W&L CS 30
DONELAN J H
James Donelan
3.9
93 reviews

93
3.9
WRIT2 . Donelan J H 13 Years Ago

Great professor! He had us read literature pieces from different lit areas, from epic poetry to geology. Overall, I learned a lot about both writing and the chosen areas of literature, including historical context and etc. I also really enjoyed the class discussions and a 5-minute coffee break each class! Surprised that i liked writing!

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
ENG102 . Donelan J H 14 Years Ago

Prof. Donelan's class is not tremendously difficult and he's not bad guy. That being said, I have a hard time convincing myself to attend lecture because I feel like he doesn't give any insights into the text - just context. Also, he received a Ph.D. from Yale and mentions it often. Fair prof., but nothing outstanding by any means.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
ENG104B . Donelan J H 14 Years Ago

Great professor. You could tell he was vvery passionate about what he was saying when he lectured. Class wasn't the best subject but by the end of the class, you'll find it enjoyable... at least I did. I'd recommend taking it.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
ENGL104 . Donelan J H 15 Years Ago

Great professor. One of my favorites at UCSB. Very interesting, has lots of engaging stories. Was very fair on essays and tests.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
LITCS103 . Donelan J H 15 Years Ago

Tends to deviate from syllabus after half a quarter. Keep up on assignments and he'll be happy. Peer reviewing is the most helpful/important part of the class. No final, but oral recitation of any chosen work required during last class. Funny guy, accepting of almost any idea as long as you try. Come to class prepared with things to say.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
ENGL104B . Donelan J H 15 Years Ago

Donelan loves to hear his own voice. If he asks you a question, he might interrupt you and answer it himself. Also tries to be funny yet just comes off as awkward. He also takes forever to grade things and doesn't have any comments when he does finally give the assignment back. Definitely not the best class I've ever taken.

2 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109 . Donelan J H 16 Years Ago

Donelan is a very nice professor, honestly wants to assist and articulate. The class was not really useful if you have any real experience writing papers for academic stuff (if you have used the JOSTOR for research you basically have nothing else for him to teach). Class was boring but easy, he assigned a lot of reading but none of it was relevant.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT2 . Donelan J H 16 Years Ago

fair enough but likes his own style. he is a fair grader but is still set in his ways. he docks for word choice if he doesn't agree with it. webworks -ugh. it is a major pain to post everything and its strange read your graded comments online. but he tries really hard to get to know the class and make it fun.

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
WRIT2LK . Donelan J H 17 Years Ago

A very enthusiastic teacher that wants to help the students. Awesome guy who even cracks jokes every once in a while. I only took the class because I have to, but glad I got him as a teacher.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109S . Donelan J H 17 Years Ago

I had Jim for**** 30B (or a or c... i can't remember) and for writing 109ss. He is truly passionate about everything he teaches. I got an A- in the**** class and he gave me extra time to write one of the papers. I ended up with a B+ in his writing 109ss class. He grades a little tougher on the writing in 109ss, but he offers any help he can.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109S . Donelan J H 17 Years Ago

I personally did not enjoy his class. Donelan did not seem very open to differences in writing style/format than from what he likes. I did not become a better writer in any way from taking this class. Aside from the peer editing, class itself was a big waste of time talking about nothing at all. Only plus side is you can get a B with average effort

1 helpful 1 unhelpful
WRIT109S . Donelan J H 17 Years Ago

Donelan is a great guy...don't get me wrong BUT I really don't feel like I actually learned anything in this class. It felt more like an independent project than anything else.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109E . Donelan J H 17 Years Ago

James is a great guy. The class itself is a total joke and a waste of time. Don't bother buying the $140 business communications book, never used it. The Business Plan book is helpful though. In lecture, you learn more about his rich friends and their failed ventures than about writing. He is truly a nice guy, just would help if he knew business.

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
WRIT109SS . Donelan J H 18 Years Ago

Great teacher, very down to earth. Gives good advice. Is a fair grader as long as you put forth effort and show improvement. Only difficult task was deciding what to write the ten page paper on and then actually doing it. Also uses computer discussions... great addition to teaching! I LOVED his class.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRITHU . Donelan J H 18 Years Ago

He is very pretentious and boring. Going to class is almost as pointless as the books he assigns. He is useless in office hours and trying to help you imrove. He is easy in the sense that you can get a B with literally no work but he gives no clear way to do much better. On the positive side, he is nice and looks like Peter Griffin from Family Guy.

3 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRITING . Donelan J H 19 Years Ago

He is awesome-everyone loves him

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CLIT186RR . Donelan J H 19 Years Ago

Prof Donelan was fun to take over summer because the class was intimate. He is quite passionate about the subject matter. Ask him about his crazy Baron friend...

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109L . Donelan J H 19 Years Ago

James is really cool, get on his good side and you will be golden, get on his bad side and you could be ****ed. He's a pretty reasonable family man.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109HU . Donelan J H 19 Years Ago

jim is my favorite professor at UCSB. he's smart, he loves what he talks about and he is very helpful. his reading lists are always great (in 30c, and 154rr as well), and if you read the books and make n effort, you will get a "B." if you are an english major, get into one of his classes pronto.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
WRIT109HU . Donelan J H 20 Years Ago

Funny, funny teacher! Understanding, helpful, I don't have enough nice things to say about him!

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
CIT186RR . Donelan J H 20 Years Ago

one of the most personable teachers i have had, he is funny and so realistic with everything, he gives great feedback on papers. He is in the writing department but if you can take him in comparative literature or english or whatever...take him

0 helpful 1 unhelpful
What classes should I take?
Recommend Classes
What classes should I take