Review:
Fun class with an interesting and exciting instructor. Professor Wender is very knowledgeable about Japanese society and cinema and loves to teach. Class discussions are quite fun and provoke deeper insight into the films. Some of the films are long and a bit dull, but also very good. Others are less interesting and absurd, but usually shorter.

Workload:
The reading is fairly heavy, especially with the way the class schedule is set up (Class Tues and Thurs, movie Wed). However, I found that most of it was not necessary. Most discussions break from the readings and move on to general commentary on the film or Japan. Weekly movie responses are not difficult, however with her 5 point scale, most people get 3's until they figure out just what she's looking for. Only other work is one 6 page paper as a midterm and a take home final.

review a class you took with Melissa Wender - help your classmates make informed decisions!

Review:
Professor Wender is a nice person, concerned with students' progress, and enthusiastic about the films (her selection covers many genres and time periods). The class meets twice a week, and one of those days is for film viewing after a short discussion. Class centers around discussion of readings and films. Class participation is part of the grade and Prof Wender is tolerant of other views. This class won't kill you and is interesting so long as students keep the discussion going.

Counts for world civ & humanities requirements.

Workload:
Manageable amount of background readings for the films every week. 2-3 paragraph comment about each film (by email) graded on a check +/- system. 1 Midterm paper (6-7 pages) and take-home final (3 questions, 10-12 pages). If you like artsy films, comfortable with film/literature analysis, and put in the effort, you can get an A.

review a class you took with Melissa Wender - help your classmates make informed decisions!

Review:
He is undoubtedly the most boring professor I have had at Tufts. Able to take a fascinating topic, Japanese popular culture, and turn it into something where I wanted to fall asleep every time I walked into class. The worst lecturer I have ever seen.

Workload:
The workload is average, some reading which you may or may not be tested on, and 1 essay at the end. 2 tests, which don't test knowledge of the material, so it is definitely possible to not have read the texts (you are quizzed on spelling *no joke* and birthdates of the authors).

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Review:
Class is interesting at times, but overall very boring. Professor has a very monotone voice.

Workload:
Easiest class I have ever taken at Tufts. One midterm, one final paper, and 5 - 2page short papers. A piece of cake.

review a class you took with William Burton - help your classmates make informed decisions!

Review:
Good class, interesting material. Slow lectures though.

Workload:
Not too bad.

review a class you took with William Burton - help your classmates make informed decisions!