Seminars
Domuni-Universitas e-seminars
As part of the Master’s programme, the university organises numerous online seminars (webinars) at the Master’s level every year, which are 100% online. These seminars gather around fifteen students with a professor to engage in a shared research project across 3 or 4 phases, each lasting two weeks, for a total duration of about 1.5 to 2 months.
What is the objective of the seminar?
The objective of our online seminars is to provide students with the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific subject under the supervision of an expert teacher. The seminar allows for the exchange of ideas and opinions with other students, while being encouraged by a professor to defend and expand these viewpoints. These seminars also offer a unique opportunity for students to diversify their topics of study and explore themes they may not have encountered in their previous studies.
The seminars are mandatory at the Master’s level and each seminar is worth 6 ECTS.
Practical aspects of the seminar
The seminars are hosted on the MyDomuni online learning platform.
Discussions take place in forums. Students can log into MyDomuni and participate in discussions at their convenience, asynchronously, allowing for maximum flexibility within the 6- to 10-week seminar framework.
How does it work?
The structure of Domuni-Universitas e-seminars is carefully designed to maximize learning and interaction. Each e-seminar runs over a period of 6 to 8 weeks and is divided into several stages.
1. First Week: Exploring a Theme in Depth
The first week of each stage is dedicated to the in-depth exploration of a specific theme. The instructor provides texts to read and analyze or presents a central idea for reflection. Students, whether enrolled in a Master's programme or participating as auditors, are invited to engage critically with these materials and develop their own understanding of the topic.
At the end of this first week, each participant submits a structured written contribution of approximately 4,000 characters (including spaces). These contributions are posted on the discussion forum, providing the foundation for the exchanges that follow.
2. Second Week: Debate and Interaction
The second week of each stage focuses on developing students' skills in academic debate. The instructor initiates discussion based on the written contributions submitted by the participants. Under the instructor's guidance, students engage in forum discussions where they can comment on, critique, and further develop one another's ideas.
This interactive process is essential, as it encourages active participation in academic dialogue while strengthening students' abilities in critical thinking and reasoned argumentation.
In some cases, a live discussion may also be organized through a videoconferencing platform, enabling real-time interaction and fostering stronger connections between students and the instructor. These live sessions add a further dimension to the learning experience by promoting more direct and dynamic communication.
3. Repeating the Cycle
The structure described above is repeated for each stage of the seminar. Depending on its overall duration, an e-seminar generally consists of three to five stages. Each new theme provides fresh perspectives, enabling participants to build their understanding progressively throughout the course.
At the end of the seminar, the instructor awards a final grade based on both the quality of the written contributions and the student's active participation in the discussions. This comprehensive assessment ensures that students are evaluated not only on their written work but also on their engagement in the collaborative learning process.
Benefits of Domuni e-Seminars
Domuni-Universitas e-seminars offer numerous advantages. In addition to the flexibility of online learning, they help students develop essential academic and professional skills. Collaborative learning, academic discussion, critical thinking, and the ability to construct well-reasoned arguments are all strengthened through this format.
Furthermore, students and auditors alike are exposed to a wide variety of perspectives, enabling them to develop a richer and more nuanced understanding of the topics under study. This diversity of viewpoints is particularly valuable in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and theology, where dialogue and the exchange of ideas are fundamental.
In Summary
Domuni-Universitas e-seminars provide a stimulating learning experience that combines flexibility, interaction, and in-depth academic study. They enable participants to explore a broad range of subjects, develop their debating and analytical skills, and engage in critical reflection on contemporary issues.
Thanks to a carefully designed structure and the guidance of expert instructors, these seminars play an essential role in preparing the thinkers and professionals of tomorrow, while also welcoming auditors who wish to broaden their knowledge and take part in intellectually enriching discussions.