5. Teaching and Learning

5.5. Reading Courses

Some courses may be offered by means of directed reading rather than as a formal course of lectures - such courses are of exactly the same standing as those delivered via lectures. The following notes, both for students and those giving the course, give a general outline of what should be expected.

1. The content of a Reading Course should, in quantity and expectation, correspond to a standard 16 lecture course given at the Schedule II level.

2. There should be a synopsis that states the aims and content of the course, together with the reading that will specify its content (but see (4) below).

3. The reading is guided - that is, the person offering the course should meet with the students on a regular basis to discuss the material being read and to give clear guidance as to what should be achieved before the 
next meeting. The exact format should be decided on a mutual basis. In practice, most people giving such courses will see all the students at the same time, on between four and eight occasions (either four 2-hour or eight 1-hour meetings).

The majority of the time will be spent reviewing what has been read, and it is for the “lecturer” to see whether this is best spent by students presenting items, by reviewing the content briefly and answering questions as the lecturer goes alone, or by asking the students what particular aspects they may want explained. It is useful to conclude by discussing what is in the next “section” to be covered, with advice as to where problems may be expected or where suitable additional reading may be found. The first meeting, of course, should include a general outline of the goals of the course since at that stage some students may still be deciding whether to take the course.

4. It is permissible (i.e., without referring back to the Supervisory Committee) to vary the content of the course to reflect the interests of those taking the course, though all students should cover the same material for the 
purposes of preparing for the mini project - but “extra” reading may be assigned on an individual basis according to taste. This is particularly relevant when students may be looking for a dissertation in the area of the reading course. Many dissertations do in fact arise from reading courses.

5. If relevant and viable (especially with a view to the fact that a mini project will be set), problems or practical exercises may be set. The latter should, of course, be designed with the students’ prior computing experience 
taken into account.

6. On occasion, extra reading courses may be approved by the Supervisory Committee during the year upon request. Students seeking such extra courses should discuss this with their supervisor, and also informally 
with the Chair prior to any formal request.