JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Homewood Course Guide
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JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY Homewood Course Guide Summaries of Student Course Evaluations for Spring 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS Africana Studies 5 Anthropology 8 Applied Mathematics and Statistics 12 Art Workshops 21 Behavioral Biology 26 Biology 28 Biomedical Engineering 33 Biophysics 44 Center for Language Education: Arabic 47 Center for Language Education: Chinese 49 Center for Language Education: Hebrew 51 Center for Language Education: Hindi 52 Center for Language Education: Japanese 53 Center for Language Education: Korean 55 Center for Language Education: Persian 56 Center for Language Education: Russian 57 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 59 Chemistry 67 Civil Engineering 71 Classics 76 Cognitive Science 79 Computer Science 83 Earth and Planetary Science 93 East Asian Studies 98 Economics 99 Electrical and Computer Engineering 105 Engineering Management 113 English 114 Entrepreneurship and Management 125 Film and Media Studies 134 Geography and Environmental Engineering 139 German and Romance Languages and Literatures 147 History 176 History of Art 185 History of Science and Technology 190 Humanities 193 Information Security Institute 197 Interdepartmental 199 Latin American Studies 201 Materials Science and Engineering 203 Mathematics 211 Mechanical Engineering 217 Military Science 225 Museums and Society Program 228 Music 230 NanoBioTechnology 234 Near Eastern Studies 235 Neuroscience 238 Philosophy 240 Physics 246 Political Science 252 Professional Communication 260 Psychology 267 Public Health Studies 273 Sociology 277 Theatre Arts and Studies 282 Writing Seminars 285 SUMMARY OF ONLINE TEACHER COURSE EVALUATIONS SPRING 2012 AFRICANA STUDIES DEPARTMENT The write-in student responses to the 4 survey questions “What are the best aspects of this course?”, “What are the worst aspects of this course?”, “What would most improve this class?”, and “What should prospective students know about this course before enrolling?” have been summarized. Each course summary also includes the mean response of the survey question rating the overall quality of the course. Responses for this question are: 1-Poor 2-Weak 3-Fair 4-Good 5-Excellent AS.362.103.01 Introduction to African Arts Nichole Bridges Overall quality of the class: 3.30 Summary: The best aspects of the class include the in-depth approach to learning the material, including a museum visit to the BMA which many students found valuable. The instructor was clearly experienced and enthusiastic about the material. Some students felt that the readings were too lengthy, and would have appreciated if the instructor was more responsive in e-mails and feedback. Suggestions for improvement would be to have the class taught with the superior technology (projectors, etc.) that it required rather than constantly having issues with technology each week and to have a slightly decrease the workload. Prospective students are warned that the course involves a lot of work and encouraged to do their readings before the class meets. The grading is straightforward and the course is effective as an introduction to African art. AS.362.104.01 Introduction to the African Diaspora Patricia Romero Overall quality of the class: 5.00 This class had five or fewer comments. AS.362.105.01 Reading Seminar: Black Society in the Americas Franklin Knight Overall quality of the class: 3.82 AFRICANA STUDIES Summary: The best aspects of the course included the varied approach to the material involving reading, discussion, film watching, group work, and in-class presentations as well as an approachable and interesting instructor. The material was intellectually challenging and interesting and students rarely felt the course material or teaching methods were dry. Students felt that the course was very easy, almost to a fault and they believed that the instructor was not always very organized. Suggestions for improvement included a more concrete syllabus and more engaging class discussions. Prospective students should know that the course is valuable to those interested in Africana Studies and American History and involves a fair workload. Students will be expected to do readings and respond to them. AS.362.200.01 African American Poetry and Poetics Hollis Robbins Overall quality of the class: 4.67 Summary: The best aspects of the course include the in-depth analysis of African American poetry during the class, the group discussions, and the opportunity to participate deeply in each discussion. Some students felt that discussions where only a few students participated were less valuable, and that more weight should be placed on participation. Suggestions for improvement included incorporating other forms of media, so that students could hear poetry read. Prospective students should be comfortable with writing skills and the mechanics of poetry and should be prepared to participate in group discussion. AS.362.204.01 Women in African History Patricia Romero Overall quality of the class: 4.17 Summary: The best aspects of the course were the readings in combination with films presented throughout the course as well as the group discussions during class. Critical thinking is strongly encouraged in discussion. Some students felt that the course was not well-organized or focused, and would have benefited from more feedback on their work. Suggestions to improve this class included spreading the class out to three classes a week instead of two, and to have more assignments and opportunities for grading. Prospective students should know that the readings are important to understanding the course and demand most of the students’ time with reference to the course. Students should manage their workload and try to start assignments (i.e., the 20 page final paper) early if possible. AS.362.303.01 Global Africa Jeffrey Ahlman Overall quality of the class: 4.75 AFRICANA STUDIES Summary: The best aspects of the course included an enthusiastic and approachable instructor, a well thought-out and organized syllabus, and valuable directed group discussions. Some students felt that the amount of reading expected to be done was incredibly high especially considering the complexity of some of the readings. Suggestions for improvement include lessening the workload. Prospective students should be prepared to do a lot of reading and to write a final 20 page research paper. If the proper work is put in, students will enjoy the interesting material and the knowledge of the instructor. AS.362.306.01 Seeing Baltimore History: Race & Community Moira Hinderer Overall quality of the class: 4.00 Summary: The best aspects of the course included the interesting subject material, the individual attention the instructor gave to each student, the research skills gained in the course, and the freedom to choose topics for final research papers. Some students felt that the course was slightly disorganized at times and not entirely parallel with the course description. Suggestions for improvement included slight changes in organization of the syllabus and the possibility of bringing in guest lecturers to vary the presentation of material. Prospective students should demonstrate an interest in history and the specific topic, and should be prepared to contribute during class. Students will also get the unique opportunity to make an online exhibit and do original research. SUMMARY OF ONLINE TEACHER COURSE EVALUATIONS SPRING 2012 ANTHROPOLOGY DEPARTMENT The write-in student responses to the 4 survey questions “What are the best aspects of this course?”, “What are the worst aspects of this course?”, “What would most improve this class?”, and “What should prospective students know about this course before enrolling?” have been summarized. Each course summary also includes the mean response of the survey question rating the overall quality of the course. Responses for this question are: 1-Poor 2-Weak 3-Fair 4-Good 5-Excellent AS.070.113.01 Freshman Seminar Niloofar Haeri Overall quality of the class: 4.10 Summary: The best aspects of this course included the valuable and interesting discussions during class and the easygoing atmosphere appropriate to an introductory course. Some students felt that the class lacked direction and structure and that the class was slightly too large for its discussion style format. Suggestions for improvement included making the class slightly smaller in size and having more clearly defined requirements for assignments including the reaction papers. Prospective students that are interested in cultural affairs and the field of anthropology will receive a valuable introduction. Prospective students are encouraged to participate in discussion and to do the readings. AS.070.132.01 Invitation to Anthropology Naveeda Khan Overall quality of the class: 3.50 Summary: The best aspects of the course included a unique syllabus with interesting readings, extensive feedback on student work, and a knowledgeable and likeable instructor. Some students felt that the grading system was disorganized and unclear, especially with regards to papers. Some students also felt that some of the readings were a bit dry. Suggestions for improvement included more guided and structured lectures and sections. Additionally, most students would prefer if the class was based less on student input and answers to the lecturer’s questions, as this style makes the lecture tedious and slow. Prospective students are encouraged to attend all the lectures and do the readings in order to keep up with the class. Students will only have to write four 3-page papers. ANTHROPOLOGY