Student Comments.

The following students have given me specific permission in writing to post their comments along with their names.  If I haven't received that permission, I didn't post the comment.

ENG 4333.50 Fall 2009

Delia Watts

Dr. Greer,
This has been the most rewarding and challenging English class I have taken.  At first I was a little overwhelmed and convinced that I would be drowning in English all semester, but was happily surprised to enjoy the class as much as I did.  The structure was awesome and the discussion questions were thought provoking and inspirational and made it easier to write ten posts a week.  I must admit that the 10-12 page paper got the best of me.  I tend to do better with specific topics or choices for paper topics then just coming up with my own topic from all of our readings.  Overall, the class was great and I would take another class from you if you were to do more online classes.  You have my permission to use any or all of my feedback for posting on your website.

Thank you,
Delia Watts

Ruth Cook

This is an excellent course that encourages the student to explore other cultures through literature. Dr. Greer's online teaching methods spark creativity and thought-provoking interaction between students.

NOTE:

Dr. Greer: You have my permission to post this comment on your website as an endorsement to the nature of this course.

Elyze Davis

I really enjoyed the class. It was a lot of reading but I learned something from every novel we read and talked about. I also think that the texts Dr. Greer chose widened my perspective about world literature and I think the text “What is World Literature” helped me shape and understand different concepts.

I enjoyed the class this semester and learned a lot from Dr. Greer, my classmates, and the assigned readings.

You can post my final thoughts.

Lindsay Pelland

I have taken a lot of internet classes and I can honestly say that this has been one of my favorites. At first I was intimidated by the 10 weekly discussion posts, but it turned out to be a breeze because the conversations were so thought-provoking and interesting. I was very happily surprised by the selected novels for the course, a nice change from the same old traditional world literature selections offered in most courses. They were all very captivating and enjoyable reads.

This course was very rewarding in that it opened up my eyes to different cultures and led me to a new definition of - and love for -world literature. In addition, I was able to improve my writing skills, an added benefit which I really appreciated as it will help me in future courses.

Thanks for a great learning experience, Dr. Greer!

*Permission to use any or all content of this post on web page*

Shaionnone Hicks

This week was a challenge. The reading was interesting as it has been every week.

Dr. Greer, Thank you for allowing me the experience to read so many wonderful novels. You have opened my eyes to World Literature and I will continue to read from the great authors you have introduced me to this semester. I have enjoyed all the discussions these novels have induced among my classmates. The novels have truly opened my eyes to other cultures and new ways of thinking.

I do give you permission to use my post.

Thank you,
Shaionnone Hicks

ENG 5173.50 Postcolonial Literature. Fall 2009.

Desiree Frederickson

I have really enjoyed this course! You cannot go wrong in taking this course for a few reasons: 1.) Dr. Greer is a fantastic professor (helpful and knowledgeable); 2.) the material is interesting and eye-opening; and 3.) you may find that you have a passion for postcolonial literature/people/places! This is the best course I have taken, and I do, and will continue to, recommend this course to other students.

This course has taught me a great deal about how ignorant I am about Third World people, places, and concepts! I learned something new every week.

The studies in this course have prompted me to study Third World people. My goal is to write a book about my experiences, and although my book will not be considered an "authentic" representation of the subaltern, I would like to help people understand and appreciate cultures different from their own.

I have also gained insight into and passion for globalization. I would like to influence and help people on a global level.

I really cannot say enough about this course. Thank you so much for encouraging me to take this course Dr. Greer!!

You may use my feedback/comments about this course on your website to help other students decide whether your course is a good fit for them. (I hope they think so. I have really enjoyed your course!)

ENG 3023.50 British Literature 1760 to the Present. Fall 2009

April Thurmon

Dr. Greer,

I really enjoyed your class. It was very informative and educational. I’ve always loved English and literature. One of my core concentrations is English. I work with special needs students now and I’m working on my alternative certification in Special Education and possibly English. J The discussion groups were great. It was very helpful to communicate with other students. Many times I did not understand a poem, etc and by reading the other posts I had a clearer understanding. I also enjoyed your video posts each week. They were very helpful to me. Thanks again for all your guidance. I’ll be graduating in two weeks, and have really enjoyed my time at TWU. Take Care.

