Dear Distance Learner,

Welcome to HST 132, otherwise known as Early Modern and Modern Europe..

        This letter replaces an in-class orientation session.  I've discovered that simply reading the syllabus carefully can provide you will all the basic orientation you'll need for the moment.  I would like to emphasize some points, though, because after teaching online courses for several years I've also figured out where students are most likely to go astray. 

--Check those dates!  Exams and writing assignment deadlines are like what you see in  rear view mirrors.  The objects are closer than they appear.

--Don't hesitate to COMMUNICATE if you have any questions or issues concerning the course.  In an online course people who don't communicate have a tendency to slip off the instructor's radar screen and disappear. 

--Check the course main page at least a couple of times a week.  Schedule or format changes can happen.

--Better to get in touch with me by fax or email rather than by phone.  You'll get a quicker response that way. 

        That's about it as far as basic orientation is concerned.  I'm sure I've forgotten something, but I think most of your questions can be dealt with by consulting the course syllabus.  Enjoy!

J. Rudd