Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
13375:[2025 Fall]IR18‐HE102 Introductory Seminar II (F) 2025 Fall Thu4 College　Of　International　Relations LU WANXUE 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOSHINKAN　KS203

Language

英語

Course Outline and Method

【+R-Jugyo】This course will not have +R-Jugyo. The number of class hours for “+R-Jugyo” will be covered by activities related to the course.

This course aims to develop the analytical and practical skills required for students to initiate independent academic research. Utilizing the seminal work by Booth et al. (The Craft of Research) as a foundational text, this course navigates students through the research process, beginning with the conceptualization of a broad research theme and culminating in the production of a final report. Through a guided, step by step approach, students develop a comprehensive research project and report, thereby refining their critical thinking and research capabilities.

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/JDP 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

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

Research Progress Report 1

11

Research Progress Report 2

12

Research Progress Report 3

13

Research Progress Report 4

14

Review and Paper Submission

Class Format

Sessions will be delivered in a face-to-face class format.

Recommendations for Private Study

Please follow the guidelines provided during the class briefing and in each week’s session. It is your responsibility to review the assigned work for each week if you are absent.

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written) 0

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)		 0

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

30% Class participation 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)

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Title Author Publisher ISBN Code Comment
The Craft of Research (Fifth Edition) WAYNE C. BOOTH, GREGORY G. COLOMB, JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS, JOSEPH BIZUP, WILLIAM T. FITZGERALD The University of Chicago Press 9780226826677

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

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