Maria Williams-Hawkins - Ball State University

Professor: Maria Williams-Hawkins

Department: TBD

College: Ball State University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

People give Dr. Maria a lot of heavy criticism for being too difficult, which she is, but her class had made a huge impact on my TCOM studies. Her classes are tough, they'll break you down at times but I can strongly say it's worth it. Your first time experiencing her courses, you'll dislike her and then, over time, you'll appreciate her toughness.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you're looking for a way to learn about media criticism, don't take Dr. Maria. She won't teach you anything and claims questions on the tests that everyone failed were taught, even though none of us could find them in our notes or lecture slides. During this semester, she was going through a tough situation and made her problems ours. AVOID her!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I liked this class because she made you work for that good grade. It prepares you for challenges you'll face in this industry. When it's time for the final project, MAKE SURE YOU STAY ON TOP OF IT. Use your free time to see her after class and she'll guide you. Start months before the due date. This class is not impossible to pass.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

NEVER TAKE HER!!! Awful professor you will not learn anything about media criticism.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Most of the Reviews on here are mostly true from 2018. Nothing changed by 2020. Dr maria still redirects all of your questions to her somewhat confusing syllabus. If you have a question in class, don't bother asking because she will answer you like you're a stupid individual. I wish I could send screenshots of how "helpful" her "feedback" is.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Reading these reviews, I thought that people were being harsh, but no. Dr. Maria is the single worst professor I have ever had. She makes rude and inappropriate comments in class. She also will belittle you for answering any question of hers incorrectly. Don't bother asking questions, you will just get redirected to her 40-page syllabus. 0/10

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: TCOM363
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

When I read all of the negative reviews on here, I believed that they were left by underachievers who didn't try hard enough. I was wrong. To the students who think that you're smart enough to get by, take my advice: drop this class while you still can. Genuinely, this class put me on the verge of a psychotic break from stress.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

While Dr. Maria is tough and expects a lot from her students, she's really not as bad as people make her out to be. Just don't be lazy and understand that you need to communicate with her if you don't understand something.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

be really really careful in her class, or you won't pass

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Get ready for unfunny and offensive jokes. Be prepared to not know what to study for your tests at all. Participation is required but if she doesnt like your answer she will humiliate you. Take this class if you enjoy having panic attacks and crying while youre studying because youre going to fail the tests no matter how hard you study.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Maria is a good teacher if you like extremely complicated directions with zero guidance. She's great if you love to be reprimanded for asking for help. She is wonderful for humiliating students by name and making inappropriate comments. If you love to work harder than you've ever worked with little guidance, then Maria is right for you!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

She is a great person but a poor teacher. She is too inconstant and extremely strict. Do not plan on asking her for help or you will be redirected to her 60 page syllabus. Avoid her if you can.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I do not understand why Dr. Maria has such a bad rap. I went into this class fearing what would happen and it has honestly become one of my favorite courses. Dr. Maria is a tough grader, but if you participate in class, study, and get to know her, she will help you with whatever you are struggling with in class.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Although this professor may have a doctoral degree, she presents anything but that with her teaching. Her tests are extremely difficult. It's futile to study because she adds so many things on there that aren't discussed. She also explains nothing, but instead uses the Syllabus as her sacred scripture to govern everything. You will not enjoy class.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Ms. Hawkins is a professor who expects the best out of her students, but does not teach them how to get there. She makes inappropriate comments everyday and makes students feel belittled. She has too many quizzes and unnecessary tests over things that she does not mention in class, including a mail list that will give you about 50 emails a day.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This teacher is so strict about following the syllabus to a tee, then at the last minute is prone to change the dates on you. She has two separate quizzes over the syllabus and two separate midterms. She does not explain any projects. Overall, this class has made me reconsider if TCOM is the right field for me.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Maria is a tough grader, but an excellent professor. If anyone is going to prepare you for your future career it is her. If you are one of the people complaining about her on here it is likely because you didn't pay attention in class. There is NO reason to fail this course. Tip: Get to know her during office hours and outside of class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Williams-Hawkins has some great qualities and some unfavorable ones. Although her use of the syllabus is unnecessary with two separate quizzes over it, her discussions are engaging and cause you to think. She is not very good at explaining and giving guidance on what your final project should entail. She is funny but she likes to stare at you.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Yes, her syllabus is confusing. BUT just go to her office, ask questions, tell her your project idea far in advance and make sure she approves it. If she doesn't approve it, keep meeting with her. Best way to pass this class is by making sure she approves of what your final project is. Also, fill out the study guides if she remembers to send it.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: TCOM204
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Maria is not a terrible professor. She truly does care about her students, and the ones who think otherwise are the people who did not show up to class or didn't expect to really do much in the class because its required. She challenged me like no other professor has before. Her class isn't that hard, jsut prepare for the tests and you'll pass!