Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
50960:[2025 Fall]Research Workshop (EPS-A) (A) 2025 Fall Fri3 College　Of　Policy　Science CHEN DAVID 2

Campus

OIC

Class Venue

AS453

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

This course is an introduction to research methods. Students will learn how to develop, design, administer and report on a pilot research project. The first part of the course introduces students to the basics of how to do group field research. Students will discuss and research about different topics. As well, students will learn different research methodologies such as how to: conduct interviews and ask follow up questions; design short paper surveys; and conduct observation research. Then students will learn how to design their research project and how to write a group research proposal and report. Finally, students will write and present their final research report. Project themes are decided either by the instructor or by each group with guidance and supervision from the instructor. This class will be conducted 100% in English, is highly interactive, and will be useful for students who want to enroll in a CRPS course, do study abroad, or do a field research project or seminar study.



Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on manaba+R.

Student Attainment Objectives

The goals of this class are to:
● increase English language communication skills, presentation skills
● learn basic research proposal and research skills including citation and referencing
● create, administer and report on a group research project
● practice a variety of types of research methodologies
● write a well-argued collaborative research paper.

＜政策科学部学生のためのCEFR Can-Do listを参照のこと＞
[W(B2.1)], [S(B2.1)]

Recommended Preparatory Course

Academic Workshop (EPS-A) is recommended but not required.
Students should practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in English as much as possible. Students
can listen to a recording in English and repeat in a spoken voice in order to practice pronunciation and
fluency.

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information

Course guidance

【+R-Jugyo】Information for “+R-Jugyo” will be posted on manaba+R.

1-2

Research Methodologies.

 Writing references and surveys, using interviews and the value of observations

3-4

Creating the research project.

narrowing your topic, research questions; background research

5-7

How to write a research proposal.

The structure and style of a written research proposal.

8-9

Administering the research.

 Collecting and analyzing data.

10-12

Writing the research report.

Identifying what is ‘unique’ in your research data. Organizing your presentation topics.

13-14

Final research presentations

Final course feedback.

Class Format

1. Conduct face to face classes from lecture 1 to 14.

Recommendations for Private Study


English-English learner’s dictionaries (either paper or online) are useful to help you think directly in English and avoid translating. This is a good way to practice and build new vocabulary. To keep track of contemporary issues and improve your English language skills, access English news publications, e.g. Japan Times, the Asahi Shimbun, Japan Today https://japantoday.com/, as well as BBC Learning English https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/ and NHK News 7 https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Continuous Assessments may be based on:

●Homework assignments
●Participation and preparation
●Research Projects
●Skills tests

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

The instructor will give a more detailed course outline in the first week of class including topics for discussion, evaluation criteria and learning methods. Some topics for discussion may be different than the topics listed in the weekly schedule in this syllabus.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

If you do not understand the teacher’s instructions make sure you ask for clarification. Teachers want to support their students whenever and however they can. Make sure you are prepared for each class but if for some reason you cannot do your homework please attend class anyway. The time you spend in the class is very important to your learning and improving.

The use of English-English dictionaries is recommended (online or paper) both to use English regularly in studying and enable critical and creative thinking in English.

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

To be announced by the instructor.

Web Pages for Reference

To be announced by the instructor.

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Communication Paper,Interactive Sheet,Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students,Other (Separate instructions will be provided)

Other Comments

【科目ナンバリング・カリキュラムマップはこちらから/Click here to see the Curriculum-Map and Course-Numbering】
URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/