4.4
Quality3.4
Difficulty94%
Would Retake83
Reviews94%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
60
4
10
3
11
2
1
1
1
What Students Say
“The most amazing individual”
ENG01 - 5.0 rating“He's a good professor”
ENG1B - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
80%
Textbook Required
11%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.31 avg changeRatings by Course
52038
5.0
(1)ENG94961A
5.0
(1)1A
5.0
(6)ENG35A
5.0
(1)ENGL35
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENGLI96
5.0
ENG961A
5.0
ENGLISH96
4.3
52038
4.0
ENG9496
4.0
Reviews (83)
He is good at critical thinking.You have to think a lot in this class.Moreover, he likes in class essay and you have to write a lot of in class essays.But he is a hard grader.Teach really first and have to read a lot of articles.
He is a very knowledgeable,educated and interesting professor. His class requires alot of individual participation which facilitates the learning process. His class is not difficult if one does their part. I would take other classes under his instruction. I finished the class enlightened. THUMBS UP!
He is an inspiring, energetic, and knowledgeable teacher. His classes are full of life. He is strict but always willing to help. The topics he selects are practical and relevant. I highly recommend his classes. If you want to learn how to write effectively,take his classes, you would benefit academically.
smart guy. he comes off as a really intense dude at first till you get used to his teaching style. he really gets you to think about the readings, and connect ideas to life and worldly issues. take his classes to bust open your head. . . :)
very difficult, nice but un willing to accept and work around student's needs
Mr Bacsierra is very committed to teaching well and that is why I found his class demanding but very useful
Be prepared...If u think ur are going to suffer from writer's block in the course of the semester..DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! Tends to say the phrase "Note this" frequently. Very unforgiving in terms of grading papers. Reading Notes from Underground will help!
He is a lawyer, and many of his topics are related to the practice of law. He acts tough in the first week, but that is just to scare those who want to add. His grading system is not too bad, the only thing is final. 10 Page report, and 30 minute presentation. If you Like that, then go ahead and take his class. He is actually pretty cool and fun.
this class was interesting...he is the smartest guy i have ever met in my life...nevertheless, he is a very strict and hard grader...he grades hard on essays even journals...i ended up dropping the class cause i really needed an A for the class...however he inspires you to work harder and strive harder because of his intelligence and enthusiasm to
he is just really hot! he is hard and makes you work your butt off, but hes cute and a great reader.
he is really cool and he explains things very well. easy to understand.
This guy is a clown. Attempts to justify teaching law in an English class to emphasize the fact that he has a J.D.; Disorganized. Leaves you clueless about assignments but leaves zero tolerance for late assignments. You in charge of yourself and the class is more of a deadline game than an academic venture. If you care about your grades; AVOID!
I attended his English 96 AND 1A class for a year as part of the Puente Program at CCSF. Mr. Bac Sierra is extremely passionate about what he does and it shows. He was always available for office hour and came prepared to class. He will challenge your ideas and writing. Issues and topics covered were always interesting and controversial. Grade: B
Unfortunately, I had to drop this class because I involuntarily put work before school. Very knowledgable teacher, he knows his stuff. I took this class in the summer, it was a bit too demanding but yet again, it IS a summer class. Good teacher, I like him. I had to drop though, 'cause I wasn't passing 'cause of working late night shifts.
Don't judge a book by its cover. Yes, he is a difficult teacher, but inspiring. I took him during the summer, thought for sure I was destined for a C, but with determination I achieved an A. Participate in class, show up, don't be pessimist and DO THE WORK. It is up to you to recieve the grade you want; take advantage of his insight by taking notes
Very hard. Is a great LAW teacher but not english.
he's a cool teacher and very helpful, but i didn't want to stick around because all he taught was law and court cases. i wanted to learn some english.
Great motivational teacher for creative writing, wasn't too difficult at all and VERY inspiring. His writing style is great and semesters later he even helped me on my Personal Essay! <3 he is a great teacher with lots to share..
Very intense, motivational instructor.
Mr. Bac Sierra is a great teacher. I needed an A in the class and I got it with persistance and guidance from him. You can always meet him during his office hours or tutoring hours and he'll let you know clearly what you've done well and what you need to work on. He provokes your critical thinking and really makes you interested in the books.
The most fascinating teacher in this school.He's not easy but he grades fairly and puts a lot of passion in his work.If you really want to grow as a human,take his class.It's not only about the grade,it's also about learning and being creative and smarter.He will help you whenever you need it because he really cares for his students.Great mentor!
