IGESSIGESS (Institute for Global Economics and Social Sciences)

First Year Seminar is a course designed to help first-year students to adjust to living in their new environment in Tokyo and studying at Hosei University. Enrollment is limited to twenty-four students.

The aim of this seminar is to acquaint new students with Hosei University's history, policies, and resources. Students will learn about the inter-connectedness of academic knowledge and research fields; gain an appreciation for diversity; acquire confidence and maturity in the classroom as well as basic study skills; discuss local and global issues relating to the Japanese business and the economy, etc.

IGESS Dipromapolicy DP2／DP5／DP9／DP10

英語 / English

This seminar is discussion-based. Each student will conduct research on a couple of individual topics based on his or her own interests. Students are expected to complete their assignments on time.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the classes may be conducted using the Zoom online meeting application.
*Feedback on assignments/tests during office hours and/or during class.

あり / Yes

なし / No

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

WEEK 1：Introduction/Campus tour

Course outline,
assessment criteria, and self-introductions

WEEK 2：Using the library resources to do research

Virtual Library tour and learning to use the databases

WEEK 3：Group work 1
-Basic discussion skills: note-taking and preparing a presentation-

Group discussion on Hosei University and 'Living in Tokyo'

WEEK 4：Group work 2
-Academic presentation skills-

Group/individual presentation using Power Point

WEEK 5：Academic communication

Information literacy: email etiquette; discussing differences in Japanese communication styles

WEEK 6：Computer skills

Information literacy/interpreting and using statistics: Word and Excel practice

WEEK 7：Special event 1: Field trip (virtual or guest lecture)

Tour of Teikoku Databank Museum (or guest lecture) and discussion

WEEK 8：Research report writing

Style, contents, structure, organizing information for research

WEEK 9：Group research
-Working in Japan 1-

Choosing a research topic, brainstorming,
group discussion

WEEK 10：Special event (2): Guest lecture

Guest lecture and discussion

WEEK 11：Group research 2
-Working in Japan 2-

Data collection,
preparing a presentation

WEEK 12：Group research 3
-Working in Japan 3-

Group presentation with power point, group discussion

WEEK 13：Personal research 1
-Issues in Japanese business and the economy-

Choosing a research topic, brainstorming,
discussion, and data collection

WEEK 14：Personal research 2
-Issues in Japanese business and the economy-

Presentation with power point, final evaluation

Short homework assignments (outside of class) and reaction paper (during class) will be assigned. The standard preparation and review time for this class is two hours each.

None. Reading materials will be distributed as needed.

To be announced in class.

Participation (30%), reaction papers and assignments (30%), presentation and reports (40%).
A student who misses more than three classes prior to the twelfth week of the semester (for any reason) must withdraw from the course.

Please turn off your cellphones or set them on silent mode when you come to class. Similarly, text messaging, especially during special events with guest lecturers, is impolite and not allowed during classes.

The students need a PC (and a high-speed internet connection to participate in online classes).

Please note that if the number of students attending the first class significantly exceeds expectations, in order for the instructor to effectively manage the class, the number of students who are allowed to register for the course may be limited.