EDIS 2010

This class was really eye opening to a lot of issues that disrupt students' opportunities to receive a strong and equitable education. I went in thinking that it would be more about the logistical or practical practices of teaching -- which are, to a degree, sprinkled throughout -- but the class mainly focuses on racism, ableism, sexism, and how each of these can influence a student's school experience. The class itself was pretty easy in terms of workload, with a fair amount of readings, a group project midterm, and a group project final making up the grade. But this class can be intense. Professor Trent and Katie van Ess (who basically cotaught the course) did a great job, and I would recommend this class.
Note: you have to take co-req field placement, which is one hour a week at a local school working with children. I enjoyed that experience too.

This class was amazing! Prof. Stanley Trent was the best and his TA Brian Kayser was awesome too! The material that we read and discussed was really interesting. The projects that we did were cool also! I would recommend this class for sure!

Pretty easy class. Professor Trent focuses a lot on multicultural education and looking at historically disadvantaged groups and how to help them in education. A lot of times, I learned things about American culture/society/history that I didn't know before. I would recommend this class. Although you might have to do a little bit more work than in other EDIS 2010 sections, I can say that I actually learned quite a bit this semester when I was just expecting an easy A. I would try and skim the readings so you are familiar with them because a lot of the course is discussion with your groups. Definitely focus on the case studies because those are the readings that will be focused on throughout the semester and any writings you have to do. As for the field experience, it's basically just a free credit + volunteering opportunity. Overall, a worthwhile course that you will most likely be glad you took.

I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class. Not only is this class an easy A, but it is something you can take a lot away from. Looking back, I feel as if I am now a more informed individual when it comes to public education in our country. There are so many noteworthy factors that are addressed by this class that you may have never even thought of. This class consists of some light reading, weekly journal entries, a MC midterm, group project (which can be done in class), and a take-home final (which took me 5-6 hours to complete for a 100). There is also a required field placement where you tutor a kid for an hour a week, and it actually is really rewarding. I would recommend taking this class with Dr. Trent to anyone with any major/interests.

Class is really easy and you actually learn a lot of interesting things about teaching and education. There are assigned readings which Trent expects you to read, but as long as you skim over them and get the general idea you should be fine. You do a lot of stuff in groups in this class, and when I took this class our group had to write a short paper summarizing what we learned. Nothing too hard, and as long as you hit on the right points and make it applicable, you should do fine as he grades pretty leniently. The exam was kinda hard compared to the class, but he curved it a lot so that was fine as well. Class also includes a group presentation. Also, you have to do the field experience which is not bad at all and actually fun if you like working with kids.

Ridiculously easy and a good grade booster, but the busy work is annoying. Recommend the class but with another professor

Professor Trent is an AWESOME guy. He is funny in lecture and makes you feel comfortable in the class. On the first day he hands out a sheet of paper where you fill in your interests, the type of music you like (he then starts every class playing the Pandora station of an artist a student in the class said he/she liked), and "what makes you tingle" aka anything else you enjoy in life! He really cares about you! Whether or not you're looking to go into education (I now am but majority of my class was not), I highly recommend this class.

I did not do the readings (there was never an assignment on them, just general discussion) and got an A. There is a take home midterm (multiple choice and essay… MC were a little tricky but essay was easy and open notes), a take home final (all essay, open notes), and a group project that you do in class. There is also an hr/week of tutoring at a school nearby (Venable is walking distance) and 3 journal entries on your tutoring experiences.

All in all, easy class and easy prof.

This is not a hard class, and since Professor Trent has his Ph.D. in education, it is obviously very well taught. Everything is emphasized and reviewed from multiple angles, so I am pretty sure you can't leave this class without learning a thing or two. Requires a lot of group work, class discussion, and a final project. Also, must be taken with a field placement tutoring session that has weekly journal entries. The best part of this class is that Professor Trent emphasizes diversity and multicultural education, which is extremely important and interesting. Not always the most exciting class in the world, but with a wonderful professor who REALLY cares about his class.