Frustrating to put hours into a paper, only to get a crappy grade because you never know quite what he's asking for. Don't expect to figure it out either. You either get it, or you won't. I've all but given up trying to impress him.
OMG! This professor is so tough. I put the most effort and got the worst grade(B)ever. BUT I believe I learned a lot from him that I am well-prepared for Eng 1A. If you want to improve your writing skills and have critical thinking, he is your choice. Show up during his office hour.
This teacher is nice but his grading policy is really hard. he expects alot from his students. cus hes got a Law degree and masters in Eng. and hella educated. half the class drop after midterm cus all he gives on the essays is D and C no matter how hard u try. i recommend this class to those who like spending time in the tutoring lab. good luck!
Ben Bac Sierra! The Chicano Militant! I loved this guy's class. He was very respectful and has a lot of passion for what he teaches...Not to mention, he also used to be a badass and turned his life around! It was a pleasure being "served". I'd be honored to take his class again.
bacsierra is a good teacher. i like his style. he's very clear and let's you know exactly what to expect. 3 out of class essays and 3 in class essays.
Wow.. i didn't expect his class to be that difficult; however, you will learn from him. He teaches you to think critically and looks at text in a different perspective. Be prepared .. this teacher will not give you an easy A. You will have to work hard for your grade.
Bac Sierra isnt really my type of teacher, but all the other students in my class really enjoyed him. It's not easy to get an A, and he doesn't make it clear how u can improve for your future papers. Though he is very nice and was very understanding. If you work hard and keep in contact with him im sure u will get an A.
Great teacher and finds a way to make you interested in any subject. The reading material was interesting. Each essay was fairly considered when grading. I highly recommend him if you want a cool teacher. Getting a B is fair, but getting an A requires more effort.
He's a cool teacher, speaks loud and clear. Most of his teachings have a lot to do with Law since he has a JD. Do all your hw and classwork and you'll get a good grade. I really liked that he was enthusiastic and didn't put me to sleep like most teachers.
Was scared I had signed up for the Eng 1A with mostly about Law readings but it was VERY interesting and not over my head at all.You can go to talk to him any time lots of options.My grade low cause returning student after 25yrs.He's very motivated loves what he does.Needs to drop Underground Man dated and Difficult proses.not 2 much work.
Wow! I took the college-to-law 1A and it was awesome. Bac Sierra is an amazing teacher...extremly helpful and humble. Very respectful and motivating. If you are willing to work hard I highly recommend him.
Nice guy, gives great lectures and choses very interesting reading material. The only issue I have with him is his grading. To clarify - he doesn't give very pointed comments when he grades essays so it makes it hard to find out where you can improve. I got an A in the class so it wasn't to much of an issue. I would gladly recommend him.
The most amazing individual! If you are seeking intellectual growth, take his course. Show your interest and you will encounter a life changing experience during the semester.
Bac Sierra is a little on the hard side, but he really gets a student to think...He is a great teacher. And is very open minded and calm.
One of the best professors I've ever had. Completely there for his students. You can tell he really cares about your progress. Can't wait to take him again.
Interesting class, good teacher, NOT an easy A. All together there were 10 essays, 4 out of class three in class and 3 one page exercises. I'm proud to have gotten through this class alive. I would recommend it to anyone with strong writing skills and a lot of energy. This class will definitely prepare you for UC level work.
I took Mr. Bac Sierra's Poetry for the People class, and I'm so glad I did. We explored a variety of different genres including rap, protest poetry, love poetry, war poetry--there was something for everyone. He's very genuine and passionate, and by the end of the semester our whole class had come to care about each other.
EXCELLENT TEACHER!! class is extremely interesting to the point where u just wont fall asleep at all. not an easy A but u do learn alot from him. super helpful and books are fun to read. take him, u wont regret it!
Good teacher. But I think this class is not for ESL students. It is too hard to understand
Bac Sierra is a very intelligent teacher, he is one of the toughest teacher out there and I have learned a lot from him especially on writing. He grades pretty hard and expects a lot from you. If you want to challenge yourself, I recommend to take him.
Professor likes to teach. He is well spoken and brings lots of energy to the class. Professor is knowledgeable, open, and encouraging. If you don't like to speak up in class, might be a little intimidating.
Wonderful inspiring teacher/writer. Has amazing energy and passion, I learned so much in this class. If you listen and participate/understand and apply it you'll get a good grade. Definitely recommend, I would take a class of his in the future.
AMAZING PROFESSOR. If you're taking this class, get ready to get your literature-grind on. This class is a lot of work (I took a summer class), but it truly pays off! Bac Sierra is an intellectual being with a strong mind and voice. I 100% recommend him.
