Taking an extra course?

[Rogue856]

So I'm getting ready to register for my Fall classes and my department suggests students who are TAs (like myself) take 2 courses per semester. For my first semester that consists of 2 required courses. Normally I would not want to go against the norms of the department...but...there is a 3rd course I would like to take being taught by one of the historians that made me want to be a historian and the course he's teaching is in my major field. Add to that this faculty member is emeritus and while he does serve on committees he only teaches 1 or 2 courses per year. Based on my understanding of how the department rotates their courses this one won't be taught again while I'm a master's student. The department does allow students to take up to 15 credits per semester and taking 3 courses puts me at 12.

 

I poked around a bit on the forums here and opinion seems divided, I'm curious if any history folks, particulary those through their first semester, have any thoughts on adding the extra course? Also, I do plan to get the opinions of current grad students I just prefer to throw the question out anonymously first.

 

Also, just as a side not, I'm not unaccustomed to a very heavy workload. I worked full-time through my undergrad while taking 15-18 credits/semester, helping take care of my niece and writing my honors thesis.

[Professor Plum]

What is the drop policy at this program? Can you obtain the reading list for any of the three courses and get an early start this summer?

[TMP]

Go easy on your first semester, seriously.  See if you can "audit" that course with that professor.  TA will be a lot of work in your first semester as you get your feet very wet.

[ttgrad]

Yes auditing the course may be a good option.

[jamc8383]

This is a personal decision.  If you feel both that you can handle the workload and that taking the course would be a rewarding, enriching experience for you as an historian then you should do it.  I will likewise be taking a fourth course in the fall that I don't, strictly speaking, need.  However, in my case, it's directly related to the type of work I want to do in a phD program and I think its important that I develop, and can demonstrate, a thorough understanding of the historiography of the period (additionally it will help prepare me for reading exams in the spring).  Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if the benefit outweighs the cost.

 

I would be cautious taking it as credit/no credit, as some programs will average this as a "C."  Though, like Professor Plum, I would encourage you to contact the professor and see if you can get an early jump on the reading.  I'm already well into the reading list for my fall auxiliary course, which will significantly decrease the workload burden next semester.

[CageFree]

I think it would be highly dependent upon the other courses. My fall historiography class had us read two books a week and write two papers. Taking two other classes along with that nearly killed me, and I wasn't working as a TA (which will take up easily 20 hours per week, including during finals, when you're writing your papers). You likely won't be able to take it P/NP. Auditing might be a good choice so you don't have to do a reading on a week when you're slammed, but keep in mind that some professors require you to do weekly responses even if you're auditing. 

[LadyRara]

This is a great topic. I plan on taking three courses this fall and being a research assistant. I have also been curious if I am not stretching it a little.

[Sigaba]

Talk to your DGS. Explain the situation as you do in the OP. See if you can defer taking one of the two required classes until the next time it is offered.

 

If they say "no," based upon the information in the OP, I recommend you take the elective P/NP (P/F).