Here is the plan/timetable for my zemi in AY2026.
Syllabi:
Grading Criteria: Seminar Grading
Model Schedule: Thesis timetable (zemi)
Spring Term:
Away on Sabbatical. There will be a one-day thesis workshop in May/June/July, date TBC
Pre-Orientation: 19 January 2026
Introduction session (in the classroom)
1) Conditions for graduating from this seminar, which everyone must read, sign and return to Philip Seaton.
2) Writing Academic Essays (videos): Watch them here.
3) Academic Misconduct: A reminder of the university rules. Here is a handy pdf for students (2022不正行為防止（日本語＆英語）) which everyone must read, sign, and return to Philip Seaton.
4) About iThenticate: Read this sample essay in both plain text (Using Quotations properly) and with the iThenticate report (Using_Citations_Properly). See how we can detect plagiarism. Here is the article I talk about in the materials (Taiga dramas and tourism).
5) Short oral introduction of your research topic.
About submitting files: Send files by email using the following file names. “yyyymmdd Surname …” This makes it easiest for me to track your progress.
Style Sheets: Below are style sheets (for citations and the bibliography) that you can use for your thesis. Other style sheets (eg. Chicago etc) are also possible.
日本語で書く場合、日本社会学会のスタイルガイドを使う。jsr_guide3
When you are writing in English, use a recognised system such as APA, Chicago, or Harvard. The Monumenta Nipponica style guide is good for people using lots of Japanese sources.
In the spring term, follow the instructions of your substitute supervisor.
Week 1:
Checks on thesis progress. Recap of research ethics and style guides.
Week 2:
Individual supervision 1 (in person or online): Case study and summer progress
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 3:
Individual supervision 1 (in person or online): Case study and summer progress
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 4:
Individual supervision 1 (in person or online): Case study and summer progress
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 5:
Individual supervision 2 (in person or online): Finish case study and conclusions
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 6:
Individual supervision 2 (in person or online): Finish case study and conclusions
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 7:
Individual supervision 2 (in person or online): Finish case study and conclusions
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 8:
Individual supervision 3 (in person or online): Complete draft with bibliography
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 9:
Individual supervision 3 (in person or online): Complete draft with bibliography
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 10:
Individual supervision 3 (in person or online): Complete draft with bibliography
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 11:
Individual supervision 4 (in person or online): Final checks
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 12:
Individual supervision 4 (in person or online): Final checks
8:30 –; 8:52 –; 9:14 –; 9:36 —
Week 13:
Seminar deadline! Final checks using iThenticate.
8:30 — 8:40 –; 8:50 –; 9:00 –; 9:10 –; 9:20 –; 9:30 –; 9:40 –; 9:50 —
Upload your thesis to the university website in early January.
Week 14:
Graduation thesis presentations (in the classroom)
8:30: –; 8:48 –; 9:06 –; 9:24 –; 9:42 —
Week 15:
Graduation thesis presentations (in the classroom)
8:30: –; 8:48 –; 9:06 –; 9:24 –; 9:42 —
Note:
There may be additional individual supervision for those in particular need of a different schedule (e.g. falling behind on thesis writing, autumn graduation, study abroad).