KOBE DESIGN UNIVERSITY
Abbreviations




UNDERGRADUATE

■School of Design
Dept. of Visual Design
Dept. of Fashion and Textile Design
Dept. of Product Design
Dept. of Environmental Design

■School of Progressive Arts (Starts in April 2006)
Dept. of Media Arts
・Photography and 3D-CG Major
・Filmmaking Major
・Manga and Animation Major
Dept. of Plastic Arts
・Art Produce Major
・Crafts Major
 (Ceramic,Glass,Woodworking,Metal and Jewelry)

■Center for Design Studies



POSTGRADUATE
GRADUATE SCHOOL OF DESIGN RESEARCH

■Design Theory Division

■Integrated Design Division


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Department of Visual Design

In the department of Visual Design, students can learn how to express un-visible information managing the visible media. And the talent to be required as a designer is to develop sufficient creativity. The curriculum is integrated of a wide range of subjects relating to many kinds of media: Graphics, CG, Videos, Space Design, Web. The most up-dated technology is necessary to understand in managing these media. The curriculum aims to develop students' sensibility, technique, ability of analysis and planning and editing skills.
The subjects offered at the department are composed of four fields of study; Media and Culture, Media and Technology, Media and Design, Visual Design.
Placing its foundation on the latest Design, the department is trying to establish a new educational system to realize new education for future design which enables students to have new philosophy and expression for the 21st Century which might be different from the present ones.


COURSE CALENDAR 2002

History of Media Culture
KAYAMA Rika
1st yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Com.
The word "media" is used so often that it has become a daily term. But when contemplating what exactly "media"is, answers do not come easily. This class will examine the daily media environment and aim to define individual concepts of media for next year's course.

Forming of Image
SUGIURA Kohei
1st yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
Human beings grasp the external world through the senses (the five senses mainly) and experience beauty. This course explores from a fresh viewpoint the mystery of the senses
(especially sight, hearing, touch, etc.) that connect human beings with the world. Students attempt to render in writing or a figure an image that occurs to them.

Theory of Media Culture
IMAMURA Fumihiko
2nd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
In this age of the computer various media are playing larger roles than ever before in contributing to human beings' sense of reality. Many cultural phenomena, such as folklore by media and media events, cannot be understood without their existence. The aim of this course is to consider their cultural significance through many examples.

Media Sociology
ONAKA Nobuaki
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
This course is designed to examine the central features of television broadcasting -the heart of today's visual media in Japan -by focusing on the relation between mass media and public society. Guided by an experienced TV producer, this practical course includes VTR monitoring and studio touring.

Theoretical Studies of the Visual Images in Media
HASHIMOTO Eiji
2nd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
An image is an interface uniting us with the world. To understand the world, learning how to read images is essential. It resembles learning a language but is different. Photography presents the real figures of the world, film represents the reality of the world, and TV creates a new world. This course aims to explore how to interpret these images.

Psychology of the Visual Image
KAYAMA Rika
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
Nowadays, we live surrounded by various images and visual information, which will only increase in number and quality in the future. Desirable or not, we will find the 21st century a virtual reality world centered on visual information. From the viewpoints of psychoanalysis and psychology, this class considers how the growing "hyper-visual" world will influence the human mind.

Editing of Image
SUGIURA Kohei
3rd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Com.
How do we interpret the world and render things upon it as images? This course explores the process of the birth of the line, the creation of signs, the appearance of figures, and the syntax of figures. Students learn how to synthesize and make figures from images.

Study of Media Design
HASHIMOTO Eiji
3rd yr. 2rd sem. Lec. 2-u. Com.
This course studies the synthesis of media and design within the context of history, involving society, culture, technology and art. We will predict and critically examine design possibilities in forthcoming society from the point of interrelation with media.
This year, the center topic will be cinema, which Ricciotto Canudo has called the "seventh art" (a synthesis of six other arts: architecture, music, painting, sculpture, poetry and dance).

Sociology on Visual Communication
ONAKA Nobuaki
4th yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
The 20th Century is generally known as a century of motion pictures and TV. In these days when the revolution in information technology is proceeding at an increasing speed, this course will investigate the possibilities of television's dominance over people as a visual information media.

History of Media Technology
KUWAYAMA Tetsuro
1st yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
This course takes two separate approaches to introducing the basic concepts of imaging technology. First, it recounts the history of imaging technology. Secondly, it teaches the basic elements of images -namely, size, depth, brightness, color and movement.

