ENWR 2800

My first and only time writing a course review. I just feel like I have to write about it. I would recommend everyone to take this class, whether you are good at public speaking, indifferent to public speaking, or intimidated by public speaking. This course is not just about public speaking. It talks about the reasons and motives behind it, your authenticity, and your creativity. Professor Donovan has built a super safe and comfortable environment since day one, and everyone started to open up and embrace their vulnerabilities and each other's shining points. It is joyful to take this class, talking about my truest self and talking to other lovely classmates. I just feel like the social and interpersonal norms in daily life only represent part of me, and this class provided me an opportunity to be myself without the constraints. Having English as my second language, this class helped me to be more comfortable in English social situations, whether in formal networking/interview situations or casual friend conversations. Very acceptable amount of readings, some little tasks/assignments that require some planning, and 3 portfolios with very few limitations. Highly recommend it!

Easily my favorite class I have taken at UVA so far. Professor Donovan is such a kind man who you can tell genuinely cares about his students and wants them to learn. The work is fairly easy but it is meaningful and you definitely leave the class better than when you joined. Because of the small class size and Professor Donovan's teaching style you cultivate a really unique and supportive community within your class. As long as you show effort and willingness to take risks and step outside your comfort zone it is a great class to take.

This is probably one of the most helpful classes you can take at UVA. There are three portfolios in the class that make up your grade. First portfolio is made out of partner activity and reading each other's speeches. While the second and third can completely be whatever you choose. Then at the end of each portfolio there is reflection papers. If you can get into this class get it!!!!!!!

He is arguably the best professor at the university. Never have I taken a course and learned more transferable skills than in ENWR 2800 with professor Donovan. I highly recommend taking the course if you want to become a better speaker. All of my classmates agree with these statements.

I cannot rave about this professor enough. I had previously taken my first writing requirement with Devin and loved his teaching style so I thought I would take this class with him too as it satisfies the second writing requirement. Devin really makes his classes about his students and wants them to grow from the assignments in class. I never found myself dreading assignments or feeling like they were overwhelming because I had so much passion for the work since I felt like it was for me. There were three performances: the first was writing a speech and giving it to someone else to perform (and you performed someone else's speech); the second was a "party piece" and you could do anything you wanted; and the third was the final and you could do anything you wanted. I sang songs for the second and third piece so you truly have a lot of freedom in this class. I also appreciated the learning community that was developed over the semester, I felt like the class was such a safe space to express myself and create.

#tCFspring2021