August 4, 2009

When you spend the majority of your time sitting in class or laying on the couch studying, it’s easy to start to lead a sedentary life. While being on the soccer team might have kept you active in high school, in college you may find that you have to make more of an effort to get your heart rate up. If you want to stay healthy in college, it is important that you get plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, when it comes to exercise, most college students do not get enough.

In "Physical Activity and Public Health: Updated Recommendations for Adults," the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association recommended that adults do moderate-intensity cardio or aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week, or vigorous-intensity cardio or aerobic for at least 20 minutes on 3 or more days a week. According to these recommendations, the majority of college students are not getting the exercise they need to stay healthy. In the fall 2009 National College Health Assessment, the American College Health Association reported that 43.6 percent of students met the recommendations for moderate or vigorous exercise, or a combination of both. More male students, 50.4 percent, than females, 39.9 percent, met these recommendations.

When it came to exercising at a moderate-level intensity in the past seven days, 18.2 percent of students reported they exercised three to seven days, 55.1 percent one to four days, and 26.7 percent did not exercise at all. Vigorous-level intensity exercises within the past seven days were completed three to seven days of the week by 26.4 percent of students, one to two days by 30.2 percent, and 43.5 percent of students reported that they did not exercise at all.

Although students do not get as much exercise as they should, the majority do not have a problem when it comes to weight. The assessment found that according to Body Mass Index, 61.8 percent of students were at a healthy weight with a BMI in-between 18.5 to 24.9. Of those at a healthy weight, 58.5 percent were male and 63.8 were female. A smaller percentage of students, 21.2 percent, were considered overweight with a BMI in-between 25 to 29.9, and of these students, 26.1 percent were male and 18.4 percent were female. But even though you may not have a weight problem, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t break a sweat. Exercising regularly will not only improve your health, but it will also help you in school by improving your concentration, stress, and energy levels.

August 3, 2009

By Donna Scott

As a modern day library student, you’re probably excited about discovering and experimenting with the new tools and systems that have changed the way we find, receive and catalog information. But with all of the new technology out there, it can be hard to keep track of everything beyond your own niche field of study. This collection of library and information technology blogs have changed that, and now you’ll be able to learn about all of the trends, developments, tools and resources available to librarians in every niche.

Technology and Education

Discover how technology is changing the way we learn in the classroom and in libraries.

1. Wired Librarian: Karen Kliegman is the Library Media Specialist at her elementary school and shares thoughts on library conventions, blogging, information literacy, and more.
2. Free Range Librarian: K.G. Schneider is Community Librarian for Evergreen open-source library software, and she blogs about writing, tech toys, and more.
3. Information Wants to Be Free: Meredith Farkas is the distance learning librarian at Norwich University. Learn about how libraries work in a distance learning environment from her posts.
4. Librarians Matter: This blog discusses how new technology systems can be used in libraries.
5. Libraryman: This young librarian likes stirring up new ideas and controversial new technology systems and trends for libraries.
6. LibrarianInBlack: Here, tech librarians will find all kinds of resources and discussions about keeping up with technology trends and developments.
7. ALA TechSource Blog: This multi-author blog contains information about ways to bring your library into the 21st century and beyond.
8. LITA Blog: The Library and Information Technology Association blogs here.
9. info-fetishist: Anne-Marie Deitering is the Franklin McEdward Professor for Undergraduate Learning Initiatives at Oregon State University Libraries, and she blogs about emerging web technologies and systems.
10. Theoretical Librarian: This blog reports on new technology systems and how they may or may not be able to be used in libraries.
11. iLibrarian: The OEDb’s Library blog is full of tech tips for librarians.
12. MichaelZimmer.org: For news and analysis on privacy, surveillance, new media, ethics and technology, check out this blog.
13. Peter Scott’s Library Blog: Peter Scott blogs about Google books, e-learning, web archiving, and more.
14. The Handheld Librarian: Librarians submit articles about computers and technology to this blog.
15. Blog without a library: Learn about library and tech news and trends from Blog without a library.
16. The Ubiquitous Librarian: Brian Mathews blogs about media, design, the future of libraries, and more.
17. Hey Jude: Follow this blog if you want to discover more about "learning in an online world."
18. Social Networking Librarian: Find out if social networking is something you want to encourage in your library or not.
19. Connie Crosby: This Canadian law librarian is up-to-date on social media, e-commerce and more.
20. Tame the Web: On Tame the Web, Michael Stephens and his guest bloggers cover library 2.0, librarians and leadership, and more.
21. Library clips: Here, a librarian blogs about wikis, blogging, and social media.
22. The Uncommon Commons: Visit this blog for "library and IT-related commentary" from an information commons "hub" librarian.
23. Disruptive Library Technology Jester: This blog comes from a library technologist who loves straddling the line between traditional librarianship and technology.
24. What I Learned Today: Librarians learn valuable web 2.0 and programming tips from this blog.

