BEST EVER! He is SUCH a nice man and facilitated the best class discussions about topics we could chat about for hours. He is extremely responsive and helpful and will read and re-read your wring drafts quickly and as many times as you feel is needed.Wish i was a WRIT major just to take his class again!!
He is the most amazing teacher i ever had! He gave me a love for writing! He is a understanding teacher and person! He became my writing mentor :) I am so thankful for him as a teacher! One of two of my favorite professors at UCSB!
Loved loved LOVED this class. I've disliked previous creative writing classes because they felt too structured and forced, but Petracca gives you resources and inspiration and the occasional comment (suggestions but never demands) while allowing you freedom to write what and how you want. Class discussions are great. One of my favorite classes.
Great class! It may seem like he's giving a lot of work at first but he grades easily enough so there's not much stress involved. He encourages free writing and letting creativity run wild, so you get to write pretty much whatever/however you want, which is refreshing compared to the strictness of every other college paper you have to write.
Also took him for 105CN. Daily journals. 12 page portfolio (double-spaced, & after the 2-3 pieces he assigns, it's cake). Super easy & great textbook (Chuck Palahniuk). I have learned a lot from him. We workshop pretty much every day (so be prepared to read draft material aloud), but it's fun. I'd take him again if he taught more CNF classes.
Creative nonfiction is awesome class, if you like creative writing, this class is far more interesting and helpful than any of those ccs classes, great teacher with good constructive criticisms
Really nice guy. I thought the class itself was pretty elementary but he made it really interesting by letting us choose our own topics for the research paper. Best teacher for WRIT 50 hands down
It's not a tough class if you know how to write, but I can see how a 12 page portfolio might stress out a couple students. Since it's the advanced creative nonfic class, he required more fact-based work, but if you're skilled you'll know how to keep it interesting. Don't take him if you've a fear of public speaking since we read our stories aloud.
Even if it means screwing up your schedule, TAKE THIS GUY, best class at UCSB for sure. I cant imagine a better writing class. Take this class even if you have to drop 3 other classes!
Such a friendly and supportive man who is eager to involve himself in your class experience. Awesome!
Professor Petracca changed my life in more ways than can be mentioned within the confines of a review. Creative nonfiction was liberating, enlightening, and inspiring. This is a professor I will never forget. A class that will forrrrever encourage me to be a writer. Take his classes. Petracca is a truly passionate teacher.
petracca was such a cool teacher and really helpful. i hate wrting and he made the class actaully okay. this teacher kicks ass!
This was a great class for future teachers out there. Students work on papers/present on topics of their choice regarding education. Also, there are group mock classroom presentations, which takes up most of the class sessions.
Very fun teacher and a very chill class. Make sure to do homework in order to avoid getting marked down (duh), but other than that there is nothing huge to worry about. Talk to the prof outside or at the end of class to get bonus points. Really cool guy, great teaching style.
totally chill prof. Tries to make class as fun and interactive as possible. Can't go wrong with Petracca.
Kickass teacher. Take his creative nonfiction class if you've ever wanted to write for fun. It's a great experience.
The best professor I have had in my life. Very dedicated to his work, very helpful and knowledgeable. Directed me towards a career in writing, everything a teacher should be and more. Take his 109ed class you will love it!!