He is hilarious. One of the best English teachers in the department. He makes you actually want to go to class. Open-minded and really cool. Definatley would take another class with him.

This is the first time I have had to think in four years of higher education, and I LOVE it. Only a handful of papers, light reading, high on insight and humor. Awesome personality. Very available with office hours. My favorite class ever!!!

I was uninterested in this class before taking it, and actually thought about dropping out after the first class. Volpe has a very energetic teaching style. People probably either love him or hate him. We have similar personalities- LOVED HIM. He loves what he does and will make you love it too!!!!

Comp sucks, but Volpe makes it great. He's the best professor at the U. He is all about his students. His teaching style shows that if you don't learn, he feels he has failed you, not the other way around. Everyone should take one of his classes...you'll get better grades on every other paper you write! He'll make you 10x the writer you started

Awesome class! Volpe has a very unique way of teaching. I actually looked forward to writing the assignments.

Volpe is that rare eccentric genius professor. He is egotistical and off-putting at first but every minute of the class is worthwhile and is one of the few I've taken that I felt was worth the price of tuition.

I've taken a couple classes with Volpe- he's one of my top two professors at the U. He's clearly liberal but very open to new ideas and opinions. He doesn't assert his own views so much as he encourages his students to critically think about material and come to their own conclusions. I HIGHLY recommend any of his classes!

Volpe is a genius! What an amazing class! He's hilarious, and his passion for teaching is obvious. He's also the most accessible professor I've had by far. Take one of his classes!

by far, the best prof i've had at the U. i've taken a couple classes, and would take more with him in a second.

Very good teacher but very uncormfortable going to office hours. Bit of a egomaniac

Volpe is a great teacher. He has such an interesting style, it engages everyone in the room. He loves people who voice their ideas, but isn't afraid to challenge you on them. It makes the class really enjoyable, and unlike any other english class. It was the only class I liked this semester, and I don't like writing.

Great teacher. My writing has improved tremendously, and I've had a blast doing it. Take his class.

The best professor in the world. He is so awesome, I swear, I have never seen such a great and intelligent teacher. He really keeps you on your toes and his class is really hard at times, but the challenge is so much fun and it makes you a much better writer. Volpe is the best teacher!!!!

Great teacher, very helpful, cares about devoloping your writing skills and you as a person.

Only take a course with him if you are able to put up with him personally insulting you. I thought he was GREAT! He says it like it is man. He is a "Juris Doctor" teaching an english class so there is a lot of law influence. Hard grader, very strict with technicalities.

Learned to read directions.

The only problem I had with Volpe was his timeliness returning papers. He's quite blunt, and you may pull out your hair during this class, but you will definitely leave the class with something more than when you came in. This is a class where you don't need Minnesota modesty.

Volpe is the king; he is not for the faint of heart, but if you've got the guts, you'll come out the other side a better person for it.

we're not joking when we say this class is extremely difficult. he almost always the class a second chance when people fail papers. He is SO NICE when you visit at his office hours. Volpe seems heartless at times, but he genuinely cares about his students. He doesn't care if you get A's, only that you learn a lot from his class - which you will.

"Fail, fail, fail, fail, fail" That is pretty much a summation of the first day of class. He is very intimidating and is not afraid to fail you for small mistakes. I learned more how to follow directions than actually write in this class. But I can say he was always open to critique and help you with your writing, which is necessary to get an A.

If you take a class with Volpe, be prepared to feel really intimidated at first (and throughout the semester). He's really strict on technicalities and a tough grader. However, if you're willing to work hard, aren't afraid of criticism, and actually want to improve your writing, Volpe's a good choice.

Expect to spend at least a full day on each paper you write, and you write at least 10. He grades ridiculously hard but gives you a second chance when you fail, which is almost every paper. If you actually want to learn how to write well but struggle through it then this is the class, but you need to make sure to make use of his office hours.

I LOVE Volpe. You know that pretentious kid every class seems to have that tries to impress the professor on day one? Volpe will shoot them down the second they try to suck up to him, and the year just gets better from there. He is a lot of talk and intimidation but just follow his directions and the class is easy, and very, very useful.