School and Academic Librarians

Librarians who work in schools and at colleges and universities will find plenty of resources for developing new programs from these blogs.

25. The Kept-Up Academic Librarian: Academic librarians visit this blog to keep up with the news and developments in higher education and libraries.
26. ALSC Blog: The Association for Library Service to Children blogs about children’s literature, technology, the Internet and children, and more.
27. YALSA: Get podcasts, technology posts and more from the Young Adult Library Services Association blog.
28. How the University Works: Academic librarians can better understand the changing landscape of the needs and demands of higher education here.
29. copy this blog: This blog tackles a range of issues relevant to higher education librarians including copyright, censorship, critical information theory, library policies, privacy, and more.
30. The Gypsy Librarian: The Gypsy Librarian covers topics relevant to wandering spirits and academic librarians.
31. Academic Librarian: Check out this blog from the Philosophy & Religion Librarian at Princeton University.
32. Library Grits: Dianne McKenzie is a lifelong learner and school librarian who shares tips for getting students involved in reading, research and technology.

Library Issues and Advocacy

From unions to the Library Bill of Rights to copyright issues to privacy and surveillance, these blogs cover important developments in the future of librarianship and information.

33. Ben’s Bytes: Ben is a public librarian in Wichita, KS, who blogs about the future of libraries.
34. Library Juice: Check out this intriguing blog for analysis and commentary "on the intersection of libraries, politics, and culture."
35. banned librarian: Librarians who support social activist groups and causes can find information, resources and allies here.
36. Librarian Activist: Keep up with the business and social trends impacting librarians.
37. Librarian.net: This blog covers everything from information developments, Library Bill of Rights, a day in the life of a librarian, book burning, and more.
38. collectanea: Learn about copyright issues, intellectual property and more.
39. Concerned Librarians of British Columbia: Stay current on the issues and crises affecting librarianship in Canada and beyond.
40. In the Library With the Lead Pipe: Six librarians from different niche industries maintain this blog to talk about the future of libraries, their jobs, and more.
41. The Green Library: Learn ways to make your library more energy efficient, user-friendly and generally green.
42. Library of Congress Blog: In addition to posts about Library of Congress news and exhibits, this blog has lots of great resources and stories about information literacy, technology, and the future of libraries.
43. Closed Stacks: Closed Stacks is a multi-author blog about library school, librarianship, technology, academic libraries, and more.
44. Designing Better Libraries: Find out how innovative design and new media can change the way your library operates.
45. The Society for Librarians Who Say Motherfucker: This community blog will help you stay in touch with the rants and ravings of librarians, patrons, technicians, library school students and more.
46. Resource Shelf: Librarians, journalists, educators and other information professionals can turn to this blog for news about their industries.
47. Library Law Blog: Learn about issues like privacy, public domain, new library technologies, and more.
48. Union Librarian: Librarians passionate about labor rights and the union should follow this blog.
49. Library Garden: Librarians with different perspectives blog about the future of libraries and the need to make them relevant again.

Research and Reference

These blogs serve as resources for reference and research librarians, as well as for librarians who want to learn about being published.

50. ACRL Insider: This is the blog from the Association of College and Research Libraries.
51. A Library Writer’s Blog: This blog contains resources for librarians who want to publish articles and network with the greater librarian community.
52. Blogging@NYPL: The New York Public Library blog highlights how libraries are sources of information and reference.

Innovation and Information

The future of libraries depends on the innovation of educators, librarians and technology professionals. Read all about what’s next from the people who are planning for the future.

53. Virtual Dave…Real Blog: This blog comes from Dave Lankes, associate professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies.
54. The Googlization of Everything: Find out how Google has impacted the way we retrieve information.
55. if:book: Discover the future of the book from this blog.
56. The Travelin’ Librarian: Michael Sauers is the Technology Innovation Librarian for the Nebraska Library Commission and has written books and articles about technology and education.
57. Derivative Work: Laura Quilter is a librarian and information activist. Read her blog for news and developments about authority, autonomy and more.
58. Open Access News: Keep up with open information and open source by following this blog.
59. The Other Librarian: This blog comes from a regarded library innovator, Ryan Deschamps, e-Learning Services Manager at the Halifax Public Libraries.
60. DIY Librarian: Tara Murra is a blogging librarian who promotes "librarianship for the people" and covers topics like open source, alternative information systems, and more.
61. Musings about librarianship: Follow this blog to keep up with the new methods libraries can use to help patrons find information.
62. From the Library Director’s Desk: This tenured public library director helps other librarians learn how to harness the power of technology.
63. Stephen’s Lighthouse: Stephen is the SirsiDynix Vice President of Innovation, and he blogs about how libraries can embrace technology, the Internet and social media.
64. Open Sesame: This blog is all about open source and information.
65. No Shelf Required: Find out how the ebook movement impacts your library and your patrons.
66. jandawson.net: Recent posts from this blog cover the information age, innovation, and more.
67. The Brewin’ Librarian: Matt Hamilton writes about emerging technologies, next generation libraries, and more.
68. in forming thoughts: This young librarian writes about web tools and sites for librarians, library camp, and other new library trends and developments.
69. Information Literacy Weblog: This blog brings readers all the information literacy news from around the world.
70. The Keyword Blog: Become more fluent in the language of the information age when you visit The Keyword Blog.
71. Planet Cataloging: This aggregated blog network shares news about cataloging and metadata.
72. Extensible Librarian: This blog comes from the Assessment Librarian for the University of Pittsburgh.
73. Library Bazaar: Learn about library issues like social media and technology from Library Bazaar.

