Final answer:
Philosophy is likely to have the most challenging readings in a student's course load due to complex texts. A three-part reading method—pre-read, first read, and close read—is suggested to help students understand and engage with philosophical concepts.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering courses for the next few years, a student might opt for a range of disciplines, such as philosophy, psychology, and computer science. Among these, philosophy is anticipated to have the most challenging readings, due to the dense and complex nature of philosophical texts. An effective strategy to increase the understanding of philosophy readings involves a three-part method: pre-read, first read, and close read.
The pre-read helps in getting a general sense of the text, the first read aims at unpacking the difficult concepts, and the close read facilitates deep analysis and critical engagement with the arguments. To succeed in philosophy courses, it's crucial to be proactive, which includes looking up unfamiliar words, taking meaningful notes, asking questions, and understanding the text's rhetorical situation. Moreover, establishing context and learning about the background is imperative to develop the ability to analyze and evaluate philosophical writings skillfully.