This module aims to develop the advanced research literacy and scholarly communication skills required for graduate-level
research. Students learn to critically examine academic literature, identify meaningful research gaps in an area of study,
and position their research within a broader scholarly context. Through exploration of existing background literature, discussion
of methodologies, and structured peer interaction, students refine their ability to synthesise prior research and communicate
research ideas clearly. In the later stages of the course, students prepare conference-style abstracts and presentations,
culminating in a mock academic conference presentation.
This module is taught entirely in English and focuses on research literacy and positioning, and on academic communication.
In the first half of the course, students explore literature related to their chosen research fields, summarise key background
studies, and discuss research gaps through weekly article summaries and small-group discussions. For the mid-term assignment,
students submit a Preliminary Research Plan that integrates key literature and outlines the potential direction of their research.
Then, in the second half of the course, students develop conference-style abstracts based on their preliminary research plan.
Through peer review and revision, they refine their abstracts and prepare research presentations. The course concludes with
students each giving a simulated conference-style presentation, presenting their research ideas and receiving feedback; this
presentation functions as the final exam.
- Students can identify and synthesise insights from key literature in their research field, using academic databases and AI-assisted search tools.
- Students can critically examine research methodologies and identify research gaps in existing studies.
- Students can articulate the scholarly positioning of their research within the broader academic landscape.
- Students can communicate research ideas effectively through conference-style abstracts and presentations.
| Assginemnts | Mid-term review | Final | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10% | 5% | 5% | 20% |
| 2. | 10% | 5% | 5% | 20% |
| 3. | 10% | 10% | 10% | 30% |
| 4. | 10% | 10% | 10% | 30% |
| Total. | 40% | 30% | 30% | - |
| Class schedule | HW assignments (Including preparation and review of the class.) | Amount of Time Required | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1． | Introduction to the course content, and student sharing of previous research experience; students give brief snapshot presentations of their past research. | Review/Written assignment 1 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 2． | Strategic literature reviews in the AI era: Google Scholar, citation networks, and AI-assisted search tools | Review/Written assignment 2 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 3． | Summarising existing research articles: identifying research questions, methods, results and conclusions, and contributions to the field | Review/Written assignment 3 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 4． | Identifying research gaps, and discussing significance of existing pieces of research | Review/Written assignment 4 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 5． | Evaluating research design: methodological reasoning, validity, and research limitations | Review/Written assignment 5 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 6． | Writing a methodological critique: use of structure and academic language | Review/Written assignment 6 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the mid-term | 50minutes | ||
| 7． | Mid-term assignment: Preliminary Research Plan submission and group presentations | Review/Written assignment 7 | 150minutes |
| 8． | Students enact their research plan: From research gap to contribution statement | Review/Written assignment 8 | 150minutes |
| 9． | Anatomy of effective conference abstracts | Review/Written assignment 9 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the final | 50minutes | ||
| 10． | Abstract writing workshop: students aim to complete their research abstracts | Review/Written assignment 10 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the final | 50minutes | ||
| 11． | Peer review of abstracts and discussion of revision strategies | Review/Written assignment 11 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the final | 50minutes | ||
| 12． | Designing conference presentations and communicating research contributions | Review/Written assignment 12 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the final | 50minutes | ||
| 13． | Rehearsals for mock conference, and feedback on proposed presentations | Review/Written assignment 13 | 150minutes |
| Preparation for the final | 50minutes | ||
| 14． | Final conference-style presentations and discussion | Review/Written assignment 14 | 150minutes |
| Total. | - | - | 2650minutes |
Evaluation method and criteria
In order to pass this course, students need to earn at least 60% of the maximum possible score; attendance alone does not guarantee a passing grade. The final grade is calculated as follows:
1. Assignments and participation in class activities: 40%
2. Midterm Assignment (preliminary research plan): 30%
3. Final Examination (presentation): 30%
Regular attendance, active participation, timely submission of assignments including the mid-term assignment, and satisfactory performance in the final exam are required to achieve a passing grade.
In order to pass this course, students need to earn at least 60% of the maximum possible score; attendance alone does not guarantee a passing grade. The final grade is calculated as follows:
1. Assignments and participation in class activities: 40%
2. Midterm Assignment (preliminary research plan): 30%
3. Final Examination (presentation): 30%
Regular attendance, active participation, timely submission of assignments including the mid-term assignment, and satisfactory performance in the final exam are required to achieve a passing grade.
| ways of feedback | specific contents about "Other" |
|---|---|
| Feedback in the class |
References:
R. An, Supercharge Your Research Productivity with ChatGPT: A Practical Guide. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8395519320.
J. M. Dr., Research Methodology and Design with ChatGPT (Part-1): Guidance on research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis techniques, 1st ed. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8398799156.
R. An, Supercharge Your Research Productivity with ChatGPT: A Practical Guide. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8395519320.
J. M. Dr., Research Methodology and Design with ChatGPT (Part-1): Guidance on research methodologies, experimental design, and data analysis techniques, 1st ed. Independently Published, 2023. ISBN: 979-8398799156.
Students are required to submit weekly assignments and give both mid-term and final presentations. They should be argumentative
and written academically.
- Office hours: Friday between 12:30 and 13:20 in the lecturer’s office ＆ by appointment
- Contact e-mail address: zam08580@shibaura-it.ac.jp
- Course that cultivates an ability for utilizing knowledge
| Work experience | Work experience and relevance to the course content if applicable |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
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Last modified : Sat Mar 14 14:57:15 JST 2026