H. Other (Including textbooks, references, fees)
H1. I am concerned about the increasing cost of textbooks in Classics. What can I do to save on textbooks?
There are several factors that have contributed to an increase in the cost of Classics textbooks.
- As in many disciplines, textbooks for courses (especially junior courses) now have a range of student and instructor resources and companion web sites; the costs of these products are added to the price of the textbooks.
- Some of these textbooks are published in new editions every couple of years, often with only relatively minor changes in content, but with changes in page numbers; this limits the ability of instructors and students to use older editions.
- Textbooks for senior courses are generally published in relatively small numbers, which makes them costly, and sometimes must be shipped from another country, at extra cost.
On the other hand, there are a number of factors that have contributed to relatively low costs.
- Many Classics textbooks (most translations of the ancient authors) are issued by trade paperback publishers at modest prices and are reprinted with the same page numbers.
- Even the more expensive textbooks for senior Classics courses tend not to go out of date as quickly as textbooks in other disciplines, so they can be bought second-hand and sold after use.
- Many texts are available free online from sites such as the Classics Internet Archive and Perseus. Some research sites also offer new editions and translations of texts free of charge. For texts in the original language, Perseus offers links to dictionaries and commentaries, which can be helpful. However, English translations available online are generally older (because copyright has expired) and may be more difficult for modern readers.
One of the most common concerns among students is whether it is necessary to purchase the latest edition of a textbook or to purchase a particular translation of a text when the student already has the text by a different translator.
- Ask the instructor whether it is acceptable to use an older edition of a text book. If the issue is page numbers, the instructor may have an older syllabus with page numbers for the previous edition of the text.
- Ask the instructor whether you will place yourself at a disadvantage by using a different translation. One issue may be page numbers. More significantly, the acceptability of a different translation may depend on whether the instructor will be analyzing the text in detail and whether examinations will require consideration of passages from the text.
- Look for used copies of textbooks, either in the bookstore, or by shopping online. Amazon.com has some excellent bargains and the booksellers tend to be very reliable, but don’t forget to count the time and cost of shipping before making a purchase.
H1A. I would like to make a recording of a class in which I am enrolled. Do I need permission?
If you wish to make a video or audio recording of any part of a class, you must ask the instructor's permission. Recording is permitted only
- with the prior written consent of the instructor, or
- if recording is part of an approved accommodation plan (e.g. a plan approved by the University to assist a student who has a disability).
If the instructor gives you permission to make a recording, the permission is given only to make a recording for your own personal use for individual study. (You may not, for example, share it on Facebook.)
Before you can start recording, the instructor must tell the class that recording is taking place.
If you wish to
- make a recording for a purpose other than individual study, or
- use a recording made for individual study for a new purpose,
you may have to obtain the permission of every individual who appears in the recording. For information about the use of recordings, contact the University's Information and Privacy Office.
H2. I have a problem with my instructor. What should I do?
You should always consult the instructor first and explain the problem. Most problems arise from misunderstandings that can be resolved informally. For problems relating to examinations or grades, see question G2.
You may think it will be difficult to raise concerns with a faculty member, but you and your instructor both have an interest in resolving your problem and avoiding a grievance.
Some tips for meeting with your instructor:
- Go to see your instructor during his or her office hours, or make an appointment. Don't try to resolve a problem when the instructor is rushing to get to another class or surrounded by students.
- Try to identify the issue(s) as clearly as possible. Have some specific examples to explain your concerns.
- Concentrate on your own individual concerns. Bear in mind that, for ethical, as well as legal reasons, your instructor cannot discuss other individuals with you without their written consent.
- Consider what possible options might be available to resolve the problem.
- Bear in mind that your instructor has to operate within University regulations as well as Faculty and Department policy and has only a limited area of discretion. An instructor cannot, for example, change the date of a final exam, or recommend a change of grade after an applicable deadline.
- Be prepared to allow time for your instructor to confer with a colleague or an office in the University.
If you are not satisfied with the instructor's response, you should contact the Undergraduate Chair.
H3. How do I apply for a prize or scholarship listed in the Department Course Guide?
You do not need to apply for any Classics prize listed in the Course Guide. If you are eligible, you will automatically be considered unless you specifically ask not to be considered.
Prizes are awarded according to the criteria set out in the description in the Guide. Prizes for specific courses will be awarded by the Department, on the basis of the instructor's assessment of academic merit.
If you are recommended for a prize for a specific course and there is a requirement relating to the academic performance generally, the Department will confirm your eligibility for the award but will not provide the instructor with any additional information about your student record.
Information about your record in Classics courses will be provided to continuing faculty members in Classics if you are nominated for the Dr Geneva Misener Memorial Scholarship in Classics (awarded to a student completing the third year of an Honours program in Classics).
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H4. I need to give the name of a University teacher as a referee in an application for a summer job. Can I give my instructor's name?
You should ask your instructor for permission to name him or her as a referee for any purpose. This will allow the instructor to be prepared to respond to questions in an informed way if the instructor is contacted.
The instructor cannot respond to questions about you from a prospective employer outside the University of Alberta without your written consent. You should write to the instructor setting out the following:
- the purpose for which information about you may be disclosed (i.e. the application for a summer job);
- the name(s) of the prospective employer(s) to whom the information about you may be disclosed; and
- the period for which your consent is valid.
H5. I would like a written reference from my instructor for an application for admission to an educational program/for a job application. What do I need to do?
First, you should ask your instructor whether he or she is willing to provide a reference. An instructor may have reservations about writing a reference if he or she:
- does not have sufficient current information about you to provide a fair assessment for the purpose for which you are seeking the reference
- cannot honestly make a positive recommendation.
If the instructor agrees to write the reference, he or she may request some additional information to allow him or her to write an informed reference. This might include:
- information about the program or the position for which you are applying, or
- additional information about you (your program so far, your interest in the educational program or the position for which you are applying).
It is your decision whether or not you are willing to provide additional information.
If there is an application form, you should fill in your name and the details of the program or position and provide the form to the instructor.
You will need to provide your instructor with written consent to disclose your personal information for the specific purpose of the application. For job applications, you should also indicate whether you give your consent for the instructor to respond to follow-up questions from a prospective employer.
Allow at least a week for an instructor to write the reference so that he or she can give the matter the time and attention required to write a thoughtful reference.
H6. I have a question regarding my fee assessment. Who should I speak to?
Current information about your fee assessment is available on Beartracks.
For questions about undergraduate fee assessment, call the Office of the Registrar at 780 492-3113.
H7. I am thinking about life after Classics. Where can I go for advice on my career options?
Your education in Classics will provide you with the fundamental skills that are common to other programs in Arts, and which are highly valued by employers, such as:
- analytical, critical and creative thinking,
- effective oral and written expression,
- critical and reflective reading,
- problem-solving, and
- the ability to conduct research.
For practical advice, contact Career and Placement Services (CaPS). CaPS provides comprehensive programs, services and resources to assist students in career planning, including:
- workshops on career decision-making,
- individual consultations, including vocational assessment, and
- a resource centre.