Course Components

We have a number of activities that will help you be successful in this course! Below is a breakdown of those components and an explanation for each. You should plan on spending an average of <##> hours per week on the various course components.

Readings
Read through the sections in the textbook being covered before class. It's alright if you don't immediately understand it -- just looking it over will help you better understand the lectures. Return to complete the readings in-depth after the lectures. Plan to spend <##> hours per week on readings.

Lectures
Attend lecture prepared by having completed readings and reviewed concepts. Take notes actively, and participate when directed. Lecture recordings will be available to students who cannot attend in-person. When watching recorded lectures, pause the videos to think about what is going on and try to anticipate the next steps. You can "chunk" the material by watching the videos in several sittings. Plan to spend <##> hours per week on lectures.

Discussions
Arrive to your discussion section ready to engage with fellow students. Prepare questions to ask your teaching assistant. When you are doing group work, discuss with your group the problems presented to you. Ask your teaching assistant or student assistant for clarification or help. Plan to spend <##> hours per week on discussions.

Assignments
Complete your homework with what you learn. Do not be shy about reading the textbook for help. If you feel stuck, ask help from other students or during office hours. Plan to spend <##> hours per week on homework assignments.

Exams/Quizzes
Spend time each week reviewing the course topics so you are not overwhelmed on exam day. You may spend less time on review on certain weeks, and more time on other weeks. Plan to spend <##> hours per week preparing for exams and quizzes.

Planning Your Time

<Consider including information and resources to help students plan their time. Update the text below.>

Adding structure to your week can be useful when you are trying to juggle your personal, familial, educational, athletic, and extracurricular lives during the semester. For some students, creating a Weekly Calendar can help balance your time between course work and other commitments. You are welcome to copy the Weekly Calendar Example and Template Google Doc and create your own schedule.

Why use a Weekly Calendar to plan your time?

Making time regularly to work on one subject in smaller chunks can help you better retain information. This concept is known as spaced repetition. You can read about this and other strategies from a student's perspective here: A Student Tries Out the Six Strategies for Effective Learning.

Supporting Your Academic Success

Needing extra help during college is normal! There are several units on campus here to support you. Please use the resources below when you need them.

Academic Support: See all of your options for tutoring, writing help, study skills assistance, and more in one place.
Academic Advising: Your advisor can help you make decisions about courses, majors, programs, and progressing efficiently toward your degree. They can also make sure you meet deadlines and requirements when making decisions about your academic life.
McBurney Disability Resource Center - Apply for Accommodations: The McBurney Center supports students by providing accommodations, like assistive technology or extra time on assignments, to students in partnership with their instructors. If you require specific accommodations to do your best as a student this semester, please contact me as soon as possible, in addition to the McBurney Center. You can send me an email, attend office hours, or speak with me after class. To best support you, I want to speak with you individually about your needs and how I can help early in the semester.
UW Libraries: Find and request articles and books, access resources online, reserve a study room, check out equipment, or ask a librarian for help with research.
Writing Center Writer’s Handbook: Citation style guidelines and examples, writing style guides, and more!