If you have to take ENG COMP 131B, Hitchner is the one to take it with. The first few weeks are spent practicing how to compose certain e-mails, memos, etc. in the workplace, which was incredibly helpful as I found myself using these skills at my internship. He gives ample time between the big assignments (executive summary, op-ed, and group project). There are 2 presentations (1 solo and 1 group). He's also been really flexible and understanding during the COVID-19 pandemic. I really appreciated this as not all instructors have been as accommodating. The readings assigned were actually interesting and contributed to thoughtful discussion. Even via Zoom, Hitchner managed to keep his lectures engaging (he's funny!). He's also very approachable and quick to respond. Take him!

I have mixed feelings about this course - it is a lot of busy work, and none of it helps to develop writing skills at all. The lectures in class were basically repeating everything I learned in AP courses in high school. The bigger assignments were interesting, but we started them late in the quarter so we had a lot of work all at one time. Dr. Hitchner is obviously passionate about the subject, but his grading is extremely subjective. I think choosing the topic for the essays is important, and you have to agree with his opinion to get a good grade. Overall, from what I have heard, Dr. Hitchner is the best option for this class, but it is a lot of random busy work and class can be extremely boring or repetitive.