Plan For Next Semester ... TODAY!

   One of my favorite things is to plan for the upcoming new semester before the old one has officially ended. My eyes light up with the thoughts of diligent studying, well-taken notes, and the constant stream of A+ grades I will receive.

My Last Day At The Call Center

Recently I had to make an important decision concerning my future as a graduate student and a telecounselor here at the University of Texas at Tyler. I figured out by going full time as a graduate student I can graduate by Fall of 2014. However, this will prevent me from continuing here at the UT Tyler Call Center. Let me explain...

My Sad Face

Full Time Grad Student at UT Tyler

This coming fall semester I will embark on a rigorous journey. I will be taking a full load of 9 hours of graduate courses here at the University of Texas at Tyler. I will be taking Renaissance Europe with Dr. Tabri, 20^th Century Europe with Dr. Gajda, and a Seminar Course with Dr. Koster. I have had Dr. Gajda for classes as both an undergrad and as a provisional grad student last Spring. I've also had classes with Dr. Tabri as an undergrad but I've never had Dr. Koster so I’m looking forward to seeing what a class with her is like.

I’ll be taking each of these courses once a week for 3 hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This may not seem like much, but take into account on average the workload is about 1 book and review a week, in addition to a short research paper in each class (short being about 15-20 pages). Along with this, I plan on lecturing a 1945 to present history course on the shift of American politics to the right since World War II. However, the great challenge is presenting the material in a completely unbiased manner.
I may have a lot coming up this semester but I plan on enjoying every minute of it as I did last semester.

A graduate degree has the potential to take you places a Bachelors cannot. However, going for a graduate degree is not for everyone. If you are interested in pursuing such a degree here at UT Tyler it important to first figure out your goals for grad school and what you plan on doing with your degree. Second, discuss these goals with an academic advisor to see what the University can offer you. You'd be surprised at the wide array of graduate programs UT Tyler offers.  Go ahead and take a look for yourself. There might just be something there for you!

Online Classes at UT Tyler

Students entering their first year of the college lifestyle at UT Tyler will find quickly that core level courses can be a little overwhelming.  Whether it is the change in pace from their high school class experiences, or if they are brave enough to take a full class load in their first semester (generally 15 hours), it can be highly stressful for the first-time college student. 

A solution often suggested by the freshman advising staff is for incoming students to take at least one online course through UT Tyler.  This is a great educational opportunity, as it allows you to work at your own pace within certain parameters, and you can finish all of your assignments and tests from the leisure of your own computer.  Most often for freshman at UT Tyler, the recommended online courses are for topics such as humanities, core history courses, and sometimes even science classes through another university.  This blog post will serve as a primer for new students with online classes, as there are often situations where these classes are more than we originally expect.

 

1) Different format, same principle  

First, keep in mind that just because the class is in an online format, it is no less as important as a class that requires you to meet in person with the professor.  An online course has all of the same expectations as a regular course: due dates for assignments, a textbook for you to study, the student should prepare adequately for tests and projects, etc.  Avoid the temptation of thinking less of the class because it is online.  This will result in a grade you will not expect or appreciate on your transcript.

2) PROCRASTINATION IS THE BANE OF ONLINE CLASSES  

I know this from experience.  The student will put off the work that is required from an online class because the class does not actually meet.  AVOID THIS.  Try to have your assignments and tests finished as soon as possible.  Not only do they pile up quickly, but also they accumulate along with the assignments given from in-person classes, making them seem like a lesser priority.  Treat this class like any other; otherwise, it will not be a cheery experience.

3) The professor is not imaginary  

More often than not, the professor for your online course is a UT Tyler faculty member.  Meaning, the person has a pulse, an office, and an opinion about your work, and is paid and lives to assist you with you studies.  Utilize his privilege, as it is possible for you to get overwhelmed with your class and require assistance or guidance.  You will quickly find that this visit could be the deciding factor between getting a B and earning a well-deserved A for the course.

Visit an advisor today for more info!

If you feel like I am missing something, or there is some other concern, I refer you to my third suggestion.  While you are signing on for your online course, see who is leading/teaching the course and go visit them during their office hours!  They will give clarification to anything that you feel is unclear, or answer any other questions that you might have about the course.  Also, feel free to call the UT Tyler Advising Office on campus if you need any suggestions for what online classes are best for you.  Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a freshman advisor; they want to help you!

If you want to see if one of your core classes is available in an online format, remember to check the core curriculum first for UT Tyler entry students, then reference that list to your advisor to set up your schedule. Online classes are convenient, but they still merit the same responsibility as any other college level course.  Remember this when your advisor recommends that you take one during your next semester of classes!

PREVIEW Students Can Learn Anything - Italian History and Cable TV

Students Can Learn From Anything – Italian History and … Cable TV?

   My combined knowledge of Italian history can best be summed up into the following buzz-words: Pizza, World War 2, and Rome. Sadly, limiting a country to such minuscule, almost too-broad-to-be-useful words is a part of my biggest issue with learning History …

Supplemental Instruction at The University of Texas at Tyler is...

