Prof. Varisco
Anthropology Classes
socdmv@hofstra.edu 
 
If you are interested in getting the most out of a course and the best grade possible, the keys are in improving your study habits and communication skills. Everyone inevitably has an individual approach, but here are a few general suggestions that may be useful for you. As a professor, I do not see how you could seriously follow these guidelines and not receive a better grade in the class.
 
READING
 
1. Read the assignment on time (or ahead of time). My lectures assume you have read the material. I will not regurgitate what you read, but I will try to highlight important or interesting points and explore these points with you in class.
2. Highlight the important points of what you read before you come to class. Unless you have a photographic memory, try some of the following ways to better find and remember the points:
• Underline or highlight important passages in your text and write a keyword or concept in the margin; this will really help when you prepare for exams.
• Stick post-its on the relevant pages and note key words or concepts; this is one way to make notes and not leave marks in your book, if you plan to resell it.
• For each reading, write the following on a separate sheet of paper or in a notebook:
• key concepts (with short definition or summary),
• key people or scholars mentioned (know why they are important)

• short summary of main points. Some texts already do this for you at the end of the chapter or section.

 

3. For each reading, note points that you find confusing, disagree with, or would like more information about. Bring these up in class at the appropriate time, or come and see the professor to discuss these.

 
4. Approach your reading or assignment with a critical eye. By this, I mean you should ask yourself the following questions:
• What are the qualifications of the author to make these points? Is he/she discussing her/his own work or summarizing what someone else said?
• What is the style of the author? Does it rely on documented research or does it make a lot of claims that are not backed up? Do you think the author has an open mind and really wants to get to the truth or is there an ax to grind?
• Does the author seem to contradict himself/herself? Are their statements or ideas that seem unfounded to you?
• When was the book or article written? Is the information possibly out of date? Does the writing tell us something about the time in which it was written, even if the information is no longer "valid"?
 
CLASS NOTES
 
1. In taking notes, it is important to decide when and how much. It would be absurd to write down everything a professor says in a class lecture. It is just as absurd to write nothing down and rely solely on your memory (which tends to wander in even the best lectures).
 
2. Your class notes should record the general drift or outline of the class lecture and discussion. A few key words or ideas may be sufficient to prod your memory later on.
 
3. Since I do not regurgitate your reading, my lecture is not a substitute for what you read. You will not be able to summarize your reading by relying primarily on what I say in class.
 
4. Take notes when I go over important points, concepts, or individuals and when I focus on what I think are difficult or confusing parts of the reading. Relax and let your mind engage when there is a class discussion.
 
5. I sometimes show films in class. These are not for entertainment, but to visually supplement the ideas of the reading and lecture. I suggest you do take notes of the important points in the film. (If the classroom is too dark, let me know.)
 
ORAL PARTICIPATION IN CLASS
 
1. I encourage you to participate in class in a number of ways:
• Respond with whatever you already know to direct questions (I like the "Socratic" method).
• Bring up points you find difficult or confusing.
• Introduce information you have or know that supplements the ideas being discussed in class.
• Bring up points you are excited about or strongly disagree with.
 
2. Many of you are "shy" in class, but you communicate fine with friends or in my office. Treat the class as a way to help overcome your shyness. Don't worry that your question might sound "stupid." Don't be intimidated by the professor (me) or other students. Feel free to say what you really think, as long as it is civil and respectful of other people's right to say what they think.
 
3. Your participation in class discussion is a good way of showing your interest in the class. Don't worry about monopolizing the class time. It's my job to be the moderator to make sure that doesn't happen.
 
STUDYING FOR EXAMS
 
1. Read the exam study-sheet very carefully. I provide you with an indication of the important concepts and ideas you will be tested on. I also provide all essay questions in advance. If you are not clear what the question is about, ask for clarification.
2. For essays, consider the following:
• Prepare for these by re-reading the relevant material and reviewing the relevant notes (informative notes on your readings will be of great help here).
• Outline the main points you need to communicate and then find relevant support (examples, cases, etc.) from the course material that illustrate these points.
• Be synthetic. Do not simply paraphrase something you read in one source. Use as wide a variety of relevant information as you can. When possible, relate your points to something else you have already learned in the course.
• To make a stronger essay, think about how it could be criticized. Anticipate the weak points as you write it.
 
3. On the use of quotes:
As a general rule, DO NOT USE QUOTES from the readings. For my classes, never use quotes to give descriptive data; if this is relevant to your argument, put it in your own words. You may use brief quotes (such as outrageous or provocative statements) that you are responding to at length. Make sure the entire quoted material is set off by quotation marks and cited in some appropriate way. I am not interested in your editorial ability to link quotes together.
 
4. I will not tolerate plagiarism of any kind. You are encouraged to read the Hofstra Guidelines on plagiarism. Plagiarism (which includes paraphrasing from a reading) will result in an automatic zero for the assignment. Plagiarism or direct borrowing on a take-home essay may result in an F for the course.
 
 
SEEING THE PROFESSOR
 
1. Your tuition is not simply for sitting in a class several times a week. As a professor, I set aside time in my office to meet with students. I will also make appointments outside the scheduled office hours.
2. If you have a problem understanding the course material or doing the assignments, you need to talk with me as soon as possible. If you do poorly on assignments or exams, you need to talk with me about them so that you can improve. If you just want to talk about course ideas, you should also drop by. The more interaction I have with you, the better I can help you.
 
3. I am interested in your communication skills, so feel free to ask for advice on doing your written assignments or oral presentations. Whenever possible I will read drafts of written material (except for exam essays) and offer comments.