ENGL 170A
American Literature, 1865 to 1900
Description: Lecture, four hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). Enforced requisites: courses 10A, 10B, 10C. Historical survey of American literature from end of Civil War to beginning of 20th century, including writers such as Howells, James, Twain, Norris, Dickinson, Crane, Chesnutt, Gilman, and others working in modes of realist and naturalist novel, regional and vernacular prose, and poetry. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
Professor Colacurcio is nothing short of a joke. He is a shining example of an inept uncaring simpleton who somehow rose to gain the mantel of "Distinguished" Professor which tells me that perhaps it might be much easier to obtain that honor that I had previously thought. He is scatterbrain, late for classes and a joke to most of his students. Avoid his class if at all possible because you will not only learn absolutely nothing but will be subjected to his childish tirades and fits of cursing.
Professor Colacurcio is nothing short of a joke. He is a shining example of an inept uncaring simpleton who somehow rose to gain the mantel of "Distinguished" Professor which tells me that perhaps it might be much easier to obtain that honor that I had previously thought. He is scatterbrain, late for classes and a joke to most of his students. Avoid his class if at all possible because you will not only learn absolutely nothing but will be subjected to his childish tirades and fits of cursing.
Most Helpful Review
I got an A in this class. Things you should know: Professor Dimuro will cancel a few classes due to illness, and he is very slow at grading (or at least returning assignments). It's possible you may have to write your second paper without receiving feedback for the first. Also likely is you may end up taking the final with little security, knowing only one of your grades out of five assignments. However, the lectures are entertaining and educational. If you can follow Dimuro, you can learn a lot from his lectures. If you don't understand something - and most of the class seemed lost at some point - do ask! He's open and willing to clarify. If you're here to learn, then it doesn't matter what your grade is or how dull some of the readings are. You can learn a lot from attending lecture AND listening. Participating isn't necessary, but it'll give you brownie points.
I got an A in this class. Things you should know: Professor Dimuro will cancel a few classes due to illness, and he is very slow at grading (or at least returning assignments). It's possible you may have to write your second paper without receiving feedback for the first. Also likely is you may end up taking the final with little security, knowing only one of your grades out of five assignments. However, the lectures are entertaining and educational. If you can follow Dimuro, you can learn a lot from his lectures. If you don't understand something - and most of the class seemed lost at some point - do ask! He's open and willing to clarify. If you're here to learn, then it doesn't matter what your grade is or how dull some of the readings are. You can learn a lot from attending lecture AND listening. Participating isn't necessary, but it'll give you brownie points.
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Most Helpful Review
Out of all the English classes I've taken, this was by FAR the most boring. I went to nearly every lecture and the only way I could get through the class was by being on my computer (much like everyone else). His lectures are extremely dry and the reading material is not interesting. You are graded on attendance, 2 essays, a mid-term and a final. The mid-term and the final aren't too difficult, but make sure that you do the reading. He did e-mail us all the powerpoints to study for finals which was helpful. This is not necessarily an "easy" class, but it wasn't too difficult. It however was a waste of time unless you really enjoy reading 19th century American Lit. I was disappointed that there wasn't really any chance for discussion during class and only a few people talked during the entire quarter. TAKE ANOTHER CLASS if you can.
Out of all the English classes I've taken, this was by FAR the most boring. I went to nearly every lecture and the only way I could get through the class was by being on my computer (much like everyone else). His lectures are extremely dry and the reading material is not interesting. You are graded on attendance, 2 essays, a mid-term and a final. The mid-term and the final aren't too difficult, but make sure that you do the reading. He did e-mail us all the powerpoints to study for finals which was helpful. This is not necessarily an "easy" class, but it wasn't too difficult. It however was a waste of time unless you really enjoy reading 19th century American Lit. I was disappointed that there wasn't really any chance for discussion during class and only a few people talked during the entire quarter. TAKE ANOTHER CLASS if you can.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2019 - He's a kind and fun professor and even though I don't typically enjoy early American literature, he made his lectures entertaining. He's young, cares about his students (catch him always nodding in an encouraging way after you make a comment), and always throws in some jokes. The reading seems like a lot at first glance, but it's very doable since there is no exam, you just choose a couple works to write papers on towards the middle and end of the class. He isn't a harsh grader, and pretty flexible. If you need an extension, definitely ask. I would definitely recommend taking him whether you're an English major or not, but especially for those early English Lit requirements! Also, most of his assigned readings can be found online for free.
Fall 2019 - He's a kind and fun professor and even though I don't typically enjoy early American literature, he made his lectures entertaining. He's young, cares about his students (catch him always nodding in an encouraging way after you make a comment), and always throws in some jokes. The reading seems like a lot at first glance, but it's very doable since there is no exam, you just choose a couple works to write papers on towards the middle and end of the class. He isn't a harsh grader, and pretty flexible. If you need an extension, definitely ask. I would definitely recommend taking him whether you're an English major or not, but especially for those early English Lit requirements! Also, most of his assigned readings can be found online for free.
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