Reading assignments: I will approach each class meeting with the assumption that you have done the reading assignment for that class.
To do well in this course you need to keep up-to-date on the readings, lectures and other work. There really isn't a lot of information that needs to be "memorized." There is, however, a lot of understanding of new material that I will ask you to do. To succeed at this, all you need to do is take it in gradually and steadily; cramming will rarely work.
Spend at least a few hours per week outside of class studying (2 hours/credit is an amount frequently recommended), reading, and doing the assignments. If reading materials are assigned, please read them before class as they give you some background for each topic. Please note that material you read is meant to provide background to lecture, and that lectures may sometimes present material and information that is not always in the text; you are responsible for this material.
The only ''dumb'' question is the one you don't ask. At all times, try to keep the larger concepts in mind. I'd rather you be concept-rich and fact-poor than the other way around.
For many non-science majors, this is an area that can seem intimidating, but it needn't be. In general, research in our class will utilize materials in the library, print, and web sources. All of you are familiar with these sources, so the only aspect that may be somewhat new is critically evaluating the quality of a source. While the breadth of information available on the web is fantastic, the depth and quality of much of the information leaves a lot to be desired. Furthermore, there is a lot of inorrect information on the web -- anyone can put up a page stating whatever they like.
Throughout the term, we will work on improving our critical analysis skills. My role will be to provide you with guidance, feedback and any other help you may need in your evolution as scholars. Visit the Research & Resources page on this site for a start.
For any writing assignments that you may turn in, grammar & spelling are important and count towards your grade, so please proof-read your work. A copy of Stunk & White is indispensable to anyone that wants to write well (see below). Visit the General Information page for online research and writing resources.