COMM 3220

Overall, the course was okay, I expect a B+ since she doesn't curve. Exam 1 focused on superkeys, ERD, and Relational Schema, and the average was an 82. For Exam 2, you write SQL queries on paper.

The first half of the class, up until Spring Break, we focused on ERDs and Relational Schema. The main way we learned these was through videos provided by the textbook company. You don't need the textbook at all for this course, but if you find a free version online it can be helpful when the video doesn't give enough info. In class lectures focused on PowerPoint presentations and some practice problems. This was the most boring part of the course.

After Spring Break, we focused on learning SQL through the videos, PowerPoints in class, and through practice in and out of class. Lectures are still boring, but it becomes more entertaining since you're no longer only applying conceptual stuff.

Additionally, you form a group in the beginning of the semester and present your project at the end of the semester. No part of the project is graded until after you present because you can go back and change it. It's kinda annoying in the beginning; you create 5-6 business problems that your database is going to solve before learning anything about databases or what SQL queries can do. Personally, I didn't find her office hours super helpful when we met with her to go over our ERD.

Grading is as follows: Quizzes (2, closed book, online) 8%, Assignments (4, open book at home, TAs were lenient on grading) 12%, Project 25%, Exam 1 and Exam 2 45%, Class Participation/Contribution 10%.

The class is structured horribly not in terms of content but in the terms of how things are graded. I couldn't understand a word the professor is saying. Her accent was very thick. Exams she takes the largest points off for the smallest errors. A lot of people got B's in this class. Take the class with Stefano!

Professor Shi is the sweetest person and cares a lot about each students well being! She was always available to answer questions and had numerous office hours slots available, both in person and virtual.

The structure of the class is:
assignments(5) - 20%
project - 30%
Exams(2) - 40% --> both being midterms / they're finished a few weeks before the semester ends
class participation - 10%

I felt like I learned a lot about SQL and would recommend her for sure! #tCFS24

Professor Shi was extremely helpful and kind. She's always willing to take the time to help students if they have questions. Her lectures were extremely straightforward and she made sure to stop whenever people didn't understand. Go to her for office hours if you are unsure of how to approach assignments. This class is practical and helpful.

Professor Shi is very sweet and really helpful - it is worth it to go to office hours if you can't understand something. Lectures can be dry, but the content is a good and practical introduction to SQL. Homework and exams are very manageable, and make sure to get a good group for the group project.