Workshop: Navigating Coursework, Cultivating Ease

Coursework represents the most clear-cut phase of a degree program for many graduate students. Yet in the busyness of this phase many students miss opportunities that can make later stages of their program easier. This session highlights three strategic areas where students in coursework (or even exam preparation) can sharpen their focus: information management, teaching and research skills, and mapping scholarly delight. Information management includes the smart use of technology, taking and organizing notes, and setting up a bibliography manager early. The second area speaks to acquiring extracurricular teaching and research experiences, but also to the transformative power of reflection on curricular experiences. Mapping scholarly delight is about noticing what brings joy, but also discerning the how and when of pursuing joy. This workshop presents a range of strategies and fosters collaborative idea-sharing. Students of all levels are welcome, and no advance preparation is required.