       Supplemental Instruction is awesome! Basically, SI is a weekly study session taught by another student for certain, more difficult, classes. The study sessions are taught by students who have previously taken that course, and made a very good grade.
       Last semester none of my classes had a SI leader, but this semester I'm taking history! So I can go to the SI session now if I need help studying anything before tests! Not only can you study for tests, but you can also compare notes with other students, and get a better understanding of what your class is learning!
       Your SI leader, like I said before, is a student who has already taken the class, so they know what to expect out of the class. Also, they regularly sit during your class so that they can see how your professor is teaching!! If you go to your sessions regularly, you have a better chance at making a good grade than people who don't go!
       Last night, I went to my first SI session ever. I went because they were going to be talking about the test that we had today. When I went, I found a lot of resources that I could use to help study for this test! We had everything from a study guide to a practice test available! Honestly, I believe that had I not gone to this session, I would have not even known what to study for. I usually have a difficult time studying, but I have learned a few study tips just by going to SI!
       SI sessions are held every week, and the leader will set up the session according to which times are best for the students. The sessions are very casual! I definitely recommend that you go if there is a session available for your class!!

       Have any of you guys ever gone to SI before? What was your experience like? Leave us a comment below! :)

Life Lessons from Grad School at UT Tyler

About a month ago I posted about the Final Frontier for those interested in an M.A.in History from the University of Texas at Tyler. The Frontier is full of reading books, writing reviews on them, discussing their relevance and importance, and finally constructing a complete historiography on the gathered information. But why do you care? Why do I care? Is anyone honestly still reading this or am I beating a dead horse?

To be perfectly honest I am not the least bit offended if you are bored. Most people are when it comes to history. For most there is a general disregard of important facts that may bore but still are of vital importance. We are a society of which lives on LEGEND and MYTH.

What does this mean? Well, I take this from Robert Wuhl and his “Assume the Position with Mr.Wuhl” film in which he lectures a freshman 1301 course and debunks several myths and fallacies concerning American history. Such as the legend of Paul Revere and his midnight ride. In high school classrooms we base our entire understanding of this event through a poem written nearly 100 years after the fact. If that was the way historians critically analyzed historical events we would be using the musical 1776 to better understand what Thomas Jefferson sounded like when he spoke.

Chandler's Study Tips at UT Tyler!

       Next week, I am going to have my very first history exam since I've been in college! History 1301 is actually my favorite class this semester, but I still am anxious about this upcoming test. I don't know what to expect from the professor, and I know that during tests, I sometimes get anxiety and tend to forget stuff!

Luckily, I find history to be a most interesting subject!
      To help some of you out there who have a hard time studying, I am going to teach you some study habits to keep in mind when studying for a test!

1. Limit your distractions. If a friend asks if you want to hang out, tell them that you have to be a good kid and study for a test. If you end up failing a test and you were with your friends all the time instead of studying, you have yourself to blame. Also, hide all of your electronics from yourself. After studying for a certain amount of time, reward yourself with a little bit of social interaction!
2. Start a study group! Believe it or not, studying with a group of people can actually be effective! You don't get bored as quickly, and hopefully you'll like the people you're studying with! You do not have to study alone if you don't want to!
3. Use flash cards! Sometimes the best study habits are the ones that we've been using for a long time! Flash cards are really good to use for definitions or "formal lists".Turn it into a memory game if you need to!
4. Get good sleep! Studying nonstop for long hours at night can all go to waste without necessary sleep! As a human being, you require sleep and food to operate, so take good care of your body. Remember, you only have one!

Also, we have a Testing Center here on campus! Stop by and get more study advice! 

So there you go, guys! Go do some hardcore studying! Ace that test! Make good grades! Impress your teacher!

Got any study tips that you use? Leave a comment below and tell us all about it!

Ani-What-Now? Anime and You PART 2

Anime and You
PART 2: Deeper Themes & Genres

   In the last blog I got to talk about a small section of the Anime-Cake which included what an “opening animation” was, as well as some genres ( although, obviously, not all of them could be included – I’ll mention some more here … )

Take Advantage!

Whenever I get the chance, I am going to be buying some new music, the soundtrack to this legit musical called 1789:  Les Amants de la Bastille [The Lovers of Bastille], a French production based on the events of Bastille Day, the French independence day.  Were it not for French courses that I took a few years ago, I would not be able to appreciate and understand the music.  (Now I just have to get over to France so that I can actually see the musical. :D)

Every year, there are an increasing number of ways to experience different cultures, both in class and outside of class at UT Tyler.  Here are just a few of these opportunities:

• Language courses:  By learning a new language, you learn about another culture.  On top of that, you get something awesome to put on your resume; as companies continue to expand around the globe, they want bilingual employees.  Here at UT Tyler, you can study Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish, just to name a few.
• Culture classes:  There are several courses with a multicultural focus, including courses in art, English, history, political science, and sociology. Of course, the best way to learn about other cultures is to experience the culture at it's heart, which is possible through UT Tyler's travel-study courses.
• Multicultural Events: The Cowan Center offers numerous events that students may attend for free.  The GATE program schedules a variety of programs with a global focus throughout the year;  the Jazz Band and the Choir offer periodic performances as well.   Many of our own students get to have their artwork displayed at the Meadows Gallery, which is open to students free of charge.  If those do not pique your interest, then there are also lots of student organizations to participate in to broaden your horizons.

