[jmspring]

Funny, for the classes I took (and I was often taking 50%+ more than the "average load"), taking notes and listening usually managed to allow me to retain 70+% of the material (across math, physics, chemistry, computer sci/eng classes). The only exception was O-Chem which really did require a lot of extra time outside of the class room.

Languages, lit, and polisci were less about retaining specifics and more about interpretation and discourse. But, hell, grad level Dickens class was a lot of reading.

[mjfl]

I'll be the exception. The physics texts by Griffiths, namely Electrodynamics and Quantum Mechanics, can and should be read cover to cover. We would however, spend a whole semester on one book, so I doubt we would qualify for the >40 pages.