How to Get the Most Out How to Get the Most Out of This Anthropology of This Anthropology

CourseCourse

And All CoursesAnd All Courses

How Not to Read a Textbook How Not to Read a Textbook (Or an Article)(Or an Article)

Passive ReadingPassive Reading: The Surest Way to : The Surest Way to ForgetForget

You are a passive reader if you. .You are a passive reader if you. . . . Plow through textbooks like a novelPlow through textbooks like a novel Highlight what you think is “important”---Highlight what you think is “important”---

until your whole book is highlighteduntil your whole book is highlighted Try to memorize the whole thingTry to memorize the whole thing Start on page 1 (and grit your teeth to the Start on page 1 (and grit your teeth to the

bitter end)bitter end)

How to Read a Textbook (or an How to Read a Textbook (or an Article)Article)

Think about what you know (what you Think about what you know (what you know may surprise you)know may surprise you)

Start with the table of contents for the Start with the table of contents for the chapter—that’s your road mapchapter—that’s your road map

Read the introduction first--and the Read the introduction first--and the abstract if there is anyabstract if there is any

Read the conclusion if anyRead the conclusion if any Then read the main textThen read the main text Jot down anything that doesn’t make Jot down anything that doesn’t make

sense—and sense—and ask questions—ask questions—I won’t bite!I won’t bite! Review right after readingReview right after reading

How to Read a Professional How to Read a Professional ArticleArticle

Rule 1: Don’t panic!Rule 1: Don’t panic! Rule 2: Get the lay of the landRule 2: Get the lay of the land Read any introduction to the articleRead any introduction to the article Read the abstract, if anyRead the abstract, if any Read the article introductionRead the article introduction Read the conclusionRead the conclusion Read the main pointsRead the main points Read the support materialRead the support material Reread the abstract, introduction, and Reread the abstract, introduction, and

conclusionconclusion

Involve Yourself In ClassInvolve Yourself In Class

Dumb questions? What dumb Dumb questions? What dumb questions?questions?

Start each class with a questionStart each class with a question Ask questions often in class or during Ask questions often in class or during

office hoursoffice hours Join in class discussionJoin in class discussion And don’t forget: 10% of the grade And don’t forget: 10% of the grade

involvesinvolves class discussion class discussion

Effective StudyEffective Study

You’ve got e-lectures; read them first You’ve got e-lectures; read them first and oftenand often

Study at the same time and place, if Study at the same time and place, if possible—develop a routinepossible—develop a routine

Study in half-hour blocksStudy in half-hour blocks Don’t mix your subjects: do Don’t mix your subjects: do

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

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

and in the lecture notesand in the lecture notes Get the big picture of every topic—what is Get the big picture of every topic—what is

that term or information for?that term or information for? Concentrate on what you missed in previous Concentrate on what you missed in previous

quizzes/tests/examsquizzes/tests/exams Start a week before the text or examStart a week before the text or exam Put your notes and related chapters Put your notes and related chapters

togethertogether Get a study partner and quiz each otherGet a study partner and quiz each other

Taking the TestTaking the Test Come at the right time or a little beforeCome at the right time or a little before Read and understand the instructions before you Read and understand the instructions before you

startstart Read through the test, carefully answering only Read through the test, carefully answering only

the questions you know firstthe questions you know first Look at the tigers and answer themLook at the tigers and answer them Answer the essay questions/terms midway Answer the essay questions/terms midway

through, to avoid panicky last minutesthrough, to avoid panicky last minutes If you’re done early, check your answersIf you’re done early, check your answers When you get your test back, focus on the errors When you get your test back, focus on the errors

for feedback for the next exam or the finalfor feedback for the next exam or the final

Working the In-Class Video Working the In-Class Video AssignmentsAssignments

These are group efforts, so These are group efforts, so contribute—don’t be a free ridercontribute—don’t be a free rider

Take notes while watching the videoTake notes while watching the video Listen what others have to sayListen what others have to say When done, take turns writing the When done, take turns writing the

answers—this is good practiceanswers—this is good practice The writer should be the on the top The writer should be the on the top

spaces provided for the namesspaces provided for the names

Working the EthnoQuest Working the EthnoQuest CDCD

Attend the CD orientation at the LRCAttend the CD orientation at the LRC Read the handout for each program carefully Read the handout for each program carefully

before starting.before starting. Recommended: Use new CDs, not Recommended: Use new CDs, not

“preowned” ones“preowned” ones If you encounter a problem, see me pronto!If you encounter a problem, see me pronto! If something isn’t clear, check with me ASAPIf something isn’t clear, check with me ASAP Start each program as soon as you’ve Start each program as soon as you’ve

completed the last onecompleted the last one

ConclusionConclusion

It’s my job to see that everyone does It’s my job to see that everyone does wellwell

Always, always seek help if you find Always, always seek help if you find yourself in a jamyourself in a jam

Feel free to ask questions, in class or in Feel free to ask questions, in class or in the officethe office

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

other classesother classes