3.3
Quality3.9
Difficulty45%
Would Retake111
Reviews45%
Would Retake
111
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
37
4
20
3
21
2
18
1
15
What Students Say
“She made a couple of the students feel stupid”
ENGV01A - 2.0 rating“Quite aggressive when giving feedback and puts students on blast when she is giving feedback”
ENGLV01A - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
80%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.42 avg changeRatings by Course
ENG1B
5.0
(3)ENGVO1B
5.0
(1)ENGLISHVO1
5.0
(1)MATHVO1
5.0
(1)ENGV01AB
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG21
5.0
AMERICANLIT
5.0
ENGLIV01B
5.0
ENG1
5.0
ENGV3127
5.0
Reviews (111)
No Comments
Teachers like this are the reason students hate school.
Madsen is the worst professor I have ever had. She is not encoraging, and is not clear enough to understand what she wants. She puts us down saying we would not have a chance to other students. NOT THE BEST CLASS TO TAKE.
I think she's a good teacher. I've had her for 2 semesters.. both of my english class. She's kind of structured? and plans ahead of time. She gets us in small groups rather than the whole class discussion, so if ur shy, u mite enjoy her class.
Professor Madsen sets high standards for her students, which is great because her classes prepare students for transfer to university. For those who gave her poor ratings -- just wait until you transfer! She inspired me to work hard and think critically..
Professor Madsen is a very intelligent, well-organized teacher who doesn't put up with nonsense from her students --- probably the reason for her poor rating here. She is very knowledgable and helpful, funny, and she does not ever talk down to students.
Professor Madsen is one of those teachers that actually knows what she is talking about. The class seems to be very challenging in the beginning but during the semester you will find out she isn't as bad as what people say. I thought she was hard, and I ended up with a B in the class, so apparentl
No Comments
Professor Madsen asks alot of her students but she's the only one who prepared me for university. She's there for the serious students who want to succeed, not for the people who want an easy A.
Madsen is really smart and knows her stuff. Don't take it if you want the easy "A". She is willing to help but you've gotta make an effort, she's not going to hold your hand.
madsen is a great teacher, if you take the time to get to know her you will find she is very helpful, kind, and funny, to anyone who thinks shes a bad teacher im sure your just a bad student!
Best english teacher I have ever had. Dumbasses won't like her such as people who spell "a lot" as one word. She tells people the truth and doesn't hide it. Only take the class if you want to learn something and get enlightened. Every single class has inspired me.
Professor Madsen is a great teacher. She is very helpful, funny, and you learn a lot about writing in 1A and literature in 1B. Don't take her class is you want an easy "A" or if you miss class a lot. She is very serious about missing class.
Ok. The teacher knows what she's talking about. She is helpful, too. I got an A, but it was not easy. You have to go in and do well on pretty much everything to get an A. WARNING: she is funny, but not very inviting. she wants people to talk in class but doesn't realize she has scared them away with her unnecessary comments and ****y attitude.
This teacher is intelligent and knows her stuff; however, I do not recommend her. Her intimidating and arrogant attitude makes it difficult to approach her with questions. When students did ask for help she belittled & embarrassed many of them in front of class. The class is only difficult b/c of the lack of clarity and help.
No Comments
Mrs. Madsen lives for shock value. She wants to be the cool teacher and if she needs to make fun of a student in front of the class to get a few laughs, she is more then happy to do so. She will make you work hard to become a better writer which is definitely her one and only strong point. If you want a teacher who is going to be approachable and h
No Comments
yes she is challenging, but you learn how to wright. I learned so much in her class. One of the best teachers at VC. She seams hard and there seams to be a lot of work but stick it out it is worth it.
love her. she is my hero
very strict but nice. spunky and energetic..clear about what she expects from you. she doesnt **** around so you know what is expected from you in the class.
I didn't like this teacher. I found that she treated younger (also female) students with less respect than older students. She singles out students in class and tries to humiliate them. In my class she read a girls' homework and said aloud "this is
She's great. Hard, but it will push you to strive to do your best, she cares and that's good enough for me.
Can be rude, and thinks that community college students aren't as smart as 4-years (she told my class this). Lots of dull lecture. LOTS of reading.
Madsen makes you work for your A. Definately take Madsen if you like a challenge. Slackers, do not even think about it.
Pro Mad is the GODDESS of Writing. She is so helpful. She helped me a lot when we were assigned essays. She wants all her students to be successful. I have learned so much about writing, within the first month. If your an athlete, pray to God. Otherwise, she is excellent! (and she hot too.)
She ruled. I remember loving the class and learning a lot, although it definitely wasn't an easy ride. She is obviously a feminist and is passionate about it. She's hot too which doesn't hurt.
