Tips for Success in philosophy class
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Attend class
Take notes
Read the Book
Know the Syllabus
Address Problems Early
Find a Study Partner
1. Attend class.
a. Everyday that you are able. Don't stop to think about it, just come to class. Erase the phrase "did I miss anything important?" from your vocabulary. You will no longer need it. The answer is "Yes."
b. Be alert. Be rested. Be sober. Eat breakfast.
c. Be prepared. Read the assignments, take notes, bring them with you. Have your book, your notebook, something to write with.
2. Take notes.
a. class notes -- lectures are a way for the instructor to introduce the reading assignments, and to give background information that will make it easier to understand the reading assignments. It is beneficial to take notes during lectures.
b. advanced class notes -- most students neglect to take notes during class discussions. I suggest that you write down every question that your classmates ask. Need a challenge -- try to write down the answer to every question that is asked during a class period BEFORE anyone else answers. That should keep you awake.
c. reading notes -- there are at least three kinds of reading notes that are very useful
i. summary notes -- a section by section precis of the arguments and lines of reasoning from the assigned reading. How complete should a precis be? Complete enough that you can refer to it in class and explain, with precision, what the reading was about.
ii. analysis and response -- in addition to your summary of the reading your notes should include your assessment of the arguments. Is the reasoning convincing? Is it complete? are there objections that the author has not answered? What is the relevance of this material?
iii. questions -- as you read questions will come up. Write them down. When you figure out the answer, write it down, too. If not, bring your notes to class, or to my office hours, or send me an email, or get together with your classmates and discuss them.
iv. If study questions are provided, address them in your reading notes as they come up in the reading.
d. look at the many note-taking links on the Reading and Writing Help page.
3. Read the Book (or whatever has been assigned.)
a. read slowly -- taking notes will slow you down, and that is good.
b. read for comprehension -- writing summary notes will test you as you go along.
c. read with a dictionary within arm's length -- not on the bookshelf, not in your bag. When you encounter a new word use the dictionary and write the definition in the margins.
d. start early -- give yourself time to learn something. Don't cheat yourself.
e. read twice -- leave room in your notes for new and revised comments. It may be that you discover something on the second encounter.
a. most questions about the class are answered in the syllabus. All the current syllabi are available on the class home page.
b. all assignments are delivered through the WEEKLY SCHEDULE.
c. the WEEKLY SCHEDULE is updated frequently.
d. learn about the Honors Option.
e. the policies about plagiarism are important.
a. philosophy is hard for many students -- If you follow the advice in 1-4 it will be less hard.
b. ask questions in class -- it is safe to raise your hand and say, "I don't know what you are talking about."
c. if you miss class -- its not the end of the world.
i. communicate with your study partners. If you are willing to share your class notes, you will find others who are also willing to.
ii. get assignments in on time -- have a friend deliver them, deliver them early, email them to me. Remember that a new Critical Notes assignment is posted each week.
iii. keep up with the reading -- the assignments are on the WEEKLY SCHEDULE.
iv. meet with me during office hours -- time and place is posted on the class home page
6. Find a Study Partner or Form a Study Group
a. a study partner is someone with whom you can communicate about the class, so you will need their telephone number, or email address, and they will need yours.
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