a bully. stay away. I had been warned by many to avoid her. I thought they were wrong. they were not. the single worst experience of my education. had to call for help

I've read other peoples comments and i'm curious now if there are two Susan Derwins at UCSB. I've taken her classes twice and considering a 3rd time. If you do what she asks, your guaranteed an A. I know it sounds very generic to say that but the requirements are as clear as daylight. Lots of reading, but if you TRY - your getting a good grade.

Professor Derwin was really knowledgable and passionate about teaching. The subject matter, PTSD and veterans returning home, was fascinating and relevant. Definitely would recommend the class. As long as you keep up with the readings it's not too difficult.

Professor Derwin was really passionate about the topic (coming home from war) and the subject matter was relevant/interesting. Readings were all useful to the topic and fun reads, and she does a great job clarifying the material in her lectures. Would definitely recommend the class and the midterm/final were pretty straight forward.

Topic was on Aftermath of War, so interesting! Her passion was palpable and her work with the IHC made the class complex and interactive. Only negative was her lack of openness towards differing opinions and need to win arguments. Speak up in class but be prepared to defend your opinion. Midterms/essays were straightforward, got an A in the class.

Horrible class. I took this course as a graduating senior and hated it. Derwin spews nonsense gobbledygook for the entire lecture, completely disconnected from the students. She looks into the air like she is saying something profound and philosophical when really it is her attempt at using as many big words as possible in one sentence.

T/Fx10+6 short answer midterm, similar final. The quotes cited in class and the comments made by her/students in the class on those quotes are what to study. You do that, and understand the reading, and you get an A. She is an expert on the subject, provides good feedback on required papers, and if you're not going to put in the work, don't whine!

7 novels, 2 midterms, 2 papers and a final in 10 weeks. The workload was ridiculous sometimes, but I learned a good deal. Her lectures were just sort of "meh". I'm not too sure what it is, but the way she speaks seems really disconnected from her audience. I think it's just a constant authoritative tone and it comes off and condescending.

Good professor. Snazzy dresser. She obviously has passion for the subject and knows her stuff. She is easy to talk to. Essay question and True/False midterm and final. One paper. I don't think a lot of people got As but it's not that hard to get one (I think, anyway. I got an A-) If you're into lit and the Holocaust, take it.

She's great. Her lectures are always interesting and she really cares if students understand the material. She's an animated lecturer and brings life to the texts. One of my favorite professors. Despite how busy she is, she makes time to meet with students if you cannot make it to her office hours.

She is extremely closed-minded, annoyed by questions (even during office hours) and expects students to read her mind about what she wants from an essay assignment. Her tests are basically just a chance for you to flatter her by regurgitating everything she says in lecture. I thought I liked Psychoanalytic Theory until I took this class. Beware.

Prof Derwin was the best lecturer I've encountered here at UCSB. I am not a literature or english major, yet I was fully engaged and felt compelled to do my best. She gives insightful lectures that are worth your time. Easy midterm and final. Great teacher!