Also, if you would like to post my final comment, you have my consent.

Sarah Ford

I really enjoyed "Things Fall Apart" and Achebe's writing style.  It was interesting to read this story after reading "Heart of Darkness" and I wonder if we had read Achebe's piece about racism in Conrad's novel after we read "Things Fall Apart" if the answers would have been different.

Once again, taking your course has been a very informative and enriching experience.  It was a great course and there were a lot of familiar "faces" from previous semesters which made the discussion board even more interactive.  I am normally not a fan of survey courses, but I am glad that I took this one.  It was really neat to see the events and the literature that led up to the 20th Century British Literature that I read about a couple of semesters ago and it definitely piqued my interest in it even more than before.  As always, your course fostered a warm and collaborative environment for our class and I learned a lot from you and my fellow classmates as well.  I'm glad that I got to finish out my college experience with this course.  Thanks for a wonderful semester and you never know, maybe I'll catch you again some day in Grad school!

Thanks, Dr. Greer!!
Sarah

Also, feel free to use my final comments in any way that you like.

Julie Davis

You can post this if you would like.

I was previously enrolled in your Intro to World Lit at the beginning of this semester and had even started reading some of the books during the summer, but had heard that you were a very demanding professor and taking 19 hours for my final semester, I didn’t know if I could handle it. I could kick myself for listening to them. I have enjoyed your class very much and have learned a lot. You make it very interesting and if I had anymore classes to take, I would definitely take another one of your classes and will tell others to take your class.

Jamie Birchett

Dr Greer,

This has been by far one of the best online classes that I have taken so far. It is time consuming but the discussion questions and the class interaction helped me understand each work or help me look at it from a different perspective. You responded to my questions quickly and the tests were a great mix of the readings, the discussion questions, and your lectures.

Hope to see you again soon,

Jamie Birchett

*If you'd like to post this to your website please feel free to do so.

Brenda Key

Dr. Greer,

What a whirlwind of a course! We covered an awful lot of ground, but I am surprised at what depths we able to delve in that time. I think I became addicted to the discussion board to see what my classmates had to say.

I enjoyed the selections you chose for us to study, both poetry and prose, but I favor the poetry.

The grammar book was again helpful. I don't think I will forget to mention "the naysayer" in my future papers or consider why what I want to say matters. The suggestions in the book make a strong paper and added a powerful tool to my writing arsenal. That book was a good investment.

I intend to spend some time reading the other selections in the Norton, especially the modern section. I regret that I can take only one more English class before I graduate, but I have to concentrate on the Sociology half of my BGS now.

If you would like to publish any portion of these comments, please do so. 

Thanks for a worthwhile, enlightening and enjoyable semester!

Brenda

Kathleen MacCarron

Dr. Greer,

This week was interesting.  I think Sarah is right to suggest that we may have a different perspective of Achebe's essay regarding The Heart of Darkness now that we have read Achebe's portrayal of the African Igbo culture in Things Fall Apart.  I can see more now why Achebe was so insulted over Conrad's portrayal of the Africans...  Things Fall Apart seems packed with double meanings.  The questions and posts this week were great help in unraveling some of those meanings. 

Kathleen

Final Comment

Thanks for a wonderful class.   While, I had completely enjoyed reading the English twentieth-century novels in your previous class, in this survey class, I have equally enjoyed delving into the historical happenings in England that the writers drew upon for their literature.  I have a giant list of things I want to read from every period that we have discussed.  By far however, the best surprise for me this semester was poetry, I enjoyed having the background information of each period and seeing how the poets incorporated it into their work. I have especially enjoyed Eavon Boland’s poems from the twentieth-century and after.  She’s very good!

Our class discussion questions this semester were extremely thought provoking and I enjoyed reading what everyone had to say.  It was exciting to have so many perspectives; I always felt like we had thoroughly covered every angle of our topics.   

