This Book Is Not Required: An Emotional Survival Manual for Students has been regarded as a powerful tool to introduce students to the sociological analysis and personal reflection of college life. Now in its Third Edition, the book continues to educate students on the college experience as a whole—looking at the personal, social, intellectual, and spiritual demands and opportunities presented by college life. In a personable and refreshingly straightforward style, authors Inge Bell, Bernard McGrane, and John Gunderson critically discuss how academic life distinguishes between learning the institutional rules of higher education and internalizing those rules. The book demystifies professors and teaching assistants by discussing their institutional roles and incentives and invites students to take responsibility for—and make the most of—their educational experiences.

This Fifth Edition of the underground classic This Book Is Not Required: An Emotional and Intellectual Survival Manual for Students, by Inge Bell, Bernard McCrane, John Gunderson, and Teri Anderson, breaks new ground in participatory education, offering insight and inspiration to help undergraduates make the most of their college years. This edition continues to teach about the college experience as a whole—looking at the personal, social, intellectual, technological, and spiritual demands and opportunities—while incorporating new material highly relevant to today’s students. The material is presented in a personable and straightforward manner, maintaining Dr. Inge Bell’s illuminating writing style throughout, and inviting students to take responsibility for, and make the most of, their educational experiences.

The Fourth Edition of the classic This Book is Not Required: A Success Manual for First-Year Students breaks new ground in participatory education, offering insight and inspiration to help undergraduates make the most of their college years. This edition continues to teach about the college experience as a whole—looking at the personal, social, intellectual, and spiritual demands and opportunities—while incorporating new material highly relevant to today’s students. The material is presented in a personable and straightforward manner, maintaining Dr. Inge Bell’s illuminating writing style throughout, and inviting students to take responsibility for, and make the most of, their educational experiences.