DHU TOPAcademicsCurriculum

You will be able to acquire the comprehensive skills and abilities sought by industries with regards to digital content.

Curriculum list

International Communication Courses

English Conversation Practicum I/II

Training through communication activities that allow you to use in actual conversation the dialogues and phrases introduced at the preliminary level.

English Conversation I/II/III

This course introduces convenient, situational dialogues and common conversational phrases, with the goal of developing smooth oral communication.

TOEIC^®

This course is geared towards achieving a high score on the TOEIC^® and improving your command of useful English for business situations.

Business English

The theme of this course is how to use English in real-life business situations, with a focus on appropriate expressions and being easily understood rather than simply communicating thoughts.

English for Studying Abroad

This course is aimed at achieving a high score on the TOEFL^® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and a comprehensive improvement in your level of the five skills (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing and Grammar).

Korean I/II

These classes are an enjoyable study of culture and customs as well as a study of characters and daily conversation. Also, we will practice listening comprehension and become accustomed to the natural rhythm of Korean.

Chinese I/II

These courses are an enjoyable study of Chinese beginning with the basics, with games and presentations that allow even beginners to communicate. Also, we will practice pronunciation and situational conversations.

Japanese Language and Culture I/II/III

These courses are aimed at the development of basic Japanese skills and an understanding of Japanese culture in international students.

Japanese I/II/III

The goal of these classes is to foster both a comprehensive improvement in the four essential Japanese language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and a development of communication ability in international students.

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Self-Development Courses

Active Learning

This course instructs you in the "learning skills" necessary for lifelong self-improvement. The goal is to improve your "living ability", covering not only learning techniques useful to you while in school, but also learning techniques that will serve you well as a businessperson post-graduation.

Logical Thinking

We will take up a practical study of the "pyramid structure", a method of reasoning based on critical thinking, cause-effect relationships, and logic.

Information Literacy

You will learn basic computer literacy and operation, internet literacy, and how to use e-mail and Microsoft®Office as well as other programs and functions.

Basic Creative Writing in Japanese

Learn how to write sentences, reports, and other techniques for expressing your thoughts in Japanese.

Career Guidance I

Learn about the necessary knowledge and preparation for job searching, inquiry into different career fields, the promotion of self-understanding, and future career design.

Career Guidance II

This course fosters perspectives for the proper understanding of such areas as career design, action planning, mock practice, industries, different types of business, and workplace situations.

Theory of Leadership

Get a sense of "usable leadership" by gaining self-awareness through student-centered activities, discussions and other forms of hands-on learning.

Basics of Working Society Practicum I/II

This course strives to cultivate critical thinking, a sense of purpose, and an increased desire for study through real-life social and professional experiences at specific firms.

[ New ] Basics of Working Society

This course aims to increase your desire to study as well as foster critical thinking and sense of purpose through real-life social and work experiences at specific businesses.

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Management and Economics Courses

IT Business Fundamentals

A study of fundamental IT knowledge centered on the internet, as well as a study of the “presentation techniques” used in IT that could be considered the linchpin of modern business.

Introduction to Computer-based Research and Planning

This course covers practical applications of digital data and networks, and lectures on the methodology of increasing the intellectual production and originality of research and the planning process.

Fundamental Accounting

In this course, we will work toward a proper understanding of the current financial accounting system. We will also take a new look at the current system in response to present developments, and we will consider recent trends in financial accounting with an eye to creating a new system.

[ New ] Media Economic Policy (Beginning in 2011)

We will investigate the development of the cultural media industry (such as film and broadcasting) from a business management strategy perspective and a government economic policy perspective.

Economics of the Digital Content Industry

This course focuses on the “economic value” of video in the digital age. We will study the background of the rapid growth of the video industry (particularly in the late 20th and early 21st century) and consider future developments from several viewpoints.

[ New ] Macroeconomics

We will study the structure of the economy of a nation, a major unit of the economy in general. This course will deepen your understanding of economic policy and markets in Japan and worldwide, and will cultivate the ability to examine present issues and future trends.

