FIU Libraries: IDH-4007 & IDH-4008 Study Away France 2024, Honors College : Syllabus & Writing Tips

Syllabus Tips

To access class information including the syllabus, please go to Canvas and log in to your account.
Before the first class meets, read the entire syllabus (including the boring parts). Highlight the most important sections.
Frequently and throughout the semester read the syllabus again to ensure you fully understand what is expected of you in class. Doing this will increase the amount of information you remember and understand.
Syllabi have common sections -- reading and written required assignments, tests and exams, week-by-week topics and homework, and instructions for writing papers, reflections, and essays. Study and learn each section.
If something in the syllabus is unclear to you, contact your professor. It is your right as a student to have clear expectations and instructions.
Download and save the syllabus and other class documents in a folder on your device.
Be able to access the syllabus during class. The instructor may make changes at any time.

Do I have to logon to the library to access resources? Some publishers require us to login to their resources. If this is needed, you will be prompted with a login link.
Be sure you understand the assignment - selecting a topic, what resources to use to research, what types of materials are allowed (articles, books, videos, etc.) If you are unclear or have questions ask your instructor for clarification about the assignment.
Select your topic -- Opposing Viewpoints in Context is an excellent resource for discovering and reading about topics
Your topic should be manageable:
- Too Broad -- France in the 19th Century
- Too Narrow -- French literature in the 19th Century written in regional dialects about people who farm and are very poor
- Better -- French literature in the 19th Century about rural farming culture

Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Database covering viewpoints on a variety of social topics. It includes articles, topic overviews, government and organizational statistics court cases, profiles, and more.

Third Draft -- re-read for spelling and grammatical errors, if all looks good, submit the paper
Second Draft -- review the first draft, be sure the content flows logically, rearrange in logistical order, be sure citations are accurate, verify that the paper complies with the instructor's requirement
First Draft -- provide a thesis statement for the paper, write freely, be sure to provide citations as you go along

Center for Excellence in Writing
The Center for Excellence in Writing has locations on Green Library MMC and Hubert Library BBC. This is a free service for FIU students.
Center for Academic Success
The Center for Academic Success provides one-to-one tutors in many subjects. This is a free service.

Floor		Resources
One		Center for Academic Success: University Learning/Testing Center Electronic Classroom Broadcast Video Productions Resource for Education Technology UTS - Media Equipment Services Distance Learning Electronic Classroom Instructional Photography & Graphics
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Three		Periodicals & Newspapers Laptop Lounge Honors College Student Resource Center College of Medicine Library Copiers Systems
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Six		Quiet Study Space Group Study Rooms General Collection HJ-L & P-Z Oversized Books
Seven		General Collection A-HG Quiet Study Floor Group Study Rooms
Eight		Library Administration Collection Management Digital Collections Center

Floor		Resources
One		Circulation Course Reserves Intercampus/Interlibrary Loan Information and Research Services Center for Excellence in Writing Communication Arts Studio Computer Labs/Copiers
Two		Microforms Periodicals Juvenile Collection Oversize Collection Video Collection Government Documents Reference Workroom Reference Collection Copiers
Three		General Collection, A-Z Library Administration