Derwin is an amazing teacher! She gets so involved in her books and brings her students into the discussions. One of the best classes I've ever taken.

A professor should value their own lectures enough not to make them mandatory. There was almost no comparative analysis used between the novels, and her lectures were very unorganized and difficult to follow.

This was such a good class! Proffessor Derwin gave amazing and original insight into the literary works we discussed. She also created a very open atmosphere in lecture that allowed students to speak out if they had any questions or comments. One of the best lecture learning environments I've ever been in. Learned a lot about life.

There was a lot of required reading; we usually read a book a week. But Derwin got really excited about the material, and she was very good at involving the students in her lecture. This was probably one of my favorite classes, and Derwin's attitude totally helped with that.

The reading was very extensive and difficult. While the class discussions were interesting the Professor was never willing to openly state her expectations or interpretations in regards to the class. Very strict in grading. May the fates be will all those enrolled in her class.

She knows what she's doing; but the course material leaes something to be desired. I found myself trying to get it up for books from Oprah's book of the month club. But she's good at making it sound like you're reading the most important piece of literature ever written.

Can be a little rude and condescending, but she knows her stuff. Personally, I liked her analytical style. But, I loved Holocaust Testimonies as a class. Interested, resonant material there.

All I have to say is, you think it's hard to be in her class? I WORKED with her!

I LOVE Professor Derwin!!

The worst class i've ever taken at ucsb. She'll assign you a bunch of reading, and then spend the whole lecture period analyzing little quotes from the books. Class could have potential if she would spend lecture time discussing the context and history behind what happened, but she doesn't. This is a class for comparative literature majors. AVOID.

Where do I begin? Everything she says is complete ****. Unorganized, makes up words, unfair...basically a huge b****! Calls you out in class. Grades unfairly, but don't even try talking to her in office hours. Instructions on midterm are different from what she uses to grade the midterm. g'luck!

I loved loved loved this class. She was a very interesting lecturer and I never got bored in the class. She was very informed on the subject and brought up points from the reading that I would have never thought of myself. Very enlightening class and it was not very hard.

Great class I learned a lot. She is not very organized during lectures and tends to over analyze. 2 tests and 2 papers. Easy to get a B, but tough to get an A. Books were very interesting.

lots of reading, nice teacher. She spread out the class so the first 2/3 is a lot of reading and the last 3 weeks are attendance and watching movies and guest lecturers. A very organized person, I thought her/class were cool but took a lot of work.

over analyzes every single thing, grades half papers and TA grades other half (you're screwed if she gets yours), guest lecturer is way better and more knowledgeable