|
How to Succeed in HIST 104 DCE (These remarks and tips come from Prof. Isern. The intent is to pull together the various requirements and aspects of the course into a general statement of how to succeed. It's also a bit of a pep talk.) There are two underlying principles built into the scheme of the course that provide keys to success in HIST 104 DCE. 1. The system of evaluation reflects the values of the course. Look at where the points are, and you know how to direct your efforts. This is deliberate. 2. Your fate is in your own hands. It is up to you to study the lectures, do the reading, and get your assignments in. Even if you are struggling with the content of lectures and readings, you still can do pretty well in the course if you just hang in there and put in the effort. Also, before moving on to more specific advice, here is another general exhortation. This course is, as I sometimes describe it, front-loaded. What I mean by that is I've put an enormous amount of work into designing, writing, and putting together the instructional materials. The lectures and website, I hope, are accessible and informative because of the work invested in making them so. Obviously, I put in all that work with the intention that you will use it and the hope that you will succeed in the course thereby. Which brings me to my basic philosophy in teaching this kind of course. I'm not here to guard the gate. I'm here to enable your success. This doesn't imply any dilution of standards or expectations. I expect you to handle challenging material and to do good work. I expect serious effort and respect for the enterprise. In return I'll not only wish you well but also do what I can to make your work rewarding and your success attainable. I won't be playing any games with you or tripping you up. I state clear expectations and act according to them. I want you to do well. When you succeed, I succeed. More Specifically, How to Succeed
1. Be familiar with the organization and requirements of the course. You should find what you need to know in the website. If you don't, ask your instructor. 2. Stay current. Stay on pace with the calendar, doing the work when it is supposed to be done. You have to contribute to the listserv discussions at the right time; you have to take the quizzes at the right time; and in order to do those things, you have to do the reading and study the lectures at the right time. 3. Pay attention to communications. Check the weblog framed into the home page frequently, because it will carry announcements and reminders. Read your e-mail from the list and from your instructor. 4. Work through the lectures conscientiously. This takes time, but it is the only way to do well on the quizzes. Put in the time, take some notes, and then take the quiz for each lecture shortly after you've completed study of the lecture. 5. Maximize your participation points. Notice that points for participation are hard points; you need these. Most of them are earned through participation in Cumberland Gap. So get in there and talk Tocqueville! Also note that you earn hard points for participation by contributing to assessment. You need all these points, too. 6. On the soft-points side of the ledger you have a lot of flexibility. Do all the work you need to get all the points you need. It's as simple as that. Caution: get started on these requirements early. You can't just turn in the work at the end; there are rules against that, and anyway, you want to get assignments in early, get feedback on them, and thus be enabled to work more effectively toward meeting all requirements. 7. Attitude and commitment are underlying factors in success. This course is a good workplace, where expectations are reasonable and plain. Come on in, relax, do the work, and get something out of it. You should sense that I think History is great stuff. Whether or not you agree, you'll find value in the course and enjoy good company along the way. I won't say good luck in the course, because there isn't much luck involved. Instead I'll say I'm happy you're here, and I wish you well in all your semester's work. |