Student comments

David Canizares

My explanation of this class to someone who doesn't know anything about it is that it's complex. It's as complex as the works that we cover. It encourages you to look at things from angles you never would have otherwise. It's a mind opener. In order to be successful in this class, you can't do things the way you've always done them. Many of the works we cover in this class is about change and complexity and this class models itself after that. It's not a class to be approached with timidness or fear, but an open mind and a readiness to think, see, and do things differently.

Diosa Villagran

This class is about learning to find the meaning in art, poetry, and storytelling. It asks students to look beyond what is in front of them and think about what the artist is actually saying. What is special about this class is that it is not just about memorization: it's about interpreting, reflecting, and feeling. It teaches you to find truth and emotion in places that are overlooked.

Lorine Benoit

ENG1101 with Professor Dittmar, is not your typical English class. It’s a journey into writing that focuses on exploring your voice, thinking critically, and connecting emotionally with literature, art, and the world around you. Instead of just learning grammar rules or how to write a five-paragraph essay, you engage with poems, TED Talks, paintings, and real-world issues. His class teaches you how to see beneath the surface whether it’s a sentence, an image, or your own ideas and helps you grow both as a writer and as a human being.

Milagros Funes-Ramos

This class is about growth not just as a thinker, but as a person. It encourages you to stay curious and to keep striving to understand more about the world and yourself. Through poems, essays, videos, and writing assignments, you’re given the opportunity to expand your perspective on the world and reflect on your own life experiences. This class is about more than just analyzing texts in a technical way because it allows you to expand how you see the word, how you understand yourself and others. What makes this class truly special is how it challenges you to connect both emotionally and intellectually. It's a reminder of how curiosity can lead to personal insight and how engaging with different opinions can help you grow awareness as well. For me, this is the type of class that inspires you to keep learning, to keep growing even after it ends.

Isabella Zagni

This course offers an in-depth examination of literature, poetry, and speeches that grapple with authentic human experiences emotions such as disappointment, passion, a sense of purpose, and personal development. The focus extends beyond basic textual analysis; students are encouraged to uncover and interpret the emotional truths embedded within each work, and to connect these insights to their own lives. The curriculum is diverse, encompassing everything from the lyrical introspection of Fiona Apple’s “Paper Bag” to the motivational rhetoric of Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement address. For those interested in combining personal reflection with rigorous artistic analysis, this class presents a uniquely thoughtful and enriching academic experience.