Feeling Overwhelmed
I’m currently working toward my bachelor’s degree in illustration, and I just started my first week in an art history course called “Art Historical Methods and Theories.” We have a textbook for our assigned reading and multiple articles that our professor has asked us to read in preparation for our discussion posts on theory. We’ll also have a quiz at the end of the week on what we’ve learned from the readings.
I’m trying my best to get through the textbook and articles, but they feel like they’re written in another language. I’m struggling to understand the material, and the sheer volume of assigned reading is making me feel completely overwhelmed. There are so many unfamiliar terms that I just can’t wrap my head around. Despite rereading sections multiple times, I still feel like I’m trying to decipher Shakespeare – it’s stressing me out! I’ve managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA so far, but I’m worried this class might be my downfall.
Does anyone have any tips to make the readings more manageable? I’m a visual learner, so if there are any videos or resources out there that could help clarify the material, that would be greatly appreciated!
Edit: I also want to mention that I’m an online student, which makes it difficult to just approach my professor in person. I could schedule a meeting with the student learning center, but I really don’t want to have to depend on them every week just to discuss the readings in a Zoom meeting.
It sounds like you’re navigating a pretty tough transition, especially as a visual learner. Here are a few strategies that might help you with the readings and ease some of that stress:
Break It Down: Try breaking the readings into smaller sections. Instead of tackling a whole chapter or article at once, focus on a few paragraphs or pages at a time. Take breaks between sections to allow the information to sink in.
Summarize: After reading a section, write a quick summary in your own words. This can help solidify your understanding and make it easier to see the big picture.
Visual Aids: Since you’re a visual learner, look for video lectures or documentaries on the topics from your readings. Websites like YouTube, Khan Academy, or even TED Talks might have relevant content that could help clarify concepts.
Join Online Study Groups: Connect with fellow students in your course through discussion boards or social media. Sometimes discussing the material with others can provide new insights and make it easier to comprehend.
Use Glossaries: Keep a dictionary or glossary handy for difficult words. You could also create flashcards for terms that come up frequently in the readings.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to use your professor’s office hours virtually. Even if it’s not in-person, sending an email or scheduling a Zoom meeting can be really helpful. Your professor is there to help you succeed.
Supplemental Materials: Look for supplemental materials specifically aimed at art history. Websites like Coursera or edX offer free courses that might cover related topics in a more digestible format.
Mind Mapping: Create visual diagrams or mind maps of the concepts you’re reading about. This can help you visualize connections and relationships between different theories and methods.
Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed with new material, especially in a field as complex as art history. Just take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. You’ve maintained a great GPA for a reason, so trust that you have the skills to get through this! Good luck!