Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
15720:IR18‐HE102 Introductory Seminar II (C) 2023 Fall Thu4 College　Of　International　Relations MORISHITA AKIKO 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS203

Language

English

Course Outline and Method

The purpose of the Introductory Seminar II course is to develop the analytical and practical skills necessary for students to begin conducting independent academic research. Using the seminal work by Booth et al (The Craft of Research) as a core text, this class guides students through the process of conducting research, from thinking of a broad research theme, through to the production of the final report. In the process students develop a detailed research project and report through a guided step by step process and in doing so enhance their critical thinking and research skills by continually refining and focusing their research plans and topics.

Student Attainment Objectives

(1) Critical thinking skills
a. Explore a specific topic in depth and improve your research through critical thinking
b. Increase the ability to express yourself by clarifying the difference between your opinions and those of others

(2) Reading, note taking and research skills
a. Take notes on lectures, presentations, and research materials
b. Accurately read, organize and analyze content from course readings and materials
c. Begin to develop independent research questions

(3) Resume and Report writing
a. Understand plagiarism and academic dishonesty and how to avoid them
b. Understand the AS/GS/JD stylesheet
c. Produce short research reports

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
1

Class briefing; Portfolio Feedback
 

2

An Introduction to Research – Instructor’s Research

3

What is Research? What is it for?
(Booth et al., Chs. 1 and 2)

4

From Topics to Questions
(Booth et al., Ch. 3)

5

From Questions to a Problem
(Booth et al., Ch. 4, White Ch. 2)

6

Advanced Database Guidance

7

Theories and Hypotheses; Operationalization
(White, pp. 22–26, 53–57, 99–110)

8

From Problems to Sources
(Booth et al., Ch. 5)

9

Engaging Sources
(Booth et al., Ch. 6)

10

Making Good Arguments
(Booth et al., Chs. 7 and 8)

11

Report Guidance

12

Research Progress Report I

13

Research Progress Report II

14

Research Progress Report III

15

Review and Paper Submission

Class Format

Sessions will be delivered in Face-to-face Class format.

For “Special Consideration”, please check manaba+R’s College of IR Student Page and the “Study Support Site”.

College of IR Student Page：https://ct.ritsumei.ac.jp/ct/course_1728150
Study Support Site：https://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/pathways-future/eng/

Recommendations for Private Study

Please follow the guidelines given in the class briefing and in class each week. It is your responsibility to check the assigned work for each week if you are absent.

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

・30% Class participation
・30% Weekly Presentations (7 x 5 mins – 5+2 (title and ‘thank you for listening’) slides)
・15% Final Presentation (10 mins – 10+2 slides)
・25% Final Research Project Report (2,000 words excluding references)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
The Craft of Research (Fourth Edition) WAYNE C. BOOTH, GREGORY G. COLOMB, JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS The University of Chicago Press 9780226239736

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

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

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

Other Comments