she assigns a whole bunch of readings, some are ridiculously complicated so go to lectures! that's where she simplifies/summarizes the main points of the readings. choice of two 7pg papers, or one volunteer project. 1 midterm & 1 final.

Very laid back professor, alot of reading but overall the class was interesting and wasn't that hard

class is very boring. Watch some very interesting videos though. Have to do the reading to do well on tests. She is pretty hard when it comes to test. Must know the stuff and do the reading and attend lectures to do well on tests.

She was a cool prof. She was new to UCD when I took her class. There was a LOT of reading and you HAVE to keep up. I think her test format is fairly easy as long as you keep up with reading & lecutures. We talked about interesting topics. Work hard.

She's a crazy lecturer, talks at the speed of light, insane! Do the readings and you should be fine! She's funny sometimes ... at least I didn't fall asleep in her class.

Huge amount of reading. Explains things well and makes it so that lecture is never boring. Nice, just expects too much academically.

Her lectures were interesting and she's very witty. She has 5 pop quizzes during the quarter but most of them were toward the end of the quarter. Beware, this class has A LOT of reading! But just go to class, read most of the material and you'll be fine.

valverde is funny, sometimes a little unclear and disorganized, but altogether a good professor.

Good prof. Funny! Can be lots of reading. Really Awakens lots on topics prev unknown. Did you know we actually had a protest in Davis for Ethnic Studies? =P Really focuses in on super-import topics for life. Great teaching. Especially on Media. Sometimes disorganized, but speak in class! It's fun!

I love professor Valverde! She does have a lot of reading but she is very fair! She is funny and very interesting! She definitely knows what she is talking about! She's the BEST ASA and UCD professor I have had to date.

Prof. V knows her stuff so be prepared to learn it! She is fun, funny and patient. Take her because she is NOT a waste of time! She will make you laugh and open your eyes to new ideas and subjects! A GREAT PROFESSOR!

Dr. Valverde is a challenging professor and the concepts in her diaspora class are very challenging. But her sarcasm and quick wit keep the class entertained and inspired to learn more. She definitely seems much better lecturing smaller classes.

I dunno why she got bad ratings. I really enjoyed this class and i learned alot. I think every Asian American and even other ethnicities should take this class. Valverde was so funny and made a very casual atmosphere in lectures. Mostly open discussions about certain topics. Class isn't too hard..just alotta reading and the midterm was fairly easy

No Comments

Course had a LOT of reading. Projects were easy; exams were all essays. She has high expectations of all her students. A bit unorganized. Personality wise she is cool. If it wasn't for her TA's, I would have drowned.

her diasporas class had a ton of readings and VERY theory-heavy. however, i loved it b/c it was a change from the usual asa classes with the sammme issues. she's very personable and easy to talk to, esp in discussions. perhaps asa2 kids dont feel the same way b/c the large lect size makes it intimidating to speak out.

She challenges her students to expand their knowledge. Her sarcasm helps to lighten the mood in class. She's approachable, although intimidating at first because of her knowledge in her field. A fun teacher to have. Go to her office hours because they're fun.

Valverde is straightforward and tells it like it is. she's upfront and passionate about the subject matter and her wit does keep things interesting and fun. she's cool but the her courses require work so be prepared and don't slack off. she is sarcastic but that's one of the things i enjoyed about the class, she isn't mean she's just smart.

Prof. Valverde is the BEST professor at UCD! Enough said.

Valverde is a great teacher and is thorough in her material. Go to her office hours if you need help. It's obvious that all of her pre-assignments are meant to help you not hurt you. She cares about her students and has a sense of humor; unlike other professors on this campus.

Prof. Valverde talks fast and has the tendency to be unorganized but behind all of that, she is a good teacher. She knows her material and wants her students to learn too.

Professor Valverde's class is one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken. She incorporates a ton of current events and media, such as movies, documentaries, comedy, music, etc., which makes the class SO interesting. She also offers a volunteer option in lieu of a standard research paper, which is awesome! Take this class!

Valverde is an expert on the material. Approachable and listens. Lots of readings but each week she assigns a student to do a 1pg summary of each reading so if you dont have time you can read those. Midterm avg was 79% - that really difficult? This class is challenging but NOT "Hard." Choice between a research paper or art project. Some Extra Cred.

hard class, but OH does help. test are challenging.

She has a great sense of humor, which makes it a more comfortable learning environment. Typically a lot of notes during lecture, but she is very thorough, she shows great videos that go along well with the material. Although the two term papers may sound rather lengthy (5-7 pgs), they are graded very reasonably. I RECOMMEND this!

Professor Valverde keeps it real and knows her material. Students that complain about her reading and her style are those that can't comprehend something that goes beyond the traditional style of teaching. She is engaging, witty and cares about her students' well being.

Great teacher. Would definitley take her again, she represents for the SEA, as alot of the ASA teachers don't really teach much about South East Asians. Valverde is somewhat picky when it comes to grading though, so watch out for that but she offeres alot of easy extra credit as well.

