Tama Art University

The Department of Art Science aims to promote, through specialized study of various aspects of Art and Civilization of all periods, from prehistory to the present time. Since its establishment in 1981, the department has endeavored to venture into new fields, beyond the conventional frames, to act as a mediator between art and society.

For last decade the world has experienced a transition period bringing about a confusion of values, required us a deep reflection on the meanings of Art and Society. During this period, the department has a successful reformation of its educational framework, and, in 2006, resulted in an even stronger faculty and a more comprehensive curriculum. The department continues to develop in this new direction, while maintaining the fundamental aims adopted at its inception.

The essential feature of the Department of Art Science program is its questioning approach to the inherent potential of “Art”, “Society” and “Human being” based on a broad view of civilization. It also endeavors to research into the art of all ages in order to give meaning and encouragement for future generations.

The Department of Art Science is composed of eight courses, namely Art and Religion, City and Curatorial, Art and Appreciation, Image and Body, Language and Nature, Consciousness and Archives, Art and Civilization, and Art History and Modernity. Cutting across these courses, the curriculum offers four types of approaches that can be selected according the students' scholar-oriented or professional future intentions.

The department views the educational process leading to graduate school in terms of the stages in publishing a book. The graduate thesis is the introduction, the master's thesis the main text, and the doctoral dissertation the final publication. This concept provides a clear structure for effective guidance, and illustrates the department's consistent idea.

Educational field

• Includes courses in all fields of art science: Art and Religion, City and Curatorial, Fine Art and Art Appreciation, Image and Body, Language and Nature, Consciousness and Archives, Art and Civilization, and Art History and Modernity. The curriculum also includes four kinds of approach to correspond to future occupations including scholars and professionals.
• Art history from basic to expert knowledge.
• The educational process leading to graduate school is conceived in terms of producing a book. The graduate thesis is the introduction, the master's thesis the main text, and the doctoral dissertation the final publication.

Introductory education

• Faculty members give instruction in every field of art science to improve the basic abilities of students.
• The department offers specially designed “Art in English” classes which enable students to learn English and studies at the same time.
• Students start thinking about the contents of their “book”, while understanding the true value of art.

Basic curriculum

• In terms of writing a book, students prepare a first draft of their manuscript.
• Students find their aptitudes and themes through the understanding of eight programs.

Special curriculum

• Students complete the introduction to their “book”, and begin research into their selected field.
• Students take courses related to their selected field.

Graduate school

• In the Master's Course, students can take part in research activities organized by the faculty. Building on this experience, they can pursue their own studies and aim to be specialists in their chosen field.
• The Doctoral Course trains self-reliant scholars who can carry out research of international repute.
• Outstanding masters theses are published by The Institute for Art Anthropology as one of its library texts.
• Finalized doctoral dissertations are published by general publishing companies.