Reading and Literature Blogs

Keep up with new literature and get ideas for encouraging your patrons to read from these bloggers.

74. Booklist: The Booklist blog contains resources and reviews for audiobooks, book awards, book lists, and more.
75. book/daddy: Jerome Weeks is an experienced book critic and arts producer for the NPR/PBS station in Dallas-Fort Worth.
76. Critical Mass: Critical Mass is the blog of the National Book Critics Circle Board of Directors.
77. Blogs on Criticas Magazine: Librarians, educators and booksellers connect on this blog to learn about Spanish-language and Hispanic interest books, authors and more.
78. Welcome to my Tweendom: Young adult librarians can learn about new books and children’s authors here.
79. So Many Books: Get reviews of entire archives and collections from this blog, with a few posts about librarianship sprinkled in.
80. Bookslut: Bookslut is a popular blog that features interviews and book reviews.
81. Paper Cuts: The New York Times book blog is a great resource for keeping up with new authors.
82. Ready Steady Blog: Get book reviews, author interviews and more.
83. Bryan’s Book Blog: This book blog covers a range of genres, and relates classics to worthwhile movie versions.
84. The Book Lady’s Blog: This young bookkeeper reviews fiction, memoirs, nonfiction and other books.
85. Sammy and Beckett’s Book Blog: Learn about modern and contemporary authors, genres and trends from Sammy and Beckett’s Book Blog.
86. Mark’s Contemporary Literature Blog: Become well-versed in the contemporary literature your library needs to stock by following this blog from Mark Flanagan.

Media and Communication

Learn how librarians can collaborate with media and other communication tools and methods from these blogs.

87. Connectivism: Learn about networking and social media in an education and library context here.
88. Public Knowledge: Learn how to prepare for the future of digital media and communications by checking out this blog.
89. TeleRead: Bring the E-Books Home: This blog covers publishing, media and e-books.

Professional Blogs

Follow these library association and librarian blogs for official information and to find out what it’s like to work as a modern day librarian.

90. Librarian’s Rant: This reference librarian attempts to keep up with the changing library landscape.
91. The LibVocate: This blog promotes librarianship and information literacy.
92. ALA Weblog Service: The American Library Association blog covers news in politics, libraries, education, and from all other ALA blogs.
93. AL Inside Scoop: Follow the blog from the American Libraries magazine here.
94. The Days and Nights of the Lipstick Librarian!: This hip librarian is anything but the stuffy old stereotype.
95. Lauren’s Library Blog: Lauren Pressly is the author of So You Want to Be a Librarian and blogs about the future of libraries.
96. Accidentally Curious: This young librarian discusses modernizing your library and making it more appealing to a new generation of readers and researchers.
97. Attempting Elegance: Jenica Rogers-Urbanek is a library director and self-proclaimed geek who likes sharing what it’s like to work as a librarian.
98. 025.431 The Dewey blog: Brush up on your Dewey Decimal classification knowledge here.
99. Bilingual Librarian: Read this blog to learn about the collections and systems that make the world’s top libraries so special.
100. Head Tale: This librarian blogs about everything from library science to writing to the "spirit of librarianship."

August 1, 2009

An online bachelors degree is not the debilitating force many people assume it to be, but can be the ticket to a lifelong career change for many students.  Online bachelor’s degrees offer students the opportunity to expand their knowledge from home and earn a degree without shifting their work or family schedule.  Employers understand this and recognize the devotion that comes with getting this type of degree and the hardships a traditional degree would cause many students.

Bachelor’s degrees are needed more than ever before to secure a job in this type of economy and any method you can use to get one is accepted by most employers.  The only thing that should matter is whether the school has accreditation, and with the increase of online schools, this is an important thing many employers consider in their hiring process.  The economy has opened up many new possibilities for people who have been laid off from their jobs: online education has offered them the chance to go back to school and earn a new degree for a fraction of the cost of attending traditional school classes.  With the easy flexible schedule of online schools, many students are additionally able to hold down a side job or career while still attending classes.

An online bachelor’s degree no longer carries with it the stigma of a lesser degree like it did only a few years ago.  As more and more students have enrolled in online classes, the popularity of online degree programs has risen to unprecedented levels.  As a result, more employers are open to hiring students from online universities because their degree programs are now more comparable to traditional university degrees.  Online university students no longer have to have a stigma of graduating from an online university, but instead have the pride that they have a degree in this economy and still managed to have a full-time job while attending classes.

