Every year around June, three language-specialized courses (Language Communication, Japanese Language, and Language Acquisition) that make up the Language and Communication Studies course at the IMCTS hold an overnight "Language Course Camp". For second-year master's students in particular, this Camp gives them an opportunity to prepare for and practice their presentation at "Master's Thesis/Project Research Interim Presentation" to be held at the IMCTS in late July every year. By participating in this Camp, first-year master's students will seriously consider their own research theme before deciding on their supervisor at the end of September. By watching the presentations of the senior students, they will also get a grip on a brief timeline of your research project. The Language Course Camp is also open to doctoral students.
At the Language Course Camp, each student gives his or her presentation and answers questions from the faculty and other graduate students. After the presentation session, all the participants are divided into several groups where you can ask the faculty and other graduate students for their opinions about your own research problems and receive more detailed comments from them. It is an important training opportunity for you to listen carefully to the presentations of others, and to raise relevant questions and give constructive opinions.
The Language Course Camp runs a fulfilling schedule of research presentations and group discussions during the day. However, there will be a relaxing social gathering on the first day, where you can talk with other graduate students and the faculty members you do not usually have the chance to meet and promote collegiality. Depending on the facilities at the Camp site, you may be able to enjoy some recreational activities during the gathering.
Preparations for the Language Course Camp begin in late April. Participating students are required to prepare their presentations under the guidance of the faculty member. The Camp can be registered as a credit-bearing class. In this case, students are also required to submit a report after the Camp, which must include perceptive comments on the other presenters' research project.
