RELC 3222

This class is fine for a second writing requirement, but don't take it if you hope for a definite good grade. The grade is (allegedly) made up of 4 essays and participation. I say allegedly because we never received participation points, and it definitely didn't improve my grade at the end. Readings are very long but can be interesting if you commit yourself to doing them – I did not. Class is discussion-based, which means he talks about the readings while most people are on their computers the whole time, with the occasional awkward silence. And while I was one of those people, he should really not allow computers if he wants class time to be worthwhile. It all is fine, and the essays aren't super long or hard, but he grades very weirdly. He's weirdly nit-picky about certain things and seems inconsistent, along with getting the feedback I never expected from a professor (not in a horrible way). I received a B in the first essay, with his feedback that my thesis was wrong. I have literally never heard any teacher say anything remotely close to that to any student. He didn't say I didn't have evidence to support it, which I did according to other students and adults who have read it; he decided with his opinion it was wrong. For the next essay, I received a B+ for minor grammar issues – that was it. So inconsistencies there. In the final essay, we were supposed to choose from our readings and write about how they could be improved, which I did. I chose a famous writing that I believe is fantastic but could be more persuasive. I received a B because "[he's] unconvinced that such a classic essay could be improved upon", which is a wild reason to dock points. I found it wildly bizarre that any professor would tell you to choose from a selection of writings and then take away points because he didn't like your choice. He's a great guy but the class could use some more work.

I was a little worried about this course given that most second-writing requirements are not loved by most that take them. However, this class was actually very doable and exciting for a second writing requirement. In the course, your read literature throughout American history regarding Christianity and its role in society. For each reading, there will be discussion posts. There were 3 3-page essays and 2 5-page essays in the course. Discusion posts, participation, and the essays make up the entirety of your grade, which can be a good or bad thing for most people. I skimmed or outright did not read most readings, did discussion posts, then crammed specific readings each time I had to write an essay, and still got an A. Relative to what I thought, this class was not so bad, and if you actually choose to read, unlike me the majority of the time, the readings are actually pretty interesting, I simply did not have the time nor the energy with other courses. I definitely recommend this course for your second writing requirement. Also, Professor Hadley is awesome he's so nice and understanding. The actual seminar sessions are pretty boring since they were 75 minutes of discussion at 9:30 am (early for me), but this class is very doable, much more so than other courses I have taken.

Hadley is great professor and he really cares about the students. He will work with you if you need extensions on assignments at whatnot. Given that this is a second writing requirement, there are 5-6 essays you have to write. 2-3 are 3 page essays which prompts are given for and the last 3 are 5 page essay which you will be given a choice of a few prompts. The writing is not that bad as the readings are pretty easy to make arguments out of. Hadley is also a lenient grader so the essays do not have to be perfect. Aside from essays, there readings for every class which you should do in order to participate in discussion which is apart of your grade. You also have to do 12 paragraph-long reading responses over the whole semester. But doing the readings is crucial, its the whole class. I will say that the readings do get boring, some things are interesting but some things are boring, especially when Hadley talks for most of the discussion. While Hadley is a great professor, do not expect this to be your favorite class ever, as things get boring quickly.

This is a really great class if you're at all interested in the development of American religious/social thought. Each class focuses on a particular author/thinker, you read 1-2 of their works, Professor Hadley lectures on their background a bit, then the class discusses the reading. I loved this class. It's a calm, low-stakes environment and Professor Hadley is so nice and flexible. There aren't any exams --- just discussion posts, 2 short essays, and 3 longer essays. Very manageable and super interesting. #tCFfall22

Really cool and interesting material, but sometimes class periods can be very dry. Professor Hadley is about the nicest and most sincere guy you'll ever meet, but has a tendency to repeat himself. For a small, seminar style class, there aren't very many discussion--the class tends to be more lecture based. The discussions during the class tend to be very factual and based on summation, rather than an opportunity to bring new ideas or problems into texts or discussion. However, Professor Hadley is incredibly understanding, and is always willing to stop discussion or lecture in order to answer questions or problems you might have. A really great, approachable and super smart guy.