She is way cool and totally into Shakespeare. A few papers and daily hw, but she's an easy grader. Fun class. She looks for a lot of class participation and feedback

Attendance isn't mandatory, but you might want to go, because there are daily assignments. She always clarlifies the readings. They are not hard but are counted on your grade. We read a lot of novels and short story...All we great, few writing assignment. Fun class, alot of busy work, but it was a nice break from other classes

Denise is by far one of the best professors on campus. The coursework was thoughtful and engaging and she displays mastery of the subject. I took her course during the summer, but I wish I could have spent more time in the class. Not an "easy" A, but if you do the readings and comprehend the material, you'll do just fine. AND she is Hot!!!

took this class early in the morning and it got boring at times but its not bad. you read a lot of books & she talks about the entire book the following class(es). all tests including final and midterm are open book open note. wrote about three essays but none were more than 4 pages and a few 1 page things. TAKE NOTES IN THIS CLASS! IT'LL HELP!

She moves fast and is pretty tough but she makes it very interesting and worth your while. Open book and notes for all tests, so take good notes during class! Very highly recommended! She is very inspirational and cares greatly about what she teaches

Here's the key to getting an A: Put effort into your work, always show up to class, bring your book, & take LOTS of thorough notes. Everything is open book/open note, so you already know she's going to make it challenging. She's helpful & passionate - take advantage & HAVE FUN LEARNING something :)The class was overall a lot of fun.

has great enthusiasm but lectures are long and boring

She is a really good teacher, although sometimes the lectures get long and boring she knows what she is talking about. For an 8 am class it was good. She sometimes gives out quizzes and does not grade them, we just keep them

Denise was really helpful. Reading and attending class is very important to passing the class. Take home midterm and final exams.

She is an awesome teacher! All you need to do is go to class and take down all her side notes she gives. It will help you with your take home midterm and final. She is very passionate with what she does. I would recommend her for HUM130!

An awesome teacher that will provide you the key elements to make her class an intriguing and challenging one. If you take the class as seriously as she does, you will pass with flying colors. I'm no straight A student & I got an A. Take home midterm & Final!

Highly recommended for non-native students for she is clear and concise in contrast with other classes.Very understading of an emergency trip i ahd to make. You have to do the reading, dah! that s what school is for, but it is nice to actually read interesting stuff that you will take with you for life.you'll feel smarter =)

this is a challenging class! in the sense that there is no sliding by but her expectations are crystal clear she is very specific about what she expects so literally do what she wants and you'll get an A. i learned a lot, the different art forms were interesting to learn about. she knows her material like the back of her hand. you will learn a lot.

She knows what she wants! You HAVE to go to class to do well. She doesn't try to trick you on homework but she's very specific. She is very good at explaining things. Super sarcastic, super funny. Take her!

She's Amazing :)

Denise is enthusiastic about her lectures. She's a bit sarcastic and will give you a death stare, but overall she was an excellent teacher. Take notes, detailed notes. Practically everything she says, because there is an extremely likely chance it'll be on a quiz, midterm, or final. Overall an easy class!!

My favorite professor! :) Her class is pretty much a history class and an English class combined. Take lots of notes! Everything she explains could be on the TAKE HOME midterm/final. Homework/quizzes very short and very specific. I never thought that I'd be interested in history and war, but she makes the subject very interesting.

She is the best teacher at SFSU. She is tough, but if you PAY ATTENTION it will be fine. She gives a take home Midterm/Final and those are fairly easy if you go to class, read the books, and take notes. Do not take this class lightly, it takes dedication, but you will get an A. Take her!

I love her! She is very specific in what she wants from you, you will work to receive a good grade. She is super funny, and very devoted to the literature you will be studying.

she is very clear in what she wants. in order to pass the class you must go to class and pay attention. missing her class is missing a lot of information. even if you miss a class you can catch up. if you go to her office hours she will help you and even raise your grade but must show her you are trying. take her class very interesting

HUM 130 is a class where you learn about history, people, art, and movies. The class is very interesting. The professor can be intimidating because she expects a lot. She does not tolerate people being absent. However, homework can be complicated and you have to work hard to get that high grade. Do not try plagiarizing because you will get caught

Hands down a great teacher. At first sight many of course will immediately say she is hard, and strict but really its for our own good. Go to class everyday, especially on days when she puts on movies. Pay attention and participate. Write down good notes and read the assigned books. Her exams are take home, and her quizzes are quick.

