Shizuko Tomoda - Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT

Professor: Shizuko Tomoda

Department: Japanese

College: Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HON140
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Her accent was hard to get over at first but once you understand her it's easy. She's a good and fair grader, likes to take about her topics (very passionate) and she wants you to participate. She's funny and sweet but can be a little bit difficult if you don't understand her writing style. One bad thing: she doesn't give out rubrics for the papers

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: JAPANESE111
• Grade Received: INC
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Please do not take this class unless you're EXTREMELY devoted to learning Japanese. I respect Professor Tomoda with every fiber of my being but Japanese courses in general are just extremely difficult. Her classes are extraordinarily fast-paced and it's very difficult to keep up, especially if you're taking other difficult classes as well.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: JAP112
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Tomoda's classes are difficult, but I've never made as much progress with the language as I have learning with her. Buckle down, grab your friends and get ready to do a lot of studying, she's an excellent teacher as long as you don't fall behind.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HON130
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

DO NOT TAKE HER CLASS. The same topics are talked about every single class and how she grades is very unclear. I recommend taking the other honors teacher/class if possible

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: JAPN111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tomoda Sensei is one of my favorite professors. I have a lot of respect for her. This class is very challenging and she can be tough, but if you're serious about learning Japanese, she will teach you effectively. I would recommend reading ahead. I seriously do recommend this class. Its very rewarding and fun, and the prof always has funny stories.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: JAPN110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This professor is tough. She expects you to grasp this difficult language very quickly, and during in class practice she gives a very short time to do the exercises. Tests are very tough, if you miss class you will never catch up. This was not necessary for me to take and I regret not dropping it when I had the chance.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: JAPN110
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

It's hard to describe Tomoda sensei. I liked her as a person but her teaching wasn't always clear. I felt like there was an easier way to teach but she chose the harder. She will call on you and put you on the spot. If you don't get it right she doesn't help you and kinda gives you a look. Quiz every week. (Every other week).

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: JAPANESE112
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Japanese is an interesting language. Tomoda sensei expects you to know everything she reviews. If you stay a chapter ahead you're good to go. If she calls on you and you have a hard time she will not be patience.

Rating # 9

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

This was my favorite course this semester. It focused on the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. If you can ever take this class do it! I learned so much, and you explore what it means to live in a nuclear era today. She really knows what she's talking about on this topic.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: JAPN126
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tomoda sensei has taught me so much since I've taken her courses. Be prepared to work for your grade. Very friendly and funny outside of class. It's challenging but rewarding. Definitely not for anyone looking for an easy class but if you really want to learn YOU WILL. Seriously, one of my favorite teachers at CCSU.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: JAPN125
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You better be ready to dedicate yourself to learning Japanese. I love Tomoda sensei as a person, she's interesting, funny, and hard working. However, as a teacher, be prepared to study and work hard. If you want to learn the language she will definitely teach you, but be prepared to be scrutinized. She'll humiliate you if you're wrong.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: JPN111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One of the most difficult teachers I ever had. After only 3 years with her, I was able to read and write Japanese at the level of a Japanese 12 year old. I ended up living in Japan for 5 years and met my wife there. Tomoda-sensei is not perfect, but if you're serious about learning Japanese, Tomoda-sensei delivers. Excellent teacher. (4649)

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: JAPN111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Tomoda teaches her class exactly the way it needs to be taught. Japanese isn't an easy language for most people to pick up, and when people struggle or get things wrong, she will try to force some humility on them. It's an attempt to push her students to excel. Overall, the work is easy and there isn't a lo you need to learn.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: JAPANESE111
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I knew some Japanese prior to this course so I felt it was kind of slow and boring. She's pretty friendly and tells you a lot of fun tales about Japan. If you study enough you can get by well since she covers only some basic stuff. Oral presentations are a pain though since she speaks so fast. An average at best professor.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: JAP112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The class is overall difficult. She talks fast and if you try to ask a question she just gives you a look. The class is pretty fun though because she tells stories. Quizes almost every or every other week

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: JAPN225
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Best professor ever! Not for the faint of heart or unmotivated student. She will challenge you!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: JAPN112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Overall, Dr. Tomoda is a good teacher that cares about her students, however, the language is not easy for everyone, and she seems to become a bit impatient with those that can't grasp certain concepts. She will help you as much as she can, but if you go to her and she seems busy, it's probably best to come back later. I loved her class though.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: JAPN111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tomoda-Sensei was hard, but fair. Always eager to help

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PEACE01
• 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:

SHE HAS ANIMATED AND INTERESTING STYLE OF TEACHING. SHE IS VERY HELPFUL AND INTERESTED IN THE ADVANCEMENT OF HER STUDENTS. HER CLASS USED A LOT OF MEDIA AND SHORT PAPERS WERE REQUIRED. IT IS HER STYLE THAT MAKES HER CLASS EASY.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: JAP112
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Very nice lady. Her english is fine. Very difficult class. However I assumed it would be going into it. She does expect a lot from her students. Is embarrassing at times when she calls you out and you don't know the answer. Instead of helping you understand she gets frustrated that you do not know. not for everyone.