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 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 :-)