First year seminar

Commonly known as “Basic Seminar”. Freshmen are exposed to various phenomena and issues occurring in a globalized world through introductory courses in the spring semester, and in the following fall semester, they learn how to develop their interests into discussions and form a thesis through interactive classes with small groups (about 10 people). In the beginning, students’ interests may be vague or directed only towards concrete events; at university, these interests are regarded as academic “questions” (research questions). Hypotheses are considered, and students are required to demonstrate and verify them based on evidence they have collected themselves. The goal of this seminar is to master the basic methods and rules of research. With advice from the faculty, the students will search literature and information, refine their thesis structure, discuss with each other, write their thesis, present the results, and engage in further discussions experiencing the entire academic research process. In addition, they will learn academic manners and rules, such as required ethics and how to present grounds. The instructors for the Basic Seminar also serve as advisors for the students during the first two years of their university life. More importantly, it is a place where they can form connections with friends who have explored answers through discussions. The learning goal of FGS is not the passive acquisition of knowledge, but the active investigation of issues, facilitating discussions, and considering solutions which should be essential skills in various specialized professions in society. If a student wants to further develop their own research based on their studies in the seminar, they can do so by continuing it from the second year onwards as an “independent study” (an elective subject where students choose and request a supervisor to oversee their research).