Mr. Marafino is a great teacher. He challenges you but not to the point where you are confused. He definitely understands what freshmen are capable of. Take his class!

Solid teacher - hard to receive a 100% on any assignments but easy to gt 95%'s. Just show up to class and write concisely. Take this class.

Can't win for anything in this class, but this class isnt that bad. 8am for me & it was entertaining sometimes (because of topics and students). You WILL write for hw, but nothing 2 much. Little essays due after every short reading. I would take him if all the REALLY easy teachers are taken. Never really cancelled class :( Take him if you need to.

Very nice teacher and pretty understanding! Fun to talk and debate with in class. Does not gloat about what he has accomplished as a writer and treats everyone equally as an adult. Helps me learn how to write better and doesn't overload me with work. Love the debates in this class!

Marafino is an awesome, sweet guy. He is funny in class and keeps you interested. The class itself is not hard at all. He grades the homework response papers easy, but the larger papers harder. As long as you come to class, do the EASY readings for the night, you can get an A! Would recommend.

I would strongly recommend taking this class with MR. Marafino. He makes it interesting and you can receive a good grade while improving on your writing.

Mr. Marafino is super cool! No topic is off limits (and I REALLY mean no topic) in his class and the quizzes and tests are easy. He grades the essays a little harder but the class itself isnt too hard.

LOVE Mr. Marafino! he is amazing and cares about each student. He takes the time to learn names and writing styles. He is a tough grader but if you put the work in you will be fine. I 100% recommend taking him.

Dr. Marafino is a really cool guy, but he is a hard grader and wont give you an A unless you work for it. There is writing homework every night, but as long as you do the assignments and put some work into them, you'll do fine! He's really funny and willing to help! i would definitely recommend him!

I LOVE JAMES MARAFINO! he was my favorite professor and is the funniest guy ever. his class really does make you a better writer and he does help you in the long run. i never missed a class because the things that come out of his mouth are just too funny too miss. you can always go to him for help and he'll be there. overall amazing professor

DON'T TAKE IF: An A. Not a lot of homework. To skip Class. You are a bad writer. TAKE IF: You want a hilarious teacher. You want to look forward to class. You want to possibly watch a movie. (it is relevant). You want to drastically improve your writing. WARNING: He grades on how well the papers are, not how well you have improved or anything.

This guy is frigging awesome! His expectations are high and vague but he works well with students on a one on one basis. Went to his office for help and he ACTUALLY helped me! He doesnt give you any of that you should do this or you should try that advice. He tells you what you NEED to actually do to improve your grade.

Mr. Marafino is a great professor. I have never been good at writing or even been interested in it, but Mr. Marafino greatly improved my skills. He assigns lots of little homework assignments but is truly not that hard of a grader. (B'sA's on all) 5 larger papers but has mandatory meetings with each student and gives great feedback. Recommended!!

He is sweet! His assignments are tough, but as long as you go to his office hours and show him that you are working he will literally keep your ideas and rewrite your entire paper. My grade rose from a low C to a high B by just taking his advice

Mr. Marafino is amazing! I've always considered myself a terrible writer, but his class has helped me improve my writing skills. He grades on quality, not effort, but the quality of your papers will improve throughout the semester if you apply what he teaches. He takes the time to meet individually with each of his students, plus he's hilarious.

Hands down the best professor at JMU! His grading is hard but if you ask for help you'll be fine. He really cares about students and loves to see them succeed. You get to read cool things in his class like stories about skateboarders and surfers. Take him if you want to have a fun wrtc 103 class!

Marafino is awesome! Hes a nut and his teaching style takes some getting used to but overall hes eager to help.

Really didn't think I'd like him at first, but ended up being a great professor. Not a hard grader AT ALL. Really funny/ sassy. EASY A! You'll probably have reading quizzes every time you have hw (but they're grade boosters). Take his class. He makes you laugh, you get don't go to class half the time and I only had to write two papers!

Professor Marafino made WRTC feasible. He didn't make you write countless papers, but rather write two papers and go into detail on these papers and how to make them better, piece by piece. Marafino has a relaxed personality and a great class atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. However be ready for tough grading and help as needed.

Marafino is a fantastic teacher, and he really wants you to succeed. Although I didn't utilize what I should have early in the semester, he really helped me and is always there for you.

Marafino is so funny. Class is so relaxed and we talk about anything you want. Reading is not too heavy, but reading quizzes are frequent and as long as you read, youll get a 100. This class never failed to make me laugh, great books too. Only two papers and a few participation activities.

I only took this class because I had to but out of all the Gen ED classes, this one was the most helpful. He likes to joke around and make the class fun. I am an average writer but Marafino wants to help you get a good grade. He edits your papers and if you change the things he says to, you will get an A. One of my favorite professors.

LOVE LOVE LOVE, helps you along the entire way when writing your papers, he's hilarious and very reasonable. very easy homework and gives many very easy opportunities to boost your grade. if you read the homework quizzes are very easy. lots of editing and time to turn in a grade A paper.

I LOVE Marafino. Two papers all semester (last one is your final). You work on these papers all semester and go really in depth. Marafino provided excellent feedback throughout the process. He's HILARIOUS. Had him at 8am and looked forward to his class. There are quizzes almost every class, but they're easy as long as you read the short excerpts.

Mr. Marafino is great! I have visited him about once a week during his office hours because he expects really good writing. There were quizzes a few times a week based on short readings which were easy As, and only two papers that would work on for the entire semester. There is a lot of opportunity for extra credit if you go to all the classes.

