MDST 3115

Yes, this class is incredible. A deep dive into countless interpretations of an incredible series, this class will change the way you think about television, drugs, and America as a whole. On the first day, Little described that this isn't just a media studies class, but also a religion class, history class, literature class, and many other things. Class time consists mostly of large-group discussions, and homework is some lengthy readings, a couple episodes, and a forum post per week. There are two papers, but they're a pleasure to write in such an interesting class. Keep in mind before enrolling that you're expected to have finished the show at least once before class starts. #tCFF23

I cannot recommend this course or professor enough. I have never taken a class that engages with the content in quite so unique of a way. Professor Little has a clear vision for much of what he wants students to understand, but his process is patient and careful, taking great effort to incorporate student thoughts and letting the conversation be steered in any direction. His insights are often mind-blowing even when they seem to come out of left field at first. We had entire classes devoted to seemingly mundane topics like spit, cement, and flies -- which are, at best, tangentially related to the show -- and I still came away from these totally inspired.

This is because the class is not just about Breaking Bad; Professor Little wants students to sit with his many observations about living in a late-stage capitalist nation and formulate their own thoughts as well using the fascinating readings and episodes. At least once a class, he will jump for joy or have some other kind of expression of huge excitement at a revelation a student has made. He has an infectious passion for learning. Please don't be steered off when the beginning of the course is all about Puritans and God and you're scratching your head wondering where the Breaking Bad comes in. This class will 100% increase your appreciate for the show a ton and it's so much fun having discussions every day about it with other people who care.

The workload shouldn't be overbearing as you're never tested on doing the readings -- you are just expected to incorporate them into your discussion and writing. I would still recommend trying to read, though. My personal favorite chapter was "The Labor of Gratitude," which completely reoriented my perspective on work.

Once again, cannot recommend enough.

In my opinion, Little is a once in a lifetime kind of professor. Truly the most engaging and enjoyable class I have ever taken.

William Little is the best. He really engages with his students and thinks about what they have to say. The structure of the class is relatively simple: there is an available forum post each week (due Sunday at 11:59pm) where you write on the assigned reading(s)/episode(s) for the next week (you only need to do 10 throughout the semester, and each counts for 2% of your total grade). There is a midterm paper about 6-8 pages worth 30% of your grade, and a final about 10 pages worth 40%. Watch Breaking Bad before you take the class (and Better Call Saul and El Camino if you can, he loves to talk about BCS outside of class in particular). Whether you take this class or another with Professor Little, take a class with him. The readings are breath-taking and they really make you slow down and think about things you might otherwise not.

If you're a "Breaking Bad" fan, this is going to be one of your favorite classes at UVA, hands down. Little has done his homework in terms of preparing this course, and his passion for the show and the reading material shines through. Like with his Western course, it isn't just a viewing class; he relates the discussion to what's happening outside UVA, and it definitely changes how you perceive media as well as the country itself. I've gained an incredible appreciation for the show through this course.