I took a class with him during my first quarter at UCLA after transferring. However, I thought he was a complete joke because he tried so hard to be the “cool” teacher (it was his first teaching gig) and I dropped the class by the second week.

Fast forward to this summer: I only needed one more class in order to graduate, but alas, Sanchez was the only one teaching it! So I was forced to take his class again and went through the entire quarter thinking that I would end up failing—BUT I didn’t!

Grading Breakdown:
35% Quizzes
25% 6-8 page paper
40% Participation (in class and short online forum post)

Yes, you read that correctly—40% PARTICIPATION! But don’t let that scare you! I don’t know what kind of students the other reviewers are, but I am one of those shy, quiet, never say a word in class types. I’m pretty sure he didn’t even know my face or name by the end of the quarter. But since I did all the reading (thus receiving all the points for quizzes), did all the online posts and wrote a good paper I actually received an A! So if you’re one of those people who are terrified of talking in class, don’t let his “you have to participate to get a good grade” spiel scare you away.

There is a quick ten question objective quiz before each class. The quizzes are soooooooooo easy! Well…only if you read, obviously. The questions are always superficial plot details or what a poem is about. I thought the reading load was perfect. I honestly don’t know why people complain. I read everything the night before, posted random thoughts on the forum and received full points on all my quizzes with little effort. The best part? Since there is no final, after you take a quiz, you can just forget about everything you just read.

The paper really depends on how well you write in the first place. If you normally write good papers, then I don’t think you have anything to worry about—he seems to be a fair grader. But, do make sure to follow his “abstract” model because he is VERY adamant about it. Remember to write down notes when he explains what it … it will save you a lot of trouble later.

Yes, Professor Sanchez conducts his class in a very different manner. There are no lectures or structure—just random discussions between him and the more outspoken members of the class. Sometimes there isn’t even time to discuss everything. I pretty sure people only went to class because of the daily quizzes because “lecture” isn’t necessary. He can be entertaining though and some insightful knowledge does come out from time to time. You can’t deny that he has a passion for literature. But, if you don’t feel like listening, it probably won’t hurt you. Personally, I spent a majority of lecture playing games on my phone.

I really believe this was an easy A class. You obviously have to do some reading and work, but when is there ever no work involved? Just do the work and write a thoughtful paper and you’ll do fine.