Thaine Stearns - Sonoma State University

Professor: Thaine Stearns

Department: TBD

College: Sonoma State University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ENG201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took this class online so I'm sure he's different in person but for me I feared that I was working hard and receiving grades but those who were not working as hard were receiving the same grade for consistently remaining silent with cameras off and microphones muted. He is a tough grader, but if you have trouble he is helpful.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ENGL401
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I've never felt more comfortable talking about racism and sexism with an older white man in my entire life. He's an excellent and honest grader. As someone who consistently gets good grades, he still called me on some things that other teachers haven't in the past. I really liked having him, and he's very helpful in office hours!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ENGL472
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Had class session at the school pub, drank beer and ate garlic fries while having literary discussions 6/5. In all seriousness his class is flexible and unstructured, both in grading and in syllabus which means to do well, you must do the readings, formulate thoughtful insight and participate. You cannot just read sparknotes and answer trivia Qs.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ENGL472
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Thaine is easily one of the best teachers I've ever had. There's a lot of reading and he has high expectations, but his class is definitely worth the effort. He is extremely knowledgeable and intelligent. I would recommend his class to anyone who had the opportunity to take it.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ENGL301
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Good class. He gave a lot of reading. Discussions were interesting. He helped with writing.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: 301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The hallmark of a great teacher: unorganized and pretentious. Luckily for students, he is in administration and only teaches one class per semester.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ENG301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Stearns is not an easy grader. When deciding whether to take a class with him, you must make a decision. Are you more concerned with getting a good grade, or learning from the class? If you want a class where you will grow as a writer/critical reader, you are doing yourself a disservice not taking his class. Highly recommended for awesome people.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ENGL301
• 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:

It is a difficult class but well worth it in the end. Participate and do not fall behind on the reading.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ENGL301
• 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:

Thaine Stearns is brilliant. Sometimes his brilliance can be overwhelming, but overall enriching. If you want to learn something and you don't mind a heavy workload, I highly recommend him. He is a difficult grader, but it pushes you to be your best. He's funny, brilliant and pretty easy on the eyes too! ;)

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ENG301
• 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:

Such an amazing professor. He is very difficult, but also very helpful if you chose ask for help. He is very busy but makes time for his students. Sometimes the assignments aren't clear, but he does take votes and listens to the class if there is a problem. Make sure to read all analysis essays, and pay attention to poems!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENG201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is the best professor I have ever had. I did not like him initially because he came off as rude and intimidating. However, towards the end of the class I realized how much I looked forward to his class. I learned the most from him in class and life. Had the most wonderful experienced, I highly recommend him. He is tough but it is so beneficial

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ENGL240
• 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:

I haven't taken a class with him for a few years, but he is the best professor I've had at SSU. He is very willing to listen to people who disagree with him, as long as their claims aren't unfounded. Also, I wouldn't say he's good looking in the classic sense, but there is definitely something sexy about him!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENG201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is a really hard grader. Worked really hard in his class and barley getting a b+. He trys to embarrass students by putting them on the spot. Requires class participation towards the grade. Does not manage his forlough days well either.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ENG000
• 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:

Prepared, collected, structures class with gestures to deep, analytical readings but whatever the class picks up on he rolls with. He's super smart and knows you're not. Nonetheless, you will develop a thoroughly modern crush on the man.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ENGL481
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Joyce and Proust class was excellent. Thaine lead great discussions and added interesting info about the material. One of my best classes ever

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ENGL481
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

difficult

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ENGL240
• 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:

Despite the jokes, sarcasm, and fake accents, Thaine is very serious about his class. When he says "come to class everyday" LISTEN because you won't pass the tests without going to lecture. He says that it was difficult to get an A in his classes, and it is - but it is doable if you put the effort in. Overall, awesome teacher and great insight.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ENGL401
• 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:

His class was easy and he was helpful, but very close-minded.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ENGL401
• 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:

Thaine is such a rockstar. He's the kind of teacher that should be teaching at some school in Boston. SSU is lucky to have him. He is very professional, an absolute theory genius, a sharp dresser, he will push you to get you a deserved grade but he's very fair. People fear him when they don't know him. Otherwise they all secretly love him tons.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ENGL450
• 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:

Every English major should take at least one course with Thaine. You will truly benifit from him. His no b.s. attitude will help sharpen your arguements and make them more effective, especially if you go to his office. I've taken three courses with Thaine and each time my competency and confidance as a writer greatly improved.