An MIT FAQ

An MIT FAQ Recently, in my wanderings around the internet (that is to say, the College Confidential message boards), Ive noticed an abundance of ridiculous stereotypes about MIT and MIT students. Im a little touchy about things like this, but my boyfriend is trying to make me into a better person and keeps telling me to find the good. I decided to find the good in blatant stereotyping by creating this FAQ. Q. Are all MIT students typical nerds? A. Definitely not. Many of us are very atypical nerds. Q. No, seriously. I bet you all go to Star Trek conventions all the time. Do you know how to talk about anything but science? A. Well, most of us dont. But so what if we did? There are worse things to be. But anyway, MIT is host to a wide variety of versions of campus life from the typical (intramural sports) to the only at MIT (hacks). Check out our list of student groups. Were a collection of 4000 unique people with abnormal interests, and were proud of to be a little offbeat. Around here, nerd isnt an epithet. Q. (related to previous) Do you spend all your time studying? A. If we spent all our time studying, how would we have time to be in all those student groups? Q. MIT has sports teams? A. Um, yeah. MIT has 41 varsity sports teams (tied with some school up the street, Ive heard, for the most in the nation) and 35 club sports teams, plus a thriving intramural sports and physical education program. Q. Doesnt MIT have a really high suicide rate? A. Statistically speaking (which is really the only way one can speak about this sort of thing), no. The MIT student suicide rate is consistent with the national average for 18 to 22-year-olds any analysis which suggests otherwise fails to properly account for the extremely small sample size. Q. I dont need good extracurriculars to apply to MIT MIT only admits people with perfect test scores, right? A. Actually, youd be better off applying with decent test scores and stellar extracurriculars than with perfect test scores and mediocre extracurriculars. MIT likes to admit people, not cardboard cutouts. Q. I heard MIT is super-competitive and cutthroat. A. Actually, MIT is a very collaborative place, and its normal (and expected) that students will work together in groups to complete their problem sets. MIT is hard for everyone, and the difficulty inspires a great deal of cameraderie among students. Were all here in the trenches together Q. If I apply to MIT and tell them Im going to be a humanities major, wont it be easier for me to get in? A. Nope. Wouldnt that be a little too easy? The major you write down on your application might help the admissions committee understand why youre applying to MIT, but they wont admit you just because they want to admit a music major this year. Q. Im not a super-genius. Can I still survive at MIT? A. With the grueling coursework every MIT student has to complete, its often better to be hard-working than brilliant. Being brilliant helps, Im sure, but passion and motivation are the real necessities. Q. Isnt MITs campus really ugly? A. Ive heard this one a lot, and I still dont understand it. I mean, MIT has an urban campus, so we dont have the plethora of quads typical of the more suburban campuses, but I still think Killian Court is beautiful. Who cares if a campus is beautiful anyway? Last time I checked, college was about learning, not foliage. Q. You guys are all nerds. A. Thank you.

