<p>So,
next semester i'm switching from an all music based schedule to all academic (i'm was a music major but i'm switching out.) I have to take: English (writing,) Intro to Communicatino Theory, Motion Picture Survey, Geology 101 (or 102,) and Math 103. So...I am not anticipating much free time next semester, at all.</p>
<p>The Motion Picture Survey class and the intro to comm theory i HAVE to take to get my core classes finished in time, but the survey class has only one section, with one of the most notoriously difficult and incompetent professors at all of univ. miami, and i'm TERRIFIED.
It's supposedly lecture based, completely, based on two tests, and that's it. I'm terrified. And I HAVE to take it. What do I do?
If I do have to take this,I want to make sure I bust my onions enough to get at least a B+!</p>
<p>Ugh, I hate that kind of situation. You have my sympathy. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:</p>
<ul>
<li>make a study group.</li>
<li>if another professor has taught this course before, you may be able to get in during that prof's office hours and ask about what is most important to know. As long as you act very respectful toward the prof that's teaching your class, the other prof will probably understand and be helpful (especially if the reputation is as bad as you say).</li>
<li>go to class, sit up front, and become as much of a teacher's pet as you can.</li>
<li>find people who've had this prof before and get their advice.</li>
</ul>
<p>I honestly don't see what the big deal is. Writing? That's like a standard college class. Two tests a semester? Not unusual...this is college, not high school. Communications? Motion picture survey? Those don't sound like difficult subjects, but I guess if you have the hardest professor, it's gonna suck. But it's not like you went from Music to Engineering and Pre-med courses...Humanities courses are pretty easy. I know, it's hard because you went in as a Music major, but now you're not so you'll have to deal with taking actual classes like everyone else. My advice:</p>
<p>1) See the professor during office hours for extra help
2) Split studying into daily increments rather than last minute cram sessions - you'll retain more info
3) Study groups don't always help, sometimes it's better to study on your own, depending on what kind of person you are. Asking other students for help and working together usually lightens the load a little.</p>
<p>Good luck! Welcome to the real academic world outside of Art/Music majors! Sometimes it's boring! :)</p>
<p>Stargazer,
I think the biggest Problem Jeremy's facing is that the prof is one of those unclear-but-tough-grading types. Therein lies the problem, not the actual subject or class. Just what I infer, Jeremy please correct me if I'm wrong.</p>
<p>Oh, and FYI Jeremy - I did the same thing going from a music/theatre major to a psychology major. WOW am I glad I made the switch!</p>
<p>ughhh I'm dealing with one of those myself right now, so my sympathies
unfortunately, those types of professors seem to show up in various subjects throughout college</p>