Marafino is one of my favorite professors! You do have to do reading for almost every class but they're never more than 5 pages. The quizzes aren't too challenging. You have two papers all year that are easy but he expects a lot from them. He cancels class whenever you're working on a paper. BEST WRTC PROFESSOR!

Marafino is the best, such a nice guy and gives you so many chances to revise and get a better grade on writing assignments. Go to class to keep up with what he expects on the essays, also because they are fun and he's hilarious. I'm a good writer, but definately learned a bunch and improved myself.

Mr. Marafino is my favorite professor so far here at JMU. He is absolutely hilarious and somehow managed to wake my entire class up at 8 am... There is so much in class peer editing so it really isn't hard to do well. I highly recommend.

He's hilarious. I loved this class. Highly recommend. We only had two major papers and little assignments in between them.

This man is literally the best! He is so funny, his lectures are never boring which you would never expect because I find the compositions of writing to be pretty boring. Two papers the whole semester (midterm/final) , easy quizzes on readings, awesome feedback. Take your time on the papers, go see him during office hours and you'll be good to go!

Marafino rocks! As long as you go to his office to ask him for help you'll be all set. Easy A if you take his advice.

Marafino was literally my favorite professor this semester and probably ever. He is absolutely hilarious. You gotta do all of the readings, which aren't bad, because he gives you a quiz on all of them (always with bonus points). Two essays that are easy, and you don't have class for like 3 weeks total because of conferences. DEF TAKE HIM.

Marafino definitely has an interesting sense of humor, but I find it hilarious. Good professor. Two papers with little assignments in between that essentially write your paper in little pieces until you put it together at the end. Short readings for quizzes that always have extra credit. You have class off for like 3 weeks bc of paper conferences!!

Marafino has been my favorite professor so far here at JMU. He makes class so enjoyable and his sense of humor keeps the class laughing. As long as you do the readings for every class, you'll ace the quizzes. He gives bonus points and many opportunities for extra points. He gives excellent feedback if you ask for help and overall is a great guy.

Funny guy. Two real major assignments which are essentially papers counted as the midterm and final. Almost daily, easy quizzes from quick readings with bonus questions. Go to his office hours for help on your papers and he will tell you what he wants.

Marafino is the pitch perfect professor! I wouldn't say he is easy, but he ACTUALLY teaches you how to write without getting lost in any political agendas (like most of my other professors). He is there to teach you how to write and he does this passionately. Take him.

I thought I wasnt going to like him but went to his office for about 30 minutes and he literally saved my life in this class. Working with him one on one really made me notice my writing weaknesses. He has high expectations but you can get a good grade as long as you show him that you care.

His class is like a slice of warm apple pie and his office hours are like a scoop of ice cream. He makes you put in a lot of hard work, but the end result is always wonderful.

My favorite professor at JMU! He is very reasonable and easy to talk with. The work can be a little demanding, but the second you ask for help is there to help you.

Amazing Professor! Go to his office hours for help with papers and he will tell you exactly what he wants, and you will do well in the class! 2 papers, a small reading quiz every class, and homeworks are usually 1-2 paragraph writing assignments.

He has to be the only general education professor that knows what general education is supposed to be. You have to do the reading because he gives quizzes but the quizzes are easy. If you volunteer to read out loud or offer to say something you are good to go. Take this class if you actually want to read cool stuff.

TAKE HIM! no tests, easy pop quizzes if you read, 4 papers (two are short) and so hilarious. I love him. He knows what it means to be a gen ed and that respected.. I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW AMZING HE IS

He's the only teacher I have this semester that knows how to teach. He is assertive with his expectations but don't let that scare you. He doesn't go off on tirades about nothing and is very to the point. TAKE HIM if you want to ACTUALLY learn something

He's good at getting everyone involved with class discussion. Sometimes he speaks in riddles but its fun to figure out what he means.

I wouldn't say this class is easy, but there is an actual payoff for what he makes you do. I was able to apply everything Mr. Marafino taught me to ALL of my other classes, and my grades dramatically improved. Although he expects students to work hard (and he WILL make you work), he was my favorite professor this semester!

One of my favorite professors at JMU. If youre having trouble, go to his office hours and he will tell you exactly what he expects of you and help you write whatever it is youre struggling with. Lots of short quizzes on readings but as long as you read them and pay attention to them youll be fine. Definitely recommend!!

Favorite class of freshman year; assignments were very clear & he gave good feedback if you need it. I went to office hours several times & got good helpful info. reading quizzes on articles were easy & he has a good sense of humor and makes class fun. Also released class early most days. I HIGHLY recommend taking him for this class!! Easy A!

Marafino is flamboyant and funny. Mini quizzes almost every class on short homework readings. Large part of grade based off one writing project, but it is due in small chunks throughout the semester and Marafino gives lots of feedback and assistance. Class was even cancelled many times at the end of the semester to give us time to write the paper.

Marafino is a great teacher, he's really funny and wants you to pass the class. 100% recommend taking this class.

No agendas. No politics. What a writing class should be. He doesn't bend policies and procedures in any way, shape, or form. But don't let that scare you. He's a great teacher and REALLY teaches you how to write. Highly recommend because you will actually LEARN something in his class.

He is a little enigmatic at times but overall you will learn a lot from him. There are easy quizzes everyday, but as long as you read you should be good to go.

I had this teacher last semester, and honestly, his assignments were time-consuming at times, but if you to get to know the professor and go to his office hours now and then for guidance on your major essay assignments, you should be okay. Be aware of quizzes almost every class (read the postings). He was a great writing professor. 8/10

I absolutely love Mr. Marafino! His teaching style is so casual and fun that you ACTUALLY want to go to class.

