Despite being a little tough, she can be mello haha. Lots of reading and work but that's expected in this class. If anything, she will help you if you ask. She seems formal but she really is liberal. She's American, not English :P Make sure you read the book.

Not the hardest teacher, she just assigns a lot of what seems like busy work and pop quizzes. But she is really enthusiastic and helpful about the subject. Also, in order to make everyone participate in the discussion, she calls on people at random. As long as you do the readings, you'll be fine -- she isn't as hard as the other comments say.

Gives way to much work the last few weeks of class. Assigned a character analysis, skit and critical analysis research paper all in the last 3 weeks. On top of it all, we still had to take the final which is extremely difficult and makes you do a lot of memorizing. Avoid!

My favorite professor. If you are in college, you really shouldn't COMPLAIN ABOUT WORKLOAD! You are in college to be challenged, and I believe Professor Mello does a fantastic job in challenging her students to produce at their full potential. Lots of READING, WRITING (right up your alley, ENGLISH MAJORS!). Tests are simple enough.

Barbara's "Easiness" rating should be much higher and I have no idea who could possibly think her exams are difficult. She does give a lot of busy type work, but it's very manageable. This was my first English class at the university level and I didn't get lower than an "A" on a single assignment. Read the plays, do analysis in the papers, profit.

Very strict. Absences and tardies not recommended. She is enthusiastic about material but still tough. Make sure to really read. Pop quizzes are very in depth. Little homework, just a lot of reading. Calls on students randomly in discussion. If your interpretation isn't what she thought, you're wrong.

She expects a lot out of your writing. Tries to be as helpful as she can in crafting your essays with you in class but sometimes doesn't quite help out as you'd like her to. Some of the prompts were also very hard to write on; she even had to revise a prompt because it was pretty much impossible to write about.

She is not that bad, she tries to keep papers interesting, usually 3 to 5 page papers, sometimes lets class out early, but is sometimes rude and sarcastic.

Easy class. She expects you to behave and work like college students. Very helpful with essays. Made class fun with open discussions. Always replied to emails and understanding if you have to miss class. I really enjoyed the class. If I could I would take a class with her again. Great professor.

She is one of the best, my favorite teacher. She does push her students but that is only because she knows your true capability before you do yourself. She likes feedback from her students so do not feel afraid to speak up all opinions matter to her. If you ever feel stuck on something just ask her for help she will be more than happy to.

Dr. Mello is a good teacher. She pushes you to think for yourself and does a good job of it. I've taken ideas from that class with me for sure. There are a lot of little homework assignments and a couple big papers but what do you expect from an english class. She's helpful and really does care about the individual student. Sweet lady.

She really wants her students to succeed so if you are stuck on a topic in class do not scared to ask her! She loves class discussions and she gives homework assignments so make sure to do them! She is a lovey professor, strict but extremely passionate at what she does. Would definitely take her again. PS! Don't forget to take the text to class!

A lot of reading, but all the reading is very interesting and enjoyable. Be prepared for a bit of writing. Participation and attendance are mandatory if you want to pass. Overall, it's a fun class, and Dr. Mello is a great and passionate professor. Show up and you'll learn a lot while enjoying open discussions. I definitely recommend her class.

Great professor, really knows her stuff and is very detailed in depth.

Lessons to be learn, make sure to have your thinking cap on. Take her class if you want a challenge, not an easy grade.

Class is very discussion heavy. If you dont speak in class but you turn in good work, she expects you to participate and will call on you more often(prepare urself!). She likes it when you bring up fresh ideas into the discussion! Work consists of 4/5 crit. response papers(short) and 2 exams, beware of surprise quizzes! (use schmoop/sprknts)

Take if you want to learn with your education. Great instructor!!!

If you don't get a good grade in this class, it is definitely you own doing. Dr. Mello is genuine, captivating and has a brilliant mind that inspires deep analyzation of what is being discussed. You should really have proper University student etiquette in this class (in any class). She is to be respected and admired. Really enjoyed her class.

My favorite class this semester. She is truly mesmerizing! There should be more instructors like her, really passionate and insightful. She has a unique sense to her and is fascinating. Pay attention to the lectures instead of your social life and you should be ok. She is also very distinguished and I strived to impress her, not sure if successful

Could understand why people don't like her, she expects good work from all her students. One of my favorite professors so far. Only take if you want to learn.

Not sure why she doesn't have a higher rating. If you do not participate it is because you are not paying attention. Her lessons are very solid and intense. Her class is definitely not for the close minded and lazy. Do not expect anything easy out of her course. She is great and is far from having a wasted brain. She is fabulous.

It was so hard sitting through this class simply because I got the biggest crush on her during the semester. She is very smart and teaches the class well. I recommend her class but not for those who feel entitled and sensitive. She was awesome . I really couldn't stop staring at her.

Indeed the greatest, the course was really enjoyable

Absolutely the greatest Professor I've had at CSULB. I loved this class and am definitely recommending it. Get your moneys worth. You will definitely learn.

