The best aspects of the course included the interesting readings as well as the deep and open discussions. The worst aspects of the course included the lack of feedback on some writing assignments, as well as the repetitiveness of the class structure. The course would improve if students had their own work read and reviewed in class from time to time. It would also be helpful if the weekly responses were reduced so as to help students engage themselves more in the books. Prospective students should know that this course involves readings lots of great books.

293 The best aspect of the course was the insightful and kind professor who provided students with constant feedback and helpful tips on improving their writing. This was a useful workshop course with weekly exercises and discussions to help students learn from one another. The worst aspects of the course included the workshop sessions where some students had their writing reviewed for longer periods than others, as well as the discussions that often lacked focus. The course would improve if there was better time management during workshop sessions and if the class could be smaller in size. Prospective students should know that this course involves lots of writing and critiquing of other people’s writing.

Students thought that the best aspects of this course included the professor’s insightful feedback and the helpful class discussions. Students remarked that the course was often unorganized and the workshop reviews were not always effective as more time was spent with the first student’s work than it was on the final work presented. To fix this, students suggested creating a standard workshop procedure to ensure that everyone’s work received equal critique. Students also wanted more writing prompts and exercises throughout the semester. Prospective students should be interested in producing a fair amount of work and be able to provide insightful and helpful critiques.

Students found that the reading materials and class discussions were some of the best aspects of this course. The professor was very engaged with students, and he actively helped keep the discussions lively and interesting. Students found the lack of feedback disappointing, and that some of the books’ subject matter made certain students uncomfortable. Students suggested giving feedback on at least some of the works turned in or some constructive criticism. Prospective students should be prepared for extensive reading and writing each week and to actively pursue feedback from the professor in order to improve their writing.

Students praised this course for having an engaging instructor who spurred interesting discussion and strong rapport among students. Students had few issues with the course; however, some students found that in this discussion-focused course, when students failed to complete their work, it negatively affected the entire class. Suggestions for improvement varied; many students wanted the instructor to make sure that students completed their assignments and participate during classes. Other students wanted the course to follow a firmer structure in class sessions so they would have equal amounts of time to have their work critiqued. Prospective students should know that students found that the course was writing intensive and provided them with an opportunity to improve their writing skills.

Students uniformly praised this ‘special’, seminar-style course for having a ‘wonderful’ instructor who provided direct and clear criticism of students’ writing. Students found few issues with the course although some students found the course dragged when students didn’t participate. Suggestions for improvement included a feeling among students that time could have been better managed in the course. Students found that some works, such as those begun at the start of a class, could get more time than others. Prospective students should know that students found the instructor to be phenomenal and that they grew as writers in her course.

The best aspects of this course included the instructor-guided discussions, the group analysis on Chekhov’s work, and the thorough, invaluable workshops. One student felt that utilizing Chekhov as a literary model was frustrating and limiting because of Chekhov’s distinct style. Another student felt class time was misappropriated – there was not enough focus on workshops. Prospective students are encouraged to participate as much as possible.

The best aspects of this course included the in-depth workshops, the instructor’s detailed and thorough feedback, and the individual conferences. One student felt the critiques from the instructor were often based on preference. Another student felt the grading system was unclear. Suggestions included incorporating more weekly writing exercises and reading more contemporary fiction. Prospective 283 students should be prepared to do a substantial amount of reading, writing, and providing feedback to peers.

This course received high praise from the students on every aspect of the course. The instructor is engaging and knowledgeable, the workshops were insightful, and the interaction with peers was exciting. Students were hard pressed to find fault, citing the worst aspect of the course as its inevitable end. The most common suggestion for improvement was to have a longer semester. Students interested in this course should know the instructor is fantastic and this course was for many the best they had taken as an undergraduate at Hopkins.

The best aspects of this course included the high level of critique provided in workshops and the honesty and knowledge of the instructor. Many students cited the readings as being good fodder for discussions. Of the negative aspects, many students found the readings to be very one-note, while others were disappointed by the lack of written feedback from peers. Two recommendations for improving the course were to include a wider variety of readings and to encourage students to develop a thicker skin in workshops. Prospective students should be prepared for honest workshops and take the time to learn as much as possible from this instructor.

The best aspects of this course were the detailed, helpful workshops and the enthusiastic professor who created a safe environment for students to improve their writing. Some students found it hard to work with others who were not as motivated to develop their skills in fiction writing. Suggestions for improvement included having more writing assignments to practice skills, getting more feedback from the professor, and incentivizing serious peer review of assignments. Prospective students should be self-motivated and interested in fiction writing.

The best aspects of the course included the informal nature of the course and the opportunity to create and revise one writing piece the entire semester. Students felt workshops were frustrating at times as students weren’t always prepared and class discussion lagged. Suggestions for improvement included having written feedback from the professor on work, and having specific deadlines for paper development throughout the semester. Prospective students should be prepared for a rigorous course that provides the opportunity to improve writing skil s and gain expert advice from the instructor.