The new emergence of online education has transcended education boundaries like never before and we have even begun to see online education for children in the elementary levels, an indication of how wide-spread and accepted these programs have become.  Because online colleges were the initial start of online education, they have evolved the fastest into a widely accepted program that is suitable for students from all walks of life and in any situation. 

July 28, 2009

As a college student, your online identity is in a vulnerable time. You should be working to make sure it’s what you’d like to present to future employers, professors, and colleagues, but at the same time, your friends probably want to share photos of you at the latest party. Here’s a guide to keeping a good online reputation while still having fun.

Google yourself. First things first, you need to see what you’re up against. If you have an obscure name, most of the results probably relate to you, but if you’re Jane Smith, they may not apply to you at all. Check out the links on Google to see what’s already out there on you and consider how satisfied you are with the results-you may want to find a way to change them.

Create quality content. Many top networking sites rank highly on Google, so by sharing pictures, writing, and other content that best represents you, you may be able to edge out other results that you’d rather not be associated with your name.

Join social networks right away. As soon as you hear about a new social networking site, jump on and claim your name before anyone else does. This way, you’ll be able to better control what’s said in your name, and won’t be mistaken for someone else.

Register your domain name. Check to see if your name is taken as a .com domain. If it’s not, snap it up as soon as you can. You can use this site to create an online resume, link to your best work online, and make sure that no one else can control this slice of the Web. If your name is not available, you can set up an alert to be notified when it comes up, or you can contact the owner to purchase it.

Make a Google profile. Most everyone will Google you first to find out the real story on you, so any way you can control your Google results helps. Using this profile, you can ensure that the links you want to share will be a part of the search results for your name.

By thinking carefully about managing your image, you can make a difference in the reputation that’s shared about you online. Taking a few simple steps can save you from embarrassment and missed opportunities later, so don’t hesitate to get started today.

With essays, complicated applications, and expensive fees, you probably do not have the time or the money to apply to every college you have some interest in. Try to narrow down your list of schools and pick the right one for you by considering majors, prices, and personalities.

Pick the right college by major. The most important part about college is what you will be studying, so it is important that you find colleges that offer degree programs that interest you. If you have always known that you want to be a scientist then look for the best colleges you can for it and take a detailed look into the specifics of the degree programs they offer. Even if you have no idea what type of career you want to pursue, you probably know what you like to learn about. If you equally enjoy learning about liberal arts and human sciences, find colleges that offer programs in both of those areas. Narrow down your list of colleges by majors and then compare each of them to help you decide which one may be the best fit for you.

Pick the right college by price. While your education is not something you want to buy cheap, you also need to be realistic when it comes to your financial situation. Some schools are significantly more expensive than others, and it will not matter how good of a degree program one has if you cannot afford to complete it. Search for colleges by tuition prices and determine which ones might be a possibility for you. But keep in mind that there are many financial aid opportunities out there that can help make your college dreams possible, so if you really like a particular university contact their financial aid office and see what they can offer you.

Pick the right college by personality. You will be spending the next few years of your life at the school you enroll in, so it is important to make sure that you love it. Take a trip and visit the schools you are the most interested in. Once you are on a campus you can get a better idea of how your personality fits within the school’s personality. Tour the campuses and learn more about each school’s traditions, history, and values. As a student you will be spending countless hours on campus so it is important that you are inspired by it.

Parents and teachers alike can list several benefits and drawbacks for students being homeschooled during primary and secondary education. But what can a homeschooled student expect when they begin attending college?

Of course, attending college for the first time can be exciting and stressful at the same time, but for homeschooled students, these emotions might be magnified. By being homeschooled, these students are not used to the same type of teaching or the same environment as students who were educated in a traditional school. For example, homeschooled students are not used to learning in large classrooms filled with many other students. This can mean added distractions and added pressure to stay focused. With a much larger teacher to student ratio in college, homeschooled students may also feel overwhelmed and isolated, as they are less connected to their professors and have had less social interactions than non-homeschooled students. Also, those who were homeschooled are generally used to having their parents’ or tutors’ supervision, as well as an enforced study schedule. This can leave homeschooled student unable to manage their study time effectively in college and to also rebel without their parents’ watchful eye.

On the flip side of this argument, it is proven that homeschooled students can be better prepared academically for college than those who attend public or private primary and secondary schools. According to this study, Academic Statistics on Homeschooling, by the Home School Legal Defense Association, students that are homeschooled actually outperform their public school counterparts by 30-37 percentile points in all subjects. These statistics might indicate that homeschooled students are more advanced in their studies, which would leave them academically better prepared for college coursework. Also, many homeschooled students have already overcome any learning or studying disabilities they may have thanks to the hands on teaching of their parents or tutors. Many traditional students only discover what study and learning environments work best for them when they enter college, like studying in a quiet library versus studying with peers in a group.

