Jenny doesn’t have a heavy load this semester.

W: Professor Weston, could I speak to you?
M: Come in please, Jenny. How can I help you?
W: I need to get your signature on my schedule card here, on the line above advisor’s approval.
M: Sure, but let’s look at it over together first. How many courses do you have here?
W: Six.
M: Six? That’s quite a heavy load. Any particular reason?
W: I had to drop my chemistry course last semester when I was in a hospital, so. I need to take it gain.
M: So you’ve already learnt a lot of the material.
W: Right. And calculus is a part of the third year requirement.
M: Let’s see, chemistry. Oh I see you’ll be in my seminar on modern American novels.
W: Yes, I’m looking forward to it and the romantic poetry seminar, too.
M: Two seminars? That is rather a lot. Can you handle the work?
W: I think so. I know it’s a graduate course and I’m only a junior, but...
M: Aren’t you a bit young? The students usually have a hard time keeping up.
W: I know, but American Literature is my favorite interest and I’ve done a lot of reading in the field. In fact I attended part of Prof. Johnson’s literature class before I was in the hospital. Our first reading assignment was the book Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.
M: Travels with Charley? It’s a very good book.
W: Yes. It includes descriptions of many different parts of the United States. Steinbeck and his pet poodle, Charley, had lots of adventures.
M: Yes. Does the book have any central theme to hold all these adventures together?
W: I think Steinbeck’s theme is the urge to travel that helps capture the curiosity and the desire for new experiences expands one’s horizons and motivates all of us towards intellectual growth.
M: I see. You seem to know a lot about literature and you certainly aren’t one of those students who are out for easy grades.
W: I should say not. I really want to learn something.
M: Now. Let’s see what other courses you have chosen.
W: Watercolor painting and the advanced sketching course.
M: Have you ever worked with watercolors?
W: I’ve done very little painting at all. I’m a math major, but I enjoy drawing and the course description says that any student can sign up. I assume that means experience in painting isn’t necessary.
M: That’s right. They’ll be using watercolors instead of oils because they are easier to handle. Also beginning students can get a good feel for what they can do with painting by working with watercolors.
W: My roommate is a chemistry major, but he has done a lot oil painting. If he signed up for the course would he find it too easy?
M: No he could work on using techniques he already knows and applying them to principles of composition, color and design. There’s something for everyone in this course.
W: Do we need to bring our own brushes and colors to class?
M: Yes, you can buy them at the bookstore. The department will provide drawing board and any other supplies that are necessary. I hope you will enjoy it very much.
W: It sounds interesting. I’ll definitely register today.
M: Fine. Now about the advanced sketching course. Have you taken the prerequisite, the beginning sketching course?
W: No, that’s just one of the reasons why I’m here. The catalog says that the advisor can give permission to register without the prerequisite.
M: Have you got any previous experience?
W: I brought lots of sketchbooks full of my work, but I have had no formal training.
M: Have you brought any of your work with you?
W: Yes, here are some examples, mostly flowers and landscapes.
M: They look pretty good. Well, then I’ll be happy to give you the permission and sign the card. However, since you are taking such a heavy load, I insist that you come to see me after the first week of classes so that we can make sure this isn’t too much for you.
W: That’s a promise.