Program for Mathematics, Data Science and AI Education
in Liberal Arts
Cultivating Mathematical and Data Literacy Skills
In April 2023, ICU established the Program for Mathematical and Data Science and AI Education in Liberal Arts with the aim of cultivating mathematical and data literacy skills in students by utilizing the University's strength in the integration of the arts and sciences and liberal arts education.
This program consists of general education courses and are not courses which target a specific major. General education courses represent the opportunity to learn about various academic fields and gain exposure to the quintessence of liberal arts. Within this framework, the program enables students to cultivate data literacy, which is essential for society in the 21st century, through a unique liberal arts perspective, as well as providing an opportunity for students to examine mathematics, data science, and AI education. The program's aim is for students to gain knowledge regarding quantitative analysis which can be applied to other general education courses in the sciences, the foundation courses and specialized courses of each major, senior thesis, and furthermore, even after graduation.
This program was accredited as the "Approved Program for Mathematics, Data Science and AI Smart Higher Education (Literacy-level)" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) on August 27th, 2024.
Eligible Courses for the Program
| Course Title | Language of Instruction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| GEN026 N2: Ideas of Data Science | Japanese | Introduction to the interdisciplinary areas covered in the data science field, including concepts, social science applications, risks, and ethical aspects. |
| GES039 S2: Statistical Information Literacy | Japanese English |
To learn the basic skill of data analysis for studying the social sciences. Lectures on the rudiments of statistics, sampling methods and data processing methods. Students use Computers during the course. |
| GEN063 N2: Multimedia Communication Literacy | Japanese | Instructor(s) set up a class-project before the class begins. In order to realize project's purposes students will determine purposes and tasks of their own and/or of groups. They will collect information to understand the topics and edit it to publish by utilizing digital instruments and/or other tools. Includes exercises on operation of related digital instruments and software. |
| GEN028 N2: Statistical Analysis in Society | Japanese | When we face various issues daily in a complex modern society, we should know how to deal with them as responsible global citizens. In this class, social issues would be presented as data, and students would learn how to understand and analyze the data. Students would learn the basics about the ways to understand the data and statistical thinking. Students will be exposed to real data and concrete examples. |
Requirements to Complete the Program
Students are required to gain two or three credits for one course from among the program's eligible courses.
Message from Associate Professor DOU, Xiaoling, Chair of the Committee of the Program
We live in a society overflowing with data. To "think freely and make sound judgments," the ability to interpret data, evaluate it critically, and engage in evidence-based discussion is essential. The fundamentals of data science form the core of modern liberal arts. This program offers a clear, accessible introduction to data science, from core concepts to real-world applications across diverse fields. We hope you will discover the excitement of data science, use it to explore your own area of specialization more deeply, and ultimately apply it to your future activities in society.