While there are pluses and minuses to being homeschooled early in life, it can leave those students ill-prepared for the independence and rigors of college life. Taking steps that ensure their success like maintaining a strict study schedule, joining a formal study group, meeting with professors and teaching assistants and simply being aware of their potential hurdles, can really ease the transition from being a homeschooled student to a well-adjusted and successful college student.

July 27, 2009

Whether you’re in school to become a comparative literature professor, fiction writer or just enjoy literature, you’ll find that it’s hard to fit into your schedule every kind of literature course you’d like to take. Luckily, in your spare time, you can take a look at these Ivy-League literature courses, lectures and reading lists to give you an edge in your studies or next book club meeting and allow you the opportunity to explore all the stories, poetry, authors and themes you want.

Classic, Medieval and Renaissance

Study the classics, medieval and Renaissance literature, including works by Homer, Virgil, Dante, and Christopher Marlowe in this list.

1. Foundations of Western Culture: Homer to Dante: In this course, discover what defines works, symbolism and ideas as being classical or Medieval. [MIT]
2. Literature and Ethical Values: This course was designed to help students analyze classical literature by applying an ethical philosophy. [MIT]
3. Classical Literature: The Golden Age of Augustan Rome: Readings in this course include works by Cicero, Horace, and Virgil. [MIT]
4. Medieval Literature: Dante, Boccaccio, Chaucer: Here you’ll study great writers by reading the Decameron and the Troubador. [MIT]
5. Renaissance Literature: By reading works by Christopher Marlowe, Francis Drake, John Donne and Vespucci, you’ll gain an understanding of the era’s major themes. [MIT]
6. The Homeric Odyssey and the Cultivation of Justice: Learn all about the culture, themes and significance of The Odyssey here. [Harvard]
7. Classics in Western Philosophy: Study the literature and philosophies of Plato, Aristotle and Descartes that ultimately shaped Western traditions. [MIT]
8. Classics Faculty: Get podcasts from the Classics department at Oxford covering classical literature, Roman comedy, and more. [University of Oxford]
9. The Bible: Study the Bible as a work of literature. [MIT]
10. Virgil’s Aeneid: Analyze each part of Virgil’s famous work here. [Stanford]
11. The Ancient World: Greece: In this course, you’ll gain an understanding of the political, social, religious and economic trends and values that shaped the works of Homer. [MIT]
12. Tales from Ovid: Interview: Listen to a discussion and analysis of the Ovid. [Stanford]
13. English Renaissance Drama: Theatre and Society in the Age of Shakespeare: Understand the social, economic and religious context of England at the time of Shakespeare. [MIT]

American Literature

This grouping of American literature courses covers the colonial era through modern times.

14. Staying Alive: This course covers the narratives of short stories, poems and novellas mostly from American writers like Stephen Crane, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Eudora Welty. [MIT]
15. American Literature: This American literature class is also an intensive writing class. [MIT]
16. Identity in American Literature: Keepin’ it Real Fake: Study the complicated themes surrounding identity, ethnicity and gender in American literature. [MIT]
17. The American Novel: Novels studied in this course range from The Scarlet Letter to Beloved. [MIT]
18. Studies in Fiction: Stowe, Twain and the Transformation of 19th-Century America: Learn how these revolutionary writers helped influence and document the transformation of America in the 19th century. [MIT]
19. Major Authors: Melville and Morrison: Compare and contrast the works, images, themes and styles of Herman Melville and Toni Morrison. [MIT]
20. Masterworks in American Short Fiction: Take a look at American short stories and novellas like "The Turn of the Screw" and "Old Mrs. Harris." [MIT]
21. Richard Wright, Native Son and the Beinecke Library: Being Brought to My Senses: This lecture explores Richard Wright’s controversial modern work. [Yale]
22. The Wasteland: Interview: Analyze "The Wasteland" when you listen to this lecture. [Stanford]
23. Major Authors: After the Masterpiece: Novels by Melville, Twain, Faulkner, and Morrison: Find out how these fiction writers’ craft changed after their most famous works. [MIT]
24. Plot Against America: Discussion: Listen to a discussion about Philip Roth’s novel here. [Stanford]
25. Studies in Fiction: Rethinking the American Masterpiece: Study major American texts in a new way when you follow this online course. [MIT]
26. Studies in Drama: Too Hot to Handle: Forbidden Plays in Modern America: Readings here include plays by Eve Ensler, Henrik Ibsen and George Bernard Shaw. [MIT]
27. Writing Early American Lives: Gender, Nation, Faith: Learn about the themes and values that populated early American literature. [MIT]
28. American Classics: Take a look at classic American texts like The Constitution and works by Betty Friedan, Allen Ginsberg, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Frederick Douglass. [MIT]

British and Irish Literature

Study Irish writers like James Joyce, as well as iconic English authors like Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf.

