Professor
David Shorter
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2022 - I truly liked my class with Shorter and recommend him, but some people didn't jive with him. He's the classic archetype of a university professor but funnier and looser. Just participate in the discussions, do the readings, and attend office hours, and you will be on his good side and do fine. Also, he will make you a better writer. The readings/texts/films were exciting and changed my perspective on many areas of life.
Fall 2022 - I truly liked my class with Shorter and recommend him, but some people didn't jive with him. He's the classic archetype of a university professor but funnier and looser. Just participate in the discussions, do the readings, and attend office hours, and you will be on his good side and do fine. Also, he will make you a better writer. The readings/texts/films were exciting and changed my perspective on many areas of life.
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Most Helpful Review
The title of Prof. Shorter's fiat lux is "Aliens and Ghosts." It seemed like more work than a 1-unit class is worth (there were two books to read, and something like 4-5 papers to write), but overall it wasn't too bad. I really enjoyed the material and always looked forward to his lectures. In class, he got to know everybody's name, brought his dog to class, and often gave us food. Though he made it relaxing to be in class, he made us think. Like other people have posted, his lecture style seems condescending at first, but that's just because he's making you think twice about what you're saying. He's open to all beliefs and doesn't try to change your mind about anything through his class.
The title of Prof. Shorter's fiat lux is "Aliens and Ghosts." It seemed like more work than a 1-unit class is worth (there were two books to read, and something like 4-5 papers to write), but overall it wasn't too bad. I really enjoyed the material and always looked forward to his lectures. In class, he got to know everybody's name, brought his dog to class, and often gave us food. Though he made it relaxing to be in class, he made us think. Like other people have posted, his lecture style seems condescending at first, but that's just because he's making you think twice about what you're saying. He's open to all beliefs and doesn't try to change your mind about anything through his class.
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Most Helpful Review
Incredibly arrogant and hateful of students; This professor uses fear tactics to call on students; I don't know why he is a faculty member considering how much he hates students; On the first day of class, he gave a whole speech of how he doesn't care if students don't come prepared to class or do the reading and yet he'll scold the students who try to leave (I thought he didn't care); He is a a very unusual WAC professor because most WAC professors are nice and enjoys interacting with students, he does not.
Incredibly arrogant and hateful of students; This professor uses fear tactics to call on students; I don't know why he is a faculty member considering how much he hates students; On the first day of class, he gave a whole speech of how he doesn't care if students don't come prepared to class or do the reading and yet he'll scold the students who try to leave (I thought he didn't care); He is a a very unusual WAC professor because most WAC professors are nice and enjoys interacting with students, he does not.
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2024 - I took WAC 33 as a GE. Honestly, for the ling and philosophy credit, I might not recommend that. The class is a bit more difficult than your typical GE. The course goes very deep into its content and provides students with a range of history and perspectives. If you're interested in the topic, I'd consider taking it. David is very funny but has high expectations for his students. Do not expect to be able to skip class or space out. Honestly, he doesn't assign a ton of assignments besides readings that you really need to do. The letters to the colonized/colonizer are more of a creative writing sort of thing, so the class truly only has two hard assignments (thesis/outline and final paper). He gives the formatting requirements for these two. Put in the work and you will do well. The TA is also a great resource.
Winter 2024 - I took WAC 33 as a GE. Honestly, for the ling and philosophy credit, I might not recommend that. The class is a bit more difficult than your typical GE. The course goes very deep into its content and provides students with a range of history and perspectives. If you're interested in the topic, I'd consider taking it. David is very funny but has high expectations for his students. Do not expect to be able to skip class or space out. Honestly, he doesn't assign a ton of assignments besides readings that you really need to do. The letters to the colonized/colonizer are more of a creative writing sort of thing, so the class truly only has two hard assignments (thesis/outline and final paper). He gives the formatting requirements for these two. Put in the work and you will do well. The TA is also a great resource.
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