How to Get the Most Out of Anthropology

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
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?
Start each class with a question
Ask questions often in class or during office hours
Join in class discussion
And don’t forget: 10% of the grade involves class discussion

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 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 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 writer should be the on the top spaces provided for the names

Working the EthnoQuest CD
Attend the CD orientation at the LRC
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

How to Get the Most Out of Anthropology

by PaulVMcDowell

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