This is without a doubt, the rudest teacher I ever had. She has a real chip on her shoulder. She humiliates students so she can feel superior. She also thinks of herself as a writer formost and a teacher second. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. You have been warned!
No Comments
the class isn't an easy A but you will leave feeling like you learned something. she's very helpful and great to take if you plan on going on to a university.
She is unapologetically rude and unnecessarily harsh sometimes, but she is thorough, precise, and an excellent teacher. She tells you EXACTLY what she wants you to do, exactly how to do it, and lets you take it from there. If you're not willing to do the work and go to class, don't even bother taking her class. You learn A LOT, though.
She will mold you into a better writer for sure. If you are a sensitive person (as I am) and you get your feelings hurt easily, do not take this class. She is very blunt, rude, and honestly cruel to her students. Made a few of the girls cry in my class. If you want to be a better writer, take this class...an easy A
She scared the crap outa me
Don't take this class if your not an english major! If you need to know how to write strong, correct paper, this is the class for you. But you will work!!
AT FIRST, I THINK YOU WILL BE INTIMIDATED,SHE THINKS SHE KNOWS IT ALL BUT SHE DOESNT, I GOT A B BECAUSE I FOLLOWED HER ASSIGNMENTS AND SUCK IT UP!! DONT LET HER INTIMIDATE YOU,I GUESS OVERALL,SHE IS A GREAT TEACHER,SO TAKE HER,PLUS SHE IS HOT!
By far, the BEST teacher I have ever had. She's hilarious, and she expects the best from you. I think a lot of people are intimidated by her, but she's not mean AT ALL... she's just sarcastic. Since her class, I've gotten A's in all of my english classes, and I owe it all to her. I can't wait to take another one of her classes. LOVE HER!
She is a total know-it-all and quite frankly a B, but if you can get past that it is a great class and won't put you to sleep like most classes at VC. I ended up to be pretty close to her at the end of the semester...probably because Im a B as well. Let me do Ms. Madsen and tell all SLACKERS or kids looking for an easy class STAY AWAY.
She's such a ****. She thinks she knows everything and if she thinks you're stupid she treats you like you're stupid. I wish I had gotten out of the class in the very beginning. She can't teach and she's just a ****.
Prof. Madsen is an excellent teacher. Take her class if you want to learn how to be a successful writer. Though her classes are not for slackers, you have to really dedicate yourself --but the payoff is invaluable. She wants you to succeed and keeps it real. For the students who actually want to learn something, this is the teacher for you.
I found Prof. Madsen to be one of the best instructors that I have ever had. Was she easy? Heck no. Did I learn a lot? Hell yes! This is not an instructor for slackers, and if you are a know-it-all she WILL take you down. Interesting how difficult male teachers are considered challenging, but women are all considered '****es'. I would bet money
If you are not confident in yourself do not take this class shies not much harder then the rest she just makes it seem that way by putting you down. She does know what she is talking about, but you have to be able to get through her insults to reap the rewards. The few students that do like her classes are the ones that she favors.
She knows her stuff, is honest with her students, and holds you responsible. She won't hold your hand, but doesn't see that as her job anyway. If you want to learn something, take her class. No crybabies.
She knows her stuff, is very direct, needs to work on her interpersonal skills, but if you can make it through her class you'll learn a lot. If you have a question, ask her, do not assume anything, be sure you understand what she is telling you.
shes hardcore. some would say shes a bit of a bit**. but shes a good teacher. she knows her stuff. it was definitely difficult but i learned so much and my writing improved. don't miss class! she will drop you. and even though shes intimidating... she's totally willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask her questions. its worth it!
she is knowledgeable about writing and you will learn alot, however she makes students feel stupid when they ask for help most the time and is selective with older students, Shes very strict and she doesnt really care what you have to say, shes a total b.... may seem cool but shes not at all!
Very rude! needs serious interpersonal skills and is degrating. If you can hang w/ that, she is crystal clear on what she wants and how to get that. Grade is based on 4 essays, but ALL are based on food. Sounds easy but isn't. Uses book adequately, but would rather tell you how to write. Knowledgeable, but still has her head up her ...
I can honestly say Professor Madsen is the best English teacher i have ever had. Yes, she does give a 10 page paper, and 4 other 6 page papers but she is extremely helpful through them. You must be in class at all times, and do not be late. Be friendly with her and she will be friendly back. She is very smart and funny. DO NOT GET ON HER BAD SIDE.
