Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

132 ACTIVITY 16: GETTING INVOLVED IN PSU: REQUEST A SYLLABUS OBJECTIVES: PRACTICE APPROPRIATE EMAIL ETIQUETTE BY CONTACTING A PROFESSOR TO REQUEST INFORMATION TASK: REQUEST A SYLLABUS FROM A PROFESSOR Sometimes class descriptors in the class schedule or catalog/bulletin give you enough information to determine if you want to take a specific class. Sometimes, however, students are surprised at the types and amount of work assigned in different sections of the same class. One way to determine if a class you are thinking of taking (or are required to take) is a good fit for you is to ask the professor for the syllabus to the class prior to registration. You may even want to ask two different professors for a syllabus and compare the two syllabi to see which class is the best for you. Not all professors teach the same subject the same way. STEP 1: LOOK ON BANWEB FOR A COURSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE NEXT TERM. 1. Search for classes in your major, degree requirements or general electives. 2. Choose one course. o The professor’s email is part of the course information. STEP 2: EMAIL THE PROFESSOR OF THE COURSE. 1. Review Activity 19: Email Etiquette . 2. Politely explain to the professor that you are interested in the class and why (this information should be short). 3. Include the title of the class and the course number. 4. Forward the email to your Pathways instructor. (Do not CC the Pathways instructor.) STEP4: FOLLOW UP SUMMARY OF THE SYLLABUS (OPTIONAL) This step can be optional or extra credit because professors don’t always have the time to respond to general inquiries. If you do receive a response to your request for a syllabus, complete the following analysis in a brief one-page document: 1. Include the name of the class and the professor. 2. Analyze the syllabus: what materials are required, what types and amounts of reading and writing assignments are required? Are there any presentations or group work? 3. Is it helpful for you to know what is on the syllabus before determining your registration for this, or any, course? 4. Submit analysis to D2L Activities folder.