Collection of Classic Christmas Poems

Classic Christmas poems are a joy to read during the holiday season. They offer a glimpse into how Christmas was celebrated in the decades and centuries of the past. It is likely true that some of these poems have shaped how we view and celebrate Christmas today. As you snuggle beneath the Christmas tree or before the fire, browse some of the poems gathered here for your holiday reading and reflection. They may inspire you to add new traditions to your celebration or even to take up your own pen or keyboard to compose your own verses. Christmas Poems from the 17th Century The traditions of the Christmas season in the 17th century combined the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus with baptized versions of pagan solstice revelries. The Puritans tried to rein it in, even to the extent of banning Christmas. But the poems from these times tell of holly, ivy, the Yule log, mince pie, wassail, feasting, and merriment. William Shakespeare, Lines spoken after the ghost’s exit from Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 1 (1603)George Wither,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1622)Robert Herrick,â€Å"Ceremonies for Christmas† (1648)Henry Vaughan,â€Å"The True Christmas† (1678) Christmas Poems from the 18th Century This century saw political revolutions and the Industrial Revolution. From the bucolic list of gifts of fowl in The Twelve Days of Christmas, there is a transition to more somber issues of war and strife in Coleridges A Christmas Carol. Anonymous,â€Å"The Twelve Days of Christmas† (1780)Samuel Taylor Coleridge,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1799) Christmas Poems from the 19th Century St. Nicholas and Santa Claus became popular in the United States in the 19th Century and A Visit from St. Nicholas popularized the elements of nocturnal rounds of gift giving. The poem helped crystallize the image of a chubby Santa Claus with a sleigh and reindeer and arrival on the roof and down the chimney. But the century also has Longfellows lament about the Civil War and how the hope of peace can survive harsh reality. Meanwhile, Sir Walter Scott reflects on the holiday as celebrated by a baron in Scotland. Sir Walter Scott, â€Å"Christmas in the Olden Time† (from Marmion, 1808)Clement Clark Moore (attributed to him—but more probably written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr.),â€Å"A Visit from St. Nicholas† (first published in 1823, likely written in 1808)Emily Dickinson,â€Å"’Twas just this time last year I died† (#445)Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,â€Å"Christmas Bells† (1864)Christina Rossetti,â€Å"In the Bleak Midwinter† (1872)Robert Louis Stevenson,â€Å"Christmas at Sea† (1888) Christmas Poems of the Early 20th Century These poems are ones worth setting aside some time to muse over their meanings and lessons. Did the oxen kneel at the manger? Who gave the poet an unseen kiss under the mistletoe? What is the worth of a field of trees if not to be cut down for Christmas trees? What brought the Magi and other visitors to the manger? Christmas can be a time for contemplation. G.K. Chesterton,â€Å"A Christmas Carol† (1900)Sara Teasdale,â€Å"Christmas Carol† (1911)Walter de la Mare,â€Å"Mistletoe† (1913)Thomas Hardy,â€Å"The Oxen† (1915)William Butler Yeats,â€Å"The Magi† (1916)Robert Frost, â€Å"Christmas Trees† (1920)

Essay on Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington

Dennis Covington writes about a unique method of worship—snake handling, in his memoir, Salvation on Sand Mountain. He begins as a journalist, looking in on this foreign way of life; however, as time progresses he increasing starts to feel a part of this lifestyle. As a result loses his journalistic approach, resulting in his memoir, detailing his own spiritual journey. Upon the conclusion of his stay in this world, Covington realizes the significance of this journey, and argues in his memoir that we cannot entirely know ourselves until we step outside of our comfort zone and separate ourselves from our norm. It is almost as if Covington was in a dream or some sort of trance throughout this whole experience. He begins as a†¦show more content†¦Allowing himself to be pulled into this world says a lot about the author’s character: it is almost as if he is vulnerable, and this vulnerability in some cases can be seen as a weakness. However, this vulnerable act all owed him to find himself and strengthen his previous beliefs and attitude. According to Aristotle, authors have an ethical obligation to have a strong ethos: this entails authors to have intelligence, rectitude, and goodwill, and Covington expresses this throughout his entire memoir. Even though, at the beginning he does not understand their behavior, and after he is embarrassed and virtually kicked out of the society, he is able to write the truth about the handlers with the utmost respect. Yes, he exposes many aspects of the handlers’ lives, but he does so in a respectful and journalistic manner: it is clear that the information he divulges is essential to the reader understanding the true meaning of his argument. The author does not purposely try to portray these people in the best light possible, but rather the most ingenuous way. He demonstrates his goodwill by remaining impartial during most of the memoir: occasionally he allows his emotions to effect his depiction of t he characters; however, this is almost impossible to achieve, because he interacted with these people and was reacting to certain situations. Covington writes this memoir for many reasons: he writes in order publicize this exclusiveShow MoreRelated Reflecting on Religion in Literature1925 Words   |  8 Pagesto use all three to form an overall definition of religion based on the work we have done throughout the semester. The three books that I am referring to are Ann Schiller’s Small Sacrifices, Rane Willerslev’s Soul Hunters, and Dennis Covington’s Salvation on Sand Mountain. Ann Schiller’s Small Sacrifices explores religious change among the Ngaju in Borneo, Indonesia. She elaborates on the Indonesian government’s demand on the Ngaju to conform to one of the religions they deem acceptable. In conformingRead MoreSnake Handling, a Pentecostal Pastime Essay1256 Words   |  6 Pagescrazy, and the list goes on and on. However, one of the negative stereotypes that tend to stick out more prominently than others is that people in Appalachian folk are crazy, serpent handling, Christians. In order for the people of the Appalachian Mountain region to figure out a way to get over this stereotype and move forward in their quest to be no longer considered â€Å"outdated†, they must first break down and fully understand what they are going up against. The region’s religion is characterizedRead MoreIn Dennis Covington’S Book Salvation On Sand Mountain And2612 Words   |  11 Pages In Dennis Covington’s book Salvation on Sand Mountain and David Haberman’s Journey Through the Twelve Forests: An Encounter with Krishna, we get two very different experiences of researches stepping into a world of different religion and perspectives than their own. While both Haberman and Covington focus on a certain religion and the traditions of its followers, Haberman does a better job with presenting an accurate representation of Hinduism and the Braj pilgrimage. This is because Covington’s

