Readings HowTo

There is a fair amount of reading in this class, and you are expected to complete all of it. I keep lectures to a minimum so don't expect me to summarize the readings for you. Instead, classes revolve around a discussion of the readings, which means that if you haven't read you will not be able to participate.

Reading at a college level requires certain strategies, depending on the kind of text being assigned. There are generally two categories of texts you will be asked to read for this class.

Analytical Readings (textbooks, book chapters, journal articles, etc.)

1. First, preview the reading. Look at the table of contents or abstract and survey the topics covered in the text. Identify the sections that might be helpful such as the index, appendices, keyword lists, etc.
2. Get an overview of the assigned text before reading it in detail. Read the introduction, then skim each page, spending just a few seconds per page. Notice headings, illustrations, tables, etc. Then read the summary at the end.
3. Next, read for detail. You will notice that it goes much faster. Keep a dictionary at hand and look up any words you are not familiar with.
4. Annotate the text: use the wiki to identify the important sections.

For more tips on reading this kind of material, see this.

Theoretical Readings (works by philosophers, media theorists, etc.)

Some of these readings are, without a doubt, difficult. In many instances, you will be asked to tackle graduate-level readings. Here are some tips, in the form of an imaginary discussion with a student:

This is too long!

You may be able to apply some of the strategies described above, although with this kind of text it might be more difficult. Still, you should read the intro and conclusions first (the few first and last paragraphs or pages). Also, pay special attention to the beginning and ending of sections.

This person could have said the same thing in fewer words, or without having to use such fancy words!

Perhaps. But as a college student you are expected to work your way through long and difficult readings and distill the important parts of an author's argument. As far as the fancy words, pick up a dictionary and consider this an opportunity to enrich your vocabulary.

There is no way we could ever agree on what this means!

Try to approach reading this as you would approach reading a poem. There are multiple interpretations to any text. I am more interested in what you are able to make of this text than in everyone agreeing on the right interpretation of it.

I hate this author because I don't understand him/her!

I would die a happy man if I could get you to develop curiosity, not hatred, for the things you don't understand. Be humble and recognize that these people are smarter than you and me, and try to learn from them.

Students expecting to get something out of the course (like a good grade) by simply coming to class without doing the readings will probably be disappointed.

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