Definitely do your extra reading and pay attention! One blink of an eye and the class is on a whole other chapter, so don't fall behind. He definitely pushes his IB kids harder - even the best students are feeling the pressure, so don't get discouraged! The content is fascinating - you can do it!

Learn how to take notes properly and don't think that the slides have all of the information. The stuff Lavold says is very important and is most of the detail so listen to him very carefully. Essays are a huge part of this class and need to be taken seriously, which means understanding how to write them (he will go over this) and knowing what is going on. I recommend staying well ahead in reading the textbook as it is something Lavold expects people to read. If he suspects no one did pop-quizzes may happen. Overall this is a great class and Lavold is very funny but it is important to remember this is IB and is going to be an uphill battle. Bottom line, study the material.

IB social is gruelling. The essays you have to write require you to know your points going in, know them well, and get to the point while knowing what you're doing. Notes are very necessary, but you will not have trouble writing notes if you can keep with the pace; you are give adequate time to write. To succeed, you must know that you have to read (or at least skim) the chapters assigned, know how to take notes (Mr. Lavold usually goes over this, but put down what he emphasizes and don't just copy off the board), and learn how exactly to write essays. This class is great fun, but some of the most fair challenges you'll do in school.