EVSC 2800

I would NOT recommend this course with Prof Herman. Her goal was to have a final class average of a C+/B-. So if you were thinking this would be an easy A, that is not the case. The class is a lot of work due to in class group activities and homework assignments. Before classes moved online the syllabus stated that there would be 5 total homework assignments for the entire semester. After classes moved online she changed it to 2 homework assignments each week, as if we didn't have enough to stress about already, because we weren't doing in-class activities. The exams are extremely difficult because they ask very specific questions on things that were either not clearly laid out or that we never went over but we were supposed to use what we did know to predict. Don't get me wrong a few people did manage to get 90+ on the exams, I have no clue how. The range for our first exam, before the coronavirus disturbance, was literally 29-99.5 with multiple people in the 30s and 40s range so the 29 person wasn't just a lone outlier (absurd). There were 3 exams that were part multiple choice, part essay questions and sometimes fill-in-the blank and matching. I like her as a person, but her teaching style doesn't match the way she asks exam questions so I would not recommend. I could also be biased, I have no interest in the topic of geology so the class could've been more dreadful for me than others because I HAD to take it for a requirement.

Professor Herman is a nice lady and I see why geology can be a very interesting subject, but even before the online transition I found Herman's lectures boring, the textbook was boring, and the exams had an unnecessarily low average and were unnecessarily difficult.

I feel like Professor Herman REALLY tried to overcompensate for what she thought would be a lack of learning in the online transition by adding many homework assignments that were just busy work and ended up damaging my grade because needless points were taken off. These homework assignments were supposed to be alternatives to in class assignments, but in class assignments would take 5 minutes and be graded for completion, not accuracy, whereas these homework assignments could take 3 or 4 hours and she would take needless points off. Other than that I think she was over exaggerating with how bad the online transition would be and she did a good job at handling it and hasn't given herself enough credit. The voiced over powerpoints taught the material, though were more lengthy than they needed to be though at times she did try to reduce it, and were very much like an in class lecture.

Like the review below says, Herman is probably the only professor in the department that can make this class fun. She's such a sweetheart, and I'm pretty sure she learned most people's names in our 80 person class. The class was pretty tough, but manageable. Do yourself a favor, take this class with Herman.

I absolutely LOVED taking this geology course with Professor Herman! It was one of my highest grades last semester, and I genuinely looked forward to going to each class with her. This isn't to say it's an easy-A; paying attention and taking good notes in class are important, and a lot of the exam questions are out of the textbook. It's suggested you take at least CHEM 1410 before this, but I didn't. There were some parts I didn't have a full understanding of due to my lack of a chemistry background, but it isn't vital to take gen chem before this. Can be a tough grader, but always open for regrading and talking through answers.

No out of class work like most EVSC classes, but the tests are really challenging. Herman might be the only person in the department who can make this course interesting. Awesome class- made her my advisor after taking the class.

Professor Herman is pretty nice, but the class isn't good. The exam averages are low because the tests are poorly designed--all free response with some questions being extremely specific. The grading of these exams is completely subjective to the Prof or grader. It's basically if you don't mention certain words in absurdly long free response answers you lose a lot of points. Even if you read all the assigned reading and posted powerpoints right before the exam, you can't really expect to do so well. No curve at all despite low test performances. Also, the prof kind of seems to play favorites with students she advises, etc.

You would think she's a good teacher but she really isn't. Test averages were very low and she was not helpful at all. She would pick and chose would she would give the extra credit to and when confronted about it she would not reply to emails. Don't take this class unless you HAVE to.

Prof. Herman is the best professor I've had! She's so sweet and is super helpful. She lectures well and really tries to make sure students understand the material. I would highly recommend this class (it's also my favorite class I've taken so far) with one caveat: you do have to have some interest in geology. You really are just learning about rocks. I've always loved geology and knew a lot of the concepts on a basic level going in to it, so I breezed right through the course and loved it. But I know other people that just really don't like rocks and they didn't enjoy the class. Otherwise, it was absolutely fantastic!

Enthusiastic teacher makes the subject really interesting

Prof. Herman is interesting and a great lecturer. She cares about her students and is very enthusiastic. However, it is not an easy subject. You need to be willing to put in a good deal of effort to get an A in the class. However, if you come to class and do the homework, you can easily get a B even if you do terribly on the exams ( I failed the final but still got a B in the class).

Professor Herman is great as a geology professor. Although the material is not always the most interesting, she tries to make things interesting with fun facts and interactive power points. Her tests, while a little challenging, and very fair. She's very approachable and knowledgeable about the subject, and overall a great professor.

Janet's phenomenally caring to her students. She does class demos, brings weird rocks or cookies to class, and plays jeopardy to liven the mood. She's passionate about geology, and cares about you understanding the subject. Yes, this entails an all short answer/essay exam, but it's that way to let you show everything you know, not pick out this and that, like multiple choice. There's no math whatsoever in the course; everything is conceptual. Doing well is directly related to how much work you put in. There are no tricks, or unfair questions. But yes, I do not recommend non-science majors to take this.

Janet is an awesome professor! I was interested in geology before I took the class, but she can make it interesting for anyone. There are in class hw assignments and a few take home assignments but both are quite easy. The tests aren't bad if you just go back over the slides and read the assigned sections. Highly recommend geology with Janet!

I'm not an environmental science major and took this class to fulfill a science requirement. Worst decision ever. If you are not interested in environmental science, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. it was the hardest class i've ever taken. that being said, the teacher is so nice so if you're majoring in environmental science or are just good at science, I'd definitely recommend it.

Great class. Prof. Herman is a great lecturer. It is definitely worthwhile to go to class (in class assignments), and especially the review sessions (good hints about what will be on the exam). Exams were harder than I expected, but she is fair. Would definitely recommend.