Swot Matrix for Starbucks Free Essays

SWOT matrixkey success factors for star bucksStarbucks has a strong brand name and its known international. Starbucks was the first coffee shop whereby high quality coffee and products at accessible locationsand affordable prices, provided a community to share in the coffee drinking experience| Strengths: * Brand recognition * High quality coffee * Business ethics * Location they are located everywhere| Weakness * Competition a lot of coffee shops are offer coffee at a lower price. * Overexposure star bucks Is obsolete according to some consumers. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Matrix for Starbucks or any similar topic only for you Order Now Too many products * Not enough marketing | Opportunity * Business leaders * New strategy * Expand franchise| Threat * Recession * Mc-cafe offers lattes and cafes at very cheap price with the same quality. * PLC is at declining stage. | 2. Generic strategy pursued at starbucks: Differentiation strategy Differentiation strategy star bucks offers high quality coffee that you cant find at other coffee shops. Starbucks spends minimal cost on marketing although they have great market share due to the product differentiation star bucks has a unique line coffee shops so advertising is through a method called word of mouth. Their core competencies can be defined as high quality coffee and products at accessible locations and affordable prices, provided a community to share in the coffee drinking experience, and variety of choices. They also value ethics and good business practices. Starbucks provide a high quality coffee and unique experience in the convenience of a large volume of locations, which separates them from their competition ,the new instant coffee line is straddling differentiation and low cost- leadership. While it will be a low cost and convenient alternative to Starbucks regular coffee, it is still unique from other products in the market. The in-store gifts and brewing utensils are in the focused differentiation category as they cater to the coffee lover, and are unique items found only in the Starbucksstores. 3. strategic direction pursued by star bucks? Starbucks new strategy is to refocus on some of the areas that decrease risk and up front investment. Franchising, expanding products and selling at convenient stores not just coffee shops. This includes expanding foreign stores, with aid of partnerships that share risk and costs, selling whether its instant coffee and other products in retail and convenience stores, and reinvigorating the Seattle’s Best Brand coffee. 4. I would pursue cost differentiation since star bucks is already I would add a few new bistro’s or pastries or offer special deals that wouldn’t harm my profit margin but gain more market share. Starbucks doesn’t focus on marketing since the brand is already famous so by offering new flavors of coffee, pastries and beverages would attract attention. How to cite Swot Matrix for Starbucks, Papers Swot Matrix for Starbucks Free Essays SWOT matrixkey success factors for star bucksStarbucks has a strong brand name and its known international. Starbucks was the first coffee shop whereby high quality coffee and products at accessible locationsand affordable prices, provided a community to share in the coffee drinking experience| Strengths: * Brand recognition * High quality coffee * Business ethics * Location they are located everywhere| Weakness * Competition a lot of coffee shops are offer coffee at a lower price. * Overexposure star bucks Is obsolete according to some consumers. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Matrix for Starbucks or any similar topic only for you Order Now Too many products * Not enough marketing | Opportunity * Business leaders * New strategy * Expand franchise| Threat * Recession * Mc-cafe offers lattes and cafes at very cheap price with the same quality. * PLC is at declining stage. | 2. Generic strategy pursued at starbucks: Differentiation strategy Differentiation strategy star bucks offers high quality coffee that you cant find at other coffee shops. Starbucks spends minimal cost on marketing although they have great market share due to the product differentiation star bucks has a unique line coffee shops so advertising is through a method called word of mouth. Their core competencies can be defined as high quality coffee and products at accessible locations and affordable prices, provided a community to share in the coffee drinking experience, and variety of choices. They also value ethics and good business practices. Starbucks provide a high quality coffee and unique experience in the convenience of a large volume of locations, which separates them from their competition ,the new instant coffee line is straddling differentiation and low cost- leadership. While it will be a low cost and convenient alternative to Starbucks regular coffee, it is still unique from other products in the market. The in-store gifts and brewing utensils are in the focused differentiation category as they cater to the coffee lover, and are unique items found only in the Starbucksstores. 3. strategic direction pursued by star bucks? Starbucks new strategy is to refocus on some of the areas that decrease risk and up front investment. Franchising, expanding products and selling at convenient stores not just coffee shops. This includes expanding foreign stores, with aid of partnerships that share risk and costs, selling whether its instant coffee and other products in retail and convenience stores, and reinvigorating the Seattle’s Best Brand coffee. 4. I would pursue cost differentiation since star bucks is already I would add a few new bistro’s or pastries or offer special deals that wouldn’t harm my profit margin but gain more market share. Starbucks doesn’t focus on marketing since the brand is already famous so by offering new flavors of coffee, pastries and beverages would attract attention. How to cite Swot Matrix for Starbucks, Essay examples

