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5 Tips for POL 352

Deep breaths, you can do it.

May 22, 2017

This spring semester (2017) I took the feared POL 352 class with Dr Neikirk. I was nervous and it was indeed stressful. However, I managed to slide out of there with a B-. Here, fellow warriors, are my tips for surviving POL 352.

1. Read the Material

Yep, that's right friends, NO skipping out. Yes, I had a friend who didn't read much for the course and did well. SHE IS THE EXCEPTION. Read your material.

2. Take Notes

I don't care if you have the verbal retention of genius proportions. Write down EVERYTHING that man says. I wrote down some of his crazy examples because they stuck out to me and really helped me to recall a particular person/theory/idea.

3. Choose Your Group Carefully

You will do debates in front of the classroom. Choose your group wisely, find hard working individuals. My group decided to have three people research while one person wrote it--it's up to you. For your rebuttal: think AHEAD. While making your arguments, think about their counterargument. Bring notes and a prepped rebuttal. This way you're not overwhelmed on the spot.

4. Note Cards

I have never EVER been a note card type of person. I hate them. However, I NEEDED them for Poli Sci. I recommned having detailed cards, but also general topics. Make a flash card that just says a theorists name so that you learn to remember everything about him. Also make a flash card that says "theorists who support ____" that way you can remember that said theorist falls under one category or another.

5. Seek Help

After every test I went to Dr. Neikirk and asked him to interpret his writing so that I knew what I needed to do for the next exam. I ran periodical reviews by my friends until I was sure I knew what I was doing. I also had friends to vent to when the class overwhelmed me.

By doing these five things, I managed to get a B- in POL 352. It's a class thee requires attentiveness. It's not impossible and Neikirk is not that terrifying (I promise). Read the material, pay attention in class, and put time into studying.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Tips for POL 352

Deep breaths, you can do it.

1. Read the Material

2. Take Notes

3. Choose Your Group Carefully

4. Note Cards

5. Seek Help

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This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face

Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket

Pop Twelve White Grapes

Burn Something

Smash Things Against a Wall

Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig

Call Your Mother

Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window

Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs

Do Some Squats

Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water

Take a Shot

Time to be merry and bright.

"First Noel" by Leslie Odom, Jr

"A Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Kelly Clarkson

"All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey

"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" by Michael Buble

"Last Christmas" by Taylor Swift

"The Christmas Song" by Josh Groban

"White Christmas" by Idina Menzel

"O Holy Night" by David Archuleta

"Believe" by Josh Groban

"Les cloches du hameau" by Celine Dion

Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

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10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

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