Thanks,

Kathleen

*Feel free to use my final comment or any portion of it for your site.

Happy Holiday's!

Fallon Hunt

This final discussion board was the icing on the cake. I have learned so much this semester and found myself using everything I learned. In my final postings I was able to answer the questions better. My responses were stronger and came together better than any week before. I think that was one of the goals of this class. Giving these readings and requesting us to respond to them and each other was beneficial. I learned more about the writers and the text from the discussion board. I liked doing this because it prepared me for the test and I learned so many new things about British Literature. I really enjoyed this class!!!

you can paste my final comment on your webpage

Lindy Hickman

Hello Dr. Greer,

Thank you for the lighter load! Finals are really creeping up on us all now! I enjoyed reading "Things Fall Apart". I found the story to be truly intriguing and unique. I've posted my comments on the course below. You can feel free to use them for any course promotions or descriptions. I really enjoyed your class and having you as a professor. I feel that I learned a great deal.

Thank You,

Lindy


Professor Greer's online British Literature course is a wonderful blend of history and literary exploration. The assigned reading spans several periods, and enables students to learn about British literature and the context in which it was written. In terms of participation and interaction, the discussion board requirements are very useful in fostering academic conversation and community, ultimately providing students with a thorough understanding of the observed works.

ENG 3353.50 Twentieth Century English Novel Spring 2009

Sarah Ford

This has been one of my favorite courses I have taken throughout my time with TWU.  I think that the novels chosen for this course were brilliant, and seemed to tie together in a theme of defining what was important in life, or what the meaning of life is.  The discussion boards were incredibly thoughtful and the questions caused me to delve deeper into the reading and examine the symbolism even closer than I would have on my own.  I enjoyed writing the essays for this course and found it horribly challenging to keep them to the 2-3 page length because after reading and discussing the respective novels, I had a lot more to say than I could fit in such a short paper!  Taking online courses, it is difficult to connect with other students and professors in a way that is meaningful because we never meet face to face, but in this course, I felt like I knew the class and the instructor better than most of my courses thus far.  I wish I could take an on-campus course with Dr. Greer because I imagine the classroom discussion of novels would be even more engaging and interesting. 

On a side-note, feel free to use my comments however you would like.

I have enjoyed both of your courses this semester (I'm in American Fiction as well) and I would have to say this is my favorite semester so far in my TWU career.  I'm not sure how the graduate process works, but I would definitely be interested in studying The Old Wives' Tale in more detail.

Thank you!
Sarah

Jillian Lowry

Attached is my final weekly summary.

Dr. Greer,

As always, it has been a delight to be in your class. Despite the fact that this semester was rather difficult for me, I can honestly say that I've learned a great deal (yet again!) and walk away with a great deal of appreciation for several new works (and new authors!). You have been one of my very favorite professors during my entire academic career and I wish you all the best in the future. As for me, I'm simply happy to be graduating in less than a week :-)

You may of course use my comments if you should wish. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Jillian Lowry

ENG 3323.50 American Fiction Spring 2009

Tricia Hogan

This English course has everything that I wished for: an attentive, fair professor, interesting reading material, great group discussions and just the right balance of mental comfort vs mental stretching. Thanks Prof Greer!

(…and yes, you can use my post if you want.)

Ruth Ann Cook

Dr. Greer-You may post my comments.

I looked forward to reading the books and discussing the questions every week. We explored some fascinating topics and Professor Greer's questions, assignments and interactive style encouraged me to think critically and write creatively.

Professor Greer puts so much effort into his teaching and it is evident that he is passionate about what he does. It makes such a difference to students and I look forward to more learning opportunities with this gifted educator.

Ruth Ann Cook

Amanda Guerrero

"Gesturing" and "The Best Girlfriend You Never Had" are my favorites from this week. Just felt like sharing that information.

