Geog 788(C)

Seminar on graduate student orientation

The purpose of this one credit course is to provide a continuing in-depth orientation for students entering the Geography Department at either the Masters or Ph.D. level. It was been created in response to recommendations from current graduate students. The following is an outline syllabus, which will be refined during the summer.

It is recommended that students taking this course also make every effort to attend the weekly departmental seminar series even if they are not taking it for credit.

Topics will include:

• Presentations at graduate level. (Plus Check with administrative staff to ensure that all students have completed all necessary procedures relating to registration, payroll etc.
• Reading and writing at graduate level.
• Academic standards, honor code and plagiarism.
• Expectations of Ph.D. students. (Optional for non-Ph.D. students)
• Interacting with other members of the department – how to make the most of your contacts
• Meeting with graduate students from other years.
• Developing an impressive CV.
• Attending conferences and giving presentations at conferences.
• Meeting research faculty – research scientists
• Meeting research faculty – faculty research assistants
• Raising money to support your own graduate work.
• How do academic departments work?

The course will be graded according to Pass/Fail.

This one credit class will be taught predominantly in the first half of the semester in 2 hour sessions.