29. An Adventure with Words: James Joyce’s Ulysses: Uncover the techniques Joyce uses to create his own narrative in Ulysses. [Columbia]
30. Literary Studies: The Legacy of England: Find out why British literature is still so influential. [MIT]
31. Eighteenth-Century Literature: Versions of the Self in 18th-Century Britain: Read works that pay homage to the era’s idea that man cannot control his destiny. [MIT]
32. Major English Novels: Reading Romantic Fiction: The major English novels studied in this course include Sense and Sensibility, The Last Man and Great Expectations. [MIT]
33. Victorian Literature and Culture: Victorian literature includes important works by Dickens, Oscar Wilde, George Eliot, Robert Browning, and others. [MIT]
34. Milton’s Paradise Lost: Discover Milton’s infamous work here. [University of Cambridge]
35. Literary Interpretation: Virginia Woolf’s Shakespeare: Discover how Virginia Woolf used Shakespeare in her own writing. [MIT]
36. Major English Novels: Novels studied in this course include Moll Flanders, Tess of the d’Ubervilles, and Mrs. Dalloway. [MIT]
37. Special Topics in Milton’s "Paradise Lost": Take another look at "Paradise Lost" here. [MIT]
38. Major Authors: Oscar Wilde and the ’90s: This course profiles the works of Oscar Wilde. [MIT]
39. Tolkien at Oxford: This author profile of J.R.R. Tolkien involves his time at Oxford. [Oxford]
40. On Beauty: Discussion: Listen to a discussion about Zadie Smith’s On Beauty. [Stanford]
41. Arthurian Literature and Celtic Colonization: Study Medieval British history and societal themes by working with pieces from Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chretien de Troyes, and others. [MIT]

Women Writers

Discover how women writers have influenced fiction trends around the world.

42. Medieval Literature: Medieval Women Writers: Study works by Joan of Arc, Heloise of Paris, Margery Kempe and others. [MIT]
43. American Authors: American Women Authors: Read American women authors from the 17th century to the present, like Helen Keller, Edith Wharton and more. [MIT]
44. International Women’s Voices: Study contemporary works of literature by women authors from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and North America. [MIT]

Regional and International Literature

Check out this list for literature from France, the Caribbean, South Asia, Japan and beyond.

45. World Literatures: Travel Writing: Study Columbus’s Diario as a way of understanding travel writing, journaling and exploration. [MIT]
46. Prizewinners: Take a look at prizewinning authors from the Caribbean and Ireland. [MIT]
47. After Columbus: Read writings from the New World, Caribbean, South America, and Europe after Columbus opened up the Americas. [MIT]
48. Foundations of Western Culture II: Renaissance to Modernity: Read works by Immanuel Kant, Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Balzac and other important writers from the Renaissance to modernity. [MIT]
49. Major European Novels: Study major works by European authors as a way of analyzing European history and to track the changing style of European writing. Readings include Don Quixote and Madame Bovary. [MIT]
50. Introduction to European and Latin American Fiction: Learn about avant-garde fiction in Europe and Latin America in the 20th century. [MIT]
51. Passage to India: Introduction to Modern Indian Culture and Society: Learn about the transformation Indian culture is undergoing, and the literature that has been influenced by it. [MIT]
52. Introduction to Contemporary Hispanic Literature: Examine short stories, novels, poems and movies by Zoe Valdes, Manuel Rivas, Frederico Garcia Lorca, and others. [MIT]
53. Topics in South Asian Literature and Culture: This course examines topics like identity, politics, gender, castes, globalization and social change in writing from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and more. [MIT]
54. Traditional Chinese Literature: Poetry, Fiction and Drama: This course was designed to introduce literature students to the themes, styles and symbolism in major Chinese works. [MIT]
55. Japanese Literature: Here you will examine the literature and film from the samurai, classical, wartime and post wartime eras in Japan. [MIT]

Literary Theory, Narrative and Practice

No literature program is complete without a class or two about literary theory.

56. Introduction to Fiction: Learn about different narrative styles and the meaning of texts in different cultures. [MIT]
57. Forms of Western Narrative: This course studies narratives from Homer to Poe to Marx. [MIT]
58. Popular Narrative: Masterminds: Here you’ll study the style and symbolism of deceiving readers and audiences through characters. [MIT]
59. Reading Fiction: Study how the language of short stories and novels vary. [MIT]
60. Introduction to Literary Theory: Study literary theory as it is applied to twentieth century works. [MIT]
61. Chance: Chance is a quantitative literacy course with videos and audio support. [Dartmouth]
62. Theory and Practice of Non-linear and Interactive Narrative: Compare traditional narratives found in novels and films against multimedia, non-linear narratives. [MIT]
63. Media in Cultural Contexts: Popular Readerships: Find out the issues and judgments that define low-brow and high-brow literature and media. [MIT]
64. Forms of Western Narrative: Consider how the Western narrative form has changed since Homer. [MIT]
65. Literary Interpretation: Literature and Photography: This course examines literary criticism. [MIT]
66. The Film Experience: Discover how stories are told in film and literature by taking this course. [MIT]

Modern and Contemporary Literature

Learn about modern and contemporary writers who have ushered in a new era of literature, like Kafka, Conrad, Nabokov, and others.

