Diane Balser - Boston University, Boston, MA

Professor: Diane Balser

Department: Women's Studies

College: Boston University, Boston, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Balser is a really great teacher and the class was fun. We often watched movies or videos about the topics we were discussing and always had big class discussions. A Fair amount of writing, but you pick what you want to write about which makes it enjoyable. If you dont like to participate in class don't take it because we all have to.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

You basically can do all the readings and pass without going to the class. She's fascinating to listen to and she gives good insight and perspective.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Material was straightforward and you really don't need to do the reading to get a good grade. She's funny and generally clear with grades. However, her pro-Hilary opinions should not of been expressed so vocally during EVERY class. Straight up asked who is a Republican and then said horrible things about the party. Aside from that, class was good.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Really nice woman who is passionate about feminism. She is very open-minded and willing to entertain debate. If you understand the general topics and can relate them to your experiences you'll do fine. However, her grading was sometimes inconsistent and unclear. Lots of papers, but they aren't too hard to write.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Balser is experienced. Very clear, very informative, and truly passionate about feminism and other women's issues. Occasionally her age can be a problem, especially with respect to 21st century issues, but overall she's an extremely progressive woman open to any and all opinions, as long as they're backed up. Readings are easy and interesting.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Balser is a great teacher - she's funny but a little outdated with her knowledge of the current day hook up culture & looks to her students for input. It's an engaging class that teaches you a lot about your own decisions. I never did the weekly readings but found skimming the books helpful for the final exam. Weekly reflection papers are easy.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: WS213
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Much more academic and lecture-y than I expected. Good discussion and interesting readings, but sometimes her lectures got repetitive. A very nice woman who offered a lot of perspective on historical feminism; it just seemed out of place in a class about the 21st century.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: WS350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Difficult class with a lot of work and an internship, but worth it if you are truly interested and dedicated to the topic. I´ve been at my internship even since, and have gotten wonderful recommendations. Balser is incredibly caring towards her students and you can depend on her for anything related to or outside of class. Great class/experience.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: WS350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She is an amazing teacher! She has so much to say about the women's movement, because she was at the forefront of it all. Her experience coupled with great amounts of knowledge make the lectures and discussions in her classes really interesting. The class itself is also not too difficult. BONUS - she sets you up with internships at the State House.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: WS114
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Made me want to be WS minor. The only need to use the books is to quote them in your 5 papers. All discussion, talk about hot topics. Final exam is all essay but you can use your notes and past papers. Sometimes you can turn your paper in late. Will only get an A if you go to her office hours a lot.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prof Balser is actually a really interesting person if you can get her talking about herself. I felt the class was too much work for a 100-level. 5 papers and a final exam plus heavy reading (which you don't really need to do) I felt she was a harsh grader and you had to agree with her to do well, but the topic is really interesting

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

If you're looking for an easy ride like some of the students rating this prof, save us all and drop out of college. The work is interesting, completely manageable, and I personally prefer a few short papers compared to a bunch of tests. Discussions are good and Prof. B is actually interested in this generation's activists. Highly recommended.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: WS360
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Awesome class! With female politicians like Pelosi and Clinton and need I say Palin in the limelight, this course couldn't come at a better time. Balser knows her stuff--she has tons of experience in lobbying and activism. If you're a poly sci student interested in discussing women in both local and national politics, check this course out.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prof Balser is an intelligent, inspiring individual with a wealth of knowledge in her field. She relies on a variety of texts and media to illustrate her points, and she values every student's voice within the class. Round table discussions ensure that students who may otherwise not feel comfortable get the chance to participate. Take this class!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She's not TERRIBLE, but this class could be better. It's a lot of work for a 100-level class (and I've heard the workload has been cut down from the past, too)! Very writing-intensive, too. It's not good, but not terrible either.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

i got good grades on everything all year and then somehow ended up with a b in the class. my interest in women's studies died after taking her class.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The tone of class was more therapeutic than academic. I do not know more about Womens Studies as a result of the class. Prof. Balser is often disorganized, unprepared for class, and very much into sharing her personal anectdotes. It is too bad that she was my introduction to the WS department.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: WS113
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I love women's studies, and was thinking of minoring- but considering she's the codirector of the program, not anymore. She doesn't seem interested in the class itself at all- only tells stories about her 70s activism, gives general timelines and makes us talk about our feelings. I learned nothing. If you're already aware that sexism exists, avoid.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: WS350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prof Balser cares deeply about her work. Her classes are hard in terms of getting a good grade BUT there is an incredible life changing experience to be had if you pay attention, do the work and challenge yourself to think. For some reason, people just want easy classes that are relatively mindless. If you want that, then don't take this class.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: WSINTR
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prime example of why the former president of BU did not want a women's studies program. This woman is absolutely ridiculous. She has a lot of experience and you would think that would bring a lot to class; rather, sit in a circle and share your thoughts on the 70 readings from last night. The journal tedious and she is flighty and frazzled. BOO