I'm one of the strange students who likes being in school, so in a way, I'm a little bummed that the semester is over. This online class thing wasn't how I initially thought it was going to be. And that's a good thing. As far as content, I've liked most of the authors we've been introduced to, and I'm making my list of which ones I want to read more about during the summer. Thank you for providing a student-friendly discussion board and making us think about more than just the symbolic elements in a story.

(As far as your website, I don't mind you using my comments. *cheers.)

Kimberly Johnson

In all honesty, I really did enjoy the class.  I liked the readings that we were required to do and do believe that you ask thought provoking questions.  But I did find it very hard to complete the required 10 discussion board questions each week (as I’m sure you are aware of if you look through my postings).  I work full-time and go to school full-time and most of the time the discussion board posts just felt like busy work, just for the sheer volume of them.  Aside from this, I really did enjoy the class and am taking another one of your courses next semester.

ENG 5903.50 Special Topics: Rhetorical Figures of Speech.  Summer III 2008

Lisa Thomas-McNew

Please feel free to use this on your website if you would like.

Dr. Greer,

I would like to thank you for all of the time that you have spent mentoring me.  I have gained so much through my experiences in all of the classes that I have taken with you, beginning with the British Crime Fiction and the Bakhtin Circle courses and culminating with this semester’s Rhetorical Figures of Speech course. 

I cannot express in words how grateful I am that you have chaired my committee for my M.A.  I have become a better writer, thinker and teacher because of the theories and methods that I have been exposed to in your courses.  I know that I could not have succeeded in attaining the goal of my Master’s Degree without your kindness, insight, and guidance.  I can tell you that I will strive to pass the qualities that you have exhibited as a teacher on to my own students.

The only complaint that I have about the courses that I have taken with you is that they could not last longer.  I feel like there is so much more that I want to know and study about rhetorical figures of speech.  However, I do know that you have given me the tools to continue learning and growing as a person and a teacher. 

Thank you so much.

ENG 3323 American Fiction.  Fall 2007.

5903 Special Topics: Twentieth-Century American Detective Fiction.  Summer 2007

Lynn Knowles

ENG 4333 Introduction to the Study of World Literature.  Summer 2007

ENG 3353 Twentieth Century English Novel.  Spring 2007

Edie Alderson

Dr. Greer,

Feel free to post this on your website.

-Edie Alderson

I had read some things that came out of Modernism and thought that I had a pretty clear understanding of it before this class. Now I know how much more I had to learn. I have such a clearer understanding of what makes literature modernistic. And I thought this was a genre I did not care for and I find now that I was wrong in that aspect as well. I highly enjoyed several of the modern novels.

I really enjoyed and feel I greatly benefited from the exercises we did from the They Say/I Say book. I'm really glad that was assigned to us and honestly, I'm a little irritated that I was not exposed to more things like what we read in that book, earlier in my college career. I feel like I am a much better academic writer now.

Dr. Greer's online classes are challenging but very informative, if you do all the work. If you are self-motivated and work hard you will learn just as much, if not more, in Dr. Greer's online class than most normal classes.

ENG 3203.02 Advanced Grammar and Composition.  Fall 2006

Lacy Sprabary

I have never enjoyed an English class before now.  Your class taught me more than I have ever learned in previous classes.  This class helped me understand why things are the way they are, grammatically speaking. As a person who has always had problems writing papers and doing grammar, I would tell anyone to take this class.  Even if English is not your major, don't put off this class.  It can help anyone.  I don't mind if you use my comments or name; it's up to you.  Thank you Dr. Greer.

ENG 3023.50 British Literature 1760 to the Present.  Fall 2006

Edie Alderson

For my first online class I have a feeling I picked a tough one. When I mentioned to my fellow English majors I was taking this online version of this class they all asked how it was going because they had heard Dr. Greer’s online classes were so hard. But I do not think after going through the class I would describe it as hard. It was without a doubt challenging. But it was so well organized and all expectations were communicated so well that our accomplishments in this class were left to our own efforts. I have never had a class that I was made to participate in as much. I think this was so important to my overall college education. I leave this class so less intimidated to express myself, especially concerning literary analysis. To anyone thinking about taking one of Dr. Greer’s online classes I would give the advice to simply read your reading and do not be shy to share all your ideas. I did not realize how much I would end up learning from my fellow classmates through our weekly discussions.

