Course Description

　　　Freshman Seminar is the first-year education subject. The purpose of this seminar is to enable students to grow into active learners. For that purpose, this course helps students acquire "awakening to academic knowledge" and "broad sense and knowledge regarding liberal arts" through active and exploratory learning.
　　　At university, students are expected to learn actively and autonomously, to tackle unsolved problems. However, some students may become confused without knowing what "active learning" exactly means. Accordingly, in this course, students will first of all learn basic techniques in university while exploring various academic disciplines. We will incorporate various forms of learning, such as discussion, pair work, group work, etc., according to each theme. One of the aims of this course is therefore "learning how to learn".　　
　　　Specifically, students will acquire the fundamental skills of learning such as note-taking, literature search / information gathering, report preparation and poster presentations. 　　
　　　Furthermore, in order to lead a smooth life at the university where people with diverse backgrounds regarding country, birthplace, sense of value and interest, gather together, students will be expected to acquire the ability to work together to solve a problem cooperating and communicating with each other, acknowledging such diversity and respecting each individuality, including social skills of how to write emails and deal with social networking services etc..　
　　　While acquiring these fundamental skills, students will cultivate global knowledge, rich sensibilities and critical thinking skills with a view to mutual linkage among them through varied academic approaches of human science, social sciences and natural science.
　　　To obtain the "broad sense and knowledge regarding liberal arts" by doing these is nothing but the goal of General Basic Subjects (liberal arts education) of our university.　
　　　This course is designated to achieve educational goals 1, 2, and 3 of General Basic Subjects.

Course Objectives

(1) Students will be able to actively learn by their own motives.
(2) Students will be able to learn how to study and enjoy making questions.
(3) Students will be able to use the fundamental skills of learning.
(4) Students will be able to build the foundation of the learning environment based on their own time management.
(5) Students will be able to make communication as necessary and cooperate with others to solve problems.
(6) Students will be able to express their own thoughts on what is expected by the university and societies, i.e., their social roles and responsibilities.

Grading Policy

(1) Minutes paper, report, etc. (50%)
(2) Group activities / presentation (30%)
(3) Reports (outcomes and reflections of learning) (20%)
　　　Students will receive feedback when the submitted items such as minute papers, reports etc. are returned. Moreover, at the last lesson we will provide feedback about what was learned in this semester.

Textbook and Reference

Requirements(Assignments)

　　　In order to deepen the learning of each time, students will set the following pre- and post-assignment. Pre and post study require a total of about 45 hours of study.
・ As a pre-assignment, students will have experiences of sending and receiving e-mails.
・ As a pre- or post-assignment, students will create a record book to check the weekly schedule.
・ During the survey period, students need to conduct a survey outside the class and create a report to share information according to the theme of the group.
・In order to go further in learning, students will be expected to reflect on what they learned every week using minute papers and reflection sheets.

Note

　　　It is necessary to attend the first guidance as it will be explained what is written in the syllabus, the purpose of the course, the outline, attentions points, the assessment method etc.　
　　　It is highly recommended to come to class early or punctually, because it may cause trouble for other students when enter the room late. We may ask you to refrain from participation in group work if you come late. Do not hesitate to let us know when you need special measures (sickness, injury, physical handicap, etc.). We will use LMS and ICT equipment.

Schedule