(I took 105R which wasn't an option for some reason on here) Prof Donelan is amazing, he is so kind, funny, and understanding. the class was really easy as well, i got excellent feedback on my writing and it was so entertaining to take! i love this professor!!
Professor Donelan is a super caring guy and truly wants all of his students to become better writers. However, he does not really offer a lot of writing feedback and just leaves us to do it ourselves. His grading on the 3 essays were pretty tough. He also values the Eli Review a lot so actually do it early on to get a high participation grade.
He is one of the most patient professor I've ever met in UCSB. I was in the first place in the waitlist but due to technical issues I couldn't enroll in it. He helped me and emailed me to get enrolled step by step. The course is also useful and teaches us how to write formal academic research paper. Take his class!
Labor base grading contract is the BEST. Get what you work for didnt worry about my grade the whole quarter. As long as you do the work youll get an easy A and improve your writing skills!
The assignments are not difficult and if you do all of them, you will be more than prepared for the 3 essays. Professor Donelan is available after class and through email, and he responds within a reasonable time frame. I genuinely believe that he helped improve my writing. Note: I took the class during FSSP and it was held online (pandemic).
Definitely knows his stuff and will improve most students' writing if his teaching style works for you; also teaches how to manage one's responsibilities during hardships which is great. Unfortunately has an ego and seems to let his emotions get the best of him at times (often passive aggressive; sometimes unresponsive, kinda like an angry kid lol)
I took his class during FSSP. It was challenging to finish 3 papers in 6 weeks, but he guides you through each step of the process. He's picky with style, but as long as you avoid overuse of the verb "to be," you'll be fine. Very rewarding class and I felt that my writing improved. He also responds to emails very quickly.
Donelan is a really good writing professor. You will definitely learn a lot. However, he is a tough grader and pays attention to every detail. There are 3 papers you must complete during the quarter and you are expected to give detailed and helpful feedback to your class mates. Definitely do not skip class because attendance is mandatory.
Took class online (COVID.) Absolutely the worst professor I have had at UCSB/for English. We had a group chat to talk about the class and EVERYONE got an A- on every assignment regardless of the effort you put. He is unavailable outside class, does not respond to anyone's emails. The essays are turned in stages like we are babies. Avoid.
What a lovely guy!! He helps you develop your writing and is really passionate about what he teaches. It's a good class if you like writing from the Romantic Era and he teaches it really well. If I were a law student I would take his legal class just to take another class with him!
Donelan is a solid professor. He is a nice guy but he had his moments in which he was passive-aggressive or seemed annoyed. He has great insight into the legal profession since his father was a lawyer. He is well versed in the principles of legal writing. I also highly recommend reading the textbook, the class will be way easier if you do.
Donelans a great professor who cares about his students. Just remember to proofread and youll be fine.
Unorthodox teaching style; amazing professor who wanted us to learn through trial and error, so he wouldn't let you off the hook and was often vague because he wanted you to come up with your own ideas and develop your voice. Had to put in a lot of effort (5 unit class), but everyone's writing improved and get ready to get called on every lecture
Amazing professor who has great experience and knowledge of the legal field. Definitely take this course with this professor if you want to glean insight into how lawyers think and speak.
Take this professor. He is the most genuine, caring and compassionate professor I have ever had. He cares deeply about your well-being and is an amazing teacher who is passionate about his classes. His WRIT105CW taught me so much and had a huge impact on me. Definitely one of my favorite classes at UCSB. Thank you Chris for an amazing quarter!
took him over the summer during fssp and wouldn't do it again. very very picky with writing style and won't help much with improving your writing. he has you buy an online subscription to work on your essays that costs $25 :/ a lot of what was reviewed during class was not necessary for your writing assignments so sleep in and work from there
Donelan is a good professor but he's picky with essays; this can help if you actually are looking to improve your writing. The readings are fantastic and the essay prompts are enjoyable, though there are a lot. Doesn't do lecture slides which is hard if you aren't an auditory learner.
There were three main papers throughout the quarter, they were relatively easy once you figure out what he wants. He has you work on an online browser while you are in class so there were times I would just stay home and do the assignment. But participation in class is part of your grade so do not do it too often. Two hours is wayyyy too long.
Grade was 2 papers, midterm and final, and participation. I wouldn't say attendance is necessary to pass, though. Donelan is a genuinely nice professor. He is engaging and funny in his own way. Generous grader & covered exam material in class. Emphasis on the listed books and not different versions
Challenging yet rewarding course! Donelan is the best Professor I've taken classes from at UCSB.
I love you Chris
Donelan is awesome! You are super lucky if you get him as a Writing 2 teacher. He will really help you with your writing! Just participate in class and follow his advice and you will greatly benefit.
Donelan really cares about our writing and if you put in the effort, you will learn a lot from him! Go into office hours and make a connection. He gives you lots of feedback but not any answers, you have to think! Would definitely take his class and he usually lets us out like 30 minutes early to go get coffee!
His class is honestly such a joy to take. He really cares about his students and makes you feel very welcome in the classroom. I would recommend taking a class with him if you can! There is no textbook, but there is an online reader. The in class discussions are centered around the articles you read so I would suggest being prepared!