How to Get the Most Out of This Anthropology Course

And All Courses

How Not to Read a Textbook (Or an Article) Passive Reading: The Surest Way to Forget You are a passive reader if you. . . Plow through textbooks like a novel Highlight what you think is “important”---until your

whole book is highlighted Try to memorize the whole thing Start on page 1 (and grit your teeth to the bitter end)

How to Read a Textbook (or an Article) Think about what you know (what you know may surprise

you) Start with the table of contents for the chapter—that’s your

road map Read the introduction first--and the abstract if there is any Read the conclusion if any Then read the main text Jot down anything that doesn’t make sense—and ask

questions—I won’t bite! Review right after reading

How to Read a Professional Article Rule 1: Don’t panic! Rule 2: Get the lay of the land; start with the general

points of the article and work down to the specifics Read any introduction to the article Read the abstract, if any Read the article introduction Read the conclusion Read the main points Read the support material Reread the abstract, introduction, and conclusion

Involve Yourself In Class Dumb questions? What dumb questions? Ask any

question you want The only rule: be sure the question is relevant to the

subject Start each class or online discussion session with a

question Ask questions often in class, online, or during office

hours Join in class discussion—especially online

Effective Study You’ve got e-lectures; read them first and

often Study at the same time and place, if possible

—develop a routine Study in half-hour blocks Don’t mix your subjects: do anthropology

then English or vice versa When you’re done, reward yourself

Studying for the Test Use your study guide or vocabulary Study what has been emphasized in class and in the

lecture notes Get the big picture of every topic—what is that term

or bit of information for? Concentrate on what you missed in previous

quizzes/tests/exams Start a week before the text or exam Put your notes and related chapters together Get a study partner and quiz each other

Taking the Test Come or login at the right time or a little before Read and understand the instructions before you start Read through the test, carefully answering only the questions

you know first Look at the tigers and answer them Answer the essay questions/terms midway through, to avoid

panicky last minutes If you’re done early, check your answers When you get your test back, focus on the errors for feedback

for the next exam or the final

Working the In-Class Video Assignments These are group efforts, so contribute—don’t

be a free rider Take notes while watching the video Listen what others have to say When done, take turns writing the answers—

this is good practice The writers’ names should be the on the top

spaces provided for the purpose

Working the EthnoQuest CD Attend the CD orientation. Read the handout for each program carefully before

starting. Recommended: Use new CDs, not “preowned” ones If you encounter a problem, see me pronto! If something isn’t clear, check with me ASAP Start each program as soon as you’ve completed the

last one

Conclusion It’s my job to see that everyone does well Always, always seek help if you find yourself

in a jam Feel free to ask questions, in class or in the

office Tutors are also available. Check the LRC Best wishes for this class—and for your other

classes