Blunt, honest,spares the pleasantries. He gives it to you straight. He has no agenda except good writing. His personality does not blend well for those with tender sensibilities. If you do mind that factor and use his office hours the class is a great time. The only complaint is that he takes a long time to grade papers.

extremely hard. very harsh and blunt. uses big words and swears.

If you want an easy A, than this class is not for you. I'll admit that if I knew how hard he was I would have steered clean from it, but I have learned a lot because of it. He is a great professor and actually wants you to think, but be careful not to stray from the assignment. Going to office hours is essential.

You actually do learn a lot from this class, but he has bad habits and is a harsh grader. For example, he will not e-mail the class when he chooses to cancel it so you are just going to have to find out for yourself. If you want to become a really good writer, take Volpe. If you're just trying to get Freshmen Comp out of the way- steer clear.

Listen to him on the 1st day, if you can't handle what he says, switch profs, if you're up for a challenge, take him. He is a wonderful prof who grades on unique insight so be ready to dig deep. I have learned a lot and care more about my writing now because of him. He likes to cancel class randomly and not send out emails. USE HIS OFFICE HOURS!

I got a zero on two of my first papers. I was astonished. But don't be fooled, he only does this to freak you out. I ended up getting an A on those papers. In the beginning you freak out but when you utilize the office hours he is actually helpful. I would recommend this class if you are up for a challenge.

Mr. Volpe is probably the best professor you will come across during your college career. Work hard and go to office hours as much as you possibly can.

Hardest class ever, best professor ever. If you want an easy class, DO NOT take this course. If you want to learn great writing techniques that will help you for the rest of your life then take this course.

Hard as hell. But knows his stuff. You can't just sit down and write a passing paper in one hour. you have to use office hours and put thought into every sentence.

He will fail you on your first paper to scare you. But his methods of teaching ARE GREAT!!! he is a very good professor!! Glad I had the opportunity to learn from him

Volpe is God's gift to the U of M writing department. Go to office hours and get your papers done a week in advance, because you'll need the time to fix your mistakes. However, once you've applied his (useful) suggestions (it usually takes 3-4 visits to his office hours to get it the way he wants it), you are guaranteed an A.

Volpe is one of the best teachers Minnesota has to offer. There is no such thing as an easy A, but if you are willing to put in the work he will reward you for it.

Awesome teacher. On the first day of class he declared that we would love his teaching style or think he was the devil (scare tactic). Very intense class, but a great teacher. This is the class to take for writing. I loved how he incorporated films into our class.

Volpe can be a little intimidating at the beginning of the semester, but if you put effort into class and go to office hours, he is extremely helpful and friendly.

Great Professor. Though he ask us to come to the class as mandatory, but its definitely worth of going.

I took this class 3 years ago. Volpe was an amazing teacher. His teaching style has been critical for me. Unlike every other writing intensive course I've taken Volpe cares about writing. He doesn't care about agreeing with you. That said, the class is hard. Use his office hours. If you make the corrections he says, you'll do fine. It's worth it.

Volpe is a great teacher, but his opinion rules above all and he tends to offend at least one person during each class period. Also, Volpe's expectations are a lot different from other teachers- the skills you learn in this class may not transfer to others. That being said, you will learn some awesome analyzation and writing skills.

Don't underestimate him when people say he's extremely hard. He doesn't sugar coat anything and he might offend you at times but your writing is going to improve visibly. As long as you go to his office hours, pay attention to what he says in class and take the papers seriously, you'll be fine. Great teacher, a genius.

He is brilliant. Blunt, but brilliant. He will scare you the first day of class but he actually really wants to help you. His goal is to make you a better writer, not to baby you. Go to his office hours. get a draft done a week in advance and go see him and make the corrections he recommends.Best teacher at the U, by FAR!His class is worth the work

If you look at these and think you don't want him because he's hard, that's a mistake. One of the best experiences i've had with school. I never have believed in myself and always think I'm just ok. But mediocre is not an option, you fail or ace. So it puts you in a position where you have no choice but to be your best. He made me believe in myself

Volpe is the best professor i've had. Don't be afraid to ask for help, he actually cares about his students.

