Tips+for+Success

Tips for success in English 2323


 * **Underline test items or take notes **. Remember that we are going over test items as we work through the text. As I mention these things and their location, underline them or write them down so you’ll know exactly what to study for the exam.


 * **Read about the work and learn the gist of it before reading the work **. Go to a database such as Gale Literature Resource Center and read an overview or explication (a line by line explanation of the work). This will help you to understand the work when you read it. Try doing this with each work. It takes a little extra time but it makes quizzes and exams very easy. See below for information on accessing the Cisco Library Databases.


 * **Read an overview or summary on the internet **. Look for **reliable websites** such as those ending in **.edu** or **.org**. For example, I used Google to search for a summary on “Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Just enter the title in quotation marks, the plus symbol, and the word **overview** or **//summary//** in your search box:
 * Example: “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” + overview **

There are several overviews such as this one by Michael Cummings: []

You will find many summaries such as this one at //StudyGuide.org//: []

Most are __fairly__ accurate. I’ll give you a thorough overview of the work in class, but this will give you all the info you need to read and enjoy it.

You can access the databases from Cisco Library by clicking on your Blackboard page and choosing the **Cisco College Libraries** link on the right side of your screen. If you are off campus, it might ask you for a login and password. Here’s that info: Login: RCC5113 Password: TX76437 (the zip code for Cisco Texas) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 12px;">Note: These are case sensitive
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Accessing the Databases **

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">In the List of Databases, you can choose a general database like **JSTOR** or choose one that focuses on literature. To find the Gale database and the EBSCO database, click on Library of Texas Database and choose either one from the list.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">For example, to find an overview of Coleridge’s “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Go to your Blackboard page and Click on **Cisco College Libraries**.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">From the database list on the left, choose **Library of Texas**.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Click on **Gale Literature Resource Center** (It’s under Books and Literature).
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Type “Rime of the Ancient Mariner” (with quotation marks) in the search box and hit Search.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">When the search results appear, click the tab that reads “Topic and Work Overviews.” The top one is “Overview: Rime of the Ancient Mariner.” Click to read the overview.

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">Here’s a look at the results page:

<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 15px;">