This is a review for APPLING 101W. The class itself is a very interesting subject and Professor Kann was a good lecturer. However, I would not recommend this class because of how difficult it is to get an A. Here are some reasons why:
1) Flat scale. Every point matters. It's still possible, but I wasn't aware it was so strict and not very clear on the syllabus.
2) rough drafts for written assignments are graded (pretty harshly as well) and a considerable part of your grade. (16%) There's also a different rubric for the final draft, so if you do well on the rough draft, it doesn't mean you'll do well on the final draft.
3) The group project can be hit or miss and requires a lot of effort/office hours. (10% of grade)
4) attendance matters! You can't miss a SINGLE lecture or you lose points(unfortunately the class was at 8 am)! If you're not paying attention you also lose some points. Unfortunately, lecture isn't that important for the class either yet you are expected to pay attention (readings much more). Not clear on the syllabus. (10%)
5) 4 different types of essays of nuanced essays with different expectations. Wasn't very clear at times and based on what TA you get. TA office hours for the rough draft is very important.
6) Grades came in very late (cause essays take a long time to grade!) so you won't know what you got until the very end, and you can't really do anything about your grade.