Volpe will push you and challenge you to do your best. He is willing to help and if you don't ask for it then it is hard to do well in his class. You earn your grade in his class. This class will be the most beneficial for anyone's future. It is a pleasure to be his student.

Definitely the hardest teacher I've had ever, but in the long run you'll thank him. He makes you think and develop strong arguments for everything you do. MUST utilize his office hours!! So helpful. Overall, it's a good experience.

Volpe is a great teacher. I can honestly say I'm a better writer since taking his class. He will give you more information than you will need to succeed in his class, so don't feel overwhelmed. With that said, he is a very harsh grader and his class isn't for those who aren't willing to work hard for their grade. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS OFTEN.

Volpe will demand a certain type of writing style, but I guarantee it will be for the better. By far the best professor I've had at Minnesota or Madison. That being said, you'll have to work for an A. I highly recommend stopping in office hours when you run into some trouble.

Volpe is a very straight forward instructor. If you don't like to go to office hours DO NOT take his class. Visiting with him outside of class is necessary if you want to pass this class. I was extremely frustrated taking his class and I failed my first three papers and 2 tests and was able to still get an A because I worked my butt off.

Volpe is the best writing professor in this university. He can be your least favorite teacher, or your favorite teacher. It all depends on whether or not you want to become a better writer. Go to class and get to know him. He's a great connection to have later in life.

While the class may be extremely hard it will help you become a better writer.

If you just want to get past freshman writing with an easy A, Volpe is NOT your guy. If you want actually learn something from a seemingly scary but genuinely good guy, this dude is for you. I initially just wanted to slide by as painlessly as possible, but despite the hours and effort needed for Volpe's class, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

NOT an easy class. Volpe makes you work your butt off for your grade. Regardless, probably the best prof/teacher I've had. His lectures are incredibly fluid, but he has his own style of teaching. The class is set up all on one book, which I thought was good. Intimidating at first, but a really great guy. His cruel humor is great. GO TO OFFICE HOURS

Really hard. You need to participate in this class and you will succeed in the end. Don't be discouraged by early bad essay grades

If you can afford to go to his office hours every week, it is incredibly easy to get at least a B+, and I have always been a C student when it comes to Writing/English classes. After writing papers for Volpe, you can pretty much BS every paper you write for other essay-based classes and still do well.

Hard but useful, unforgettable class

Volpe is a pretty nice guy. If he makes fun of you that means he likes you. He's from New York so he likes to talk about himself a lot, mostly about how he has a law degree. He also likes cats. The most important thing about him is that he cares a lot about his students and makes sure to make himself available for students. Go to office hours.

I learned so much from this writing class. I hated the assignments at the time, but you really do learn from them. He knows how to make subjects relevant to students. Use office hours! He is super willing to help with anything.

He is an excellent teacher, but you need to be willing to talk to him and ask for help. Once you ask he will do every thing he can to help you pass short of handing you the grade. It took me to until the last 4 weeks of class to realize that he wasn't a jerk, and set such high expectations because he wants you to become writer and communicator.

This was one of the hardest professors I've taken but in the end it was totally worth it. If you want a good grade you have to go to office hours. One thing he does do is give out "wild cards" to let you redo or fix a paper which was really helpful. He terrified me at first but he really is a nice guy and wants everyone to succeed.

Start writing your papers EARLY. For the final paper get your topic approved ASAP. Do this and you will get an A. Volpe is the kind of professor you hope to have in college. Not only did my writing improve, but his class helped me become a much better student. I highly recommend him. I have a lot of respect for his teaching.

This was the hardest writing class I've ever taken, but also the most rewarding. Through this class, I became a considerably better writer and communicator. This class is worth taking if you have the willingness and time to put substantial effort. The best piece of advice I have to offer is to not put anything off til the last minute. You will fail

Volpe is the most incredible teacher I've ever had. I HATED writing before his class. He's so inspirational and helpful. Office hours are crucial. This has been the most difficult class I've ever taken and he's a tough grader, but he gives you second chances. This was tough, but so worth it. If you're up for a challenge, DEFINITELY take his class.