She is one of the best teachers that I've had. Yes she does require for you to do the reading and homework before you go to class, but you should do them even if she didn't because it is your job. She is very clear when explaining and she makes the material interesting. I really enjoyed her class. Stay on top of your work and don't miss class.

This class is not for people who do not take school seriously. Denise does not ask for a lot from people but the workload is consistent and necessary to complete. Just go to every class and take notes and you'll do fine. She's crazy passionate in the best way possible. You really have to earn that A. Not a GE class to just bs.

SHE'S AMAZING! Definitely take this class. It is hard and it requires time, but ALL college classes are somewhat hard and require time. This class challenged me and that's why I think I liked this class more than I though I would. Denise is VERY passionate, but I think I would be bored in class if she wasn't. Overall, GREAT CLASS!

Denise is amazing. She really knows the material and the subject matter is so interesting. I loved her class and if you go to all the classes (BE ON TIME) and do all the quizzes and reading you will be fine. She shows a lot of films in the class which is fun. She likes when you basically quote her lectures on take home tests so take good notes.

Super easy to understand, she may come off as harsh but she does it for your benefit. Loved her and the content so much that I took her again for her 425 course and I'm just as excited. Great teacher, everything is take home. Take her if you can and make sure you pay attention to everything and you'll be fine.

You really have to work for the best grade but it''s 100 worth it at the end because it''s totally satisfying. Denise is the best and one of my most favorite professors at state. I wish she thought more classes that I could take. Totally recommend her

She is so cute and passionate about what she teaches! She makes the subject fun to learn. Being in her class was great; shes like an energizer bunny. She makes learning exciting and interesting. I'd recommend her to anyone.

I took it at 8am, and she is very alive and active to wake you up! She is extremely passionate and is clear lecturer. Her confidence can be intimating, but just show up for class on time, all the time. And print out all of the handouts because you will use all of them in the take home exams.

I loved this class!

I LOVED MS. BATTISTA!!! Her class is not hard its just that you have to listen in class. Throughout the entire course there's four tests all whcih are take home and she gives you every single answer in class during lecture. She's very authoritative and when she says be there by 9:35 she means it! She is extremely clear in her expectations. loved!!

This class was a trip. She seems fairly abrasive but overall you will learn a ton of stuff. Her topics are super interesting and the way she presents her ideas with a ton of maps and slide shows makes it extremely interesting.

This class consisted of three exams and a research paper. If you need help, ask her for help because she is very helpful. I really enjoyed this class and I would take it again.

Professor is very passionate about teaching. She can smell B.S from a mile away so be sure to take the class seriously. She is VERY strict and tough on grading but if you pay attention to her lectures and keep up with the readings you'll be fine.

Absolutely LOVED her class. It is challenging, but you just have to stay on top of the materials. And you can't get away with BSing answers, you really have to go to class ready to discuss. I can't wait to take another one of her courses!

This professor is witty and brilliant. Each lecture was both hilarious and incredibly informative. You get to watch movies for this class, enough said. Focus on deep analysis of poetry and literature, take notes in class, and PARTICIPATE. Do not come in late, and if you need help, see her in her office hours, you'll be glad you did.

Her lectures always contain something bizarre or out of this world. She is extremely friendly. Don't think about coming in late. She absolutely despises that. She's definitely one of the most unique professor's I've had. It was so interesting it actually made me go and see many of these places for myself.

Honestly one of the best classes I have ever taken. Her lectures are engaging, captivating and interactive. You'll never be bored- she won't let you. Sure she's strict on attendance and not being on your phone in class but god forbid we actually pay attention to a class and work for our grade and LEARN!! TAKE HER! You won't regret it!

This class has been the one of the most insightful classes I've taken! I really enjoyed the course material, especially because it all pertained to SF! She is very quirky, that being said is a little silly also a bit intimidating. Make sure to know what's going on in class... or else. If you take detailed notes and go to class you will do well!

One of the most challenging classes I've taken. She puts a lot of thought into the books, films, and handouts used. Lectures are very in-depth take notes & come prepared. Definitely a tough grader, she will push you to submit your best work. I wouldn't recommend this class for an easy A, but I totally would take her again I learned so much.

Professor Battista is AWESOME! She has the highest energy I have ever seen in a teacher. She is pationate about what she teaches and gives it her all. If you want an easy A do not take her! She makes you work hard for your grade. I took this in the summer session. Come to class everyday and take excellent notes and you will be fine. Recommend.