Marketing Basics

This course is a study of the basics of marketing. We will work to understand the flow of marketing research, analysis, targeting, drafting plans and implementing strategy, and we will also submit these plans to actual businesses.

Information Technology & Law

Mankind has labored to develop scientific technology in accordance with the order of individuals, society, the state and the world. From among that technology, we will study information technology and law with a particular focus on information and communication.

Business Management Basics

This course lectures on and organizes basic topics and theories from every field of management. The main topics are: 1) Management Strategy Theory, 2) Management Organization Theory, 3) Motivational Theory, 4) Leadership Theory, and 5) Finance Accounting.

History of Business Management

After learning what management is, we will shed light on the characteristics and issues of Japanese management by comparing the histories of Western and Japanese management. We will also study the management and management history of the global video industry.

History of the Computer Industry

This course provides a general survey on the computer industry up to the present as well as the ever-progressing internet-centered IT revolution. We will examine how individuals, business and nations have become linked, and we will also consider the rise and fall of business enterprises.

[ New ] Industrial Organization Theory (Beginning in 2011)

We will comprehend the mechanisms of contemporary markets through the theory and practice of industrial organization. We will also deepen our understanding of price theory and actual industries in microeconomics and how they change by examining their relation to market structures and businesses' courses of action.

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General Education Courses: Information and Natural Science

[ New ] Psychology

We will study psychology, the scientific investigation of the human mind. We will learn about its history and the multitude of different perspectives from which to approach psychology, and deepen our understanding of the mind.

Cognitive Science

This course will explain the methods of the understanding, persuasion and expression required by digital communication from the perspective of Cognitive Science, the comprehensive scientific study of the mind, body and brain.

Human Communication Theory

This course will provide lectures on the theory and practice of human interaction and human communication between individuals, groups and different cultures.

Introduction to Intellectual Games

This course takes up "intellectual games" from a scientific standpoint. As we unravel the history of intellectual games such as computer shogi and computer chess, we will inquire into the AI technology present in these games.

History of Computers

This course provides a commentary on the workings of the computer and the history of its development, as well as commentary on representative computer applications of multimedia.

Introduction to the Internet Industry

We will take up a study of the hardware and business factors required for the independent application of the internet.

Fine Art and Anatomical Studies I/II

This course offers a study of the form and structure of the human body for artists and illustrators, with the goal of developing the ability to draw the human body freely.

Theory of Global Environment and Sustainable Society

As we take an overall survey of the global-scale changes in the natural environment mainly due to climate change, we will also consider what Japan’s role should be, what other countries are doing about these issues, and what can be done by you students, who will bear the responsibility of the future.

[ New ] Spatial Design of Sound and Light

The physical stimuli from the space surrounding the human body are received by the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. We will attempt to evaluate this space as we use engineering to analyze and fix the quantities of sound and light.

[ New ] Basic Theory of Modern Scientific Technology

This course offers a general survey of the present and future of the scientific technology that ushers in innovation and makes significant contributions to our lives, as well as an explanation of the academic context behind such technology.

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General Education Courses: Arts and Humanities

[ New ] Religious Studies (Beginning in 2011)

After explaining the perspective and viewpoint of the discipline of religious studies, we will consider religion as the workings of human beings. You will acquire an ability to understand others' thinking and a capacity for independent thought.

History of Anime

We will expound on the history of animation in the world from its origins to the present, as well as changes in classification and technology and investigations of individual works. We will also consider the standing of Japanese anime in the world.

Introduction to Creative Thinking

This course offers training and lectures on learning the mechanisms of imagination and mastering the soft power of imagination that produces new ideas. We will also take up a study of real-world product planning and digital content production processes.

Art History

We will investigate the broad history of visual culture, focusing on an exposition of the major movements and artists of Western art and how they are related to contemporary artistic media.

[ New ] Introduction to Sociology

This course will use specific examples to explain the characteristics and fundamentals of how the discipline of sociology grasps society. With a focus on the 19th to late 20th century, we will delve into the era's many facets, such as local history, world history, and the history of international relations.