By far my favorite professor at the University of Minnesota. Volpe is very helpful both in and out of class. His office hours will save you! He will destroy your papers and then help you rewrite them. He's also very caring about his students and very passionate about his job. Volpe is also good with his emails. ;) Highly recommended!

Volpe is very helpful if you are willing to put in the work. Go to office hours!

Volpe is one of the hardest graders at the University. Expect to go to office hours in order to get an A, however when you're there he is the most helpful teacher you'll ever have. He truly cares about his students and will help make you a better writer.

Volpe is one of the most difficult professors I've had but also one of the most helpful if you ask for it. I ended up failing my first two papers in the class but ended up with an A! Make sure you go to office hours with specific questions and have him read your paper before you turn it in. He also gives redo's on papers and extra credit.

At first Volpe was intimidating but I learned to greatly appreciate him. Take advantage of office hours, he'll rip apart your papers and then help you rewrite everything. If you attend class, he offers a great deal of extra credit to boost a grade. Most rewarding class I took my freshman year. Difficult class but well worth it in the end.

As a science girl, I have never been that great at English. Volpe is intimidating at first, but if you work for it and go to his office hours, he will truly help you! I was afraid I would fail freshman writing but walked out with an A and better writing skills thanks to Volpe. Get to know him, he is such a character!

Volpe is incredibly intimidating at first. You will also likely fail at least one of his papers. However, if you go to office hours and go to class, he will do everything he can to help you and to make sure you get a good grade in his class. He usually allows rewrites. Make sure to attend so he knows who you are.

Volpe was my favorite professor at the U by far. He is a tough grader, but very consistent throughout the course of the semester, making it easy to know what he's looking for. He's very accessible outside of class and will work with you if he sees that you're putting in an honest effort. Very nice, very cool, get to know him! You will learn a lot.

This is the first writing class I have ever enjoyed! He grade tough but you are able to rewrite every paper so its easy to get a good grade.

Volpe is willing to work with you. While it may seem impossible to pass his papers, you will. Go to his office hours. Ask for help. Anyone can get an A in his class. He'll read over your drafts and tell you what to fix. Or give rewrites. Honestly, all other college papers seem like a walk in the park after taking his class.

He is a very good instructor once you get to know him. Go to his office hours and get help even if you don't feel like you need it. Don't be discouraged if you fail the first paper (or three), he gives rewrites and will help you improve. He rewards well written papers and turns a subjective topic in to an objective one.

Angelo (most of his students call him "Volpe") is exceptionally thoughtful. Trained as an attorney, he is an excellent instructor of writing arguments. With a little New York attitude he will push you to think critically, challenge your own beliefs, and write clear and concrete arguments to back them up. Class feels like a team.

Volpe (that is what he will have you call him) is not only an amazing teacher but a overall great guy. Go to class, you will learn new things that are not only interesting, but applicable to the outside world. He truly cares about you as a student and wants you succeed. Take his class seriously though otherwise you may have some troubles in it.

Volpe is an extremely hard, but rewarding professor. He takes this class very seriously, where as the rest of the classes for WRIT 1301 aren't very difficult. If you're looking to actually improve your writing and learn a lot I highly suggest him.

Of the hundreds of teachers and professors I've had, I consider Volpe to be one of the best. He's sardonic and he might tear your papers apart, but at the end of the day he always wants to help you improve. His classes will be difficult, but if you respect the class and take the time to learn, you'll end up happy.

Fantastic instructor. He really cares about his students. A bit intimidating at first but as soon as you reach out to him he will respond. He makes it an effort to accommodate. Attendance is not mandatory but you should go. He tells you how it is. Grading is very clear, will work with you towards success and not just tell you what is wrong.

Anyone on here who rates Volpe below a 5 doesn't like him because they didn't go to class and failed. I'm a CSE major who expected to put 0 effort into freshman writing. Instead I found myself in the most informative and amazing class I've ever been in. I haven't missed a class all semester ... and I skip calc 2 pretty often

Easily the best instructor i've ever had. I don't know how he made writing interesting.