Mr. Marafino is the most dedicated professor at JMU. While all my other professors let me rot, Mr. Marafino is always there to say "What can I do for you?" Though he does make you overthink about every word you put on the page, his willingness to guide you along the way makes him a solid choice.

Hes meticulous but thats not really a bad thing. He is able to offer a lot of a-ha moments in your writing. I went to his office hours and he pointed out all the truly bad things that I did in high school English that passed for good. Very helpful and informative.

Mr. Marafino is by far my favorite professor at JMU. He does require you to do a lot of work, but he is always willing to lend a hand whenever I am confused. Go to his office hours because he gives very direct advice. He deserves a gold medal for what he does for his students!

Mr. Marafino is unlike any professor I've had at JMU so far. He ACTUALLY cares about his students' success and reads every word you write. Words need to be invented to describe how good of a professor he is.

I LOVE THIS CLASS SO MUCH! I highly recommend taking WRTC 103 with him!! his class is so much fun. He gives 5 question reading quizzes for all the readings in the textbook, pay attention in the readings and you'll pass. he's a tough grader when it comes to essays, but if you go to his office hours your grade on the paper will automatically go up

Simply the best. He really puts in a lot of extra work to make sure you pass the class. 10 out of 10!

WOW. Professor Marafino is literally the best teacher I've ever had. I came into his class an average writer. Currently, I'm about 3/4 of the way through his class, and my writing has progressed tremendously. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS. HE WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT. Best guy ever, if I could take again I would in a heart beat.

Mr. Marafino's writing class is probably the only class I actually look forward to going to. He's engaging and really wants his students to learn. 10/10

the single best teacher at jmu, undisputed. most funny guy that talks about the funniest things, makes it feel like a real community in class. he might call on you for questions but he helps you through your answers. you have to read zero books and write 4 easy papers. a must take

James Marafino is an awesome professor. If you go to him for his office hours your grade will automatically go up for papers because of the feedback he gives you. He is a great guy and actually really tries to help his students do well. I highly recommend him as a professor.

Great Guy, Grades a little tough. Just go to class and work hard. Ask him for assistance! He will totally help you.

THE MAN! One of my favorite profs. He is truly willing to work with you! Show that you care and want to do well. Very rewarding class if taken seriously. Attend office hours. He doesn't add any personal bias into his agenda. He is strictly professional. 10/10 CLASS.

I think every student at JMU should take a class with Mr. Marafino. I learned more from him in 15 weeks than I ever learned in all 4 years of high school. He does challenge you, but it is worth it and it is fun! JMU should name a building after him!

He lives and breathes to help everyone. He even holds extra office hours on the weekend for people who cannot make it to his regular office hours. Does have some picky expectations but as long as you go to his office and show interest youre good to go. Highly recommend.

One of the best professors at JMU for sure. Hes insanely funny and makes it fun to go to class. Requires some effort but he really helps everyone become better writers. Go to office hours!!

Marafino is definitely the best professor I've ever had. He's so funny in class and shows that he cares about his students. In his class I actually learned how to write a good essay and feel confident about it. If you have the chance to take his class you definitely should.

One of the best professors I've had. He truly cares about his students succeeding and will help you in and outside of class. Take advantage of his office hours if you need help on an essay, if you do so you will get a good grade!

I just walked out of his office having received the best advice ever! He is absolutely phenomenal.

It seems like he is the only one of my professors that actually works. Go to his office hours because he will work wonders on papers.

This dude rocks! Out of all my classes Marafino's is the one I look forward to going to. He is a little picky about writing and he's not afraid to tell you how it is, but his fun approach makes you want to learn. Highly recommend for all freshmen.

My favorite professor at JMU! His grading is a little picky but if you go to his office hours he will pretty much rewrite your paper for you. He is super helpful.

A little rough around the edges but you will learn a lot from him. He is very helpful and very specific during office hours. If you go to his office hours he will love you for it

You are very lucky if you get Marafino for writing because he fixes everything! It can be crushing at times when you see your papers dripping in red ink but he pinpoints everything you do wrong and suggests how you can avoid it in the future.

Best professor. Period. He is very staunch with policies, but he explains everything and sometimes lets you revise. You will work, but you will learn.

Mr. Marafino's cool and laid back. He does grade a little hard and it does take some time to get used to his expectations. But he balances all that out with easy reading quizzes and plenty of extra credit. 10/10!

He has a lot of picky expectations but that isn't a bad thing because he is the nicest and most understanding professor JMU has to offer. He returned my papers bleeding with red ink but I am now able to see my writing weaknesses.

I love Mr Marafinos post apocalyptic class. He is very open to everyones ideas. You will read a lot and he gives quizzes but if you ask for help in his office hours your grade will rise. He loves to help and he REALLY helps you. Take him for your gen ed lit class.

I admit to being very full of myself when I came into this class but Mr. Marafino brought me to reality in the nicest and politest way possible. The assignments he gives are a little time consuming and he does pinpoint your flaws more than you'd like him to, but he's always willing to help you.

I've had great professors at JMU, but Mr. Marafino is the polished gem! He's extremely understanding and always willing to give a helping hand (usually a hand that holds a red pen). He's very flexible with his office hours and always makes room in his schedule to meet.

I definitely have a new respect for writing after taking this class. He does have high expectations but you will learn from those expectations. Take him for your gen ed writing class.