I feel like I have such a better understanding of the literature of the periods we studied. Before this class I could name the period and perhaps an author or two that belong to each, but now I understand why they belong there and what makes them unique to that period. In discussion week two I stated that I was not a poetry person. The Romantic period sparked the change that would, throughout the semester, turn me into a poetry lover. I truly enjoyed the Romantic poets and there connection and love of nature. I will definitely keep reading Wordsworth and will explore Keats, Coleridge, and Blake more than I already have. I was hoping we would read Jane Austen but now I feel like I am equipped with the knowledge to fully understand writing that we did not get to in the class and can handle it on my own.

The Gothic Period was not my favorite but it was very interesting and I’m glad I learned about it. The Byronic hero was really fascinating and I think an important concept to understand the evolution of British literature. Byron created a hero that went against the traditional hero and therefore changed what the characteristics a protagonist could have for all future writers. I also enjoyed the risqué subject matter that the Gothic novel and stories tackled. Although the writing style was not my favorite, I appreciate knowing that the some of the dark, shock fiction I so enjoy today got its roots here in the Gothic period.

Learning about the Victorian period was great. Again, I really enjoyed the poetry of this period. It was so interesting to see through Arnold and the Barretts that poetry change and progress from the Romantic period. As the industrial revolution began the poetry began to reflect the change in lifestyle and views of nature. Also, I really enjoyed seeing the poetry become more and more individualized and individualism became more important. Themes that really interest me the most, like individualism, feminism, and constant questioning, began in the Victorian period. I am definitely planning to explore more fiction that came out of this period. Although, through class discussion I came to appreciate and understand the importance of Lady Audely’s Secret I just did not enjoy reading the novel. It just was not the kind of plot that hooks me in and it was very hard for me to care about what happened to the characters. But, I’m sure there is some fiction from the Victorian period that I will find more enjoyable.

The Modernist movement and Post Modern period was probably my favorite. I absolutely loved learning about Virginia Woolf and reading some of her writings. And I also loved Stoppard. I will be reading more of both of these authors in the future. I also really liked Carol Ann Duffy. I would have liked to spend more time discussion her. Its unfortunate that she came in the last week when our final was due, but someone had to be in that week.

Through the entire semester I feel like I really learned the evolution of the women writing more than I ever have in any class. From Hemans to Browning to Braddon to Woolf to Duffy it was absolutely fascinating to see the women writer progress through time. With each writer the subject matter became more daring and revolutionary, showing the freedom of women writers to fully express themselves attained through time. 

The most challenging aspect of this class was perhaps the group work. Group work that is done solely online is difficult and requires the full participation of each member to be successful. I know this was a source of anguish for many people. But I actually really enjoyed my group work. I had a wonderful group and I really learned a lot from them both. It was so nice to work with two people who were as focused as I was to achieve.

I learned more about literature in this class than in probably any other I’ve taken this far. But I also learned important lessons in self-motivation and organization. We were truly responsible for our own success and knowledge gained through out the semester and I am quite proud of myself for sticking with it week after week. And I am so grateful for experiencing Dr. Greer as a professor. He was always there to assist us and was very patient and understanding. The only disappointment that I have is that I only have one more English course to take and so I will not have the opportunity to experience having Dr. Greer in a face to face classroom environment. Maybe I’ll see him in grad school someday!!!

You wanted permission to post some of my final reflection on your website. Of course you can!

Jessica Denzlinger

I give my permission to repost this assessment… 

This course was the first I took online. Luckily, I was not naïve enough to think than an online course would be somehow easier, and Dr. Greer did not prove me wrong. It’s a lot of work! That said, I really think I improved as an English student this semester. I can’t say that I always enjoyed the literature we covered, but the discussion questions helped me think more critically, which is something that I’ve been able use in my other classes. This course requires a lot of writing, but overall I think it has given me practice in communicating my ideas. I would recommend this class to anyone who is willing to put in the time—like I said, it’s a lot of work but well worth it.

