These readings will typically be of one of two types. Primary readings , which will come mostly from scientific journals and handbooks, will be descriptions of important empirical and theoretical work in the area. Background readings , which will come primarily from the textbook, may be new for some and refreshers for others. In any case, these readings should provide enough background knowledge to allow everyone to understand and discuss the primary readings. For that reason, attacking the background readings prior to the primary readings is probably a good strategy.
Seminars are less predictable than lecture courses.
When the everyone plunges into the material head-first and is active in the discussions, seminars can be an academic peak experience highly enjoyable and enlightening. Or, if people neglect their responsibilities, seminars can be a painful and awkward grind. Because seminars are a joint effort by the students and the professor, the success of a seminar depends as much on the students as on the professor. There will be two take-home exams during the semester. The midterm exam is tentatively due Tuesday, March 14, while the final exam is due Tuesday, May 2.