Forget everything you thought you knew about writing because this guy is a piece of work. I thought I wasnt going to like him at first but this class became my favorite and most beneficial class of freshman year. His criticism is very specific and there are a lot of writing rules, but in the end his job is to make sure you become a good writer.

Marafino is patient. His teaching and editing are detailed. Take this class because you will learn how to write a good paper about any subject.

Oh how I adore Mr Marafino! He was my favorite professor all year and he made this literature class fun and enjoyable. I will miss going this class so much!

I really enjoyed his class because he's humorous and class discussions are fun to engage in. As long as you read, the quizzes are easy and short, and he has clear grading criteria. However, he's a pretty strict grader on papers, so you really have to take time and try your best on them. He's sarcastic and a bit intimidating, but attainable A or B.

Marafino can come across as a little intimidating, but he was able to turn my sloppy essays into ultra-readable essays! You have to go to his office hours to get the nitty-gritty help. He loves to help you and loves to see you succeed.

Mr. Marafinos anecdotes are wild and zany, but no matter how bizarre these stories are you always manage to chuckle. You have to put effort into his class which really isnt a big deal because he teaches with enormous warmth. He takes the time to work with you and will give you astute advice about your writing. Office hours were very helpful.

Mr Marafinos class is a refreshing retreat from the trenches of freshman life. His lectures are eccentric and they keep you involved. This class was definitely the highlight of my day!

Super abundantly awesome! He is a bit of a hard grader but hes not one of those hard just to be hard professors. He loves to help you and his help will really pay off. I went to his office hours and he transformed my essay from a big mess of words into a coherent paper.

Marafino isnt awesome, hes wickedly awesome. My writing has become elegant and lyrical because of all the help he provides. Highly recommend for your freshman writing class.

Hes a hard grader but as long as you stay on topic youll be fine. Marafino is strikingly unique in the sense that he actually makes the time to help you. He might just be the perfect professor. 10/10

Marafino is by far the best college professor ive had so far. He can come off as intimidating but truly cares about his students and their success. I recommend going to office hours because they will truly enhance your writing and give you and he likes to see that you put in the effort. Best professor ever wish I could have him again!

Mr Marafino is a professor for all students, providing a remarkable array of writing tips that can be applied to a wide range of studies. He likes to see hard work but is sensitive enough to help you along the way. Hes my favorite person at JMU.

He is a great teacher, very funny! He really taught me how to be a better writing. Only a couple essays and they are really short (most 500 words). Every week you have journals that are 250 words, not bad tho, so easy. Class always ends early and he cancels a lot because of partner review for essays and library time.

He builds relationships with as many students as possible, and he really distances himself from the establishment because he isnt interested in promoting his personal views. Hes faithful to his job and very fair. This guy is great!

Marafinos class is a fun and subtly suspenseful experience. Only he can manage in just several weeks to present so many ideas and ways to improve your writing. Hes picky about a lot of things but his pickiness makes your writing more powerful. Hes challenging but at the same time very engaging.

Mr. Marafino is the best professor I've had at JMU so far. The man is sassy and hilarious, but also so helpful. If you make an appointment to meet with him before essays are due he gives lots of feedback and will help you become a better writer. Make sure you meet with him though or your grade will reflect it.

Marafino is a funny and charming guy. He gives a lot of feedback and writes in red ink. But deep down I think hes rooting for all of us! I hope to have him again!

He's super funny but also helps shape the ideas for our papers. There's a reading quiz every class but if you read they're pretty easy. Be prepared to be randomly called on but otherwise, his class is relaxed. Go to office hours for help with your papers it really helps and you usually get a better grade.

Mr Marafino is a sparkling professor with a dark sense of humor. He is very helpful and pretty much stops whatever he is doing to help you. Highly recommend for your freshman writing class.

Marafino is the best professor I ever had. He's super funny and makes the class enjoyable. Class only has 2 papers (1,000 words each) and reading quizzes every class which aren't hard. There are about 5 books to read which is intimidating but they're easy to read. Take his class if you want a fun class and an easy A!

BEST PROFESSOR TO EVER EXIST. I used to hate writing but I looked forward to class. You take a few quizzes on short stories and write a few journal responses and a few different types of essays. Fun class discussions. When he is reading your work he doesn't just tell you what you did wrong he tells you what you did right as well. Amazing human.

If I could take every class for the rest of my life with Marafino I would. He's like the fun uncle of the family that gives incredible life advice and everyone loves. Best professor at JMU hands down. If his office hours fill up he's always willing to meet with you at another time. So sad to be finished with this class.

I loved Mr Marafino from the very first day of class and I absolutely recommend him for anyone who wants to learn how to write well. He teaches with humor and his expectations are high, but if you go to his office he will cherish you for your dedication.

The thing I loved about Mr Marafino was that he didnt waste time going off on tangents about irrelevant topics. He is to the point, which can be be intimidating, but it was clear that his goal was to make sure I learned from my mistakes so I wouldnt make them again. Gave no shame for my mistakes but helped me fix them.

An uplifting professor. Marafino provides assignments that include a lot of hard work but they never feel like a burden because youre actually learning from them. Plus hes always there to help you along the way. This class was my favorite class and I really miss it.

If youre not big on reading and writing (like I was) Mr Marafino will turn that upside down. He really understands what we expected to get from this class and he delivered. BEST PROFESSOR AT JMU!

One of the funniest professors ever. He's really easy going and talks about his Las Vegas trip all the time. He actually cares about you and your grade and is thorough to the best of his ability. He has a few lectures with notes but it's mainly writing. Would def take if you want an easy A or like good feedback.