Pros: Crystal clear expectations. Extremely organized. Willing to help you. Gives engaging and humorous lectures. Cons: Intimidating. Is quick to put you on her bad side if you bug her with dumb questions, or miss class alot. Sarcastic/mean humor sometimes directed at students.| Work hard and do your best, and you will learn ALOT from her.
she is the hardest teacher ive had, but she is a really good teacher! she made every essay clear, and helped everytime you have questions. and shes funny!
tough. i would have probably received the help i needed if i asked questions but i was way too intimidated by her. extremely blunt. if a question is asked by a younger student she makes you feel stupid. she adores her older students. she try's too hard to act like a cool, hip teenager with snotty jokes that were considered funny in 1993. i am sour!
okay so i like english understand its college its gonna be a challenging but her way running everything is insane like you dont even want to ask for help cause she just looks at you like your stupid expects you to get everything i hated her my advice is take option C when you first get her i tried takin it later n she literally scolded me so i drop
I love English and I am a pretty good writer, so this class wasn't difficult for me. She is one of the most cruel people I have ever met. She gets pleasure out of making fun of students. She will make you into a better writer, but she has a rotten personality. Be careful with this one, especially if you are a sensitive person.
She will make you a better writer, but she needs help on her personality and if you are a veteran she thinks that it's not an excuse if you miss her class due to a a VA appointment, but jury duty is.
A lot of students don't like her as a person, but I think she makes it very clear she is not there to be liked, she is there to do her job, so I would argue as a teacher she does a tremendous job. Some students get butt hurt, and end up being better writers. However a bigger quantity end up butt hurt and with a W.
okay so i guess she is a good teacher butt she needs to get the stick out of her ass if you get on her bad side and if she doesnt like you it will show n wont help you and if she claims she is the best cheff in ventura bull crap he isnt he works at the ventura crown plaza hotel restaurant C street and has a big banner to show & was in the newspaper
it makes her smile when she belittles people. she will harass and humiliate students in front of the class for her own personal enjoyment. she tells them the questions they ask are stupid even if they are valid questions. she is constantly cursing. she dares students to report her behavior saying that she can't be fired. " go ahead, i dare ya"
Lets cut to the chase: She is mean and she doesn't give a damn. She is Not helpful, at all. I love english-i HATE her class. Everything you write on has to be related to food. She can be funny, but I'd rather have a professor who wants to help me succeed who is not funny,than a funny one who will leave me in the dust. She is really harsh. BEWARE!!!
So shes a really great teacher. She always helps you and you can learn ALOT if you actually pay attention. The thing is that people at VC arent ready for that kind of stuff, so they take her the wrong way. She can be mean and a total jerk, but only if you try to be a smart ass or do anything stupid. Hard class, but you learn alot.
Well, my overall impression of her was that she was really horrible, she doesn't care if she makes you feel horrible. But, after the class is over you can see that she's really just a hard teacher, and forces you to work and learn. She treats you like a university professor would, the only thing is she could do it in a more effective way...
this teacher is incredibly rude to all the students in my class. seems likes she can't wait to insult and belittle anybody that asks for help or asks a question. she says she is preparing students for "university level" but doesn't understand the concept of a good paper. Madsen likes to humiliate you in front of others and make the class miserable.
What a memorable experience! Mrs. Madsen is tough, and takes her job very seriously -- but it definitely helps you become a better writer. If you don't give her your best, don't come to class.
She was awful!
She has really helped with my writing process. Showing up every day and absorbing her lessons have really helped me in the long run. She gave the class writing tools that will work on every essay possible. By not taking advantage of her class and her lessons, you have really missed out.
this teacher is bitter that she isnt at a university. She is smart but could care a less if you learn it. Very rude just like everyone else said. she wants you to write about FOOD for all of her essays. No one likes her.
This is the worst English teacher I have ever had. Before I took her class I truly enjoyed english but she made it horrible, and I dreaded coming to her class. If you enjoy being insulted for not knowing everything.....be my guest and take her class.
amy madsen is an AMAZING teacher. she can be intimidating the first few days but if you stay in the class for the whole semester you'll be so glad you did. she is an amazing strong woman and will help you. take her class!
Unless you're a fan of Disney villains- this professor is not for you. She is complacent in her teaching routine, bitter towards students and uncompromising. Since there are only four papers during the entire semester, there is hardly any room for error. She will crush your confidence in writing essays.
She is a pretty good professor. Her class is tough, but not impossible. The only problems I had with her were just some close minded comments she may make sometimes and her weird obsession with chi energy. Overall a good professor
A lot of you that are rating her as a bad teacher, just means that you could not handle her class. Yeah she's hard, intimidating, and brutally honest, this is what a professor should be like. She never took roll, she always was there on her class days and if you didn't show up then that was you're problem not hers. I received a B in her class, and she has made me a better writer, I can now write a 5 page paper in 2 hours. If you want to learn to write take her class and suck it up!!!!
