<p>Hi, I'm taking Math 104, Econ 51, Compsci 6, Lit 132 (Existentialist Imagination), and Physics 114S (Intro Seminar to Biophysis). Apart from the Physics Class, all other classes have required textbooks listed on the Duke bookstore site. So my question is, are they really that required? I mean, if I go to class regularly, take notes, study the lecture notes, etc., will I still need the textbooks? I ask this because they are really expensive, especially for my Lit 132 class.</p>
<p>Welcome to college. Textbooks are expensive, and unfortunately, they are going to be expensive every semester. In answer to your question, it really depends on the class. I would say definitely for Math 104 and Econ 51. Those are tough classes at Duke, and trust me, you will want the textbook in order to help clarify concepts you may not have understood in lecture. There will probably also be assigned problems in these textbooks as well for these classes. I’m not sure about the other 3. You can go to class the first day and ask the professors if they are absolutely necessary; often times, the textbooks may only serve as references if you need to look something up. The Duke Bookstore allows you to return books up until add/drop period (which is two weeks after classes start). You can just order the books on Amazon or half.com (reasonable prices… 10-60% cheaper than the Duke Store) once school starts. Amazon has a deal that gives complimentary (free) membership to Amazon Prime for an entire year, provided that you provide a student email address (i.e. <a href=“mailto:xxxx@duke.edu”>xxxx@duke.edu</a>). Amazon Prime has free 2-day shipping, so it is awesome. I first recommend talking to the professors on the first day of class or your FACs, and then I suggest you check Amazon or Half.com instead of buying from the Duke bookstore. Be sure to activate your one year of free Amazon Prime membership!</p>
<p>This was one thing I never looked forward to every semester. Go to the first day and the professor will mention what you need. Occasionally Google Books gives a preview.</p>
<p>If you’re in a literature class, you’ll need to, you know, read the literature. So, skipping the books is pretty much non-optional for that course.</p>
<p>I don’t know about Leachman, but Fullenkamp did not require the textbook when I took Econ 51. Yes, it was listed as “required” on ACES/the bookstore website, but it was there just to supplement what we learned in class (aka I actually read the first couple chapters and then didn’t crack it open again for the rest of the semester). All problem sets/homework were created by the professor. Again, don’t know if it’s different for Leachman…but you might want to at least wait until the first day of class before you buy it.</p>
<p>Thanks all!</p>