<p>I was wondering if it would be viable to ask a professor planned to teach a Spring 2014 class what topics and how he will cover in the class and how the class will generally be conducted?
I am basically inquiring the things to-be on the syllabus, but I would not ask for that since the teacher probably never even started on it yet or is still deeply revising it (this teacher never taught the class before and I do not find any reviews on his teaching methods at all, or any past syllabuses he has).</p>
<p>If it is feasible to ask a professor this, and if so, how would you word it via email?</p>
<p>I want to ask the professor this since registration at my school never started yet and I want to get an idea of the class before it actually begins. Switching class after school starts would mean an entire haul of my current schedule.</p>
<p>Thank you CC!</p>
<p>you could ask for the 2013 spring syllabus and if he’s planning on making any major changes or if that would be generally representative of 2014.</p>
<p>^ OP said it was the prof’s first time teaching the class, so he won’t have last year’s version. However, that’s still an excellent idea! Ask him for a syllabus from one of his other classes (preferably one that’s similar) so that you can get an idea of his teaching style. </p>
<p>If he doesn’t respond or something, maybe check if the Department’s office has copies on file. Or see if you can find people who have had him before. (maybe ask your advisor for other majors’ emails and ask around. I’ve done this before with a study abroad program and a certain advisor’s lack of efficiency with the whole experience)</p>
<p>Given that you also want to get a sense of his teaching style, my suggestion would be to stop by during office hours to ask your question rather than email. That way, you can get a better read on his personality.</p>
<p>Expressing interest in the class should be enough to open the door. The thing to avoid would be any hint that you’re trying to avoid hard work or something. ;)</p>
<p>I did this once. I found him after one of his classes and said “Hey, I’m interested in taking Civil War Lit with you next semester- do you happen to know which books you’re planning on teaching? Or do you have any other information about the class?”</p>
<p>I think this would be a question best asked in person. I’d look up their office hours and stop in to ask a few questions about it.</p>
<p>Just tell them that you’re considering taking the class, but want to know a little more about the structure of it. Ask if they have a book picked out, or any kind of rough syllabus. I’d imagine they’ll at least have a good idea of the main points that would be incorporated into the course.</p>
<p>You could also do this over email, but I feel like a professor would be more inclined to give a thorough answer in person, rather than having to type it all out.</p>
<p>I emailed a professor asking this and they were happy to respond. Another thing I do is go to my college bookstore website and look up what the textbooks are for classes I am interested in. Then I try to download a sample from an online bookstore and read user reviews about how good the textbooks are.</p>