My advice to incoming students would be to attend class. I found it very beneficial to attend this particular class because it is not structured the same way most classes are. Notes are not outlined and put on a projector, nor are they written on the board. The notes taken in class are what you feel is important to write down when St. George is lecturing about a particular topic, because he does not write on the board or tell you what is important to note. It is up to you to write down what is most beneficial to you and what is going to help you when you are writing your paper. Furthermore, another reason it would be wise to attend class is so the whole class does not get pushed because students are rarely attending class. Once more than half the class is absent on the same day, class will be mandatory everyday and attendance will be taken. Moreover, once you have more than four unexcused absences, you are automatically dropped from the class, even if your fourth absence is on the last day of class. Attending lab is also very important for learning how to use GSS, also it’s the best time to work on your paper because you have the help of the TA. Speaking of the paper, the sooner you get started on it the better that way you do not have to worry about it at the end of the semester and you have time to do revisions before submitting the final copy. Also any chance you have to better your grade is a good opportunity to take advantage of because there are only two extra credit assignments offered in this class. This course is by far the hardest course I’ve taken at UNM, but going to be well worth it when it is all over and done with. I suggest signing up for the class with someone you know and trust, therefore you can partner up because it makes the class and lab much more tolerable. If there is any information that is unclear I recommend asking either the instructor or TA right away, therefore you do not become lost and confused in the class. Other than the information I provided above I do not see any reason for students not to pass this class. As long as hard work and effort are applied students should get want they want out of this class.

Pay very close attention in lab class. The lab class is the most helpful part of the entire course. Decide your topic early and begin immediately. The paper is difficult to do late in the term. When doing your homework, do it using your variables from your topic it’ll make for a lot less work for you in the long run. If there is someone else in the class you trust to do their fair share, do the paper with a partner it’s easier. Use the tutorials in SPSS, if you’re confused they are incredibly helpful at explaining how to read, understand and interpret your data. It’ll actually take you through step by step on how to run the data the way you need to and how to interpret the numbers. If you start on your paper early e-mail it to St George he’ll give you pointers on what parts you might want to change or alter. But make sure you submit for review with plenty of time to get the feedback and make alterations. Again, another reason why you should start on the paper early. Definitely use the papers on e-reserves for help, it’ll give you a general idea of what he’s looking for.

My advice for the incoming students is to first be familiar with what you have learned in Soc 381. I took 381 a long time ago and it is very difficult to keep up with some of the material. My next bit of advice is to keep up with the assignments. If you fall behind it is very difficult to catch back up. Also take the lab assignments very seriously because you can use them on your final project if they are well done. Make sure you attend classes and pay attention. It is also very important to find a good partner for the project. I would not advise working alone on the final project. Lastly, dont just show up for class. Pay attention and try and take notes whenever possible. And always laugh at St. Georges' jokes! That about covers it. Good luck!