There’s a certain mystique that surrounds the Foundation Year Program. This mystery can make the program seem intimidating. FYP papers have variously been described as “their own beast” or “not your high school English papers.” I find those who have completed FYP gate-keep the reality of the program, feeling perhaps they “earned their wisdom.” Here, at The Watch, we think knowledge should be shared.
We’ve compiled some tips for your FYP survival guide. You won’t find the ⅔ rule here. We’re telling you what you need to know, and what the tutors and orientation week leaders probably won’t.
1. Any book published before 1929 is public domain. This means it is free.
This accounts for most of the reading list. Public domain books can be found for free online. Some profs might want you to have a certain translation but the content is mostly the same. Borrow the preferred translation from a friend or the library if you use it in your paper.
2. Beware of bullshit disguised as eloquence.
People get really pretentious in tutorials and sometimes hide their mediocre take behind lofty language. Even profs. If you don’t understand the point someone is making because of the words they are using, ask them to explain in simpler terms. Don’t miss out on understanding something for fear of being perceived as less intelligent. Truly smart people won’t make you feel stupid for asking.
3. Put a sock on the door.
You have a roommate, not a chastity belt. Still, come up with a system that respects each other’s boundaries and stick to it.
4. You will see them again.
Halifax is a small city. King’s is even smaller. If you date or hook up with someone make sure you can be civil when it’s over. There’s no avoiding your past in this city. Make sure they’re someone you won’t mind bumping into because you will see them everywhere. All. The. Time.
5. You don’t have to be a communist.
King’s loves to make every academic debate an argument of morals. It can be easy to take on the beliefs and opinions of others to fit in or make friends. But here’s the thing: the entire point of FYP is to teach critical thinking. You don’t have to think the same things as the people around you.
6. Make a small point well. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
There’s not a lot you can say about these texts that hasn’t been said before. You don’t need to make groundbreaking arguments or ambitious connections to the modern world. This will bite you in the keister. Make a small and well argued observation, then say why it matters in the context of the text you chose. You likely won’t contribute any great ideas to the world of academia in your first few papers, or any of them. Don’t try to. After writing your paper, ask yourself, what is learned from reading it? Rewrite your thesis with that in mind.
7. This place becomes a beautiful cage.
Beautiful brick buildings, the arboured quad, the massive dining hall… Very exciting at first but they get old fast. Most of your social interactions are here. For the love of God, leave. Leave King’s, leave the neighbourhood. Join societies at Dal, go for walks on the waterfront, find a study space in the North End or Downtown. The campus can feel very reclusive at times, you will be glad to have friends and outlets outside of the quad.
8. You’re a big kid now. Be proactive.
Some tough love: your mental health is your responsibility. Find out the resources available on and off campus and become familiar with them before you need them. No one is coming to rescue you when things get bad. Advocate for yourself and ask for help when you need it.
9. Nevertheless, you’re not alone.
First year is hard, and FYP is demanding. Check in on your friends. The people you go through this program with become your family. Help each other out. People get depressed, people struggle. It’s normal, but avoidable.
10. Tie your toga securely.
The ancient Greeks may have spent a lot of time naked. You don’t have to.
If any of these points are confusing or you are unsure. Come ask me about it. Your best resource when it comes to FYP is people who have gone through it.
