This class destroyed me all quarter. It is a lot of work: 2 writing projects, both 6 pages exactly, a 3-page writer's reflection and a 3-page community service analysis. The highest grade you can get on all the writing pieces is a B+, if you want to earn an A you have to do 6 hours of community service and write the 3-page piece about your experience. Adding up all the pages, it doesn't seem like too much, but you will rewrite these pages countless times. You write so-called "analytical writing" using the "personal pronoun" according to the methods in her self-written textbook. While it has the potential to make you a better writer, personally as an econ major it frustrated me knowing I won't be doing this personal writing again. She absolutely violated both of my writing project 1 & 2 drafts, and I had to work very hard to get them up. She tells you your grade but gives you time to improve your pieces which are all do on the last day of the quarter. Tamar is a very big personality, and you need to stay on her good side to do well (ie doing thorough annotations on readings, sucking up to what she writes in her textbook, agreeing with her politically, ect). I am very surprised I came away with an A-. Not easy by any means.

I learned a LOT in this class. Although reading the syllabus in the first week made the class seem daunting, with the two writing projects and the 6 hours of community service (not required), when it comes down to actually doing it, can I really complain if it was rewarding? I honestly would take this class again, but I wish I had gone in with a more open mind. This class is a lot of trust the process, don't get too frustrated with yourself, and you will turn out a much better writer. Great class to start your time at UCLA with because it really gives you perspective.