These informal sessions are designed to expose ANU students to fundamental study skills that will help them excel in the social sciences. They are designed for students who may be new to university study or who are unsure about course expectations and requirements. They will be facilitated by Dr Clare Southerton from the ANU School of Sociology.

In this first session we’ll cover how to approach your readings, how to read critically and tips for managing the workload of readings you’ll be assigned in your classes. We’ll ask: why is reading important, and what is different about academic reading? You’re also encouraged to ask any questions you might have about getting the most out of your readings. We'll also cover how to do research for your essays, how to find useful sources and how to critically analyse those sources. Students from outside sociology are very welcome to attend.

In future sessions in this study skills series later in the semester, we will cover (a) how to analyse and respond to your essay question, and (b) how to plan, and write a strong essay argument.