<p>I've been looking at the course roster for Fall 2008 and I noticed that some courses, like MATH 171, have a sub-course labeled "DIS". I assume that means dissertation. Well, I have no clue what a dissertation is. Could somebody explain? Is that something you are required to go to?</p>
<p>DIS stands for discussion, which is a smaller meeting of your class, usually about 20 people and run by a graduate teaching assistant. They are generally used to go over topics in lecture, problem sets, and practice tests; some discussion sections will include taking quizzes and, as the name implies, having a discussion about some topic. Whether section is required will depend on the class- I’m a social sciences major, so most of mine have been required; others are voluntary but usually helpful. My Econ 101 and 102 TAs have both been fabulous, so I never miss section.</p>
<p>In all the classes I took that had a section, attendance and participation was required and usually counted for 10% of the grade. Section is helpful as it is a chance to interact with a knowledgeable person in a smaller setting and your peers will often ask questions you never thought of…so it’s a great way to consider the material in a new way and prepare for exams or papers.</p>