Although we was a really great guy- totally hilarious, cared deeply, wanted everyone to pass- his lectures lacked content. It seemed as if he were rambling off the top of his head for the entire lecture. There were five papers in ten weeks (including the final and midterm), which was a lot, but he was very clear about grading and what was expected.
Attendance was mandatory. Three 8pg essays, easy grader. However, no gauchospace, powerpoints etc. He talks the whole lecture. Mostly let us leave early or cancelled class but if you read the book the essays are easy
Dr. Akudinobi is a caring and hilarious dude. Everyone loves him, if not the class. The class is hard to sit through since it's an 8 AM but you don't really need to retain anything from lecture (mandatory). Two 4-page papers for the midterm, one 8-page term paper, and two 4-page papers for the final. Class consists of 10 books, just read a few.
Lots of essays for this class. Total of three 8-page essays. Write down what he says in lecture and basically repeat and elaborate on essays. He's pretty old school and doesn't use gaucho space. Hard to understand him sometimes w/ his accent. He's a lenient grader though which is nice. If looking for an easy 'A', then don't take this class.
Pointless lectures. Everything he said was obvious if you read; I learned the most from section. He always shows up late too. However, attendance is 25% of your grade so try to go as often as possible. Try to read at least 5 out of 10 books to write the essays. He's a nice guy but I didn't enjoy the class. Easy A, just put in some some effort.
I was honestly scared to take this class because of all of the bad reviews here but after taking the course myself I can say that professor Akudinobi is such an amazing guy and teacher. Theres a good amount of reading but its manageable. Professor Akudinobi really cares about his students, dont be afraid to talk to him!
Prof. A is an awesome guy. Easy going and cares for his students. He's a bit of a character but really does want everyone to succeed. The main issue he doesn't use gauchospace, powerpoint, or visuals. He simply lectures out of the course reader and it isn't very helpful. Did not get out of the class what I wanted. 3 papers, one research of 8 pages.
Dr. Akudinobi is wonderful! Lectures can be a bit hard to follow, but useful and full of knowledge. Attendance 25% so show up. He gives hints about essay topics for midterm&final (take-home); each with 2 essays. Term paper prompt is completely open. Grading is straightforward. If you can write well and go to class, it's a simple A.
Just showing up is an easy 25% of your grade (kind of sucks for an 8 am class but be thankful for the easy points!). The class was four essays, 4 pages each. 2 for your midterm, you got your prompt 5 days before it was due and you got to pick your prompt, so long story short- you don't need to read all 10 books, just write about the ones you know.
He is a very caring, intelligent person but the lectures are extremely unnecessary and he usually discusses irrelevant topics. It is a good class to take if you like reading and do not mind sitting through a confusing class period twice a week.
Genuine Professor. He cares about his students. He gives you the grade you deserve. Easy going and funny. He knows what he is talking about and can answer literally any question you may have. I would recommend him and I would definitely take one of his courses again.
Akudinobi is an amazing professor and gives you everything that is necessary to get an A+ in the class. Attend one lecture, sometimes two a week, and you'll get an A in the class. Straightforward 25% Section, 25% paper, 25% midterm, 25% final.
10 Books for 10 weeks of class. No other homework besides books and 4 papers. Grades easily on papers. Teacher is willing to help students succeed. Personally read only 5/10 books and got an A in the class, but you will need to listen to what professor and TAs say to write your essays.
I really enjoyed his course! Learned a lot about colonialism through the perspectives of the authors covered in class. The readings were a lot. You would have to complete a book every week and in total there were 4 essays with a research paper. Overall, I really enjoyed the class!
I may never see films and our representations of other cultures with naivety, again. Truly inspirational and unassuming scholar!
Attendance is sometimes taken. I was asleep for a lot of class since this was an 8 AM.
Akudinobi is the man! You will have a great time taking this class and he grades easy. If you show up you'll know everything you need to pass the exams. You might only have to read a whole book for your paper.
Very nice, fun, approachable, one of the better black studies professors ( ahemm, Ingrid Banks) and overall a great instructor
A fun guy with a real passion for his subject matter. Was also very helpful when talking to him after class. Only slight complaints I would have is that his lectures could do with a Powerpoint, and some lectures mat be canceled at very short notice.
The professor is a friendly guy who wants everyone to succeed. He is well-meaning, but he can be unorganized. Lecture is mandatory. Take home midterm and final that are straightforward if you pay attention in lecture/section. My TA was awesome so section was fun. I learned a lot in the class and would recommend it
If what you want is a blow off easy class then he isn't what you want because he has mandatory attendance and the essays are pretty tough. If you want a thorough informative class this isn't what you want because he has no slides, no notes to go off of and he barely sticks to the syllabus. The essays will challenge you but you set your own pace.
I loved this class! Take home essays for the midterm and final and he will usually hint/give those questions during lecture. Lecture might seem scattered and unorganized but pay attention, I used most of what he said in class to write my essays. One book a week but they are really easy reads. Can't find the required texts on spark notes or online.
Easiest class. Never took notes in lecture, only went to sign in. The midterm and final are take home essays and the grading is fair, got an easy A+ in the class.
Great class, introduced me to African cinema and the cultural/political context that influenced film makers message and style. A friendly guy who values interest in the subject matter and participation over prior knowledge.