Image Information Engineering
OGURA Shigetaro
2nd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Com.
The recognition, ordering, storage, communication and design of visual information are discussed on the scientific and technological basis by visualizing images. Processes that combine information, energy and materials are explained through concrete examples.

Experiments in Optical Image Technology
OGURA Shigetaro, HANDOKO Ambar
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Exp. 3-u. Sel.
The connections among the topics of this course are established for students to learn the techniques of image information engineering through basic experiments mainly in optics.

Engineering of Auditory Information
YAMADA Masashi
2nd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
In this seminar, aspects of auditory information engineering are discussed in conjunction with numerous auditory demonstrations. The physical characteristics of auditory information are outlined and the process by which our sensory organs deal with this information is summarized with reference to physiology. Furthermore, differences between perceptual processing of auditory and visual information are discussed.

Digital Image Information Processing
HANDOKO Ambar
3rd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
The basic elements of digital image processing by computer are studied theoretically in this course. Quantization, digital restoration, and digital segmentation are also examined.

Experiments in Digital Image Processing
HANDOKO Ambar
3rd yr. 1st sem. Exp. 3-u. Sel.
In this course experiments related to the topics which were studied in the lecture course "Digital Image Information Processing" are conducted. -Basic knowledge of several different kinds of hardware for digital image processing systems and their compatibility, programming techniques, especially in a networked environment.

Applied Information Processing
NOMURA Takanori
3rd yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
We will discuss seven topics involving images that contain both two-dimensional information and optical information processing. The topics will include stereo imaging, moire, image quantization, image filtering, light as waves and geometric optics.

Optics
OGURA Shigetaro
3rd yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
Light, the medium of visual information, travels through space heedless of the human race. Advances in the utilization of light have made life comfortable. A thorough knowledge of its physical properties is necessary in order to control it at will and to apply the techniques for its control to the design of various things.

Visual Information Technology
ASAKURA Toshimitsu
3rd yr. 2nd sem. Lec. 2-u. Sel.
The development of science and technology is reviewed in relation to visual information technology. Image engineering is studied in some detail in relation to visual information, and various optical information systems are introduced. And, moreover, fractal science is introduced and studied briefly.

Basic Practice in Visual Communication Design I
KOBAYASHI Kazuo, MATSUMOTO Tomoko
1st yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Com.
The aim of this course is to have students understand various information and images through practical seminars on the basic way of thinking and expression, as well as techniques, in visual communication design. Students also study the basic expression of images and the ideal design in visual communication. Furthermore, they learn the techniques of layout.

Basic Practice in Visual Communication Design II
MORISHITA Akihiko, IMAMURA Fumihiko
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Com.
Students are required to learn how to collect various data, evaluate and edit them, and, finally, to present and communicate some structures derived from them. Emphasis is placed on editing and the skills it requires.

Media and Communications
MORISHITA Akihiko
2nd yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This course examines how people communicate with one another and looks at some basic issues related to media and communications. It also aims to equip students with the skills necessary to deal with the complexities of creative media such as photography, video and computers.

Visual Language I(I)
Helmut SCHMID
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
Typography - the arrangement of the spoken word in a given space - is the pillar of visual communication. Students will be guided in basic typography with practical-oriented exercises in a continuous approach.

Visual Language I(II)
KOBAYASHI Kazuo
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This course teaches the basic expression of image formation as visual language through collage and drawing. Furthermore, it explores the possibility of new expression through media, and examines various styles of visual communication design through studying the transformation from 2D to 3D expression, and continuity and discontinuity.

Visual Language II
MATSUMOTO Tomoko
2nd yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This course explores the function of visual design in the realm of Desktop Publishing. The objective of this course is to learn the basics of graphics design, format and layout in the process of editing. Students also study computer skills.

Digital Image Design I(I)
HAGITA Tatsuya
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
The purpose of this course is to master the fundamentals of image expression with a computer. Class will involve exercises with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and other software. Students will learn design theory and how to appreciate many types of design.
Students will broaden their design horizons and, I hope, through mastering the basics in this course, be able to create advanced works of design in the upper grades.

Digital Image Design I(II)
HASHIMOTO Eiji
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
With the widespread use of networks (for example, the Internet), opportunities exist to transmit information converted into digital data. This class teaches HTML, the language used to describe the World Wide Web (WWW), and how to create a Web page consisting of digital data.

Digital Image Design I(III)
SHIMO Hiroyasu
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This course will focus on the process of image representation through the exercise of a montage that uses the computer and the application software"Photoshop." Methods for using computer hardware will also be learned through various exercises.

