This course is for students who will engage in research in graduate school. The instructors will present examples of what process they used to choose research topics. Two or three instructors will lecture in one class. Through these experiences, students will be better able to write their master's thesis or select a specific topic for problem solving. Following the lecture, we will discuss approaches to selecting research topics in a three-way discussion (or panel discussion) format. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussions, which includes asking questions.
The lecture is held over the course of 5 weeks, after which students split into groups to offer proposals of topics conceivable for master's thesis research, and discuss with one another their feasibility and academic value as research. Students will select one hypothetical master's thesis topic from the topic proposals offered from different fields, examine research methods and a schedule for completing it, and prepare for the final presentation.
In the final class, students will make presentations on the research topic of the hypothetical master's thesis prepared by the previous week. Students will define in the presentation (1) what, (2) to what extent, and (3) with what methods they will research, as well as (4) a tentative schedule, and (5) what social contributions and results can be gained from the research. After the presentation a Q&A and discussion will be held on the feasibility and relevance of the topic.
The objectives of this course are as follows.
1) Understand the diversity involved with selecting a research topic.
2) Understand the differences between research methods for different fields
3) Be able to listen to and understand the opinion of others through discussion. Also, be able to express one's own opinion for others to understand it.
4) Be able to follow the progression of the discussion and ask clear questions.
5) Be able to organize the discussed content and present it to others in an easy to understand way.
research topic, determining topic, different fields, discussion, question
Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
In the first 5 classes, two to three instructors will freely talk from their perspective about how they have selected research topics, in lecture format. Lectures will be held jointly by instructors from different fields. We will then do Q&A and discussion on select methods for topics and the reasons behind it, either in three-way discussions or panel discussions. In the following two classes, students will split into groups, bringing forward topics for their paper that each student intends to use, discussing them, and narrowing them down to one hypothetical paper. Students will sort that out and present in groups in the final class, discussing the content as an entire class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction, Topic of Professors 1 and 2 | introduction, research topics |
Class 2 | Topic of Professors 3, 4 and 5 | research topics |
Class 3 | Topic of Professors 6, 7 and 8 | research topics |
Class 4 | Topic of Professors 9, 10 and 11 | research topics |
Class 5 | Topic of Professors 12 and 13 | research topics, grouping |
Class 6 | Discussion --- individual topics | discussion on research topics |
Class 7 | Discussion --- concentration on one topic, Preparation of the presentation | discussion on research topics, preparation of presentation |
Class 8 | Presentations | presentations |
No textbook
Materials are handed out.
Presentations are graded.
No requirements