Granted, she is not the sweetest person in the whole word but she is an awesome teacher. Unlike most of the classes at VC, you actually finish the class knowing things you didn't when you started. But she is quick to call you on your BS, so don't raise your hand unless you're sure of your question or comment.
I can't abide an easy class. Seriously it will just make me sick to go. This is because I have to pay for them, and I want my monies worth. I LOVED taking this class because I learned a lot. Didn't get an A, but that's not better than learning is it? Think about it folks.
horrible. mean. never take!
disrespectful in my book. she doesnt care who you are but she makes sure you know who she is. if you take her class you better be ready to write about food because thats all you get to write about. I hated it. she will call you out for little things in front of everyone. oh and doesnt always show up. if your up for a MAJOR challenge take her class.
great, and honest teacher. One of the best pesonalties I've had. she tells it like it is. Be prepared to actually do work.
Easy.....not. she doesnt care about our writing, she wants you to choose the "c" so she doesnt have to grade your paper. not a people person...skip taking this teacher.
worst teacher ever!!! she doesn't care about you.. all she wants to write is about foods!! don't take her class
she puts you in the spot, shes straight forward and her papers are long! good luck, youll need it
if you aren't on her good side, she will talk to you like you are stupid. especially when asking her a question. her assignments aren't too bad but i don't recommend taking this class unless you have passed the same class w/ a different teacher. u are expected to know everything she tells you. if you are a perfect A student, take her.
She isn't helpful and has a foul and offensive mouth for an English teacher. Also, she didn't show up to class often and spent some days wasting our time on movies about food rather than teaching writing techniques. I don't think she enjoys teaching considering her attitude and would rather watch you fail than succeed.
I would not recommend this class to anyone who isn't already a great writer. Her class is like an 18-week final for a class you were expected to have already taken.
I learned A LOT in her class. Definitely not your typical English class which makes it more interesting. Talk about food and politics. The 4 writing assignments are all about food. Not an easy A but if you are looking for a challenge take her. It's worth it.My writing skills improved A LOT. And she actually helps you if YOU ATTEND HER OFFICE HOURS.
She is a terrific professor. If you can write, you will pass this class. She is very helpful, but her advice can be vague. She's willing to talk as long as you are willing to ask. She is very passionate for english, but she is also a foodie (her class centers on food), but after this class you will know how to write a darn good essay and know food.
A really cool professor.she will teach you a bunch her essays are long and about food. Ask for help often! She will help! 4 essays total no midterm/final. Allowed to take a "C" paper but keep in mind ifyou do take the C an A in the class is impossible. 1st essay (5pgs) 2nd(5pgs) 3rd (6pgs) 4th (4pgs) GOOD LUCK!
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. So boring she only talks about food and makes you watch disturbing videos. Gives out mostly C's so you really have to be ready to work. She blames her rude attitude and inappropriate language on being from New York, and tells you from day 1 that you are already behind the rest of the world because you are at a JC.
Prof Madsen is the single greatest instructor that has ever graced a classroom. Her patience and kindess can only be truely appreciated once you've seen the raggedy and motely group of students that she lets into her class.
She was a great teacher. Her sarcastic humor made the class worth going to. She really challenged our writing skills, even if it was all about food. She was always clear with her assignments and really wants you to pass and do your best. Worth taking.
Some people just don't recognize a great teacher. She actually shows you writing skills and explains them to you in a way that you understand. She is unlike any other teacher I have had. :)
Miss Madsen is a tough teacher with an interesting personality but she only wants to push you to try your best. She is very clear on her instructions. If you go in with the right attitude and are ready to work hard then you will leave the class a better writer. She definitely helped me become a much better writer and I feel like I learned a lot.
If you put in the work she will grade you according to your efforts. She has a quirky sense of humor.
She is very sassy. She made a couple of the students feel stupid. Did not look forward to going to class. She will have her good days were she is actually nice to us but be prepared for some sass. She can be funny sometimes and helpful. But when shes having an off day, you do not want to ask for help.
I was lucky taking Prof. Madsen's class last semester. She is one of the greatest instructors I have ever had. You dont need to know writing before take her class because she will teach you from very beginning. She gives you quality time to explore your own writing ability, helping you recognize and improve your writing process.
