First Year Humanities: How to Excel

Alexander D. Gregor is director of the Centre for Higher Education
Research and Development at the University of Manitoba and co-editor of
Postsecondary Education in Canada: The Cultural Agenda.

Janet Tyson draws on her experiences as a university student and a tutor
and sessional postsecondary instructor in a book aimed at helping
students make the most of the first-year humanities experience. (While
the specific shape of it will differ from institution to institution,
“humanities” normally comprises disciplinary and interdisciplinary
work within the subject areas of language, literature, religion,
philosophy, etc.) She avoids dispensing the kind of information that is
a staple of mainstream “how to succeed at college” books (finding
the best institution, applying, sources of financial assistance, etc.)
to concentrate on exploring the realms of general knowledge in music,
art, film, mythology, symbolism, and imagery. Along the way she offers
practical advice on such topics as preparing for exams, note-taking,
using the library, finding alternative resources, handling lectures, and
researching papers.

Clearly not meant to be a comprehensive guide, First Year Humanities
should be used in conjunction with other sources of information.
Tyson’s concern with more than just “the rules for success”—good
grades and a diploma—makes her book a valuable resource for any
serious aspiring learner.