<p>Tomorrow I'm having my first lecture of a class called Media Literacy. The professor is supposed to be really good so I'm excited for that, and on top of that she wrote a book that I'm reading right now (it wasn't assigned for class, I was just interested) on how the media reports on terrorism. I'm planning on adding a Terrorism Studies minor so I'm super interested in the topic, and at some point I'd love to talk to her about the book. The thing is, I'm still only about 60 pages in and I don't have any specific questions, so while I like the idea of talking to her about her book, I don't know if it's the right thing to do since I don't have a plan for it. Do people often talk to professors about their work, even if it's not related to the class they're enrolled in? How would I go about doing this? I know this might seem obvious, I'm kind of socially awkward and not sure how to handle this so any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Absolutely appropriate to talk to the professor about the book she wrote. I would recommend you come up with some question, or some discussion point at least. You might start with something like “I am interested in XXX and I know you wrote book YYY which I was reading. What do you think about ZZZ from the book?” </p>
<p>As for when to ask her, I would recommend in person if possible. After class or in her office hours if she announces them would be best. A lot of the time, especially right in the beginning of the class, no one will show up to office hours. </p>
<p>I think this is a great way to build a rapport with a professor.</p>
<p>Professors LOVE it when you talk to them outside of class. Even if the topic is not something discussed in class, they like to see engaged students. I’ve asked professors advice before on things completely unrelated to class, and they still gave me their undivided attention. If you show her that you’re interested in a topic that she specializes in, she’ll be able to help you throughout and potentially after your time as a student. </p>
<p>On a slightly separate note, if you’re ok with it, what’s the name of the book? It sounds interesting…</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice guys! I’ll definitely try to find a way to talk to her, maybe next week so I have time to scan the book for questions about it I may have or topics I want to discuss further. And Scutrules, the book is “Packaging Terrorism” by Susan Moeller :)</p>
<p>That’s one of the most flattering things you can do/say to a professor. It’s a great way to start building relationships and networking, as well.</p>
<p>Ok one issue: I agree I should talk to her, but it’s a lecture class but I don’t think there are office hours (we’re supposed to go to our TAs with questions or that’s the sense I got in my first class today) so where should I go to try to talk to her? I know people are different one on one than they are talking to a class but I’m a bit intimidated to approach her…</p>
<p>Email her if there are no posted office hours. There should be some on the syllabus (even in TA class, my professors have welcomed questions).</p>
<p>I’m gonna disagree with the others - you really shouldn’t go and barge your way in and talk to the prof when you’ve only read 60 pages. Finish the book, maybe read it again, and then go. You want to make a good first impression.</p>
<p>Many profs aren’t as interested in ‘making connections’ with students as people like to think.</p>
<p>^My profs were always happy to talk to students. And I went to one of those big, bad public universities, lol.</p>
<p>My parents are professors (one at a big public uni, the other at a nearby private) so I heard a lot of their conversations etc.</p>
<p>They were happy to talk to students, especially seniors who might know a bit, but they hated brown-nosers who were obviously there to ‘make connections’ and not genuinely interested in the subject. An undergraduate talking to a prof should do mostly listening, not talking.</p>
<p>Wait until you’ve finished the book, then make an attempt to talk to her. If you’re genuinely interested in what she’s done, then it’ll come across in your conversation.</p>