There is no step-by-step procedure that can ensure academic success in this or any other course. Nonetheless, here are some general study tips that have proven useful to students:
Form regular study groups: Rhetoric lands itself to informal discussion and you can learn a lot from talking through the material with you classmates. I will assist students trying to form or join a study group.
Record class lectures: If you find it difficult keeping up with the lectures, you may want to bring a tape or digital recorder to class. Then, at your leisure, you can prepare your class notes and, at the same point, review the material. The lectures in this course demand a great deal of concentration and taking notes may be too much of a distraction.
Develop a study routine: With regular reading quizzes and essay assignments, this is a course that requires a fair bit of discipline. Accordingly, it is very important that you develop a plan and schedule for studying. Very few students succeed by focusing on the examination and attempting to cram.
Read critically: In addition to completing the reading assignments in time, it is also necessary that you read critically. The exams in this course are true essay exams (i.e. they require you write a coherent essay in support of a particular thesis), and so, recalling details from the readings will not help you much. Rather, you need to understand the author’s main points and arguments. Careful and critical reading will help.
Ask questions: If you don’t understand something presented in class or in the reading, ask me to clarify it. It is pointless for you to invest your time in this course without understanding the material as it is presented. If you cannot ask a question in class, you can visit or telephone during my office hours.
Review graded materials with the instructor: One of the best ways to improve your performance is to meet with the instructor and go over your exams and assignments. It can help you pinpoint weaknesses in you study habits or materials as well as alert the instructor to your needs as a student.
If you are dissatisfied with your performance in this course, you should try these suggested tips first. If you are following most or all of these suggestions and still not doing as well as you would like, then come and see me and I will help you develop more individualized strategies for succeeding in this course.
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