People apparently think she's a tough teacher, but I think it's fair. She just has high expectations out of her students. I wouldn't want a teacher who has low expectations and thinks everyone is dumb... Anyway, the class was Vietnamese Women. Lots of theory and sometimes really random but funny anecdotes. Bia om, anyone?

Talks really fast, very open-minded. Really wants students to be more involved in class. Course was student-run. Student Presentations were fun to work on. Really helpful during office hours. Not hard to get an A for THIS course.

Not an easy class, but I learned so much from this experience. I learned not only asian american studies, but also about myself and how I am capable of doing research. Great professor! She really pushes you to work harder and to improve your own skills!

She hard on you at first, and really pushes you to succeed. Don't worry about memorizing facts. Worry about the general arguments, who it's written by and what they're saying and you'll be fine. Don't let her scare you, if you have questions just ask her for help. She's really helpful during office hours but can be a bit disorganized.

I really enjoyed her class. She brings up interesting topics, and is very helpful during/outside office hours. She is all for her students, which is what I really appreciate about her. I highly recommend this professor.

Class was hard, but she really tries to improve her teaching. She got an auditor from the Center for Teaching Excellence to ask us for a midterm review of her teaching. She seriously took our comments into consideration and the class overall improved. I've never seen another professor take teaching so seriously. Great professor, take her class.

You can tell Valverde really wants to improve her teaching. She's always asking us for ways to make it better. She's a great lecturer and the class topic is really interesting. You need to take ASA 2 with her.

I genuinely enjoyed and loved Valverde's class! Topics involve multiple schools of thought about the Vietnam War as well as "Southeast Asian American" as a political identity. Her passion for the course makes me feel very grateful for majoring in ASA. Critically analyze the readings; engage in the many in-class discussions, and you will do fine!

I genuinely enjoyed and loved Valverde's class! Her passion for the course makes me feel very grateful for majoring in ASA. If you ask her specific questions in office hours, then she will answer your questions clearly and through an interdisciplinary perspective. Coursework includes an original research project involving SEA populations.

Valverde has a plethora of knowledgeShe's eccentric, neurotic and kooky. Her lectures gave unique insight into her topics and they were intriguing. I never missed a lecture because I WAS excited to learn more. The class will be an "easy A" if you are creative, thoughtful and are critical thinkers. Valverde CHALLENGES you!

Professor Valverde isn't your traditional academic. She couples her knowledge and understanding of ASA with current events, and isn't afraid to discuss controversial topics with her class. Though her laissez-faire styled lectures may seem off-putting at first, many will realize and appreciate the extraordinary value of her unconventional approach.

She really helps student question what is around us everyday. She is not just a lecturer, but she intellectually incorporates current issues with reading materials that are assigned. She is hella dorky, funny, easy to approach, and enthusiastic about learning of her students with much honesty. She is unique and queer in her teaching style!!

Great class. Valverde will teach you about life skills you can apply to life; not only just in the classroom. Unique teacher and has her own way to teaching. Very interactive class.

Professor Valverde honestly cares about her students and wants them to succeed. She is so passionate about the class and although she may go off on eccentric tangents, I thought it was a good class. It may not be an easy A, but it's not the hardest. Sometimes lecture was a drag. As long as you do the work and keep up with reading, you'll be fine.

Great class. never took an National Aesthetics class before. Material can be applied if you're an econ major or any type of business/international business/political science major. Class taught students life skills that can be carried unto the real world. Readings were good and did weekly blogs. Great teacher and recommend any of her classes.

Great enthusiastic professor. One of the best professors I've had at Davis. Gives you room to be creative and do "real" work, not just schoolwork

If you want a nice professor who always tells you what you want to hear then you best look elsewhere. Not to say that Professor Valverde isn't nice but she isn't afraid to speak her mind. If you aret passionate about your work, youre going to have a bad time. If you allow yourself to enjoy her class, the class amazing.

Heavyyy readings every week, but readings were from a great selection. Attendance mandatory. Blogs due every week & 2 group projects/presentations. Valverde is very knowledgeable & passionate about Asian studies. No final or midterm! Prof. V encouraged active learning. Could've used more organization; no clear guidelines on projects/assignments.

Probably my favorite professor at Davis. If you get a chance to take her, especially for an upper div, DO IT. She cares a lot about her students and allows us to have fun in the class. But that also means you have to put in the work: no midterms/final just a big project which is manageable as long as you put in good effort.

I loved this professor, she took a different approach to the subject and made it relevant to the entire class. She does grade on attendance and there are readings that need to be done each week, but they are't that bad. Nothing is hard to read, its all free, weekly blog posts about two or three paragraphs on the readings.

Professor Valverde has amazing and personal lectures that are not just by the book, touches upon real world issues and controversial topics during class. She makes it known that she truly cares about her students, be sure to participate in groups and work proactively and it should be an easy A.

She is super knowledgeable in the subject matter, and she really cares about inspiring her students but also letting them form their own thoughts. I took this class in the summer, and we weren't given any test. We had to do a podcast as the final project. Really manageable, inspiring, and eye-opening.

