MATH 3354

Luis definitely cares about his students and wants them to do well. That being said, his lectures weren't always helpful--especially since the proofs he does of major theorems are often easier to follow in the book. Even when questions are asked, the only way you can really learn the material is to read the book and work problems. I wouldn't recommend the course to anyone who doesn't have to take it, although it is an interesting (but challenging) introduction to group and ring theory.

I think Louis is a bit too much of a stickler about the format for proofs, but otherwise this was one of the best math classes I have taken at UVA. He is approachable for questions, and really cares if his students succeed or not. Some of the lecture material is repeated in the book, but the examples he gives are always different, so if you need to see something presented in multiple different ways, then this class will help you out.