I have to say that he is a very good teacher but very hard. I took summer class which had 2 inclass and 4 out. I ended up with A but I put a LOT of effort on it. Recommend, but you gonna work for a good grade.
Deeply interested in the human condition. An author himself but grades heavier on content than on execution. Lenient on in-class essays but considers take-homes carefully. If you engage with the material and think broadly on the essays, you will do fine.
Great teacher! Class is always about discussing and understanding material. His intent for his essays are based on substance which makes it easier to write an essay. Highly recommended.
I was terrified taking this class because I had poor grades in English during high school. I was presently surprised that this class was mostly nonfiction. Bac Sierra has a JD so we studied court cases and it was very interesting. You have to write a lot of essays so go to his office hours. I only got a B because I suck at writing conclusions.
Best english professor I could have asked for. Class is based all around critical thinking on controversial issues and it's so interesting, even at 8AM! He keeps you engaged, interested, and participating throughout his lectures. The workload is very manageable, but it's not an easy A. Overall, I definitely recommend his class to anyone taking 1A!
Some people love a challenge, but this challenge is not worth it. You have to write 3 in class essays with NO REFERENCE MATERIALS!!!! If you think you want to prove that you are hardcore then go ahead and take this class, but I will ask you, why make your life hard? take easy classes instead so your GPA can be high. do what you love!
Ben Bac Sierra was one of the most inspirational and motivated teachers I ever had while at CCSF. It is very unfortunate I was only able t take him for Eng 1C. A local from the Mission District, Bac Sierra is a true example of a great story of success. His lectures covered past and recent issues with a strong character on social justice.
A very inspirational teacher. I was very surprised at his enthusiasm every day in class. He seems to genuinely enjoy teaching and seems to know a lot about the subject. He is a very approachable teacher, willing to accommodate individual student needs. Essays consist of in class and take home papers and are relatively easy.
I took Ben for both 1B & 1C, and both of those classes were truly amazing. 1C was mainly focused on social justice and the influence on society. He is super enthusiastic about the material, which helps students become intrested in the subjects. He is also heavily involved in the community, which is totally rad. One of my fav professors at CCSF
Usually a C student in English, received Bs/As. Honestly best English teacher I've ever had. Was never bored in his class, never wanted to miss class. You'll learn a lot. Highly recommend.
He's a good teacher. You read 2 books during the semester and at least 6 articles so get ready to read. He's clear about what he wants you to do during exams or at home essays. I would recommend him.
Bac Sierra's class was a very interesting the topics focus more towards Ethnic Studies and less of the Eurocentric perspectives that are commonly taught which was nice. He's Very Passionate. Many Essays & a lot of reading. Determined to ensure student success, excellent course highly recommend. Very Impacted Class Apply Early for a spot.
Mr Bac Sierra is a homie, an amazing independent thinker and highly intelligent instructor. He introduced us to Chomsky and James Baldwin in this class and how the power of Rhetoric is used by this two highly respected figures. Fair grader,interesting lectures and diverse readings; Overall, I strongly recommend his class.
He's a good professor. Keeps the class interesting. There are a few in-class essays. Come to class to have better understanding of the readings. What I didn't like was the rushed office hours. But besides that he is a good professor and very understanding that life happens.
english isn't my strong suit, but this is the first class I've ever taken in my entire academic career where I have left the class more than once completely speechless, enlightened, and in questions about my existence in life. his lectures are amazing if you're into philosophy or in the process of trying to find your place and purpose in the world.
Professor Bac Sierra is nothing short of a gift. He is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and makes you think. The class is easier if you read the materials, he does tend to call on folks to participate in class, but he does it to force participation. He also does a sample outline for each paper to inspire you. Take him!
professor bac sierra is a knowledgeable and funny person. you can tell he's passionate about the materials when he's talking. he will write essay outlines for the students in the class. explains materials and text well. but he's a little bit hard on grading, don't be too confident about that.
The professor is fun and his lectures are knowledgable and captivating. He is extremely passionate about the subject. I took his class for the summer. Although it was pretty intense and we had to write an essay every week, the class itself is not too overwhelming and one may consider taking something else along.
You can tell he cares about what he does in his lectures. It may be different during the regular semesters, but during the summer semester, most of class was spent discussing the readings, and everything was boiled down to what our essays would be about as opposed to discussing the theme in class.