Shawna Bloodgood

This course was the first time that I have actually sat down to digest literature. I have never been interested in reading though I like to learn; usually, I find myself watching educational television like PBS or the History channel in my off time rather than reading the pages of a book. This class exposed me to literature and the “stuff” that I have been missed out on. I recall some five years ago, that a learned friend of mine who was an avid reader once say to me, “You are a pretty smart person, but the fact that you don’t read literature is a great downfall.” I think I now understand his point.

This was a challenging course and it requires a lot of time and effort. I would recommend this course online only if you are an English major or are taking two or three other classes, not a total of 15 semester as hours as I have. The hardest thing for me was the language—it was tough. There were many times when I cracked a dictionary to look up what a word meant because I wasn’t sure I had no clue what it was. We speak and read a vernacular totally different than the classics, even though the English language has the same words. At times, I struggled with both the literal and symbolic meaning of the literature, but eventually it got a little easier to understand. I must say that reading antique literature requires skill and patience and it truly takes time to master this ability.

As far as the content read in the course, I enjoyed it for the most part. Humans are humans even though the literature we read was two or three hundred years removed from the present day. As in there times, we feel the same emotions and passions today, they face the same struggles as we do today even though our world is much faster and advanced. I liken classical literature to classical music; it is simply timeless and can be appreciated for that quality alone.

I wish I had more time to patiently read the materials. The works of Hemans, Woolf, Wollstonecraft and E.B. Browning are interesting to me; I really took to Aurora Leigh. I got hooked on Manfred and I am attracted to the controversy that surrounds Byron and I would like to read more of his stuff, along with his antithesis, Coleridge.

I have heard of Thomas Huxley before I wish to eventually read his works as well as Darwin’s; the topics on which they write appeal to me since I am very interested in the sciences and biology. The prolific names of Wordsworth, Shelley, Keats, Tennyson and Kipling have a little more meaning though I don’t know there works. Though I am a very broke college student, I intended to keep this 2800+ page textbook so that when I am finished with college and have the time to read, I can start reading literature for more than just earning college credits.

Maggie Burleson

I have always loved to read and before switching my major to English, I thought that was all you needed to know to enjoy a book. And while that may be true, I’ve discovered this semester that the more you know, the more enjoyment you can get out of each piece of literature. I’ve learned how important it is to be able to apply historical context and the writer’s personal lives to their work. I have also learned that the more well read you are, the more you can bring to your understanding

At the beginning of the semester I really thought this class was going to be so much more challenging than it needed to be. I though there was no way that I could come up with ten posts a week over only three questions. I will admit, there were still times I had trouble, but I found the discussions so interesting, that the struggle was worth it. I love looking at things from others perspectives. Everyone brings an experience that is unique to a class like this and to be able to read their views, really helped me to clarify mine.

My favorites this semester were Hardy, Stoppard and Braddon. I was reading a Hardy novel concurrently in English Novel and am now a fan. I believe I will read more of him in the future. While many of Stoppard’s ideas were over my head, I loved what he did in Arcadia. I would also like to read more of Braddon. There were things about Lady Audley’s Secret that I didn’t enjoy, but the majority of it kept me glued to the page. I’d like to learn more about her style to discover if she did the things I didn’t enjoy on purpose or if that is just a part of her style I don’t enjoy.

Understanding the past is key to understanding the present. It is important to understand how a culture came to exist in its present form. With each progression of time, the writing changed until we finally arrived at modern time.  British history isn’t something students generally get to spend a lot of time studying, unless they are history majors.  But their history is such an important part of our American history, that I enjoyed the chance to spend some time studying it.

This class at times is overwhelming in the amount of work required. But if you take a deep breath and keep going, there is a lot to take away from it.

Please feel free to quote anything that I’ve written that would be helpful to you.