Learned so much from this class, very insightful.

This was one of the best courses and instructors I have ever taken. Definitely Recommend this class, especially English majors.

What a terrific class and what an amazing professor. The course requires a lot of reading and analytical thought. Papers are a few and schedule is very flexible. She wants you to learn what the course requires her to teach, don't take it personal. Go in with an open mind, she listens to your point of view as long as you support it.

Dr. Mello helped me focus, organize my thoughts and improved my writing. Her lessons are deep so it is necessary to pay attention. Really, really enjoyed her class. Sad that it is over. Only class I enjoyed this Fall semester.

Definitely one of those professors that will impact your education. She may be a little on the no nonesense side, but otherwise is a great instructor.

Fabulous professor and definitely one of my favorites. Encourages students to their best and really wants you to support you logic. Great instructor, you will learn.

The class was pretty chill. Professor Mello is very cool, pretty awesome I guess. The discussion is very heavy day to day and she stays on point. Easy grade if you pay attention and back up your points. If you don't, then she is not the instructor for you.

Simply outstanding! Loved this class and am looking forward to taking professor Mello for another course as well. Love her teaching techniques and love the way she pushes you to back up your points of view. Best professor at csulb.

Mind shaping experience. Top instructor at CSULB, class is very discussion heavy. She is a great instructor however, she gives amazing lectures. Pay attention and if you think differently, support your facts.

Awesome lady. This class really helped me develop a great thesis and instructed me to be a better writer. I highly recommend this class to everyone. She will help you become a better writer.

What a gem. She is very nice and very helpful. I am learning a lot from her.

The class can be a little stressful but it's just because you're learning. Great class!

Loved Mello! She brings great connections to readings and the discussions are interesting when students participate. She likes to hear feedback from the class so participation is important. She'll get frustrated when students are too quiet. Just keep up with readings and you'll be fine. But I loved her and am hoping to take another class with her!

She seem's very strict at first! She's so passionate about her teaching. My favorite part about this class were the discussions, we have intense conversations but very meaningful. Some of the essay topics we covered were kind of narrow, but it's doable.

One of the most generous and helpful professors at CSULB. She is very knowledgeable and it shows. Her lectures are discussion heavy and very interesting.

EXCELLENT professor, does a fantastic job of being an amazing and very effective. Her discussions are very engaging and enticing, you have to read and keep up with the work in order to get it. It is about learning the material not take things defensive. The lessons are very relevant and relatable to everyday life. She learns with you as well.

What a great professor. I will miss this class terribly. She is very fun and knowledgeable, and the course is very deep discussion heavy. One of the only classes I have enjoyed so far at CSULB. I would love taking another class with her.

Great experience, glad I took this class with this professor. Very enlightening.

Dr. Mello is a great teacher with enthusiasm for the subject. She deeply cares for her students. Respect is a two way street for her, she respects your opinion when you respect hers. I loved the class and hope to take her again. She often gets off topic to discuss events relevant to the readings and the implications of the literature.

This professor creates a welcoming learning environment for all students. She is a good listener and respects ideas that are fully supported. The class was fun and learned a lot from it. I am definitely looking forward to another course with Dr. Mello. Wish other professors were like her. She is very unique.

Truly an uplifting and mesmerizing professor. The class would not have been as amazing as it was with another instructor. She is truly passionate and charismatic in her teaching, life changer and savior and she probably doesn't even realize it. Look forward to another class or workshop with her.

I was glad to have taken this class with this professor. She is very passionate about her work and it shows. Her lectures affected me deeply and in a positive way. One of the best instructors at Cal State LB.

Terrific. Learned a lot. Great experience.

DO NOT underestimate this class. Mello means well and is accommodating with your final grade if you've proved yourself responsible but is a pretty tough grader overall. She also took a ridiculously long time (up to a month) to return graded papers. Not an overwhelming workload, just hard to evaluate where you stand along the way!

Awesome professor and amazing lecture. Had a lot of fun in this class.

One of the most amazing and intriguing minds at CSULB. Wonderful instructor and very caring. Learned a lot from her this semester.

One of the greatest intellects you will ever meet.

Best English literary at CSULB. Makes you think and really analyze the readings. She very inspirational and wants every student to succeed so pay very close attention to her amazing lectures.

One of the most brilliant minds I have ever met. Truly value her lessons, she has a lot to teach and in the most creative way. Loved the input she requires from all her discussions and helps with writing. Definitely one of the greatest professors I have ever had.

Fun class, lots of discussion. Amazing professor.

Dr. Mello is an excellent Professor. She re-awoken my curiosity in literature. Very knowledgeable and inspiring. The campus needs a whole lot more caring instructors like her. I appreciated the lectures and the challenge.

Dr. Mello has got to be the best professor at this campus. The schedule changes but that doesnt really matter because she is consistently clear. I love her class and plan on taken more courses with her as an instructor.

Really enjoyed this class. Discussions help a lot with learning the lessons. Hope to take this instructor again.

Awesome professor. Learned a lot from her.

