Kickstarting Your Academic Career

Robert L. Ostergard, Jr. is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. Stacy B. Fisher is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Nevada, Reno (retired).

• Acknowledgments Introduction Why Am I Here? From High School to College or University How to Use This Book for Students How to Use This Book for Professors 1. Where to Start? The Basics of the ClassroomWhat to Expect from This ChapterThe Syllabus—The Rules of the GameCourse Management SystemsProfessional Etiquette with Your Professor and Teaching AssistantsCourse Information in the SyllabusLarge Class DynamicsStrengths and Weaknesses of Large ClassesWhat to Expect in a Large ClassLarge Lecture Hall Etiquette Professors, Assistants, and the Large Lectures Students and the Large Lecture Hall Smaller Classes and Tutorials, Sections, or Labs What to Expect in a Small Class Course Discussions and Participation Guidelines for Good Discussion Revisiting the Lecture Important Points to Remember How to Succeed in College Courses In a Large Class In a Small Class 2. So You Thought You Knew How to Read? Readings and Notes for Class Textbooks How Often to Read How to Read and Take Notes from a TextbookSteps to Studying a Textbook Supplemental Texts and Journal Articles Note Taking in Classes Preparing to Take Notes What Am I Supposed to Write Down? How Am I Supposed to Write It Down? Important Points to Remember Textbooks Taking Notes in Class 3. On the Midterm Grind The Professor Gave You a Study Guide—Lucky You! Or Not...Study Groups Types of Exams and Strategies for Each Multiple Guess (Choice) Exams—Being Better than Chance Identification and Short Answers Essays—The Demon Spawn Rears Its Ugly Head Getting Your Grade Taking Charge of Your Education Important Points to Remember How to Succeed on Exams Getting Your Grade 4. Finding Your Curiosity and Research Zen: Skills and the Projects That Build Them Finding Your Curiosity and Research Zen Class Projects: Their Purposes and Some Helpful Suggestions Research Projects Summaries, Critiques, and Literature Reviews Group Projects Simulations and Virtual Experiences Posters Oral Presentations Important Points to Remember 5. Can You Google That? Where to Find Information Finding Data How to (and How Not to) Find Information Can You Google That? How Authoritative Are Your Sources?What to Do with Your Information: Writing, Organizing, and Common MistakesMultitasking: Something We Are Horrible at DoingExtracting InformationBibliographic SoftwareSuggestions for Avoiding Plagiarism Outlining a Plan for Your Writing Writing Your Project Editing Your Project Research and Crunch Time Important Points to Remember Index

I would recommend Kickstarting Your Academic Career to every college student because they can benefit from the advice given in the book. It establishes what mindset you need and what tools you can utilize in order to be as successful as you can throughout your schooling. It is also written in a clear, concise manner that any student can understand regardless of their reading comprehensive skills. - Lauren Bullock, Sophomore at Stephen F. Austin State University (Link for Counselors)