A Personal Perspective Philosophy is unlike most other academic fields and it requires different goals and approaches. This is not infrequently a source of anxiety and frustration for students. The following comments, then, are meant for guidance and encouragement.
Wisdom is something different from knowledge.
I can know when this course is scheduled, but what the wisdom of scheduling it at any particular time might be is another issue entirely. Nevertheless, the goal of studying philosophy is really that of coming to recognize what wisdom is and finding paths to nurturing the pursuit of wisdom in our individual lives. Aristotle believed that leading a good life is fundamentally related to deliberately developing the pursuit and application of practical wisdom as a matter of personal character. Factual knowledge about philosophers, their works, and their times will presumably help us to understand the more elusive goal of wisdom. They are our mentors.