[ New ] Principles of contemporary music

Sound is used in every video format. This course will consider the treatment of sound in video from various angles.

[ New ] Theory of Manga Culture

The Japanese culture of manga, anime and Japanimation exerts a great influence on the world. Where does its strength lie? We will conduct an investigation into the standing of Japanese manga and anime abroad as well as the history of manga.

Design History

From such perspectives as consumption, form, the body, pastimes and media, we will discuss material culture from the 19th century onwards, which has developed along with technological and economic growth, and which symbolizes the particularities of countries, regions, races and histories.

[ New ] Theory of Comparative Cultures (Beginning in 2011)

This course aims to comprehend several issues, such as diversity and changes in lifestyles and work, aboriginal issues, ethnicity, racial disputes, fundamentalism, theory of the world-system, globalization, development, and exchange among different cultures.

History of Film Expression

This course provides commentary on and an investigation of significant works and prominent artists in film history. You will learn about techniques and methods of film production by examining whole works and individual scenes from both screenwriting and directing perspectives.

Principles of Effective Writing

How should you strive to communicate effectively with the reader through writing? You will learn tips and rules for effectively writing e-mails, outlines, reports and other documents.

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Foundational Technical Courses

Content Industry Compliance Issues

Through real-world examples, you will learn about the regulations that must be followed in the digital content industry, and you will study the ethics that serve to balance the tremendous social influence wielded by information distributors.

Introduction to the Digital Content Industry

This course is an exposition of the current job market in the digital content industry. We will also consider how you can develop your career and make your debut as a creator.

Media Theory

In this course, we will study the overall portrait of the media through a comprehensive treatment of various approaches to media, including its ideology, technology, expression of digital content, industrial organization, social influence, legal and systemic trends, and culture.

[ New ] Digital Communication Theory

We will study communication theory not in the narrow sense of messages from sender to receiver, but as the supremely efficiently developed, completely digitalizing system that society has achieved.

Introduction to Design

Skill in design is essential to creative work. Basing this course on the topic, "What is design?" we will start with defining design and work our way up to explaining the role design plays. We will also study the thought, spirit, technology and methods that support designers' work.

Color Theory I/II

This course is an exposition on the basics of color via up-to-date information and a study of how to use color, with a focus on digital color. Also, while seeing with your own eyes the relationship between color schemes and images, you will learn coloration techniques for different expressions.

Introduction to CG

With special emphasis on 3-D CG, we will discuss the basics of CG by subdividing it into the smaller fields of production procedure, modeling, animation, rendering and special effects.

Introduction to Video EditingI

Films, TV shows, and videos are made through the production process of editing. In this course you will gain an understanding of directorial intent, visual aesthetics, and the ordering and transmission of information by examining various works and using editing software.

[ New ] Introduction to Web Design

Learn elements such as "Software" and "Design" which is essential for creating and utilizing Internet website.

[ New ] Real-Time Graphic Skill

Understanding fundamental principal which is a basis for the latest technology focusing mainly on 3D graphic technique.

Theory of Anime Production Basics

This course is a study of the series of processes that are necessary for producers of animation, from supervision of a production’s progress to planning development and premiering your work.

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Applied Technical Courses

Universal Design

"Universal Design" strives to make goods and services easier for people to use. In this course, you will study the thinking behind universal design and concrete methods for realizing it.

Website Management

In this course, you will gain a proper understanding of the role and function of websites, and grasp the basics of management, scheduling and client handling. You will also undertake a comprehensive study of the management industries that possess features only possible with websites.

Introduction to Editing Techniques

We will study what editing is, based on real-life know-how in magazine and website editing. The aim of this course is to communicate your intent more effectively and faithfully.

Video Production

This course is a study of video direction from the basics to practical application, including the planning of story and visual continuity, as well as choices in stage design, directions to the actors, settings, special effects and video editing.

