Looking for advice on process for UML?

[Richard Agnes]

I am a university student, we have been studying UML fairly intensely for the past year. We also happen to use Larman as our primary textbook, for analysis at least anyway.
I am looking for advice on material with a more refined process, such as RUP (which only seems available for a lot of money on the web). What are the thoughts on Larman anyway? Is this book considered 'a process' by industry standard or merely an introduction to the UML notation. Does UML have it's place in XP? I know little of XP but have heard good things of it is it worth pursueing this avenue instead of RUP or the like?
Secondly Case tools, in particular Rational Rose, does anyone know where I can see some good examples of java based models? I have access to RR2000 at uni and am interested in using this software to develop my own models, I find looking at more experienced developers work extremely beneficial.
all discussion welcome.
Rich

[Ilja Preuss]

Does UML have it's place in XP?

Yes, it has. Most often it is used in discussions to scribble a quick design-sketch on a white board. It may remain for some days or weeks, but its usefulness will most likely vanish quickly, as some practices (e.g. refactoring) will make it being obsolete and others will assure that the team could reconstruct it every time (e.g. system metaphor, simple design and pair programming).
The preferred technique for design sessions are crc cards, as they are much more dynamic and interactive than UML diagramms.