"Professors' Guide to Getting Good Grades in College"
(August 2006)
Online Copy

In its website-like page layout, in its bald egoism, and in its simple, conversational tone, Professors' Guide to Getting Good Grades in College fits right onto the franchised self-help shelf of any big bookstore.

Professors' Guide is a nascent series of books marketed to the affluent neuroticism of college students. This is the debut work, written by Lynn F. Jacobs and Jeremy S. Hyman. Both of the authors have worked in the academy: Jacobs teaches art history, while Hyman formerly taught philosophy. They structure the book chronologically, detailing the things to do, think, and say throughout the semester in order to find that elusive, and, they suppose, worthwhile A at the end of the term.

Jacobs and Hyman take effort to accurately describe the grading process in all its impersonal haste. From their own experience, they relate what a student can and cannot do to affect their grade, and just how that grade is going to be determined.

There are some unusual and interesting tips here, beyond the obvious metaphors of moderation, involving deep ends, cut corners, and empty gas tanks. Though it reads like a dating manual, Jacobs and Hyman show that observing the lecturer’s mannerisms and asides can uncover the important criterion for tests and essays. They explain what academics like to hear during office hours; so as to massage out useful answers and suggestions.

While probably intended as an easy graduation gift for an anxious freshman, Getting Good Grades does layout clear steps that any college student could apply fruitfully. There’s nothing profound here, but rather just one reminder after another that to accomplish something in our society, to win whatever dubious game you want to play, just often takes a little less booze, TV, and procrastination, and a bit more preparation and thoughtfulness.


©2009 Tim Peters/All rights reserved