STS 2500

Data and Diversity was a really interesting class and Jones is a down-to-earth professor. If you want a worthwhile STS 2500, I cannot recommend him enough. The grade consisted of a group project/presentation, an identity project, reading quizzes (/participation checks) and weekly journals. The entire semester adds up to 200 points, and getting an A can be challenging as he uses the SIS default grading system, where an A is a 95. Try not to BS the weekly journal reflections and always write at least 800 words (this is probably where you will lose the most points). I wish I had talked in the class, because what you read about can be really interesting and the class thrives off of discussion; I think there usually appeared to be a majority left-leaning consensus on most issues, with a quiet group of right-leaners who did not care to speak their mind.

My favorite STS prof. Highly recommend. Really chill and actually can learn some decent skills.

Science of the Good Life was one of the most interesting and unique classes I've taken in college. Jason is a great professor who really cares about his students and really tries to get you to think deeply about the things we talk about in class. Some of the work was kind of eh, but mostly it wasn't very time consuming or difficult so it wasn't really a big deal. I know he isn't teaching this class in the fall, but I would recommend taking a class with Jason if you get the chance.

If I could recommend one course at UVa, it would be this one. Jason is one of the best professors I have ever had, and he is so caring and understanding and truly cares about each one of his students. The course topic is super interesting also, and the class structure basically revolves around class discussion. He takes time to lead meditation or do body scans at the beginning and end of every class, and his class is the one I genuinely look forward to every week. A large focus of the class is on mindfulness and being aware of your conscious self, and it is the only class I have ever heard of like this which is within the engineering school. The only assignments, except for one group project near the end of the semester, are weekly journal entries, which you will get a 100% on as long as you put effort into them. I am so sad for the semester to be ending and wish he was teaching other courses so I could take them with him, TAKE THIS CLASS!!!! You won't regret it!