Marafino was the most gifted and fun professor I had all freshman year. Really makes you write though. His approach is unconventional and he says whatever is on his mind which is great because it is awesome to have a professor with a sense of humor!

Let me state the obvious. Marafino rocks. He is one of the most picky English teachers Ive ever had but he doesnt make you feel bad when you do something wrong. He points it out and tells you how to fix it. BEST PROFESSOR AT JMU!

If you were to look at a list of his traits hed come across as a person to despise, but meeting him face to face you cant do anything but love him! Really helped me along this semester and was my favorite prof! Go to office hours because they will really pay off.

What a wonderful guy! He really takes the time to help us make our writing better. He treats everyone equally and realizes that were not going to write like Shakespeare overnight. Take him if you can.

He is the BEST professor I have ever had. If you want to actually learn how to write, TAKE THIS CLASS. He is a true gem. I never saw myself as a good writer or as someone who enjoyed writing, but he changed my mind. He is hilarious, which makes the class a lot of fun and he lets class out early a lot. TAKE HIM! You will NOT regret it. I'll miss it!

Marafino makes miracles happen! Hes nit picky about writing but he will help you if you ask for it. He is the BEST prof at JMU and I am going to miss going to his class.

I loved that he allowed us to chime into our imagination. He was very helpful and very nice about the help he gave. Best choice for wrtc 103!

I miss Mr Marafino. He was a fabulous teacher and person. He was very responsive to my emails and always added a couple of extra office hours if you couldnt make his normal ones. Only professor who was truly there to help.

He is one of my favorite instructors! He is super caring and will help you in any way to make sure you pass! During this entire pandemic, he has been nothing but gracious with his students. He's a doll in the classroom, having group discussions and not leaving anyone out. His homework and classwork make you think, but it's not difficult.

One of my favorite professors, he tries to make your life easier instead of harder and everything he assigns is reasonable. Easy A if you try.

Mr. Marafino is as wonderful as a basket of puppies. He is willing to help you every step of the way and doesnt make you feel stressed if youre not understanding something. Definitely a bright spot in these dark times!

His power rests in his understanding of us as students, of our goals, of our needs, of our expectations. He is the most pickiest of all my professors I have this semester but he is incredibly nice and polite in his approach to constructive criticism.

This class was the most fun I had all semester! Marafino really gets you to think about your writing and he is very accessible whenever you need help. I want to be him when I grow up!

Mr Marafino is the sweetest person. Hes generous, absolutely lovely. I am going to miss this class when it is over.

Professor Marafino gave good feedback and responded almost immediately whenever I emailed him. Taking him is a good choice!

If you take Marafino, then be prepared to be wowed! I took this class last year with another professor and that class was a waste of time. Marafino on the other hand actually pointed out the flaws in my writing and provided suggestions about how to avoid making them. He genuinely wanted to see me do well and that made him very approachable.

If any professor can be considered a rock star of JMU it is professor Marafino!

Prof Marafino wants you to do well in his class. He always responds quickly, gives helpful advice, checks in on your work, and makes class enjoyable. Grades are based on participation, 2 papers, EXTREMELY easy quizzes, and an even easier midterm. 10/10

Mr Marafino has the two gifts a great professor needs: patience and empathy. He is a great guy.

Dedicated and caring. Its more vital than ever that you take writing with Marafino.

No one can rip your writing apart and then fill you with so much optimism quite like mr Marafino.

Amazing! Marafino really helps you discover your genius. The most essential choice for your required writing gen Ed.

Marafino is rough around the edges but he does care about your success in the class. I didnt use his office hours as much as I should of but when I did he always managed to point out and correct the problems I had in my writing. Deep down hes very caring.

My favorite professor at jmu. He always managed to tell a funny and sometimes sinister joke to brighten your spirits. He loves to hear what you have to say and really makes the class environment comfortable. Take him if you can!!!

Mr. Marafino is a funny, quick witted teacher. He helped me along every step of the way with my writing. He is a great listener and he really takes the time to help you understand what he expects.

Not an ounce of time was wasted in his class. He is direct and straight to the point. His comments and criticism can be a little bit intimidating but he only does these things to help you. Highly recommend him for gen ed WRTC!!!!

My favorite class all year. He doesnt waste any time preaching his beliefs and only sticks to what needs to be taught. He is open to many ideas that I know are different than his own. He doesnt bash your ideas but makes them better supported.

Marafino is a hilarious, engaging, and easily approachable professor. I went to his virtual WebEx office hours and he pretty much rewrote my entire essay! As long as you put in the effort he will loves to see you succeed.

I love mr Marafino! Although hes a little sassy, hes very caring and loves to make sure you do well. Im going to miss him after this semester.

This class was a tour de force. TAKE THIS CLASS! He is picky and has a lot of Marafinoisms. Marafino goes straight to the topic on hand and teaches you exactly what you need to know to do well.

Marafino is absolutely hilarious and adorable! Taking his class is worth every penny.

This professor. This professor. I really like his relaxed approach to the class because he doesnt degrade or belittle you. I dont think Im the only one who appreciates how great this professor is!

Mr Marafino has the most extraordinary gift that and English teacher could ever have: the ability make students like me who hate English class actually want to show up and learn something. Take him for your writing class if you can. Hes sooooo funny and can talk about everything imaginable!!!!!

Great man! No tests, just 5-10 question reading quizzes at the beginning of each class. Two papers but he gives you a chance to peer review and he will look over your paper before its due to help you out. Would 100% take him again and I don't say that about many professors.