What Are the Social Factors That Influence Interpersonal Attraction free essay sample

What are the social factors that influence interpersonal attraction? Discuss in relation to relevant psychological theories and studies Interpersonal relationships are the close relationships we form with others around us. They range from close romantic relationships up to more casual relationships such as acquaintances or university peers. There are numerous numbers of social factors that may lead to interpersonal attraction such as proximity, physical attractiveness, similarity and reciprocity. There are also numerous theories into attraction and how humans form interpersonal relationships. Proximity or being close to a person has a big influence on our choice of friends or romantic partners, previous research suggests that the nearer we are to someone the more likely we are to have some sort of interpersonal relationship with them. Festinger, Schachter and Black (1950) found that two-thirds of married graduate students close friends had once lived in the same block of flats as them. Suggesting that the proximity of the graduate students had led them to develop an interpersonal relationship with each other. We will write a custom essay sample on What Are the Social Factors That Influence Interpersonal Attraction? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Physical attractiveness is also a factor that determines whether or not an individual will form an interpersonal relationship with another person. The first thing one notices about a stranger is their physical appearance. This can include factors such as how they have their hair, their dress sense, if they are well kept or not. There is a general consensus on what is seen as being attractive in society, such as women with baby like faces are seen as attractive (Cunningham 1990), however there are obvious individual differences in what someone finds attractive. Socially people who are physically attractive are perceived as being popular, intelligent, and honest. In a study by Sigall Ostrove (1975) attractive women were given more lenient court sentences when being prosecuted for a crime which was not related to their attractiveness. However if the crime was related to their attractiveness then they were given harsher sentences. In a further study by Landy Sigall (1974) essays with an attractive photograph attached to them received a higher grade in comparison to those that had less attractive photographs attached to them. Also evolution plays a part in how physically attractive we may find someone, women who look healthy are seen as physically attractive with rosy cheeks, child bearing hips and glowing skin. Men who seem to be financially stable are also seen as physically attractive. These are factors that are involved in evolution hence why they lead to being physically attracted to another person. Another factor into physical attractiveness was contributed by Singh (1993), the waist to hip ratio is seen as a sign of health and fertility in women and men. Women should have a waist to hip ratio of about 0. , whilst men should have a waist to hip ratio of 0. 9 these indicate signs of optimal health in both men and women. Singh stated that the most attractive part of a woman is her waist to hip ratio. As stated above we are attracted to signs of health and fertility in our partners, and having a healthy waist to hip ratio is a good indicator of this. However there are significant cultural differences in what waist to hip ratio should be. In some cultures especially those in Europe find a waist to hip ratio of 0. 7 is attractive, whereas in some African or South American cultures a waist to hip ratio of 0. is seen as attractive. A further limitation of this theory is that people tend to look at the body weight of a person instead of focusing on just their waist to hip ratio as body weight is obviously a better indicator of how healthy a person appears. Similarity is another factor that can lead to interpersonal attraction. People with similar personalities are more likely to become involved in a relationship. However this is not always the case Winch (1958) found that in relationships couples who were dissimilar tended to have happier relationships. Similar attitudes also play an important role in interpersonal attraction, people with similar attitudes tend to be attracted to each other. In a study carried out by Byrne (1971) found that strangers with similar attitudes to participants were rated as being more physically attractive in comparison to participants which had dissimilar attitudes. Another factor in interpersonal attraction is Reciprocity, this is the tendency to be attracted to people who like us and tend to be less attracted to those individuals that dislike us. In a study carried out by Dittes Kelley (1956) the findings show that participants conformed more when told ‘other group members like you’ in comparison when told ‘other group members dislike you’. People who have the tendency to have low self-esteem or are highly insecure concerning interpersonal relationships have a greater need for positive feedback from others around them, in order to form close interpersonal relationships. As well as the social factors that lead to interpersonal relationships there are a number of different theories that also account for the formation of interpersonal relationships. The matching hypothesis by Walster et al (1966) is such a theory. In the study a computer dance was organised in which the participants were randomly allocated to partners. Midway during the dance the participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding the view of their partners. The views were recorded and compared to judges views of the physical attractiveness of the participants. The participants rated as most physically attracted were liked most by their