MA Course in Art Studies - Features of the Curriculum

The MA course in Art Studies consists of four areas: Aesthetics, Art History (Japanese and Western), Art Management, and Practical Skills. Its goal is to cultivate individuals capable of understanding the essence of art and culture by deepening systematic and historical research in the arts and by enhancing the level of practical research and creative activities.

In Aesthetics, in addition to studying aesthetics as a philosophy concerned with human sensibility and expression, we conduct philosophical research related to various artistic genres such as visual arts, music, dance, and film. We explore various fields of aesthetics and art studies while incorporating historical analysis, such as the history of ideas and cultural history.

In Japanese Art History, we focus primarily on the history of painting from the medieval to the modern periods. In particular, we examine the artists and works of the Kano school, who were active from the late Muromachi period through the Edo period, analyzing both the artworks themselves and historical documents, while also taking social perspectives into account.

In Western Art History, the scope covers art from classical antiquity to the modern era. We study the iconography of Greek and Roman mythology, the interpretation of images in diverse works, the history of the reception of ancient art, the role of art in society, and the history of art collections.

In Art Management, students can explore both theoretical research, such as source analysis, and practical research involving collaborative projects with museums and local communities. At the same time, students can experience the entire process of planning, implementation, and report writing, cultivating skills that make them immediately effective in the art field.

In Practical Skills, students explore various possibilities of expression through the creation of works in painting, design, and other media. In the Painting program, students study various forms of expression including two-dimensional works (oil paintings, acrylic paintings, watercolors, copperplate prints, etc.), mixed media, and installations, with the goal of presenting their work to the public. In the Design program, students participate in collaborative courses with the community (product development, artwork creation, and exhibitions). Furthermore, to cultivate the drawing skills essential for design, students engage in practical research using both hand-drawn methods and digital tools.