Volpe prepared me for every writing intensive I have taken at the U. I went into a 3xxx level writing course and it was easy because of how intensive this class was, in a good way. I took Volpe over a year ago and still keep in contact/use him as a reference for job applications. He cares and wants to see student succeed. DO THE WORK THOUGH!!

Volpe was the hardest professor I've ever had. He was super tough and not compromising at all. On the other hand he was also the hardest working professor I've ever seen and pretty much every other writing class became a piece of cake thanks to Volpe. My writing improved a lot in his class.

Read through his feedback and follow it. Go to office hours as he criticized people who don't. I was afraid I was going to fail his class but received an A. Gives extra credit through tests.

Volpe's will tell you good jokes, yell at you, complain about the "stupid" university system, scream at you, throw the hardest assignments at you, but the stuff that he teaches you is literally "Made To Stick." Go to office hours, or you are going to FAIL. Volpe made me a much better writer and student in the long run because of this class.

Volpe was a good teacher. He was fair in his grading and was very nice is you went to office hours for help. Overall, a nice guy and good teacher. Just talk to him before you turn in your final draft and he'll give you some good tips to get an A.

Don't let the first day of class intimidate you. Volpe tells you that most people drop out of barely pass. If you stick with it, you will get a lot out of this class. He grades harsh to make you come in for office hours and become a better writer. I had to do 7 drafts for the final paper, but I got an A- on it at the end of the day. Great class.

Volpe is one of my favorite professors here at the U. As a science major I was not looking forward to this class, however I have used many of his techniques and teaching in other class papers. His class can be difficult, but definitely worth it. Just make sure to attend class, and start working our your papers early

I truly loved Volpes Freshmen writing class. If youre looking for an easy A class, this is NOT the professor that will give you that! But if youre looking to genuinely learn and potentially become a better writer, take this class! He is assertive and intimidating, but super understanding! Be clear about what youre confused about and hell help.

Volpe was easily the best writing teacher I've ever had. He really wants to help his students to succeed. The only downside to his teaching is that he can come off as intimidating. He'll call out students and then make fun of them if they don't know the answer. It's meant in a joking way, but it made me very anxious to go to class sometimes.

If you go to class and take good notes, you'll do fine in his class. He is very harsh and can make you feel stupid at times. Harder than other 1301 classes from what I heard, but he actually cares about his students. Make sure to go to office hours and class and you'll get a good grade. I'd say I'm glad I choose him.

I had Volpe last spring and forgot to leave a review. He can be a tough grader, but he will tell you exactly what the requirements are to succeed on the papers. If you meet the requirements, you will get an A. Bring your papers to office hours to make sure you aren't missing anything. Volpe is very entertaining and I'm so glad I chose him.

Volpe is a very interesting professor to have. Hes brutally honest with his students, but that can just make the lectures more enjoyable. He very clearly outlines how to get an A on each of his papers. Go to class, take notes, and go to his office hours for help with the essays and youll be fine.

He's a tough professor and unwilling to accept anything but your best effort. He'll grade harshly at first but gives students opportunities to improve and provides excellent feedback. He encourages students to be creative with the topic and structure of their writing and rewards students who aren't afraid to express new and interesting ideas.

indeed intimidating, but that's because Volpe has an intrinsic smarts built inside of him (& he's from NY, go figure). He will make you THINK and learn lifelong lessons, more than writing. ALWAYS go to office hours for EVERY PAPER you write. He will HANDFEED you to a grade A paper. His class will prepare you to tackle obstacles-by art of persuasion

simply put, whenever I am asked the question "who is the single best professor you have had in your college career?" I think of Volpe. This man is amazing in every possible way - you will work harder than you've ever worked before but he will be there every step of the way.

Overall great person and I actually learned a lot from his course. Would recommend having him for freshman writing 100%.

Best use of a non-academic textbook for class I've ever had (Made to Stick)! Really great teacher! He might be intimidating at first depending on what you're used to but you'll most likely quickly come around on him! Very good in-class discussion!

Made my love for writing even stronger after this class. Not your typical essays, which can scare off a few but he really does help if you go to his office hours. Intimidating, but nice and cares once you get to know him and laugh at a few of his jokes.