Prof. Madsen is a hard teacher to take. She's a hard grader but she does something not all professors do to asure all their students pass the class. She give you a safety net C so if you just want to not try on your paper but still make sure you pass the class then she just tell you to put a C at the top of your paper and thats the grade you'll get
Madsen, is a very critical grader but she's honest. Her class was never boring. She does cuss in her lectures and speaks boldy on her opinions. Her class is mainly around the topic of food and the food industry. If you are looking for a teacher who tells you exactly what to fix and are willing to hear the truth, Madsen is for you.
Madsen is a very harsh grader, so be prepared to not get the grade you expected. It's easy to pass her class with a C, but difficult to get an A. I wouldn't recommend her to anyone. Do yourself a favor and don't take her class.
Harsh grader but she's really helpful and actually nice, just don't piss her off.
She's always going to tell you whats up. She'll be able to lay it out in specific detail. I personally didn't like her at first, but later on if your putting in enough effort and focus she'll definitely be of help. Very strict on the assignments though, ALWAYS listen to advice, it comes SUPER handy later on
So far, Professor Madsen has shown to have an attitude but in a good way. She will tell you how she feels but she does show compassion as well in her own way. She does not do exams, she sees them as a waste of time that she doesn't want to deal with so that's a huge weight off. If you plan on passing her class you gotta make sure you want it.
Quite aggressive when giving feedback and puts students on blast when she is giving feedback.
She is one of the best English teachers I've ever had. She makes class entertaining while giving us clear instructions on what she wants on her papers. She is sometimes very opinionated and can seem a bit rude at times, but I would most definitely take the class again.
We were graded on four assignments with no other means to improve our grade. Confusing assignment instructions with little help; she preferred to write our thesis herself. Doesn't use the internet and was unexpectedly gone for a week without communication. The safety of tunure, right? Questions are met with condescension.
So, lets get started on a light note. She wouldnt be a bad instructors she changed everything about herself. Shes way too cocky especially for someone that teaches a basic English class at a junior college. She was incredibly condescending, and was weirdly obsessed with her students writing about food. She needs to get off her tenure high horse.
Professor Madsen is one of the best teachers Ive ever had. She scared me at first, but she is more than willing to work with students who show that they are serious and ready to work. Sudents who showed up to class, asked questions, and listened to what she had to say were successful, while others were not. She is super funny, caring, and honest.
Professor Madsen was one of my first inspirational college prof's., and her lectures and essay feedback were exceptional. Yes, she's detailed and sets expectations, but this "tough love" approach truly helped me to grow as a critically-thinking writer, smoothly survive transferring to U.C.L.A.'s coursework, and land my dream film writing job.
Worst professor Ive had to date. I asked her a question on the first day and she told me to look it up and told the class I cant use google. Very rude and disrespectful. You only have a couple of assignments so if you miss one you might as well drop the class. Be prepared to get a C for the class by the way. I would not recommend to anyone.
Was a great English professor. 10/10 would recommend taking her class! She was a tough grader, but the feedback was very helpful in the long run.
This professor emphasizes the fact that our education system has failed us and we must forget everything taught up to high school. Yet, she rolls her eyes because she has to teach us concepts we dont know. Talks to you as if youre inferior for asking questions. Says its the real world but shes the only bad teacher Ive ever had in college.
Amy Madsen is an excellent English professor. There are only 3 papers, so if you don't do the work you will fail. With that being said its really hard to fail the class unless you don't do anything. She gives a sufficent amount of class time to turn in the assignments.
I grew up in the hood. All my teachers couldnt get through to me because they couldnt understand me. Professor Madsen was the VERY FIRST teacher in all my years to ever make me excited to learn. Im not a good student but she never made me feel like I couldnt do it. SHE IS A REAL TEACHER. I had to get emergency surgery so I couldnt finish. Love
I took this class online and it was cert difficult, this professor was bad at explaining and wasnt good at helping. Wasnt nice and this class seemed fairly easy but I felt as if she made it more difficult than it needed it to be. I wouldnt take her class again.
She's a good teacher but intimidating. Yes, she will likely freak you out just a bit the first week or so but her feedback is solid and helpful for future papers. Just do the best you can, and be sure to find help (with her or outside) if you need it. It's a class that requires a good amount of time and research into writing the papers, you got it.
Impossible to get higher than C in her class. She is a harsh grader and when it comes to grading my essay she didn't offer any constructive criticism. I started having someone proof read my essay and no matter what I changed she would never give me higher than a C.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
80%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.42 avg changeRatings by Course
ENG1B
5.0
(3)ENGVO1B
5.0
(1)ENGLISHVO1
5.0
(1)MATHVO1
5.0
(1)ENGV01AB
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG21
5.0
AMERICANLIT
5.0
ENGLIV01B
5.0
ENG1
5.0
ENGV3127
5.0