KIC

MEIGAKUKAN　MG003

英語

Introductory Seminar II guides students through the process of conducting a basic research project from thinking of a topic through to the production of the final report. In the process students will develop a detailed research question and enhance their critical thinking skills by continually refining and focusing their research plans and topics.

The purpose of the 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.

(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

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

[BCP Level 1 or 2]
- More than half the total number of classes are to be conducted face-to-face. The remaining classes are to be conducted web-based.
- The format of the web-based classes [live-streaming or on-demand] will be announced on the manaba+R course page.
- Contact information of the course instructor will be provided on the manaba+R course page before the first class.
- Face-to-face classes may be continued even if the BCP Level is changed to 3 or higher during the semester.
- When a student is unable to attend face-to-face classes due to any of the following conditions, web-based classes will be provided. Students who fall under this category should notify their instructor by the first class.

[Criteria for web-based classes]
<1> Students who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill if infected, such as those with underlying conditions or chronic illness (*).
<2> Students living with a family member who is at high risk of becoming seriously ill if infected, such as those with underlying conditions or chronic illness (*).
<3> Students who are unable to enter Japan due to international travel restrictions.
(*) If the student has an underlying condition defined by the government, such as respiratory
disease, diabetes, heart failure, etc.

[BCP Level 3 or 4]
- In principle, all classes are to be conducted web-based; however, face-to-face classes may be offered, please carefully check your manaba+R course page.

※For more information on Ritsumeikan University's BCP Level, please refer to the following URL, Point No.1 “Measures to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).”
http://en.ritsumei.ac.jp/news/detail/?id=475

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.

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 attendance and conduct ・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)

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

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

【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:http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp//students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html