1. Attend class with a positive attitude for learning; this
means that you will need to concentrate on the subject at hand and focus
on understanding what I am discussing.
2. Keep up with (and do not fall behind) in reading assignments;
you will soon learn that there is too much reading to try to complete
immediately prior to a test. Note with particular concern the section
headings in each chapter as well as the accompanying photographs and
illustrations, and special readings.
3. Rewrite and edit your notes as soon as possible after every
class. This will help you to clarify and absorb what was covered in
that lecture as well as discover what perhaps was omitted from your
notes.
4. Tape the lectures so that as you study, you can compare
your notes with what was actually said in the lecture and then you can
make corrections and additions as needed.
5. If you do not know how to take lecture notes very well,
if you do not think you read with great comprehension, if you feel great
stress in test taking and feel that your ability is not reflected in
your test scores, it is highly recommended that you make an appointment
with the counselors at Academic Support Services (315 Martin; 844-4388).
These trained professionals will be delighted to assist you with any
type of academic problems you are encountering, and my students in the
past who have used these services reported positive results from meeting
with them.
6. Participate in the SI program,
Study Partners, or form your own study group with other class members
who want to do well.
7. Understand that in doing well on the tests, it will be necessary
to fully understand and learn the material and not merely memorize it.
Failure to realize this can bring students problems in recalling the
correct answers at test time.
8. Staying up all night before a test to "cram" with
friends may sound like fun, but its results in bringing good grades
is very limited; it is far better to study consistently and effectively
on a regular basis.
9. Use note cards to learn important terms well, so no matter
what the form I use to ask you about it, you will know it thoroughly.
10. It is STRONGLY suggested that you bring your Atlas to class
so that as I point out various places in the course of the lecture,
you will be more aware of their significance and location.
11. Lecture outlines are sent out to you by e-mail before the
lectures are given and are also put up on the screen at each class;
likewise, you will be provided with study guides to assist you in your
test preparations. Neither, however, can substitute for good lecture
notes.
12. Some of you think you do not like history and/or feel that
history is too hard or not worth learning. All I ask is that you attend
this class with an open mind, give it a chance, and make an effort to
follow these guidelines for academic success. Perhaps by doing so, you’ll
be completing this course with a good grade and maybe, just maybe, a
better feeling about history itself!