I wasnt sure what I was going to think of him at first. Im a senior ready to graduate, and I am so glad I took this class. Going to class is not difficult because when you get there its like you are curled up in a swaddle wrap. He is open to ideas and he doesnt make you feel like you are dumb. If something doesnt make sense he will help you.

Marafino is really funny and is a brilliant writer. The first few months of the semester are primarily just readings, and quizzes. There are several big papers but if you manage your time you will be chilling. He sets a high standard for his students' writing and if you go to his office hours you will get a better grade (he literally told us that)

Professor Marafino is amazing !!! He actually cares about his students, and provides thoughtful info to everyone on their writing. He is so so funny and keeps every single class interesting. If you get the chance to take a class w him, do so

Attendance is nearly mandatory in this course, but that is due to the daily reading quizzes which can be tricky at first, but then become a breeze. The midterm in this course is the make or break grade for the semester; it is really simple and easy, but it is very short so be careful. Prof. Marafino truly cares about his students and I love him.

I took this class last year with a different teacher and it was all political commentary. Thank god for Marafino! He remained neutral and actually taught ways to write. He even played music in class (not those folky songs that most profs play but music we liked)

Hes a teacher not a preacher and that is the thing I love about him. He is a yankee so be prepared to work hard but dont let that scare you. If you go to his office hours he will help you and love you for it. He was my favorite professor all year.

Marafino is so funny and is passionate about writing. There is a very short quiz each class like 5 questions so attendence is mandatory but only took me like 1 minute each. He isn't too harsh of a grader on the essays and he will make your grade higher if you go to his office hours. The classes are like casual conversations so its not boring.

The notorious professor m. Tough grader sometimes but the guy is savage and chill.

More like a brofessor than a professor. He has a lot of picky writing rules that frustrate you when he points you out doing them but that’s not too bad. Comes across as a little scary because he wears all black all the time but he is very nice especially during office hours.

My friends took him last semester and recommended him like my life depended on it and he lives up to the recommendation. My friends have not seen him since last year and they all are still screaming his name!!!!

A truly hilarious guy who really cares about your success. It is sooooo rare to come across a prof who can fill you with so much happiness and positivity! I admire him soooo much!!!

Very helpful when you go to his office hours and will basically do the hard work for you on your essays

He was an awesome professor, Attendance is mandatory but he makes class interactive and we got an attendance grade that gave an extra boost at the end of the semester. Two papers, a midterm and reading quizzes were the major grades but everything is quite simple. He really tries to help and encourage everyone and has great office hour help.

I love him! I love him! I love him! Trust me he is the coolest professor I have had all year even though he is picky with writing. So real and down to earth. I swear he can talk to you about anything!!!!

The sweetest pie! One of the nicest people you will ever meet at JMU.

You take a quiz about once a week in class from the assigned short readings. There are about three big essays you write but they are about what you want to write about. The professor himself, hilarious guy and very open about his life. He'll have some weeks where you'll only have to go into class once for like 30 mins. 100% take him if you can!

He is one of my very favorite professors so the fact that his class may be my favorite class I have ever taken at JMU. He is truly a kind and great guy!

Professor Marafino is an amazing guy! he is hilarious and makes coming to class so worthwhile. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS! Your grade will improve SO much if you go to office hours and participate in class. he cancells class a lot but attendance is mandatory so just go. A reading is due almost every night with a quiz the next day but they're easy!

If JMU should stand for anything it should be James Marafino University. This guy is the reason I get up in the morning determined to do well.

Marafino is the absolute BAMF of JMU. He is merciless with the grading and writings but he makes up for it with cool stories and a chill personality. Went to his office a lot and he helped with all I had problems with.

I love Professor Marafino! He's hilarious and makes WRTC tolerable!! Graded by reading quizes which are easy and a few papers. Beware of the midterm though, only reason I didn't get a solid A. If you struggle with writing go to his office hours! Highly reccommend!!!

I came into this class thinking that I already knew everything I needed to know about writing because my mom is an English teacher. I quickly realized that there was a lot I did not know and Marafino made it clear what my weaknesses were. No one is teaching better or more need classes than him! Will be hard not having his class to go to next year.

I have never met a writing teacher I liked until I met this man. His lectures are knowledgeable and funny and he makes sure everyone in the class understands what's going on in a discussion before the end of class. Readings are about 50% of the time and mini quizzes the class after but the readings are short.

This guy is a living exclamation point. He does have hard rules about writing but he actually teaches you how to write. Go to his office hours and he will love you for it.

There is a reason that this man is so hard to get! He honest to God is the best professor at JMU. He is so funny and makes class super enjoyable (especially for those who despise reading like me). He cancels class/ gives at home assignments a lot. Participation in class does matter but any answer you give he will give such good feedback! Take him!!

Professor Marofino is by far the best professor I have had at JMU. He genuinely cares about his students and his class feels like a light-hearted, casual conversation. He encourages all of his students to share their thoughts and opinions and makes it easy for even shy people to be comfortable. Go to his office hours!!! Can't recommend him enough

Marafino was super funny and made the class very enjoyable. The class is only 5 books, two papers, and easy quizzes at the beginning of most classes. He cancels class a lot which is nice, and he understands this class isn't our top priority. There are no tests, and the papers are max 1,000 words. DEF TAKE HIM if you want an easy A.

Prof Marafino is amazing. He is a little picky with writing but you learn a lot and if you go to his office hours it helps so much. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS. He is also super funny which makes class fun. There is a reading quiz almost every class but they're so easy. There is a midterm that is ab 10 q's but it is also easy if you just attend class.

