I took Professor Kipen's English5W class last year and I truly think he's changed the way I approach writing forever. Overall his lecture was engaging and fairly easy all because he is so passionate about what he talks about. The entirety of this class is centred around one focal topic that Kipen himself has been studying his entire life. Before this class was not a fan of most writing classes, but Professor Kipen encouraged us to write how we want to write and I really gravitated this his approach. The essays he assigns during the quarter focus on the singular topic of the class but feel generally broad enough to leave you room to write something you're passionate about. However, the final paper was somewhat tedious but overall doable. If you're looking for a teacher who's truly passionate about his class and students, I would highly recommend this class.

Professor Kipen was one of the most passionate teachers I have ever had. He actually cares so much about writing and is so knowledgable on writers and different works. Like someone else on here said, he cares so much that he made me want to try hard on my essays. He definitely can be hard on you, but he's just trying to improve you as a writer. Class just included 3 essays that weren't too terrible. Pretty light for a Writing II.

As someone who thinks they're very good at writing, I got an A- in this class. Granted I didn't spend enough time on my essays but I guess if you REALLY try you can get an A, otherwise u might get anywhere from B to A-. So be preapred.

I really liked this class. I've never had an English teacher who seemed to actually enjoy reading and writing as much as Prof Kipen did. I honestly don't like writing at all, (in past English classes I would just BS my way through an essay) but his passion for the subject made me care about writing well, and my hard work was always rewarded. The class is kind of difficult because he expects a lot from you as a student, but you don't really have any hard assignments other than the three major essays. We also didn't have to spend any money on textbooks, which was a plus. My biggest area of criticism would be that the syllabus was not as clear as I'd have wanted it to be, and so there were times where I felt a little behind.

I feel like this class was not beneficial in my learning and at the end hurt my gpa. I tried learning and doing my best to succeed, but he did not care. He indirectly called me a bad writer and did not want to help me improve my writing. This class was only two hours long, but felt like forever since he doesn't stop talking. He goes off on random tangents and does not actually teach you anything you need to know. His writing prompts are always confusing and make no sense. I think he is a nice guy, but did not have time to nurture each students desires and needs when it comes to writing.

I took this class thinking I will improve in my writing, but I am still at the same level I entered with. I wish I was informed of this previously and changed english classes. As a writing major I wanted to be able to seek help, and I did not get any. I don't recommend taking this class unless your writing is as good as the Los Angeles Times writing. Not to mention, he is a Los Angeles Times writer so he wont have time for you and will grade really harshly based on his opinions.

Worst teacher ever. Highly do not recommend taking him. If you want to get screwed over, then take him. He puts his life first and doesn't care to help nor teach the students . Do not take.

Loved this class. Nearly two hour "lectures" never felt like it. He absolutely adores good writing and gets everyone else to love it too. Also has an incredible range of knowledge on literature/film. Ask him about any writer, screenwriter, or director since the beginning of time and he's sure to have stories to tell about them.