partners, however after six months participants stated they would have dated someone similar to their own level of physical attractiveness. Walster et al. ’s findings show that humans are initially attracted to people who are perceived as being ‘beautiful or handsome’, after we realise that the person is not on the same level as attractiveness as us we tend to look for someone on our own level. Hence the name ‘Matching Hypothesis’ as we try to form interpersonal relationships with people who match our own level of physical attractiveness. However this theory does not account for other social factors that can also influence our decision in forming an interpersonal relationship. Relationships do tend to occur between people of different levels of attractiveness, they may have got to know each other through proximity or similarity or other social factors. Theories into reinforcement also provide a great insight into the formation if interpersonal relationships. The reinforcement-effect model by Byrne Clore (1970), this model is heavily influenced by Pavlovian conditioning. This model states that we are attracted to people that invoke positive feelings in us through offering us rewards or praise. This is seen as positive reinforcement and we are more likely to want to gain this positive reinforcement throughout the relationship. We identify the stimuli as either being a reward or a punishment and try to seek the rewarding behaviour and try to avoid the punishing behaviour. These positive feelings are also associated with the praise or rewards given. Leading to these positive rewards being associated with that person, so when we are with that person we attribute these positive rewards to being with them. People can either be liked or disliked according to whether they are associated with the positive feelings or the negative feelings. The Social exchange theory is another theory into the formation of interpersonal relationships. This model was founded by Homans (1961). The model states that in an interpersonal relationships negotiations must be made and we are more likely to engage in a relationship with another person if that relationship maximises our benefits and minimises are costs. Whether we are attracted to another t-person is determined by how much effort we must put into the relationship acting as the cost in comparison to how much we gain from the relationship acting as the benefit or reward. If a relationship is high in cost but low in reward we are less likely to form a close interpersonal relationship with that person as we are not maximising our benefit or rewards. We try to see what the other person can offer us in the relationship that we can gain from and what we can give them to gain from. The actions of the people involved in the relationship highly effect the outcome of whether the relationship will have a good cost-reward ratio, if it seems beneficial for both people involved an interpersonal relationship may be formed on this basis. The social exchange theory was further analysed by Foa Foa (1975) in which they state that in a relationship certain goods must be exchanged for the relationship to seem beneficial for both people involved. The ‘goods’ that can be exchanged take many forms such as objects or products, advice, love or other affections, money or wealth and higher social status. All these offer rewards. We as humans always try to minimise our costs and maximise our profits and the same goes for forming relationships, if the benefit is not high for us we tend to not indulge in the relationship any further. Overall it is clear to see that social factors have a clear influence on the formation of interpersonal relationships. These factors such as proximity, reciprocity and similarity do have great influence on the decision to enter and form an interpersonal relationship with another person. Social factors account for some of the reasons why and how interpersonal relationships are formed but social factors do not account for the reason on a whole. There are many other underlying factors that also carry great influence when forming such a relationship. The social factors tend to work in conjunction with one another and aid each other in the process of forming an interpersonal relationship, but there are also other theories that state other factors are also just as important as the social factors. The social exchange theory as stated above suggests that humans try to gain maximum rewards out of their relationship whilst minimising the cost. Other theories tend to take a less calculated approach such as the reinforcement affect model, this model suggests that instead of physical rewards we want to form interpersonal relationships with people associated with positive feelings or people that remind us of a positive memory. We want these positive rewards to be reinforced hence the formation of a close relationship. We tend to dislike people who evoke negative feelings or people that reinforce punishments. The matching hypothesis is a further example of factors that account for the formation of an interpersonal relationship, Walster et al. (1966) found that we are more likely to form a close relationship with someone that matches our own level of physical attractiveness, hence the name ‘Matching hypothesis’. All in all it is evident that there are numerous factors that can cause the formation of interpersonal relationships, social factors are very influential and play a big role but essentially there are other underlying factors that must also be accounted for. It is fair to say that social factors highly contribute to the formation of interpersonal relationships but there are also other factors that must be taken into consideration. However it is clear that social factors are underlying in most of the theories and studies into the formation if interpersonal relationships.