I love Mr. Marafino!! Lots of 5 question quizzes but none of the readings are too long. He will call on you randomly but I never minded too much. Only 2 papers- go to office hours!!! He gives excellent feedback and helps a ton. The midterm was deceivingly easy- I bombed it because it was only 10 questions. He also cancels class a lot which is nice!

Prof. Marafino truly is a great guy and hes hilarious! I was worried for the English gen ed, but he made english more bearable. A couple of things: you read like a book in a week so get ready for that. and then you take 5 or 10 question quizzes to begin class to make sure you read and if you do read super easy. 2 papers. Great guy and hilarious!!

Marafino is a really cool professor. You have to read a lot and finish books fairly quickly, but I really enjoyed everything we read. Short quizzes on the reading at the start of class, then discussion or a simple group assignment. Two essays, one is minimum of 750 words and the other is minimum 1000. Definitely take for a fun, easy class.

LOVE HIM! i would take this class again just for fun, lots of reading but books are interesting, easy reading quizzes every class. 2 papers that he introduces over a month b4 due date, grades pretty easy & is super helpful in office hours. Attendance isn't mandatory but I always went bc he was so funny and was a great start to my day. def take him

Iconic.

Marafino is an amazing professor who really cares about us. His office hours are such a good resource. The only homework is reading a short passage every night with a small quiz on it during the next class. I would absolutely recommend taking his class if you want to get better at writing and have a fun time doing so.

I liked Professor Marafino. He was nice, approachable, and passionate about writing. There was daily reading homework with a quiz on them every class, a midterm, and two essays. The quizzes were easy. The essays required some hard work and he was kind of a tough grader, but he provided great feedback. He has everyone participate in class. Take him.

Professor Marafino is hillarious and makes class fun. Very tough grader tho, nobody gets a 100 on the essays, but he literally rewrites your essay if you go to office hours!!! Definitely use the office hours. There are short reading quizes at the beginning of the class and discussions during class for your grade.

He is awesome and very different from most professors you will get here. Grades hard but he is sooooo willing to help all the time. Go to office hours. He does love to help you and treats like an actual human.

I absolutely love Professor Marafino. He is hilarious and really loves to have the class engage in conversation. There is a lot of reading (it acts as an English course) but the books were so interesting and never felt like a chore or a homework assignment. Hands down the best guy to take!

I added a WRTC minor because of him! I didn't see him as a tough grader, the feedback given on essays were fair if you paid attention to his guidelines. I turned my final paper in days early and he had it graded with feedback within an hour. So much time to complete your essays! The readings before class were short I read them on my walk to class.

Mr. Marafino is a lot of fun and swears a lot in his lectures. For his papers, make sure you are scheduling office hours early as they do fill up. There are short readings, but make sure you are not only picking up on subtle themes of them but small details such as the author's name. The final is a 2000-word paper but is mostly guided.

He can come across as a little snarky and cynical, but he does show up for you when you need help. His writing expectations are extremely high and that makes him seem intimidating. Once you get to know him he will become your favorite person.

Professor Marafino was by far my favorite professor of freshman year. He is kind, hilarious, and passionate about writing. I was worried coming into this class because I am not the strongest writer, but he has taught me so much and I am way more confident with writing now. I highly suggest utilizing his office hours, he provides awesome feedback.

Marafino is one of the best teachers I've ever had. Hilarious and he treats everyone with respect and helped me learn a lot about writing. Reading quizzes every week that are really easy, midterm, and 2 total papers to write. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS!!! He tells you everything he wants you to change and will basically rewrite your essay for you. King

If you need to fulfill the English cluster. Just take this man. He is so good and you won't regret it. Not to mention, just funny. You read quite a few books but they're interesting (coming from someone who doesn't read). These books actually got me into reading. He is so fun and one of my favorite professors here at JMU and I am a Junior.

I didn't believe the hype but he is the gold standard when it comes to finding the best LIT. Gen Ed. 5 books with about 15 quizzes. I would literally just read SparkNotes before each class & got 100% on every one. Theres 2 papers that he's a picky grader on but if you have him help you he rewrites your essay for you. Fun class. Easy asf. Take him!

Super cool guy. Helps a lot with essays. PLEASE GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS WHEN YOU HAVE AN ESSAY DUE, HE IS INSANELY HELPFUL AND YOUR GRADE WILL INCREASE IF YOU GO TO SEE HIM!! Quiz everyday but they are very easy. Take this man if you want to get an easy English credit. He also cancels class a fair amount of time.

Marafino is awesome! Super nice guy that is entertaining and caring. Attendance is mandatory, but so worth it. Class has no notes, just discussion about the book. No textbook, but must rent or buy books that he selects. Reading quizzes about the book almost every class, plus two essays that are not too bad. Would highly recommend him.

Classes are explosions of issues that relate to us and the here and now. Makes you write but worth it. Highly recommend.

Great teacher and gives amazing feedback that actually helps your writing. Go to office hours for every paper for an almost guaranteed good grade.

Marafino is fun, but you NEED to go to office hours for papers. His appointments fill up fast so do it sooner rather than later. 2 papers, 13ish quizzes on readings, and some easy assignments. On quizzes he asks about specific things like names, publishers, so actually read them. Attendance mandatory but cancelled class often for writing days.

There are reading quizzes every class on either student essays or other articles he assigns. They are super easy. I would normally read the essays right before class and pay attention to key points and get good grades on them. The quizzes are super straight forward. Go to his office hours for the final essay, also there is a short mid term (easy)

He is a nice and funny guy and I enjoyed class with him. You take reading quizzes almost every class but they're easy, and participation matters in discussions. He is VERY particular about the writing he prefers so you need to go to his office hours for your final paper, but if you do you will most likely get an A.

