About Purchasing
- Books: These can be purchased from any bookseller.
- Course Readers: These can only be purchased from Cognella. See the FAQ for more information.
- Software: Review the software and hardware page for additional information including laptop recommendations by department.
Lists by Term
Check the list below before classes start to ensure you have not missed any required books or readers for your classes. The list is organized by department. Core classes such as Art History (AHCS) and English (ENGL) will be listed under Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Please contact Office of Financial Aid if you are experiencing any financial challenges hindering your ability to meet your course/program materials requirements.
Not all Academic Programs have classes that require the purchase of books/readers/software. Departments and classes requiring the purchase of books/readers/software are listed below. Each department is on a separate tab in the worksheet.
We recommend searching for books online using the "978" ISBN number to ensure you find the right edition/version of the book to purchase.
*The book/reader/software information below will be continuously updated. Please check often. Email your faculty if you have any questions. The estimated prices below do not include shipping fees. The below information has been provided in compliance with the Higher Opportunity Education Act and to further assist students by providing book/reader/software costs at the time of registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of your required books and readers are listed in the Estimated Price List. You can also look at Cognella to find out if your class requires a course reader. The Estimated Price List is organized by Studio department. Your core courses such as English, Art History and Math are listed under Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Course readers (course packs) are custom-published packs compiled by your professor with materials that are relevant to the course. Course readers allow professors to include up-to-date articles and readings and are customized for each class. Usually, an instructor will choose to use a course reader when there are multiple readings they wish to use for class, and it becomes too costly to have students purchase all the books. Course readers must be purchased through Cognella and cannot be purchased through other vendors.
- You can purchase your required books from any bookseller, in-store or online. Some examples would be Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Textbooks.com. More can be found online to choose from. Also, many have rental and digital options at a cheaper rate.
- You will need the Student Schedule printout (sample below) provided by the Registrar.
- Using the information found in the Estimated Price List (ISBN, Title, Author, Publisher) and your Student Schedule, you can search for your books online.
- CRN – a number you use to register online
SUBJ – stands for subject
CRSE – stands for course
SEC – stands for section
CMP – stands for campus (G is the Goldsmith Campus on Lincoln)
TITLE – course title
CREDITS – number of credits or units course if worth
To purchase a reader, please follow these instructions:
- Step 1: Log on to Cognella.
- Step 2: Choose the correct course reader (course pack), select a format, and proceed with the checkout process.
- Step 3: After purchasing, you can access a digital copy of the first few chapters (if you selected a print format) or all chapters (if you selected a digital format*) by logging into your account and clicking ‘My Digital Materials’ to get started on your reading right away.
Print orders are typically processed within 24 hours; the shipping time and price will depend on the selected shipping method and day it is shipped (orders are not shipped on Sundays or holidays).
*Digital access: To access your course reader (course pack), you will need an Adobe ID and the free Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) software installed on your computer. Visit Cognella Adobe ID for easy instructions. Once you download the digital course reader (course pack) you can access it online or offline at any time on your computer, tablet, or smart phone. You can also annotate, highlight, and search the content. Please note that the digital course reader (course pack) expires after six months.
If you experience any difficulties, please email orders@cognella.com or call 800-200-3908 ext. 503.
Students can find textbooks at several different online or in-store retailers. Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Textbooks.com are just a few to find the best price available.
Cognella offers low pricing and quick turn-around time for students ordering course readers.
Textbooks: Certain conditions apply to return your materials for a full refund. BEFORE you open or write in anything, please check the Returns FAQ of the site or store where materials were purchased for refund policies and restrictions.
Course Readers: Please see the Student Help FAQ section on the Cognella website.
If you will be in transit when your course materials are going to be delivered, have not established a residence, or if you are in the Otis College Housing program, you may qualify to have your orders shipped to the College. To see if you qualify and find out how to arrange this, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (310) 665-6960 or check with the Student Affairs Office on the 2nd floor of Ahmanson. If ordering from Amazon, you can take advantage of the Amazon locker on campus.
Although we would love to have a campus bookstore, present space constrictions prohibit it.
If you have questions about the courses or required course materials, contact the Teaching/Learning Center at tlc@otis.edu.