Let's be real, if you want a simple class with an easy A, this is not the professor for you. Battista is a difficult grader and really takes her class seriously. Her exams were tough, but as long as you take the class seriously, you can pass. Overall, even though she is intimidating, I loved her class. I would definitely take her again.

Professor Battista is an excellent professor. Many students don't like her because they don't take the time to read, actively listen, and complete her three midterms correctly. The class is graded on three written exams (short essay questions on each), and everything you need to know to do well is discussed and laid out in class.

Every lecture was engaging and inspirational! You have to check ilearn atleast twice a week to be prepared for class. This class is a challenge but is well worth it if you put in the work.

Despite the class being lecture heavy, she is incredibly engaging. The class is tough if you don't keep up, but as long as you attend, you'll be fine. One of the best teachers I've had throughout my entire scholastic career. It is a lot of work though, and the take home exams take hours to complete. Still, my favorite class this year.

An amazing lecturer. If you dont go to class or do readings, youll be lost. The readings are hard but super interesting and she goes over everything in class. Take home tests are tough but fair. She wrote me a letter of recommendation!

The professor has a very loud and proud attitude because she is so passionate about the subject. As the semester goes on, trust me that you will start to enjoy the class. The essays are not too hard as long as you understand the lecture and handouts but overall this is a great class.

Passionate and intense dont even scratch the surface. She puts her all into the material and lectures and gives students everything they need to succeed. Strict on attendance and dont think about falling asleep. No phones allowed and shell stare you down when you come in late. Lots of printing sucks, but its so interesting and shes hysterical.

It was a lot of work, but she made me a better writer and taught me how to love reading. The Sun Also Rises is my favorite book now. Isnt it pretty to think so.

Took this class over summer. Lots of info but she's a great lecturer and makes the hours go fast. Take home exams take lots of time, you def can't bs your way thru exams. Strict on so many things (attendance, no phones, no eating, format, due date) but the class was great and she's so entertaining.

My classmates will hate me for this. Denise is underestimated. Sure, you can easily meet her and absolutely hate everything about her. Crazy? Maybe. *However* the content she provides is astounding and discussions she opens are eye-opening, and once you get a hang of her style you begin to understand why she teaches the way she does. Just breathe.

just show her that you care and use her exams comments to do better. Just because she holds you responsible doesn't she is mean. I learned so much in her class I didn't know about history.

This is not the professor for you if you don't take school seriously. Took this class in the summer and it was a lot of work but everything was interesting and connected. Denise has high standards and is super organized and expects the same from her students. Not an easy A but great for an online class.

Denise is completely underrated here. The way she organizes her course is well developed, comprehensive, and creative. Her exams allow for interpretation of the material, and her lectures are engaging and (more importantly) highly interesting with a few comedic moments. Advice: just communicate if something's off.

Anybody who gives Denise anything less than five stars is just mad she doesn't let people pass with no effort. She gives amazing lectures and the material is crafted in such an interesting way. If you have any questions schedule an office hour and show her you care.

Denise says the focus of her class is world war one but it's so much more. It's about the history of the lack of trust in government, racism against Black people in the 1910s and 1920s, death and how that affects your life, and learning from the past, living in your present and freeing yourself for a future. I will remember this class forever.

Its not hard to do well in her class. She follows the syallbus to a t and everything you need is on ilearn. She says if you skip though material you wont do well and shes probably right but its so interesting why would you want to. Grades a little tough but gives good written and audio feedback on ilearn and shes really theatrical with poetry.

Took this class online. Denise is no joke and takes her job seriously but she's also an an amazing lecturer and makes learning about history interesting and fun. She makes you quote her lectures which takes a lot of time but the content is great. She wants to know you're watching her lectures but also thinking for yourself. No books to buy

Cool class about murals and San Francisco history. Choose a topic, find murals in San Francisco about your topic, make a map of those murals and history. Library research and wrote one big essay. She gave feedback on everything every week and helped with rewrites and map edits. No books. A few lectures but they were short and basically helpful.

This is a great class. It might be tough if you're not a good writer , but she gives so much good feedback and is accessible on Zoom and email. Basically a research project where you create a map and write an essay but the essay topic is your choice as long as you can find murals in San Francisco that speak to it.