As you can see, there are lots of opportunities to explore the world around you right on your own university; try to take advantage of these opportunities if you can! :)

Are You Excited About Any Classes?

For the first time in my collegiate career I am truly exited about a class I am about to take. Now don't get my wrong, I've had plenty of classes that I have found interesting but there has never been a class that has stuck out as truly extraordinary. Until now.

Tomorrow at 12:30 I will begin my 20th Century Presidential Leadership class with Dr. Linehan,. She only offers it during the fall semester of election years as the main focus of the class will be on the current election. Now I know a lot of you are thinking that this class will just be one non-stop headache of yelling and chair throwing but that won't be the case. It will be mostly screaming and desk throwing...

Tune in this semester as I will be talking about this class in great detail as it will become known as THE BEST CLASS EVER!!!!!

Life Cheat # 19404: If you park in a reserved spot on campus you're gonna have a bad time.

Beginning of the End or End of the Beginning?

Tomorrow will be the last “first day of the semester” I have as an undergrad. In December I plan on walking down the aisle to accept my diploma and quickly jump back into the world of academia with graduate school. I’ll most likely stay here in Tyler where I am comfortable and already acclimated with the History Department and its faculty. I’ll write my thesis, get my masters, and then I’ll be on my merry way to continue my education by receiving a PhD……. Mmmmmmmmmm, It tastes so scholarly.

History Honors Organization (Phi Alpha Theta)

Recently one of my history major friends (yes we have friends) thought it would be a great idea to start a Phi Alpha Theta student organization here on campus. Phi Alpha Theta is a national honor society which recognizes excellence in the study of history. The organization would be open to those currently in Phi Alpha Theta while encouraging others to join earlier in college since most History students are not admitted until their last semester. So, if you are an incoming Freshman or current student don't hesitate to look into Phi Alpha Theta. It is a wonderful organization which can be used as a great asset when applying for graduate school.

Life Cheat #59024: wood chucks don't chuck wood. They politely place it where it belongs.

151 Days Until I Graduate

Tomorrow I will be visiting the cashier's office to pay for my application for graduation in the fall. I will then go to the enrollment services center to fill out the proper paper work. I would like to think that my scholarly career shall coming to an end as I join the real world but that is not the case. I plan on taking the Miller Analogies Test and apply to the History Masters program they have here at UT Tyler.

I have been told by many people that it is great that I am planning on going directly into grad school right after I graduate since I will already be in school mode. So the transition will be nice and easy for me. I actually can't wait to start my last semester as a college student.

I will strut the halls like no other. I will stand tall above papers, exams, and the various group projects. Then when December 15th turns it's weary head I will say neigh to the papers! Neigh to exams! Neigh to group projects! For at that moment they will no longer have any power over me. Take that JARETH!!!!!!

Life Cheat #904296: You remind me of the babe. What babe? The babe with the power. What power? The power of Voodoo. Who do? You do! Do what? You remind me of the babe....

Cancelled Summer I Class: Tragedy Averted

It's Sunday night. I decide to look at my email to see if my Middle Eastern Politics professor has sent anything out before the first day of class. Instead of a welcome message I received a horrifying display that I only remember saying "CLASS CANCELLED". My heart immediately sinks and springs up into my throat just long enough to censor the many expletives I want to share with my computer screen. See, I really need this class to graduate in the fall.

Things Not To Say To a History Major... Especially during Finals Week

Yes ladies and gentlemen... That is Teddy Roosevelt fighting Sasquatch. The only way this could be more American is if Sasquatch was replaced with Jane Fonda. Anyway, fellow blogger Megan Allen recently wrote about things you should never say to an English Major the week before finals. I read it, laughed with it, and agreed with it to its entirety. Liberal Arts Majors have always been misunderstood or shunned as lower majors in comparison to things such as engineering and that whole nursing thing this school has
 (One of the best around I might add).

 History majors get a lot of flack as well for seeming to be an easy major. to all of those who are agree with this I have some bad news for you. There is no such thing as an easy major. Each field of study has the same relative amount of work that goes along with it. So here is my short list of things not to say to a History Major... Especially during finals week.

History Banquet

 

On Friday the 13th (oh dear) the History Department at the University of Texas at Tyler will be holding their annual banquet At Traditions Restaurant in Tyler. This is held each year to initiate new members (including yours truly) into Phi Alpah Theta. For those of you who are not aware Phi Alpha Theta is this... Yeah I don't feel like typing it all on here. Look it up yourself Mrs./Mr. Lazypants. The Webb Historical Society will also be giving a short presentation on what it is they do... which is this. (Yep, yet it again it's time to get off your lazy bum and look it up yourself) Besides that this will give students and families alike to speak with the history department faculty. This event is open to all students at The University of Texas at Tyler. If you would like more information on the event or would like to RSVP please send an e-mail to Dr. Gajda at pgajda@uttyler.edu.

And now....... The Strokes.

Life Cheat #45873: Never under any circumstances should you trust a bald barber.