students are able to gain a deeper understanding of art by capturing them organically.
Next, we will go over the details of each course.
Music Course
Since ancient days, music has developed as one of the most important fundamentals of European culture. Because of this history, the music courses in this department focus on learning methods that will become the foundation in learning music, such as music theory and method of analysis. By actively studying German or French instead of just sticking to English, and by reading European literature, we aim to develop talented people who can freely give consideration to the music and culture of the world from an international point of view. Music that is overflowing in modern day society is an important key to understanding current society. Students will learn to consider the relationship between cinematic art and art history from different angles by placing history and theory on vertical and horizontal axes when thinking about what makes today's music. The most important factor is to understand the transition European music has been going through since the middle ages. We look at music from a global standpoint; to that end we offer various courses on the history of Japanese/Asian music and folk music. We want you to create your very own world of music.
Courses in Visual Arts
Compared to music and art, visual arts do not have as much history. Research has just begun in this field of study. Not all technical terms have been completely defined. This is why thinking about movies and pictures leaves a radical impact on human thoughts that tend to be systematic. Dealing with visuals is actually the definition of thought. Through different approaches, such as creating scenarios for symbolic logic or the story of how photography developed to the research of melodramas, students will search for the meaning of visual culture. Our department owns close to 4,500 videos and DVDs. During freshman and sophomore years, students will watch close to 100 of the most important works in film history. Using this library full of resources enables students to gain experience in dealing with visuals at their own pace. The video booth that is in the basement is full of students wanting to watch classic movies and masterpieces for their seminars/dissertations. Students are required to attend repeated showings at non-commercial small movie houses, such as the Athens France Culture Center and the National Modern Art Museum Film Center.
Art History Course
In the courses in Art history, students learn Western, Asian, and Japanese art history. Students first learn the current academic level of each area of study, while nurturing the desire to aim for a higher area of expertise. Students then develop a flexible viewpoint that art history covers not only world class art, but also all kinds of visual culture humans created since the dawn of time. If you study from such a broad point of view, even if you don't take a position in a specialized field after graduation, you will be able to use your abilities to structurally decipher all kinds of visual information that surrounds you as an informed member of society. There is no clear boundary as to what is considered art history. For example, when you see a poster on a street corner, you may think or write something about that image; this reaction will also be part of the art history of the future. There are many possibilities that await you. After studying in this department, you can aspire to become researchers or curators at museums, or you may try to decipher visual images that are abundant in everyday life using your knowledge of art history.
Graduates from this department go on to become curators at museums, producers, archivists, critics, as Contents covered in the individual courses are extremely specialized. researchers as well as work in the areas of publishing and education-there are many careers related to art. Students are expected to become intermediaries who connect art with the people that appreciate it. Therefore, in this department, students can obtain the license to become curators at museums by earning the necessary credits. Many of our students already have successful careers in many fields.
In addition, for those students wanting to further their specialized area of research, they have the option of going onto graduate school (1st/2nd master's degree program). The Art History major at our graduate school is one of the most unique programs of all the graduate programs in Japan because it has three majors: music, visual art, and art history. Students can develop a wide range of knowledge and be exposed to stimulation that is not possible from a graduate school that only provides one major. Through a diverse curriculum, students will develop a broad knowledge base and a flexible way of thinking. After obtaining the graduate degree, naturally there are choices in becoming specialists or researchers.
Just as each phenomenon is especially personal, art also has the universal power to move people's hearts, crossing the barriers of language and customs. Understanding your own art and that of others and actively promoting it will enable you to overcome prejudice and intolerance, leading to a strong and flexible frame of mind that will connect with the world. To study art also means to become a good recipient of art. A good recipient will become a good intermediary, contributing to art culture. To study art is to study the history and culture of humans. We want you to have plenty of artistic experiences so that you can pass on the passion to the future.
TOPICS
Starting with the 2006 academic year, in addition to the three existing courses-music, visual arts, and art history - we are going to set up a new course in art media. In recent years, the art scene has change dramatically. Courses in theater, which are currently not included in the existing three courses, will provide artistic activities that will cross multiple genres that cannot be defined using the old concepts. In addition, in the current art scene, advances in technology and the changes in societal structure, as well as changes in the conscience of the people of today, serve as the backdrop. Keeping this in mind, our department aims to offer courses that will fundamentally examine the role of art in the modern day society.
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