College of Arts and Sciences: Junior Division

In 1949, Tadao Yanaihara, the first Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and later the 16th President of the University, is said to have made the following comment upon the foundation of the College:

“The College of Arts and Sciences encompasses half of all students at the University of Tokyo. Yet its importance within the wider University lies not only in its size. For a period of two years the students study here and become baptized in the new ethos of higher education. The College is not a preparatory school for the university, but a constituent of it; a constituent moreover of paramount importance, giving students a solid base in general education needed for further specialized study, as well as a balanced intellectual foundation, and an ever-continuing thirst for knowledge. This is the spirit that forms the core of the College of Arts and Sciences.”

Today, such is still the philosophy that lies at the heart of education at the University of Tokyo. If you were to ever pick up The Charter of the University of Tokyo, you would find that the University sets the following as its goal: “The University of Tokyo will open its doors to all those with the suitable aptitude for learning and intellectual perspective. It will nurture future leaders in every field, who possess an international and pioneering spirit as well as specialist expertise, perception, insight, problem-solving skills, and imagination.” The University thus places particular importance on the Junior Division education at the College of Arts and Sciences at the Komaba Campus, as a place to build an integrated and comprehensive base that will underpin subsequent specialist study. This fundamental educational policy of the University is known as “Late Specialization.”

Acquiring fundamental “transferable skills” applicable in any field

In the Junior Division, we run compulsory courses known as Foundation Courses, which aim to ground students with the critical perception and intellectual mindset that will form the basis for any subsequent specialist field of study. Through classes in foreign languages, information sciences and physical education, both arts and science students will have the opportunity to develop their ability to understand and learn from other cultures, and refine their sense of judgement and ability to take action, all of which are increasingly needed in a globalizing society.

In addition to these classes, arts students also study the paradigms and methodologies that underlie the modern humanities and social sciences, whilst science students are given the chance to obtain a broad foundation across the mathematical, material and biological sciences.

Obtaining a comprehensive understanding through interdisciplinary learning

One of the major aims of a liberal arts education is to gain an understanding of both the breadth and depth of academia from a macroscopic perspective, and an integrated and flexible comprehension that is not limited to specific disciplinary fields. We thus offer various lectures every semester under six streams of Integrated Courses: Thought and Arts, International and Area Studies, Society and Institutions, Human Beings and the Environment, Matter and Life, and Mathematical and Information Sciences.

Separate from these, we provide many other opportunities for learning through “Thematic Courses,” including lectures that probe deeply into societal issues and interdisciplinary themes from a multifaceted viewpoint, as well as small-group interactive classes. Thematic Courses can be chosen by students freely, and consist of Lecture Series, Seminars and Fieldwork. Being based on the students’ own enthusiasm and critical thinking, such seminars have the highest rates of student satisfaction among all of our courses.

Changing the style of learning through 21 KOMCEE

For students entering the University of Tokyo, the first two years spent at the College of Arts and Sciences is a transition period from simply “studying” to the academic pursuit of “scholarship.” It is a time that is not only important for deciding future directions and specialist fields, but also for establishing your own style of learning. This is a process that is fully supported by the Komaba Campus.

The 21 KOMCEE offers an environment for active and participatory learning. This teaching block is equipped with studio classrooms that are suitable for debate, presentation, group work, and practical learning. It also has lecture halls, a cafeteria, and open spaces that encourage interaction between students and staff.

The University of Tokyo admits students into one of three streams in each of the sciences and the arts. After two years of Junior Division study, students then progress to one of more than 40 Senior Division departments across 10 faculties, depending on suitability and individual choice.

This system of admission to the Senior Division following two years of prior study and personal growth, is a major feature of education at our university, and is built on the principle of “Late Specialization.” We have found it is a system that also has widespread support of the students; many students give the nature of the system as their main reason for applying to our university.