67. Learning form the Past: Drama, Science, Performance: Here you will gain an understanding of how the modern artistic and scientific world evolved through works by Shakespeare, Moliere, Rembrandt and Newton. [MIT]
68. 20th Century Fiction: Discover the changes in identity, theme, sexual experience and virtue in works by Woolf, Faulkner, Nabokov, Kafka and Kipling. [MIT]
69. Contemporary Literature: In this course, you’ll read contemporary Irish literature. [MIT]
70. Contemporary Literature: Literature, Development and Human Rights: Read novels, stories and news reports contributing to the discussion about human rights and economic development. [MIT]
71. Contemporary Literature: British Novels Now: Discover how British novels have been reinvented for the twentieth century. [MIT]
72. Foundations of Western Culture II: Modernism: This course follows the evolution of western literature and thought from the 17th century to the early 20th century. [MIT]

Poetry and Drama

For courses about poetry and drama, including Shakespeare, turn to this list.

73. Introduction to Drama: Study drama as a form of storytelling and as a challenge to social norms. [MIT]
74. Literary Interpretation: Beyond the Limits of the Lyric: Discover the moral, political and cultural implications of poetry when you study pieces by Whitman, Williams, Plath and more. [MIT]
75. Major Poets: Study English lyric poetry in this course. [MIT]
76. The Shakespearean Sonnet and the Modern Voice: This e-seminar studies Shakespeare’s sonnets. [Columbia]
77. Shakespeare: This Shakespeare class tries to uncover what makes Shakespeare so great. [MIT]
78. Tragedy: Discover how tragedy from drama influences the tragic style in literature as well. [MIT]
79. Romantic Poetry: Study the British Romantic poets Blake, Shelley, Byron, Coleridge, Wordsworth and Keats. [MIT]
80. Modern Drama: Study Beckett, Stoppard and Shaw in this modern drama class. [MIT]
81. Interpreting Poetry: Learn about different trends and techniques for interpreting poetry. [MIT]
82. Studies in Poetry: "What’s the use of Beauty?": Why do poets so often write about beauty? Explore why in this course. [MIT]
83. Studies in Poetry: Renaissance Men and Women Writing About Love: Study English love sonnets by Shakespeare, Sidney, Spencer, and Mary Wroth in conjunction with works by Thomas Wyatt and others. [MIT]
84. Modern Poetry: This course covers new imagery, ideas about identity and nationalism, and more from poems in the 20th century. [MIT]
85. Playwright Huzir Sulaiman Listen to playwright Huzir Sulaiman discuss the techniques of writing about social change. [Yale]
86. Remixing Shakespeare: Learn about the trends and techniques involved with modernizing Shakespeare. [MIT]
87. Studies in Drama: Stoppard and Churchill: Study topics like interpretation and literary history when you examine the works of Caryl Churchill and Tom Stoppard. [MIT]
88. Studies in Poetry: 20th Century Irish Poetry: The Shadow of W.B. Yeats: Consider the significance and influence of W.B. Yeats here. [MIT]

Miscellaneous

Here you’ll find even more free courses to round out your literature education, including classes about reading and writing fiction.

89. The Future of English: David Crystal’s e-seminar considers how globalization affects the English language in literature and communication. [Columbia]
90. Reading Fiction: Dysfunctional Families: Study dysfunctional family relationships in works like Jazz and To the Lighthouse. [MIT]
91. Writing About Literature: Learn tips for writing responses to and analyzing literature in this course. [MIT]
92. Bestsellers: Detective Fiction: Study the elements that made works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Edgar Allen Poe and Agatha Christie so successful. [MIT]
93. Comedy: Study comedy styles from Moliere, Chaplin, Wilde, Cervantes and others. [MIT]
94. The Literature of Crisis: This course examines how characters in Plato, Shakespeare, Virgil and Voltaire embrace crisis. [Stanford]
95. The Craft of Science Fiction: This short course tracks the process of writing a science fiction piece. [MIT]
96. The End of Nature: This literature and philosophy class examines the Western interpretation of nature and its relationship to mankind. [MIT]
97. The Nature of Creativity: This art theory, psychology and philosophy course considers the nature of creativity. [MIT]
98. Writing Workshop: This creative writing workshop will help you become a better writer and literature student [MIT]
99. The Creative Spark: Discover how creativity is influenced here. [MIT]
100. Writing and the Environment: Follow this course to learn about popular science and environmentalist writers. [MIT]

July 26, 2009

Some people know what they want to major in before they even graduate high school, while others get to their sophomore year in college and still aren’t ready to commit. The thought of investing countless hours and immeasurable effort into a major can cause you to feel a lot of pressure to pick the right one. Depending on what school you go to major choices may be broad or limited, but no matter what your options are it is important to carefully consider each one. If you are starting to feel the heat don’t worry too much, just remember when it comes to looking for the right major you want to find one that reflects your personality as well as your passions.

