Buying Textbooks

archaic
Tue, 03 Sep 2013 12:44:31 +0000

In the textbook list for each class, is the “Req(uired) / Opt(ional)” column accurate? Or should I still wait until after class actually starts to see if we’ll really need a book?

Also, is the only difference between a looseleaf and a non-looseleaf textbook that the looseleaf isn’t bound in a traditional hard cover – it’s just hole-punched pages? I don’t get why some classes (ex. PSYC 3) list the looseleaf as required and the non-looseleaf as optional, while others (ex. BICD 100) require the hardcover textbook and make the looseleaf optional. Is that just on the whim of the instructor, or is there really a difference…?

I’m also confused because on Amazon, the looseleaf PSYC 3 book is $150, while the hardcover PSYC 3 book is $143. Why would the looseleaf be more expensive than the more durable hardcover? Am I missing something here?