I was not expecting this to be a problem. It is a large-enrollment class (400 people), but less than 100 have actually enrolled. There are a couple of possibilities. The catalog system says that instructor permission is required. It’s not, and students can enroll directly, but that may be tripping people up. Or, people might just be afraid of the content, which is strange but possible. I talked to a guy who knew a bunch of undergrads who hadn’t signed up because they were scared that it would be, you know, hard and stuff. I at one point had a reputation as a tough teacher at the undergrad level, but I have mainly taught small enrollment classes for seniors over the last year or so, so I figured that reputation would have evaporated.
So, I’m actually considering putting up advertising posters. Here’s the working draft. I know, I know, rip-off of a parody of a cliché.
7 Comments
Well, it’s, like a 400 level class and, well, you know, there may be actual work involved… If you use this poster, make sure you put one up un Clemens, near the Dept. of Women’s Studies. Nothing will boost enrollment more than a little controversy :-).
Seriously, I think that getting the permission required statement out of there will help.
Speaking as a student, yup, it’s the “instructor permission” part. Because that requires, you know, effort. And stuff. I agree with the other comment. Controversy is good, if not neutral. Hey, if you want dedicated students, that’s the way to go.
Porn class? Boy, did I graduate a year too early.
“The Internet is for PORN!” We’d better study why it’s a big reason why the Internet exists!
I was actually going to ask about the instructor permission course. How many students are going to go to your office “dude, can I take the porn class?” So, do the advertising. Then again, a small class might be fun.
I REALLY want to take your class but I work MWF 9AM till 5PM. I hope you will be offering it next year, both semesters! And people…sign up! THis class sounds great!
UPDATE: So, I put up the posters, but it looks like it is going to be a class of about 110 or 120. I have to wonder how much of this is also timing: it’s harder to fit that time slot in.
Of course, I don’t mind that it is a bit smaller. Even around that 100 mark, it is actually possible to have some interaction (of sorts).