Is it hard? No. Denise just keeps you accountable and has little patience for excuses. You have the freedom to choose your topic for a project around murals in SF. A little challenging that she wanted us to make sure the murals are in SF now during a pandemic and its an online class since I don't live in SF. Aside from that it wasn't a lot of work.

I took this class online because of Covid. If you can take this class in person. If you can't make sure you keep up or you'll be overwhelmed. Denise is gets into acting out poems and history. She can get intense but that's because the reading is and she brings it to live. Forums and pretty detailed exams that are pretty hard but if you keep up youl

Year two with Denise, and I still think she is *the* most underrated/misunderstood professor at SF State. People fail to understand she prepares you for graduate work, and she prepares you to be a critical thinker in a world that needs critical thinking. Future students: read the syllabus, take notes, ask questions, communicate. She's brilliant.

While Professor Battista was difficult with grading she also cares about what she teaches. The reader is carefully researched and I understand why she is so heavy with it. Her class was very heavy on critical thinking and reading carefully. I would recommend her class if you are looking to challenge yourself as a student and thinker.

All it takes is effort and following her directions to the letter. That is understandably frustrating, her teaching style is not for everyone, nor is it always fun (it can often be exhausting, truthfully), but she's very dedicated and a good teacher. If you need credits in this area, this class is a solid option and very engaging.

Denise wrote me a last minute letter of recommendation even though she said she never writes a recommendation unless you earn an A in her class. She offered and I am so thankful. A really good class, but I was so overwhelmed at the end of the semester I couldn't get the A. She is really strict with some things but she really cares about the class.

I don't know what these people are talking about. It's so easy to do well in Denise's class. Just show up, do short readings that are usually pretty interesting and do forums. Students don't go to class or come prepared and then get mad when she gets frustrated and expects you to care. Read her feedback and do better.

I had a good experience. She is strict about attendance and assignments but why take a class if your not going to go or follow assignments. If I had questions I just talked during her zoom hours and everything was clear. The class is about war history and she made it interesting. The final's long but she said it would be so no surprise.

Denise's class was wonderful! I learned so much about San Francisco, the different neighborhoods and landmark cases and also lots of history and inspirational people. I talk to my family and friends about it all the time! Everything is the course reader she puts on iLearn. Weekly forums and a final exam.Her passion is contagious!

Denise's teaching style is lecture heavy but worked for me because it was low pressure in the classroom. Lectures were so different from what I expected in a good way. I didn't need extra credit but the person below is mistaken. Attendance has to be at least 80%, not term grade, so those who need it can do it if they came to at least 80% of class.

I took Denise for this class in 2021. She challenged me to be a better writer and taught me how to do research. Her class wasn't easy but I learned skills that helped me in other classes and even today.

In the beginning of my time at SFSU I was very unmotivated but Battista's teaching style and rigorous course encouraged many healthy habits that I still hold to this day. I've had few Professors as genuine as Battista and its clear she wants us to grow through her course, and you will as long as you engage in the active discussion based class.

i would take this class again bc of the course material and her organization. she was a tough grader but only bc she set clear her expectations from the beginning. group project was difficult but all her lectures were set up specifically to help w the project. PARTICIPATE and ATTEND and you're guaranteed to pass. based on mutual respect

This class is so interesting! I've only been here for a year and I've learned so much about San Francisco and the school. Last week, someone complained Denise's class is hard because they have to think and in other classes I can just sit there. Since when do we come to class to not think? haha

I like Denise's teaching style but if you don't like to participate don't take this class. It gets super awkward and she gets super frustrated when only one or two people engage.

Not an easy A in this class but really satisfying when you earn it. Don't BS the mural project or anything in this class because Denise will call you out on it! Read her feedback and instructions and you'll be fine.

Def would take again. She included a course reader that had all the information and pages we needed to read. Dont trip too hard about the format of your discussions; honestly just write what comes to mind and show you engaged with the material and you'll be fine. great class for learning the rich history of the bay area

Denise has high standards but if you meet the challenge, she'll make you a better student. Denise's lectures are passionate and feedback is everything. You can tell she really cares about the content.

really passionate and informed on San Francisco. Learned a lot honestly. Always looked forward to her classes and felt short

I had a good experience with Professor Battista. She took over our class for a professor in the last week of summer and gave everyone 4 days extra on the final paper while she graded our assignments. Her feedback on all the assignments was fast and helpful and she enhanced my learning.