Theory of Film Industry

This course expounds on the present state of and prospects for the film industry and its future as a digital content business. We will also study the knowledge essential to everyone in the film business, for creators and distributors alike.

[ New ] Linguistic Expression and Dissertation Techniques

How should you attempt to communicate efficiently with a reader through writing? You will learn hints and methods for writing e-mails, outlines, reports and so on.

Introduction to Media Expression

In addition to lectures discussing the history of journalism and the theory of journalism as it concerns journalists' qualities and ethics, this course also aims to foster a mastery of the most basic skills related to journalism.

Theory of Anime Direction

This course is a study of directorial methods for producers of animation projects.

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Analog Technical Practicum Courses

Art Drawing Practicum

This course will develop your sense of texture in the form and surface of objects and your ability to understand exactly how light creates shadows. You will also study the sketch, which is not just a simple drawing but the starting point of creative expression, and its profound relationship with the imagination.

Typography I/II

You will understand the kinds and structures of the fonts and types that form the foundation of typography in both Japanese and English, and you will study methods of using type as the main constituent for producing functional and profound expression and design.

Graphic Layout Design

This course is a practicum in layouts in 2-D space (planes). You will study how to partition a plane and learn techniques for the effective arrangement of design elements. You will master the basics of creating impressive images that will catch people's eyes.

3D-Sculpting

This course is a practicum for heightening the imagination and sensibility for doing creating work. You will learn the basics of 3-D image production by the production of solid objects, and you will also develop an aesthetic sense of the beauty of form possessed by three-dimensional objects.

Camera Techniques for Video Production

You will gain a general understanding of the shooting of movies, television and video through practical exercises. While getting hands-on experience in operating a camera, you will study the visual expressions and varying significance made by different angles and lenses by producing your own works.

Scenario Analysis

What makes for an outstanding story and outstanding storytelling? In this course you will analyze story, character design and screenplay construction, and you will learn logical screenwriting techniques that will sway people’s emotions.

Scenario Production Practicum

This course is a practical study of storytelling methods, and a seminar in which each individual student will write their own screenplay according to the real-life process of Plot -> Storyboarding -> Synopsis.

Scenario Writing

Scenarios bridge the gap between story and image and provide the essential foundation not just for video producers, but for producers of every kind of digital content. After studying the techniques for writing these scenarios, you will work on your own productions.

Moving Image Practicum

After studying the principles of animation and understanding how moving images relate to the original images, you will study the animation process in a practical form.

Anime Scenario Practicum

This course develops the screenwriting ability needed for producing works of animation.

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Digital Content Business Courses

Business Planning for Producers and Entrepreneurs

As we explain business planning with the aid of specific examples, from the conception of a business vision to the final planning stages, we will go into the necessity of and methods for drafting and executing a business plan by engaging in actual hands-on planning work.

Internet-based Marketing

This course offers lectures on marketing theory, focusing especially on examples of digital content-centered businesses within the expanding internet and digital content environment, and an examination and discussion of real-world business cases.

Corporate Communication

This course provides “ways of thinking about creating corporate value”. Through dialogue with people in charge of business affairs at different corporations, and through various case studies, you will study ways for expressing a company’s ideas with website and video design.

Client Management

Business strategy and client management strategy widely vary depending on the industry and the target. In this course, you will gain an understanding of business and client management strategy as we take up specific cases of business management.

Animation & Game Character Development for Business

This course will consider successful cases of character content business by examining merchandise conception and development, marketing, merchandising, and risk management, analyzing these aspects from several different angles.

Introduction to the Venture Business Industry

This course offers lectures on how the evolution in digital technology has led to the diversification of the digital content business model, examining the issue primarily from the perspective of the changing role of the distribution industry. We will also cover specific steps for making digital content into a business.

Production & Direction of Video Games

Video games are created by integrating diverse media, and their expressive power is growing along with the evolution of hardware. This course is centered on the issue of how we should use this power.

Film Publicity Theory

Centered on the subject of publicity, this course offers a comprehensive commentary on issues in the film industry, including marketing, purchasing, distribution, home video release, TV broadcast rights, film festival submissions and international sales.