Overall an amazing teacher that really opens your mind to new things
I honestly don't have much to say about him. Took his 1B class for summer. I dropped it because he gave me an F on an essay and told me I need to learn how to write about literature. UM... Isn't that why I'm taking your class!?!?? Everyone on here swears by him which is why I took the class, but he's tough if you're not good at essays.
Mr. Bac Sierra, always brings positive energy to his class. He makes sure that every one is engaged, and he helps you produce, skills that you will be able to keep with you for the rest of your life.
He is by far the most inspirational professor I have met at CCSF. I'm sure I'm not the first student to say that his story has motivated many to reach their academic potential. His lectures are captivating and push you to think critically. He is a fair grader and always makes himself available to work with you. You won't regret taking his class!
Professor Benjamin Bac Sierra is by far, hands-down the best professor out there. He sincerely cares about his students' grade, education, and future success. Not only does he do a good job with keeping students engaged in their everyday learning, but his lectures are always straight froward. Lessons are created to where students want to learn.
The first time I took this course, I withdrew because I did not feel I learned much towards the end, plus it was the beginning of the pandemic. I was apprehensive about remote learning, but I was lucky he was my instructor. His energy was always inspiring, he was always available for help, and I feel I received the tools needed to succeed.
Professor Bac Sierra's online English 1A course provided detailed instruction, guidance with course material and was very well organized. The course material and assignments were thought provoking and inspirational.
Professor BacSierra is very passionate in his teaching! He provides great support to those who seek his help. The energy he demonstrates in his lectures and office hour(s) meetings is truly unmatched; he's encouraging & shows his students the love he has for English. Even though my semester in his class was fairly short, I enjoyed the learning exp!
To be honest, Mr. Bac Sierra was one of the best English teachers I have ever had. The topics in his class will make you question your reality! He makes the lectures quiet interesting as well. Be ready to write essays and engage with the text.
Professor was very friendly and energetic first thing in the morning, which definitely boosted my mood. Every day, I looked forward to his class because it reminded me of high school. Coming from a UC, I didn't feel like a face in a sea of faces, but rather as an individual within the classroom.
He is truly a great and energetic teacher. I really enjoyed listening to him lecture and I always looked forward to going to class every day. This class is really great, 100/10 should sign up if you have the chance.
One of the chilliest teachers I've met at CCSF. Super down to Earth guy who's truly here to serve his community. He strives to make us more human, the assignments are very fun and he's very knowledgeable about culture, society and different philosophies. My expectations were exceeded just from the quality of how his class operates.
Best English professor I've ever had! He is very animated and engaging when he talks which is very good. His required reading material is enjoyable and gets you thinking about life. He is a very humble professor and is easy to work with. I highly recommend his courses and would gladly take another class with him.
I really enjoyed taking this class. Professor BacSierra had lectures that really explained the topics discussed in class and brought back my love for writing. As he stayed positive throughout all of the classes, only a few assignments were given and essays. I was able to get good feedback on my writing and get questions answered regarding it.
This is a very easy and fun class, I really liked this class because half of the time we were doing group conversations where everyone is involved to get different perspectives and ideas and this class was mostly just creativity coming from you.
DON'T recommend this professor. His lectures consist of him YELLING for two hours straight with no clear agenda in a hot stuffy room with all windows closed. Would get so overstimulated from his extremely LOUD lectures and would get anxious and irritated. Work wise he went through books pretty fast, with an out of class essay like every two weeks.
He is very passionate about teaching & his lectures tell! He is a kind & amazing professor. He cares about his students & is very understanding. Lectures might feel long sometimes but they will definitely help contribute to your success in the class.
Professor Benjamin is passionate and engaging. His lectures are interesting, and you'll learn a lot. You don't need perfect answers, just participate. He gives time for essays and is flexible, but stay in contact. Try your best and you'll grow as a thinker and writer
One of the best professors I've had at CCSF. He enters class ready to learn and makes sure his lectures are understandable and easy to follow. We read a few pieces of literature and are tasked to write essays about them. His grading is fair and rewarding if you really spend the time working on the prompt. Please take his class!
Kind/funny. Lectures are very interesting. Not work heavy, few essays, and on things that are relevant to our lives as people, not just analyzing stories with no purpose. He gives a broad topic and allows u to pick something to specify on when writing. There are no wrong answers (within reason). He makes u feel like the work ur doing has purpose :)
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
80%
Textbook Required
11%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.31 avg changeRatings by Course
52038
5.0
(1)ENG94961A
5.0
(1)1A
5.0
(6)ENG35A
5.0
(1)ENGL35
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENGLI96
5.0
ENG961A
5.0
ENGLISH96
4.3
52038
4.0
ENG9496
4.0