She expects you to memorize every interpretation on the readings as if it's gospel. No room to think critically, no room to think period. Want an A? You'll need to jot down every word that comes out of her mouth until your hand aches, and then regurgitate them verbatim on her essay tests. Will not respond to email--says so in class.

Here is how I ended with a 98: watch every lecture + write down EVERY WORD she says about the readings. EVERYTHING. Use these for quiz ans!!!Keep track of any hints/questions, and find answers to them. I skimmed the readings; only read the first + last sentences of every paragraph + intros/conclusions. Only fully read imp parts. Be a v good writer.

Loved talking to Professor Banks during Office Hours but wow, this class was rough. Need to be SUPER specific on quizzes and tests. Great information, but this was definitely the toughest class I've ever taken. Do Not take as a Freshman your first quarter. Might just want to skip period.

Professor Banks is very passionate, allowing for engaging lectures. However, her grading is very strict: if you don't say exactly what she's looking for then you're wrong. You could be missing one word and get a 20% lower grade. Her feedback on quizzes were not helpful at all and actually seemed quite mean. Interesting content but very overwhelming

Trust me, do NOT take this class. I have an F in this class, but do not let that fool you! In fact, I have one of the top 10% of grades in the entire class. Yup. She literally gives out 20%s to kids on these exams. She does not follow her syllabus at all, and oh yeah, did I mention the 100 pages of reading per week? Please don't do it to yourself.

She's clearly passionate and kind as a professor. Great lectures. However, grading requirements are so unclear and it feels impossible to answer correctly. I wanted to give her a higher grade but can't I in good faith because of how confusing the expectations are for the class.

I took her class first semester of my Freshman year, received a D+. Retook the class Spring quarter with another professor and received an A. Midterms and Final are subjective.I went to office hours to discuss midterm and the feedback was that this class wasnt a popularity contest and if I thought I was the first person shes made cry I was wrong

Professor Banks is a stellar educator and individual. Dr. Banks really cares about her students and this quarter she made the transition to online easy. Her classes are eye opening and I encourage all to take a class with her! But do not slack on reading every week, always go to office hours, and ask if you need help as this class has alot of info.

If you are not passionate about Black Studies and the topics discussed in this class, you will not do well. You always have to give this course your all when you work on it. Extremely difficult but also informational and rewarding. Must have good writing skills and remember facts easily. Quite time-consuming so be prepared to work for your grade.

Grades like normal during a pandemic. Heavy reading along with many quizzes. Spare yourselves the burden.

Worst professor ever. Too many readings(one book each week). Tough grade. She does not really know what she is talking about and answer your question unclearly.

Basically, Professor Banks is a very very very difficult professor. She has a specific vision for what she wants and if you don't live up to the expectation, yeah you're done for. The class I took has not been offered since Winter 2018 which says something. She is often rude and offensive when it comes to criticism. 0/10 would take again for sure.