General Education
Obtaining a global viewpoint as a creator
The general education program is intended to provide a holistic education that complements the specialist courses offered by other departments. The program is designed to encourage students not only to become professionals in the field of art and design but also members of society who can make considered judgments based on a broad understanding of society.
The program attempts to realize this objective by providing education in the basic principles of art, together with wide-ranging studies of society and the world. The program includes general interest lectures and classes in basic theory, foreign languages, and physical education. The aim of the general interest lectures is to encourage students to view issues from a global viewpoint with particular reference to our relationship with the natural environment and our surroundings. Contemporary artists must develop a basic theoretical understanding of diverse aspects of art and design. To this end, the basic theory classes address issues of philosophy and literature, as well as art and design theory.
The Kaminoge campus in Setagaya Ward is close to the center of
Tokyo and the program is offered in the evening. These conditions
enable the department to appoint a variety of outstanding specialists
active in their respective fields. Another noteworthy feature is
the high percentage of working adults participating in the program,
resulting in lively discussion and spirited communication between
working and full-time students.
The program also includes courses which lead toward accreditation
as a curator.