I love professor Valverde, Ive taken three of her classes. She uses the same format every class so it nice to know what to expect work wise. She doesnt give tests or big papers, but you will have a group project and other assignments. She also gives you all the readings for free!

This is the third class I took with Valverde. All of her classes have the same format so I know what to expect. In addition, it is an easy A because you know what's coming. In this class, we had two writing assignments due each Sunday and one big group project that was super easy. In her other classes, it's only one writing assignment + project

Took Valverdes fashion class this quarter and she was great! She made the class easy to understand and so interesting. She was very accommodating considering the pandemic, more than any other teacher. Free readings (which are short), no tests, easy group project. As long as you show up and try you will pass.

GUYS! Take this Professor. I learn best through storytelling, and most of the class is made up of stories. Class is always so fun, and if I'm gonna be honest, this is the one class that I don't fall asleep in lol. Professor Valverde is so open, hilarious, outgoing, and honest-I've learned so much about life, and the spirit world. BEST TEACHER EVER.

My favorite class and favorite professor at this university! Her knowledge of the spiritual realm and her passion to help teach these topics was truly amazing. I loved her many stories and the many guest lectures she brought in. It was a conversation rather than a lecture. Easy weekly discussion posts and writing assignments.

One of my favorite professors ever! Her lectures are never boring and she's very caring towards her students. She does give out a fair amount of homework and requires attendance, however (weekly assignments).

I learned so much in this class: she really pushes you to think a LOT about how everything is connected, and as a Vietnamese-American I learned so much about my own history and how to be critical of what I've been taught. Assignments were easy and taught me a lot, and they were really fun. Reach out to her if you want to work with her!

I went into this class expecting to learn about the Vietnam War but Prof Valverde gives so much more - she presents so many different perspectives and narratives that aren't mainstream. She really gets you to think and form your own opinion. Assignments are super fun and reading is v interesting! Class is very casual! Would highly recommend.

Prof Valverde has such a chill class, but she asks you how you want lectures and the structure to be and then listens. If your class wants more discussion over lecture shell cater the class to you! Only class I didnt fall asleep in

She is cool. Puts a lot of effort into teaching. Her TAs are sweet too. She assigns some cool readings and grades leniently (though the work can be a bit much sometimes). I took the "national aesthetics" class and even though I'm a senior in STEM it was still a cool class to take.

Summer session class, lecture format is very stream of consciousness-y, but in the vein of Woolf (the good kind). Lots of low-stakes discussion posts and readings with one group project making up the bulk of our grade. Learned how to stand up against power dynamics and convinced me to buy The Art of War.

easy class, she's a little crazy but that's not a bad thing

This professor was fantastic. I learned so much from her, and she really encouraged me to continue to learn from myself. She loves guest lecturers, and was kind to share her community of knowledge with us students. She shared many stories with us of her life, and was very open with us. Her teaching style is non-conventional, but it's better.

It's not a hard class, but you should try and understand historical context and really try to finish as many of the readings as possible. Accommodating for special situations.

Took her for summer session 1. Absolutely energetic and passionate about Asian American Studies. You will have to do group projects doing research, screen printing art at the TANA Center and a weekly presentation on the readings. Lots of extra credit opportunities were given in case you missed the daily reflection or weekly reflection.

Best class I have taken, she has been the professor that left the best impact on me! Her lectures are upbeat, energetic, and really interesting. She does expect a lot from her students but if you put in the work and are willing to learn she will help you out. She's not the best with canvas but just communicate with her and it wont be a problem.

A bit disorganized but otherwise a chill and fun professor. The major assignments were a group presentation on some readings and an exhibit that you create with your group, no midterms, finals, or quizzes.

Weekly reflection posts on 1-2 readings (~30-60 pages) + TikTok group project. Does involve lots of group work for grades - 4 TikTok videos but no midterm/final. Uses TopHat in class ($30). Love Prof Valverde's passion and energy! You can tell she is knowledgable about the subject and I definitely learned a lot. Fun class! (Took class Fall 2023)

Prof Valverde is very passionate, especially about this class. The assignments are fairly easy and get you more interested in the class itself. She brings a lot of guest speakers, some of which are very "interesting" to say the least. She is also fairly clear on what she expects out of assignments. Would recommend this class specifically to anyone.

Professor Valverde runs a chill, discussion-based class. The assignments are fun and engaging, and she's open to tailoring the class structure to student preferences. Unstuck AI and other resources like ChatGPT helped me prep for the unique projects. Overall, a rewarding learning experience.

Dr. Valverde is such a sweetheart. I love her passion towards the subject that she teaches. I also really liked the guest speakers she would bring to our online ZOOM classes. There is weekly reading you will have to do but the assignments themselves are easy even when you're not into the topic as much. She is also an awesome grader.

Valverde is truly one of my favorites! Albeit disorganized at the beginning of the quarter, she genuinely cares so much about her students and understands personal life happens. Incredibly accommodating & gave multiple extensions. I took 150E and we had class reflections, weekly readings and a large group project. She also has crazy lore!!