Volpe, while sometimes brash and very, very honest, taught me the most I've learned from any writing prof ever. Also freaking great in terms of advancing your career, very willing to write recommendations, cares about the students, but you have to try. You have to give him something in return, but if you turn in honest effort he will help you a ton

Prof. Volpe is absolutely hilarious. He is a truly unique individual who made class very entertaining. He assigns quite a bit of work but it's manageable if you keep up. If you need his help he gives very good feedback and really does his best to help you write a good paper. He very obviously cares about his students and wants them to succeed.

Volpe is legit the best professor I've had so far on campus. I genuinely hate writing but Volpe makes writing fun and easy. Unlike most teachers who focus on the grades, Volpe just wants you to learn. As long as you put in the effort, he will see it and fully support you. He's also so easy to talk to. Go to his office hours, he's amazing

Professor Volpe does a great job when it comes to accommodating to his students' needs. He is always available via email, Zoom, etc. and is willing to help students out if they need help. He does give out a lot of assignments, but they're nothing challenging. Put in some work, you'll easily get an A.

He will bust your ass and make you put in so much effort, but he cares about every student succeeding. He'd remove an assignment or change due dates if a student fairly criticized him, and I came out the class a substantially better writer. Take this class if you want a kind, but tough professor who'll do more than give you busy work that's useless

Professor Volpe pushed me to work harder than I have ever thought, putting so many big expectations into my studies which helped me grew my love into writing. Very accessible outside of class, which really helped with my fully virtual learning. Spend time talking with him, you'll do well in his class and learn a lot more outside of just writing.

Professor Volpe is beyond the best professor AND human. He is very reasonable and will give extensions if you explain your situation. I was behind on a month's worth of work but I was still able to work out a plan with him. Because of Professor Volpe, I was able to find more meaning in my writing than just some paper with words.

Awesome teacher, Mr. Volpe is great! He gives great feedback on papers, always shows you ways to improve, and is truly caring for his students.

Professor Volpe is overall a great professor. The class is fully online so the only time you really need to talk to him is if you go to office hours. He gives exactly what he wants in his essays, and he gives incredible feedback and ideas if you attend office hours. It is much more work compared to other WRIT 1301 classes but it is fully online.

Overall an absolutely amazing professor. has crystal clear grading criteria, and offers amazing feedback and advice. He's also absolutely hilarious. I hate writing but Mr. Volpe gave me a reason to want to write! His class does have a lot of homework but it is not busywork and will improve your writing skills.

Volpe was an incredible professor and mentor. Not only did he provide laser-sharp feedback, but he displayed immense compassion during times of physical and mental stress. He's very receptive to student insight and willing to work with whatever you put out there (as long as you put in the effort). He truly cares for you as a student and person.

This professor was possibly the best professor I had during my time at the University so far. Taking this section of 1301 was an accident but probably the best accident I have made in a long time. The workload is heavier but overall if you do most of the work and write your heart out you can leave with a good grade. Professor Volpe is amazing.

Professor Volpe is an amazing professor and gives great feedback on your work. Grading rubric was always very clear and was easy to get high scores if followed the rubric. He was very accessible outside of class to answer questions and is very funny. Strongly recommend this course! It is also very easy to get extra credit through this class!!

At the beginning of the year Volpe claimed that no matter what major you plan on pursuing, his class will be exceptionally helpful to you. This proved to be completely true. Volpe structured his assignments and projects to give you great practice on valuable writing skills. Expect to be do more work than other 1301 classes.

Volpe is genuinely the best writing/English teacher I have ever had. He gives fantastic feedback and very valuable criticism on your writing. This is the only writing class I need to take in college, but it was incredibly useful. He tells you at the start of the semester that the class is valuable no matter what your major is, and it is very true.

Prof Volpe pushes you to grow as a writer, but it's worth the effort. He gives great feedback and is super accessible. Paired with tools like Unstuck ai, this class is manageable and valuable, even if it's not an easy A.

Volpe is by far the best professor and teacher I've ever had. If you're worried about being a good writer, he will help you improve. He doesn't waste time with random assignments, and everything (to me) was beneficial. Getting feedback from him is quick and easy. I came out of the semester liking the subject more and appreciating writing.