A Few Notes on Classes

The Academic Routine

We've started to settle into a routine as far as classes are concerned. Our classroom, which is in the EUSA administration building is a little small, but reasonably comfortable. It's a short walk, so even bad weather is pretty easy to handle. Homework has been lighter than I expected - some reading and review of notes, but nothing burdensome.

By far, I'm liking British Life and Culture the best. Dr. Weight is very knowledgeable and discussion comes easy in class. We are to keep a weekly journal in preparation for a lengthy paper. Actually, my interest in British literature and writing this blog will both be very helpful with the task. Others are already planning to write their whole journal at the end - an interesting approach?

Business Dynamics started out nicely, but because Dr. Tudway is a financial specialist, the course has taken a decided turn in this direction. He's not real keen on the textbook we brought over from the States, so he is providing class notes and readings that are essential for discussion each week.

Macro Economics so far, is all lecture. I'm liking it more than Micro, this past fall. The courses are similar to the extent that graphing is essential to understanding economic concepts. The text that we are expected to read is not available from the EUSA library, so we are all a little concerned about test prep. Nigel Knight, the professor, is sooooooooooooo British.

Britons at Work has met less frequently, since it will continue through the semester, and will help put the internship in context as we actually experience the British work setting.

Other than positive reinforcement during class discussion, there won't be much feedback on how we're doing until finals. Two professors are asking to see a proposal or an outline for our papers, and there will be two presentations. Soooo, the in-class experience is about the same as VU. The big change is fewer opportunities to earn grades, to make up for a poor first impression or a misunderstanding on the assignment.