You want to look for your personality in your major. A person’s personality is comprised of a set of distinctive traits that determine their behavioral and emotional characteristics. Your personality influences many things in your life, such as what interests you, what kind of people you are drawn to, how you think about things, and what you are good at. It also influences what you would most enjoy learning about and excel academically in, so it makes sense that you would want to make sure that your major fits it. During your major exploration take some time to really examine yourself and figure out your strengths and weaknesses, personal preferences, and likes and dislikes. Think about how all of these things would not only relate to a major, but a career. Are you good with people, love a challenge, and enjoy promoting things? A major in public relations may be a good personal fit for you. If you are good with numbers, enjoy analytical thinking, and love solving problems, you may do well as an accounting major.

You want to look for your passions in your major. With all of the time and money that you will be spending on earning a degree, you need to make sure that you care about it. Take the time to think about what things you do that make you the happiest, you lose track of time doing, or that you just can’t do enough of. One of the most challenging things about getting an education is having the determination to see it through. One way to make sure that you don’t give up is to find a sense of purpose in what you are studying. Purpose equals passion, and the more passionate you are about your major the more likely you will be to find joy and success in it.

July 25, 2009

Online MBA programs have quickly become the most popular program within the online college community, as MBAs have become applicable in nearly every aspect of the career world. The Masters of Business Administration is one advanced degree which allows students the flexibility to apply it to nearly every industry.  Since the economy took a downturn last year, students began considering the possibility of returning to school in order to secure their chances of keeping their current job.  MBAs are one degree that is very attractive to employers which online colleges have taken note of. 

The different types of online MBA programs that are offered additionally appeal to a wide variety of students.  Students obtaining an MBA degree com from all different backgrounds, including students who have never before been out in the business world, the regular two-year MBA, and those students who are executives in their current position but need an MBA to continue their work, an Executive MBA program.  Additionally, there are accelerated MBA programs and part-time programs, both of which cater to students who have different schedules and are in different phases of their career-life.  One type of MBA program which has additionally grown in prominence has been a dual degree program that allows students to gain both an MBA and a JD or MS.  Therefore, students can work on their MBA through online courses while attending classes for another graduate degree.

Online MBA programs have additionally become a major aspect of every other type of MBA program, and exist as more of an umbrella over the other programs.  Online MBA programs allow students the flexibility to decide when they want to attend class and the ability to remain at work or at home, rather than commuting to a school which may take time away from family life or work life.  Online MBA programs are additionally intended to allow students to get ahead in their degrees, which explains why they have grown so much in popularity.  The economy has also offered online schools a new type of student who had never before considered the possibility of returning to school.  This return to school has thereby increased competition within many business, further encouraging business professionals to gain this valuable degree in order to hold onto their job. 

Online MBAs are much the same as other MBA programs which major universities offer, still requiring GRE or GMAT scores for acceptance into the program. Therefore, acceptance of online MBAs within the business world has become much more widespread due to the increase in popularity.  This trend will only be expected to increase as business degrees become more valuable in this type of economy. 

July 23, 2009

Scholarships are valuable resources that far too often go unutilized. When it comes to paying for higher education they can be the difference between having to take out loans or getting a free ride. Scholarships are given out for as many reasons that you can think of, and from academic to athletic the application pool is a competitive one. The majority of scholarships are merit-based, having to do with academic, artistic, or athletic abilities, and eligibility depends on grades, test scores, talents, and hobbies. If you need some financial help with school, there are several ways that you can increase your scholarship chances.

You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by having a high GPA. Since many scholarships are merit-based, applicants are often required to have a certain GPA before they can apply. It is likely that the higher your GPA is, the more scholarships you will be eligible for. Having a high GPA can also help increase your chances of getting one, as it will help you stand out among the other applicants.

You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by being good at something. If academics really aren’t your thing don’t be discouraged, you might be able to get a talent-based scholarship. These types of scholarships can be institutional and come directly from your university. Typically they are given to students that excel in areas that are beneficial to the school, such as athletics or fine arts. Talent-based scholarships can also be awarded by private businesses or organizations, who want to support students majoring in a certain area. If you grew up developing some sort of talent or hobby, or even are currently pursuing one, chances are you a good candidate for these types of scholarships.

You can increase your chances of getting a scholarship by applying for one. It may sounds like a no brainer, but of all the various types of scholarships given out each year many of them go unclaimed. The reason they often go unclaimed is because no qualified students applied for them. If you think that you don’t stand a chance because there is always someone out there more qualified than you, remember that person might not have applied. Even if you are not the most impressive student or artist, you still have just as good of a chance as anyone and your unique set of abilities may just be what they are looking for.