Student Blog

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Starting with students who enrolled in 2023*¹, APU has made seminar courses a mandatory requirement for third-year and fourth-year students. Students are generally required to participate in a seminar for two years, from their 5th to 8th semesters, during which time they write a graduation thesis under the guidance of a faculty supervisor.
For first- and second-year students, the concept of a seminar might still feel unfamiliar. Questions like, “How is a seminar different from a regular class?” or “What do you do in a seminar?” may come to mind. This article aims to answer these questions about seminars!
Seminars are held once a week, and the content varies depending on the instructor. In some third-year seminars, lectures, reading academic literature, and discussions form the core activities. In others, students may take turns preparing presentations on specific topics and leading discussions.

Third-Year Seminars

In my case, I am taking an International Relations seminar in the College of Asia Pacific Studies. In the first half of my third year, the seminar was lecture-based. We studied not only theories of international relations but also logical thinking and analytical frameworks—fundamental skills for writing a graduation thesis. Despite being a lecture, the small class size allowed for interactive discussions with the professor, making it easy to ask questions and get immediate answers. Since APU's faculty members have extensive research and practical experience both in Japan and internationally, I feel like I am learning about academic research at a global level.

A friend specializing in Tourism Studies*² is in a seminar that involves performing data analysis related to tourism as a pre-class assignment. They create tables and graphs using Excel, then present their findings during the seminar. Another friend, who is studying regional development, participated in fieldwork in the Noto Peninsula to deepen their understanding. Many APU seminars emphasize both theoretical learning and hands-on experience like this.

A friend in a business seminar has a rotating presentation schedule, where each student researches a company of interest and presents their findings approximately once a month. They receive feedback to refine their research methods and focus on expanding their knowledge and interests throughout the third year. Many seminars encourage students to explore a broad range of topics in their third year, gradually narrowing their focus to a specific subject in preparation for their thesis. Regardless of the seminar content, active participation and independent learning are essential.

Fourth-Year Seminars

The timing of activities may differ, but in fourth-year seminars, the focus is primarily on writing the graduation thesis. Building on what they have learned, students choose a topic of personal interest and write their thesis in consultation with their faculty supervisor. My experience of studying international relations theory in-depth during my exchange program in the UK influenced my decision to research India's diplomatic strategy from a theoretical perspective. Many of my seminar peers have also decided their thesis topics based on their experiences of studying abroad, participating in extracurricular activities, or engaging in international programs at APU. Some Japanese students even choose to write their theses in English.

Writing a long paper and reading a large amount of academic literature can be challenging, but discussing ideas with your seminar peers and receiving guidance from your faculty member makes the process a rewarding experience. The logical thinking and intellectual curiosity honed through the thesis-writing process will undoubtedly prove valuable, regardless of the career path students pursue after graduation. Additionally, the College of Asia Pacific Studies hosts a Seminar Conference. I encourage all first- and second-year students to take a proactive approach in your classes and extracurricular activities. Consider them as opportunities to discover your research interests for your seminar classes!

For details about individual seminars, visit the APU Academic Office website.
*¹2023 Curriculum
*²Under the 2017 Curriculum, Tourism Studies is part of the College of Asia Pacific Studies

seminar conference

Natsuki Aoki

Hello! I'm Natsuki, an APS 3rd year majoring in International Relations. I hope to inspire you all by sharing my interesting experiences, new discoveries, and encounters at APU. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!