She really tries to have all her students understand the text. Very passionate and clear about her lectures. Learned so much in this class and improved my writing.

Amazing professor. Is passionate in teaching the course and teaches it well. I love to take her again for any course

You will have to participate to prove you are paying attention in her class. Which is good because her lessons are very informational towards the material we are learning.

This professor is on her way to becoming one of my biggest academic legacies. She gives great lectures and has great in class discussions. It can get confusing at times but its just your mind working.

Pros: KInd, funny, respectful. Jokes around with her students sometimes. Knows her stuff. Treats students with food sometimes. Pushes back due dates a lot. Cons: Read the texts. If you don't, you're screwed for the midterm/quiz/final. Btw, midterm and final exam are both essays. If you suck at writing, go to the Writing Resource Lab for help.

I was very nervous coming into this class. I heard both good things and bad things about this professor. But taking her, I can now only say great things about her. She is the most reasonable and most sensible woman. Her lectures are amazing and she made the made think. I learned a lot in her class.

Get ready to learn by discussing ideas and interpretations. This class was not only good but the Professor was amazing. I loved this course and would definitely recommend and take this Professor again.

Great professor . Gave me a b in her class . Expects a lot of writing from her students . Be willing to study hard , write, and ask fo help when needed and you will do fine . Attendance is a must in order to pass the course so dont skip. She expects a lot from her students and you will learn to be a better writer in her classes . I learned alot.

Professor Mello is a very kind and fun professor. Although she grades late and doesnt post much on beachboard. She is willing to help students become better writers during her office hours.

Dr. Mello is knowledgeable about the material she teaches, and good at leading close reading discussions. She challenges students to really go in depth with the material. Unfortunately, she does not post feedback on essays on BeachBoard, but is available during office hours to meet with students. Overall a good professor that I learned a lot from.

Her class was difficult, although she was a generous grader. At least I think so, I never got any grades or feedback back but I did receive an A. She also calls on random people to ask for their thoughts on the topic, so she wants to see that you are paying attention. Her class was online and she made everyone have their cameras on and dress nice.

She is a complex person with a good heart. I think she, like many professors, creates judgments on what she sees from students in class or their work. If she sees that you are actively engaging in discussion and or showing that you generally are engaged with the text in some form, then she will have a positive bias towards you. SO, doing that helps

When Dr. Mello lectures she is absolutely brilliant. It's clear she's knowledgeable and passionate about what she teaches, but the constant changing of the syllabus as well as unannounced canceled classes definitely made it difficult to focus on her positives. That being said, she was always caring and willing to work with people. Would take again.

Great professor. However, she does seem scattered at times but when you listen to her lectures she really does know Shakespeare and the era he lived. She makes class interesting.

Prof. Mello was one of the most knowledgable professors I've had in my college experience. Her depth of knowledge made her lectures nothing short of fascinating. That said, she has health problems that often caused class to be cancelled, grading to slow down, and the course schedule to suddenly change. Don't expect great organization.

This was my second time taking a class with Professor Mello, and while some of her usual problems were still apparent -- particularly when it came to grading papers and sticking to our original syllabus -- she managed to cram an entire semester's worth of Shakespeare into four weeks. It's clear she's passionate about what she teaches us.

Dr. Mello is very knowledgeable about British literature and history, and the amount of historical context she provided really helped change my mind about Brit lit, as someone who prefers American literary movements. She leads great discussions. However, technology is not her strong suit and class was cancelled more than once.

Best professor ever. Anyone who says otherwise is just entitled. She is calling a very good way. Kept me interested and on my toes.

The educational climate has changed and this professor is definitely not for the weak hearted. Understanding the new generation is not use to hard or heavy work, this professor is strictly based and focused on academia. If you are in class to learn, you will definitely learn. If you want an easy grade, take another class.

There are 3 essays, 2 in class essays and a Final paper. She does not have a set assignment schedule. On one hand this is great because her grading is flexible if you submit something late. On the other hand you don't know what's coming up if you don't show up to class often. Overall just attend all classes and participate and you will be fine.

Reading some of the reviews completely shocks me. What has happened to education? Especially with the newer (younger generations) students. Seems as the value of a good education is crumbling. What happened to learning from someone who knows more than you? This Professor is amazing and I would definitely recommend it her.

she was such a good and dun teacher, i will miss her. Rest in peace Professor Mello.

Good professor. I will miss you

I can't believe she is gone. She is definitely the most memorable and favorite professor I have ever had. I am also glad she referred to me as one of her favorite students. May she rest in peace. My world is emptier now.

She seriously was the sweetest professor and anyone that has anything bad to say probably never went to class or payed attention. The class consisted of 3 essays but she gave you PLENTY of time to complete. If you try and aren't lazy you will do well.

Barbara Mello was a force to be reckoned with. She was passionate, caring, and an overall fire cracker of a human being. She took the time to help me in her office and always made it clear that she wanted to help me understand literature not just for a passing grade but in appreciation for the art. I graduated in 2017&never forgot her. Rest well.