This page identifies important components of the course and explains how to use them.

7) Important Course Components
The previous page introduced the home page, weekly webpages, and the exercise pages.  This page introduces the "Study Guides," the "Basic Concepts," "Online Resources," and the course media components.

Using the Study Guides
The "Study Guides" are brief introductions to the readings themselves, often including key questions for focusing your study and for alerting you to basic concepts addressed directly or by implication in the reading selections.

Exploring the "Basic Concepts"
You will find introductions to 50 or more "basic concepts" on the "Basic Concepts" webpages.  These are major ideas or other factors that are essential for understanding the readings.  Generally, they are listed in the order of the reading schedule for the weekly units.  After a definition of terms, you will also find links to online resources and a list of the readings/authors to which the concepts apply.  You should make reference to these "Basic Concepts" in the development of your essays.

Accessing the "Online Resources"
Each weekly unit contains links to resources found on the Internet.  These resources range widely in their content from websites devoted exclusively to a single author or work to those that address related cultural, social, political, religious, or philosophical discussions. You should make reference to information from selected online resources in the development of your essays.

Course Media
I have created many images, panoramas, and video components for your course.  Some are included in the weekly units.  Others are accessed by clicking on links provided throughout the course website.  For the streaming video clips, you will need a DSL, cable, or other fast-speed connectivity in order to play the programs effectively and smoothly.

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