Digital Image Design II(I)
OHDA Seiji
2nd yr. 1st sem. Sem. Prac. 3-u. Sel.
In this class, students will study the foundation of 3D computer graphics through lectures and practical experience. The class will mainly aim at making still pictures.

Digital Image Design II(II)
SHIMO Hiroyasu
2nd yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This course focuses on the basic techniques of 3D computer graphics. We start with exercises in modeling techniques for making standard objects using the application software
"Soft Image 1~SI."

Formative Space I
SASATANI Teruo
1st yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This class will focus on fundamental matters concerning molding materials. Students will learn about the machines and tools involved with the characteristics, usage, and processing of those materials. Applying this knowledge, they will create their own works.

Formative Space II
SASATANI Teruo
2nd yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
Students will learn about the change from flat surfaces to solid objects, and the relationship between those objects, open space and the location concerned. Furthermore, students will make their own works and learn consciousness of space.

Sound Design
FUJIMOTO Yukio
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This class primarily focuses on practical work in sound mixing and sound design. Students will develop a grasp of sound overall through a creative approach to music production or sound effects for films and videos.

Sound Design
INAGAKI Takashi
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
This class focuses on practical work in sound mixing and sound effects. Students will develop a grasp of sound engineering and acoustic theory through a creative approach to electronic music and sound design.


Space Design
FUJIMOTO Yukio
3rd yr. 1st sem. Prac. Sem. 3-u. Sel.
How does our body recognize a "space"? And how does it create a "space"? This course considers the ways in which various "spaces" are built up inside the brain through sensory experience, especially visual and auditory. Through actual experiences, students study spaces sensed by eye and ear, the similarities and differences of spaces, and the mysterious attraction which spaces hold on eye and ear.

Introduction to Visual Communication Design
All faculty
1st yr. 1st sem. Lec. 2-u. Com.
This course outlines the fundamentals of visual communication design. In order to introduce the Department of Visual Communication Design, the curriculum includes lectures, seminars and field trips.

Visual Communication Design I
All faculty
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Sem. 4-u. Com.
[Practice in System Design]
Based on lessons learned about media from the previous semester, this course deepens understanding of the conception of media, and investigates making a proposal planned together with an oral presentation.

Visual Communication Design II
All faculty
3rd yr. 1st sem. Sem. 4-u. Sel.
[Planning and Realization of System Design]
In general, this course studies conception and realization related to works for exhibit which use media employing System Design.

Visual Communication Design III
All faculty
3rd yr. 2nd sem. Sem. 4-u. Sel.
This course gives experience in designing information and examines information broadcasting in environments, an inherent feature in group and social relations. Students perform exercises developing, editing and structuring complete information images by choosing the proper media.

Visual Communication Seminar I
All faculty
2nd yr. 2nd sem. Sem. 4-u. Sel.
As an introduction to various Visual Communication Seminar study fields and methods, students practice within the research specialties of faculty members. Students learn and practice each problem's solution at first. They continue in this manner throughout the three years of the curriculum.

Visual Communication Seminar II
All faculty
3rd yr. 1st sem. Sem. 4-u. Sel.
A continuation of "Visual Communication Seminar I" study fields and methods. Students practice within the research specialties of faculty members, and encounter themes of interest and learn the research methodology expected for preliminary graduate-level work.

Visual Communication Seminar III
All faculty
3rd yr. 2nd sem. Sem. 4-u. Sel.
A continuation of "Visual Communication Seminar II" study fields and method. Students practice within the research specialties of faculty members, and encounter themes of interest and learn the research methodology expected for graduate-level work.

Interdepartmental Project
All faculty
1st yr. 1st sem. 2nd sem. Prac. 2-u. Sel.
Students work on joint projects under assigned themes with students of other departments.

Graduation Research
All faculty
4th yr. 1-yr. Prac. 8-u. Com.
Students select their own topics for advanced research that builds on the results of the first three years of study. The goal of their research is to propose, create, and realize new visual information designs -from hardware and software to total systems -in terms of a realistic living environment.

Visual Communication Design: Special Lecture A
Not offered in 2002.

Visual Communication Design: Special Lecture B
KOBAYASHI Kazuo
1st ` 4th yr. 1-yr. Lec. 1-u. Sel.
Visiting lecturers (designers, artists, and scholars) give ad hoc lectures on the latest advances in the fields of visual communication design in which they are playing leading roles.

Visual Communication Design: Special Lecture C
Not offered in 2002.

Visual Communication Design: Special Lecture D
Not offered in 2002.