Michael Wiggam

Finally, here is the phrasing I would (and have) use(d) to “sell” this class to fellow students. Please feel free to post it on your site if you see fit.

No other literature course has offered me the insight into both its works and the mechanics involved in creating a better critical reader than this one. Without hyperbole, I learned more from Dr. Greer in a semester than every other course during my entire education. The required work is demanding, but its outcome is unmatched and incomparable.

If inspiration is the teacher’s primary goal, Dr. Greer exceeds in every way. This was the third course we had together, and I never saw a drop in enthusiasm for either student interaction or love of literature. He can make even the most “dull” texts feel alive and vital: a gift that should never be underplayed.

Furthermore, Dr. Greer is the best online teacher at TWU (and likely anywhere else). He will tell you that his online courses are more difficult than in-class – and he is correct – but he should also tell you that his passion is contagious and his knowledge is, seemingly, boundless. Dr. Greer is humble (not an act either), so he will not say any of that… but you should know it all the same.

ENG 3323.50 American Fiction.  Summer III 2006

Susan Horn

Jennifer Thimesch

Laura Jean Kuyoth

Well, this is the last written item I will complete for this course.  The final exam was slightly difficult, but not for your lack of review.  After an intense summer, it seems as though the intelligence has been sucked from my brain.  Nevertheless, I have really enjoyed this course.  Your lecture notes have been very helpful, and I have learned a great deal from other classmates.  The novels we read were fascinating, inspirational, and thought-provoking.  I plan to continue this journey of literacy, and I thank you for your insights and comments.  Course expectations were challenging, and I learned a great deal from this experience.  I have a renewed interest in the written word, and I would definitely take another course with you Dr. Greer.  You exhibit a kindness and compassion that is rare with many college instructors, based upon my experience.  You have my permission to post these comments on your web page if you would like.  Thanks again for the wonderful instruction and guidance you provided!  Have a great summer break! (if you can call it that)

ENG 2143.50 Fiction.  Summer III 2006

Ashleigh Solomon

I have to be different and say that I did not enjoy the online experience. I enjoyed the stories and the lecture notes, but I feel I would have enjoyed the class more in a classroom. I felt that a lot of the time people were just writing responses simply to give a response. (I know that is how it felt for me). However, in saying this I do not think that online courses are a waste of time, I just felt that I would have gotten more out of the classroom environment then on the internet.

I don't mind you using my comment. I agree with you, if we had more of a "personal" touch to internet courses I would enjoy it more. Thank you for all your hard work. I will see you tomorrow bright and early for the exam!

ENG 5903.50 Special Topics: Twentieth-Century British Mysteries: The Detection Club.  Summer III 2006

Bev Carlsen-Landy

This is the 3rd online class I have taken with you, and it is the first grad class. Here's my thoughts:

- The group doesn't always work, but this group was excellent. I looked forward to the interaction in my group each week.

- The final is too much. I am disappointed with my performance (without knowing my grade), because I cannot write a good essay in 45 minutes. Perhaps the final, if necessary, should be 15-20% of the grade.

- I wish more people would post early. I think it is not unreasonable to require 1 post for each DQ by Thursday.

- I missed the high level of interaction with you that I experienced in the other two classes. I realize your plate was very full, and perhaps this is to be expected in a grad level class.

- On the other hand, the level of interaction within the class was great! The quality of posts exceeded my expectations.

- Studying genre fiction has been a great experience for me. Last summer you introduced me to a sub-genre I never would have found on my own. This summer was a great follow up, and I now have Christie to explore. In addition to 'discovering' books I love, I was able to explore the reflection of our culture through literature.

- You are a gifted teacher; you manage to drag more out of me than I ever thought possible.

This class helped me make a life choice, so I'm sure it will be one of the most memorable classes I take.

I hope our path will continue to cross.

You may use any of the comments I made on your website. I'd love to hear your ideas about an online group project as a final. Eventually I hope to do almost all my teaching online, and since you are tied for the top spot of best online teacher I have had I would love to pick your brain :-)