Understanding human endeavor from the perspective of expression

Principles of department (from the student’s handbook)

This department aims to provide students with a broad knowledge and instruction in expressive and creative activities in a range of fields such as music, sculpture, and the performing arts. Students in the department develop an awareness of culture and expression in the broader sense as well as specialized knowledge and techniques in specific areas. Moreover, the department aims to develop individuals endowed with the ability to conduct research and also apply their learning in creative, social, and practical contexts.

Features of the Department

Returning to the origins of expression

Expressive activities among humans range from ordinary, casual actions to works considered “art.” While all these forms of activities develop from a simple sound or movement into a creative variety of sounds, colors, shapes, smells, and tastes involving the body or other objects, each has its origin in the five senses. Although recent technological developments appear to shed a vague light on these expressive forms, this department focuses on understanding the ever-changing human expression by examining its origins.

A comprehensive approach

Expression is a reflection of our lives. All actions, their effects, and responses to them form an endlessly cycle of communication which creates history. The department takes a comprehensive approach to understanding the changing nature of human expression in its entirety through offering the following three courses: Expressive Creation, Culture Expression, and Clinical and Emotional Expression.

Researching and developing an art-human interface

While developing a specialty is important for students, the course is also concerned with helping them to join together distinct forms of art, such as music, dance, art, and fashion, into a collective concept of “expression.” Through this endeavor, students in the department are able to freely traverse the diverse world of expression, creating new forms of expression, new values, and rich art forms to bring people closer.

Message from the Head of the Department

Interest in expression takes on various forms. Some students are particularly gifted in music or writing, while others are more interested in the appreciation of expression. The Division of Human Expression is a forum for considering expression from the perspective of artists and observers alike. Such interaction between the interests of students and expertise of instructors lays the foundations for new research into expression.

Significant changes were introduced to the 2011 entrance examination for this very reason. These changes include revising the art entrance examination to be a descriptive test and eliminating practical tests, requiring only the standard academic examinations. It is a very exciting prospect that individuals will bring their varied interests, skills, and personalities to the department and that their interaction will generate creative energy and the potential for new forms of expression. We look forward to welcoming you.