Website Production

In addition to offering a practical study of the abilities necessary for producing every kind of web business, this course provides lectures on information about social trends that today’s website producers need to know.

Mobile Phone Content Production & Management

This course will develop your understanding of the current state of the mobile phone commerce business and mobile phone content business (such as ringtones) and will instruct you in the fundamentals for creating next-generation mobile phone business.

[ New ] Live Entertainment Industry Theory (Beginning in 2011)

As we introduce specific cases of the structures of various live entertainment industries, you will acquire and refine a broad view of the industry as a whole and sensibility for keenly and coolly grasping trends.

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Digital Technical Practicum Courses: CG and Video Courses

3-D CG PracticumI/II

Using Maya, these courses will instruct you in 3-D CG animation production techniques such as modeling, texture mapping, lighting, animation production, effect production, and rendering.

Video Production Practicum I/II

As you come to master video editing know-how, you will gain an understanding of the overall flow of the production process. You will also learn what constitutes quality in a given work by engaging in the production process yourself, from the planning stages to completion.

3-D CG Practicum III/IV

The goal of this course is to display a comprehensive sense of expression and complete a single work by applying what you have learned in various courses such as 3-D CG Practicum and Video Editing Practicum.

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Digital Technical Practicum Courses: Website Construction Courses

Website Construction Practicum I/II

This course is a study of the basic elements of website construction, such as basic HTML coding, Web graphics production, and website layout. You will also master dynamic expression using JavaScript and Flash.

Website Construction Practicum III/IV

The goal of this course is to display a comprehensive sense of expression and construct a website by applying what you have learned in various classes such as Website Construction Practicum and 2-D Graphics Practicum.

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Digital Technical Practicum Courses: Design Courses

Graphic Design Practicum I/II

You will learn the fundamental knowledge of digital graphics and techniques for 2-D expression by using common digital tools.

Graphic Design Practicum III/IV

The goal of this course is to display a comprehensive sense of expression and complete a single work by applying what you have learned in various classes such as Introduction to Design, Color Theory and other modeling classes, and 2-D Graphics Practicum.

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Digital Technical Practicum Courses: Engineering Courses

Programming Practicum I/II

The goal of this course is to master the technical knowledge of 3-D CG and produce interactive programs while studying C/C++ and 3-D Graphics API.

Real-Time 3D Graphic Programming Practicum I/II

Master a core skill of drawing programming and learn programming skill of visual effect processing, the advance image recognition, and the latest AR processing.

Web Programming Seminar I/II

In this course, you will gain an understanding of the grammar of the most commonly-used languages in web programming, JavaScript and PHP, and you will study basic programming techniques that use those languages.

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Digital Technical Practicum Courses: Animation Courses

Digital Image Production Practicum

Using the digital paining tool RETAS!, this course offers a practical-style study of animation methods.

Basic Animation Practicum

In this course, you will undertake a practical study of the animation process, from drawing the pictures that are the key to character movement, to writing down on the timesheet (shooting sheet) directions for moving images and shooting. Through this study, you will acquire a mastery of the techniques involved.

Coloration and Character Design Practicum

This course is a practical-style study of the methods of creating and reading character designs and coloration settings.

Art Practicum

In this course, you will undertake a practical-style study of the process of designing essential stage backgrounds and objects, and you will acquire a mastery of the techniques involved.

Anime Filming/Composite Practicum

This course is a practical study of filming technology for "shooting" cels and backgrounds, camerawork, editing techniques, and methods of integrating 3-D CG and 2-D for making real anime films.

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Research Courses

Seminar I/II

Several seminars have been prepared in the four genres of video, websites, business and media. You will work on researching and planning your graduate production assignment subject while receiving direct guidance from an instructor.

Final Project

This class is available in your final year, with a seminar instructor serving as your advisor. You will build a consensus with your advisor concerning your graduate production assignment subject, and you will make a presentation at graduation.

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