Free Essays on Contrasting Different Thinking Styles

and can understand and comprehend around 20,000.... Free Essays on Contrasting Different Thinking Styles Free Essays on Contrasting Different Thinking Styles Contrast the thinking styles of three year-old and seven year-olds. When contrasting the difference in thinking styles amongst three year-olds and seven year-olds, a number of things are brought to attention. First off, usually at the age of 3 children are able to understand that thinking goes on inside the mind and that it can actually deal with either real or imaginary things, that someone can be thinking of one thing while doing or looking at another, that a person whose eyes and ears are covered can think about objects, and most kids at this age realize that thinking is totally different from seeing, talking, toughing, and knowing. These kids, at the age of three have a hard time realizing that the mental activity in the brain never ever stops. However, once they reach the age of 7, most of these children begin to understand this concept. At the age of 3, they also have no idea that they talk to themselves in their heads. Once they hit the age of 7, they can understand that people who are asleep do not engage in conscious mental activity. When talking about false beliefs and deception, it is stated that three-year-olds fail to recognize false beliefs, and this is believed to stem from egocentric thinking. These children tend to believe that everyone else knows what they know and believes what they do. By the age of 7 however, children can begin to realize that two people who see or hear the same thing may react or interpret it differently. One last thing that is important to factor when discussing the thinking styles of these two ages is vocabulary. This plays a key role because they greater the vocabulary, then the greater the mind. It is noted that three year-olds can use 900 to 1,000 different words and uses about 12,000 a day. By the age of 7 however, children have a vocabulary of right around 2,600 words and can understand and comprehend around 20,000....

iGE iPhone app review - Emphasis

iGE iPhone app review iGE iPhone app review Apple boasts that there are now more than 500,000 iPhone apps available. Some are useful, and some less so (we particularly love the virtual stapler). But which camp does University College London’s Interactive Grammar of English (iGE) app fall into? For many, grammar is an alien and intimidating world of confusing concepts and unlikely vocabulary; a world they would rather avoid. But for anyone who relies on language, is there really a choice? As the app wisely states on its welcome page: ‘Quite simply, if we know how English works, then we can make better use of it.’ A logical progression The iGE is both a reference guide and an interactive course, beginning at word classes and building up logically through phrases, clauses and sentences to form, function and further reading. UCL linguistics experts developed it using research from their Survey of English Usage (SEU). The exercises use text taken from SEU’s million-word database of spoken and written English. This means the example sentences are somewhat more realistic than your typical grammar textbook (one can show only so much interest in where an aunt keeps her stationery). There is also an extensive glossary. Apparently the target market is school, college and university students, as well as learners of English as a second language. UCL Professor and Director of SEU Bas Aarts says: ‘The SEU team have developed the app in response to students and teachers who say that many existing learning tools †¦ often fail to meet their English language learning needs.’ Hold on to your hat Perhaps the worst that could be said of the resulting program is that, after it has met those needs, it promptly gallops off to a more highbrow party. On first use, the app almost feels too comprehensive. And for anyone who finds grammar daunting, it could be a little overwhelming. (Ever wanted to know the difference between syndetic and polysyndetic coordination? Well, you can find out here ) Throughout the course, technical terms are hyperlinked to their entry in the glossary, as well as to dropdown menus of related words and subjects. While cross-referencing is undoubtedly useful, the extent of it means you can easily become sidetracked amid the many layers (imagine a Russian doll of the population of Russia) and lose track of where you began. The overall verdict This aside (and it does feel churlish to complain of being given too much information), the app is intuitive to use and explains terms clearly. And you can take your time getting to grips with each part, as it will hold your place when you exit. Just a couple of notes of caution: it’s probably best to follow the course from the beginning rather than diving right into the hyperlinks and labyrinthine glossary, or you risk feeling like Alice being swallowed up by the rabbit hole. Still, if – like her – you can learn to just fall in and embrace it, you will probably also end up emerging somewhat wiser, if a little bit dazed. Score: ****