Confession: I have yet to read anything for any of my classes this semester. After many years of mastering the art of fake-it-til-you-make-it, I offer my advice to you on how to survive when you just can't do the reading:
1. Pray to some divine being that the professor doesn't call on you.
Even if you don't believe in a supreme, all-powerful force, at least put out some good vibes that one will help prevent the professor from seeing your blank, unknowing face. Try not to make eye contact, but don't be too obvious. Don't you dare start talking to your neighbor; that's a bright red, flashing alarm of PICK ME!
2. LISTEN.
When someone who knows what they're talking about is speaking, listen so you know what's going on! For style points, look very intensely at the speaker and nod.
3. When the professor asks a generic question, you'd better raise your hand.
Listen for questions like, "How do you feel about this?" or "How can we relate this to our lives?"
4. Answer with the deepest, most philosophical BS you ever heard.
After paying attention to other people, provide intellectual and well-worded insight. Bonus (for those of us in Christian schools): Jesus is always the right answer. Include something spiritual or quote the Bible (that's still relevant), and you'll always be correct.
5. Learn your lesson.
Don't let it happen again! Read the material... Or do a better job of faking it next time.