Marafinos class isn't exactly hard but he does have VERY high expectations with writing. He is direct, northern, and downright dedicated to the job which is something you don't always find here. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS because they will save your life!

Marafino is awesome! I absolutely loved his class and the discussions. You read short stories then a short easy quiz the next class, but you need to read, they ask 4small details. Go to office hours! I don't feel like the strongest writer, but I went and got a B+ on my paper! Btw, short midterm, simple+easy, but easy to do bad(i did).stillgotan A-!

amazing professor, only grades are reading quizzes each class and 2 papers. so funny and engages with students during lectures. 4 total books to read but they aren't boring and you get quizzed on tiny details in each chapter. gives lots of extra credit opportunities, would take again!!

Very Nice Professor! Office Hours matter in this class and you will get a better grade by going to them. He makes that very clear. Not too much homework, just short reading with pop quizzes in class. One big paper that takes up most of the class+ after about half way through the semester class gets cancelled a lot.

Marafino is the BEST!! His class is easy as long as you do the readings, you'll have quizzes on them. I had him for WRTC103 and HUM200 and they're some of my favorite classes I've taken at JMU so far. He is hilarious and makes class enjoyable. Go to his office hours so he can revise your paper, you will get a higher grade.

TAKE HIM!!! He is super funny and his class really isn't bad as long as you read. You read 5 books throughout the semester and every class you take usually a 5 question multiple choice reading quiz that is easy. You also have to write 2 papers, but they really aren't hard at all. Make sure to do the reading because he does call on people randomly

He is extremely funny but he is a bit of a hard grader. There are time when he talks like he is from outer space but I really don't mind. Go to his office hours for papers because he will really help your grade get better.

Marafino is warm and witty. He does allow you to take a lot freedom on the topics you can write about. Be careful though because he has a bewitching tendency to call on you at random to answer questions about the reading so be sure to read them. They are short anyways and not too hard. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS.

At first I didn't really like the class since i'm not a writer but as the semester passed be became my favorite professor. Make sure to go to his office hours! Do the readings as well since in class he likes to pick on people to answer questions during discussion.

Amazing prof!! Make sure to do readings because there are quizzes, and go to office hours for the final essay, which is a topic of your choice. There is no final, just the essay you start halfway through the semester. He is really funny and very approachable, make sure to participate in class if not he will call on you.

Great professor, he's funny and tough but very clear on what he wants. Class participation important but easy to get a good grade if you go to office hours he'll edit your essay so well. Almost daily quizzes which are super easy if you did the short readings that take like 5 minutes for hw. I loved him and I learned a lot, definitely recommend!

Great professor, class wasn't very difficult, some small few question quizzes, and then a paper that takes up half of the semester, but is manageable if you go to office hours and seek help, you're grade will increase significantly. I highly recommend taking him as his lectures were quick and class was often cancelled later in the semester.

He lets you balance your imagination with the impact of the real world. Doesn't try to influence your way of thinking at all. He is an enormously entertaining and lovable professor.

He likes you to write about peculiar topics and that is fun since you choose the topic. Go to his office hours because he wants you to be as vivid as possible. I wouldn't have survived in the class if I didn't ask for help. His help is terrific!!!!

Make sure you go to Marafino's office for papers because he has high expectations. He also keeps track of manners, so he will respect and remember you if you go to his office. For the most part, he is an open hearted person who simply wants you to do well.

I would follow Mr Marafino into the abyss because he was so willing to help me. I thought my paper was great but he politely ripped it apart in his office and helped me make it better. You do have to do the readings because he gives quizzes. Highly recommended him!!!! GO TO HIS OFFICE!

Make sure to go to his office. He can be intimidating when he looks at your paper but he is really down to earth and reassuring.

Not a strong writer, so I was worried at first, but the class wasn't hard to keep up with. He gradually introduces you to your final paper early on to give you time to work on it and meet up with him for feedback. Go to class, because there's usually a short quiz, based on readings and do well on the easy midterm exam. It can be make or break.

ugh he is the funniest professor ever. the Undesirable Futures topic is really interesting and the books are actually good. you need to attend class so you don't miss the reading quizzes, he is very strict about attendance. but i actually want to go to this class so it's all good. go to his office hours and he'll help you so much

TAKE IT. Great gened, you do have to read essays/stories for the next class and take a quiz, they are less than 10 easy questions. You only have two papers, and our exam was about ten questions. You do have to go to class to take the mini quiz's, but half of the time there is no class to work on your essay, group workshops, or one on one meetings.

There were ussally daily quizzes but easy if you just read the short reading before. Theres like 2 essays but if you go to his office hours he will help you a lot and you will get a good grade. Funny guy too.

Professor Marafino is awesome! He really cares about his students getting good grades and will meet outside class (as much as you can fit into his schedule) in order to do so. I met with him at least four times and each time he gave great feedback and helped a lot with my essays and writing. Lectures are great, and attendance is mandatory.

Definitely take his class, guys! He's super easygoing and genuinely funny. You'll have short reading quizzes every class, but they're really manageable. You'll write two essays, and if you go to his office hours, he'll tell you exactly what you need to do.

Such a great teacher and it is not a hard class at all. In the beginning there is a reading check quiz basically every class but if you actually read, you will be fine. We only have two papers in this class, so those quizzes are important to do good on. He does like to call on people but nothing too difficult

LOVED him and this class. Short quizzes every class made attendance pretty mandatory, but they were based on very short (