Lots of reading and writing of papers; as well as, mass class participation.

he is tough as snot, he will make you work but it is very rewarding, even for a fat lazy slob like me. very much worth taking, even if he fails you, you will learn more from him that 90 of other profs. you also learn much more useful tools for digging into literature

Dr. Sharkey's leterature classes double as writing classes; he gives enormously helpful feedback on essays, which is quite time-consuming on his part. I have heard a considerable amount of whining from students accustomed to getting good grades for average work. Welcome to college!

Be prepared to work your butt off! Discussion prompts every class. Two papers. Hard final. One of the best classes I've taken. Read 6 books. Probably won't get the best grade but I really learned a lot. Sharkey is awesome! He'll be gone next year but take him if you can when he gets back. He's extremely intelligent and insightful.

Seems to be a little wacky, but you've got to love this guy. The workload is intense ( especially during summer ), but interesting.

You will work your butt off, but you'll learn a lot. I also reccommend the trip to Ashland in the summer.

Whoa. This guy is the most difficult teacher I've ever taken in my college career. Take the class and learn mass about lit, don't take the class and keep your comfortable GPA. But take it- just to encounter a mind working at top speed and skill! With essays- write what you want, not what he asks you to.

I absolutely loved his class. It was incredibly hard, one of the grades is to discuss in class, there's a lot of reading, two major essays, and the final was like the terminator, huge and terrifying. But it was my favorite class and still is my favorite class so far. I highly recommend it for people who want to learn something in college.

Man is he hard! He recently dropped this class down to a 200 but is just as much work as a 400! He may grade hard but his class is so rewarding! Don't take his class for a grade- take it for a priceless learning experience! Plus he is super cute!!

I like Sharkey. He's hard and there's alot of reading & writing. Grades hard but is fair and consistent. Do not miss his class or suffer. Sharkey knows his stuff but isn't overbearing; willing to listen to other opinions. Wants to see his student succeed but will not corners to do so. I'll take his class again.

I love this professor! He is entertaining, bright and engaging. He grades tough, but it is worth it to take his class. He spends lots of time giving lots of feedback on your papers, more so than any other proffesor I have had. Take his class if you want to enjoy yourself and not just while away time.

I have decided I am love! Took this class for 'fun.' I needed credits for grad requirements only & Lit is easy for me. This is to date, one my more intense classes. Being a Lit/Hist Major, I can safely say I have learned more from his discussions and book lectures, than the last 3 yrs of Historical Lit studies. Very Hard, Very Demanding, Very Cute

If you're lazy or dumb, (and by dumb, I mean don't know know to use a comma) don't take his class. You will fail. If you're smart, and enjoy critically thinking about literature, you will love him and his classes. I actually appreciate his tough grading. I got a 3.9 in his class.

Unrealistic expectations. The reading for each class took more than three hours per class He purposely grades low despite it being an elective class. He is very smart, but feels a reasonable amount of effort is only worth a C in his class. Even if you answer his questions entirely, if it doesnt blow his mind he will give you a C+.

Great prof, great class. Shakespeare and Medeival Quests were the most chalenging I've taken in college, but also the most rewarding. Don't take him if you can't commit time to reading and writing. He holds everyone to the same high standard and is consistent with his grading. Definitely worthwhile if you want to learn.

I think he is an amazing professor!

Very tough grader.If you think you're a decent writer, be prepared to be told that you're not. Not worth it if you care about your GPA.

Sharkey is concise, diplomatic, and witty. Though the class is challenging, he relentlessly offers his assistance. If you apply yourself, the class is extremely rewarding and satisfying.

Be prepared to put in a lot of work to earn a decent grade and even then your gpa may suffer if taking 15 credits. For as much as he expects out of you though, he seems to have the same if not higher standards for himself. Very avail. to help students. Class was enjoyable. Final was hard. I wanted to hate him but definitely respect and admire him.

Sharkey sparked a love for Shakespeare in me! Learned so much in the class, and he knows the content so well. Very passionate, smart, interesting, and so on. Great class!

Really enjoyed the renaissance/medieval lit class. Be ready to read lots and work hard, but it's so worth it. Sharkey is very smart and helpful with everything, especially the essays. I recommend this class to anyone who enjoys literature.

Class can be a bit intimidating, but if you work hard it is very rewarding. Professor is hard grader, but it willing to help! He is very knowledgable and class discussion can also be helpful so class attendance is mandatory!

Professor Sharkey is likely the best professor I've ever had. His classes are hard but set up for you to succeed. He is very smart and funny, and always willing to help if you ask. Going to class is a must to do well. I can't say enough good things about his classes- take one!!

His Shakespeare class was the HARDEST class I've ever taken. Most other classes feel like high school next to his. WIth that said, I am so glad that I took it! He is a man truly born to be a professor. Be prepared to READ, WRITE, and TALK a lot! If you truly want to learn than take him, if you care about having a perfect GPA then don't.

Hard grader, made me question my writing skills and cry about my grades. The class is interesting and I enjoy it, just wish it wouldn't give drop my GPA so much

Sharkey is my favorite prof at UWT. He's organized, knows a ton about lit, and knows how to teach it. My writing skills have improved immensely, as he provides excellent feedback on all assignments, re: your structure, style, and insight. If you go in scared, pay attention, do your work, talk in class, and learn from his critiques, you'll get an A.

He is very passionate about what he teaches, but extremely hard! This is a 200 lev course, but should be 400 or graduate level. Hard grader, required attendance and participation, weekly assignments, 2 essays, final, and discussion participation determines your grade. Would not take another class from him!!!

Sharkey is a great professor but is VERY demanding. This 200 lev class was the hardest class I have ever taken. He is very critical about grading, and mostly based on his opinions. I learned a lot in his class, but would never take him again. Discussion participation is mandatory, so don't take this class if you can't speak up in class.

I'm torn how I feel about Sharkey. I've never worked so hard as I did taking this class and I improved my writing skills immensely. He is organized and is extremely helpful. He grades based on his opinion and is super demanding. This should be a graduate level course, easily. Do not take this class if you think it will be easy.

I really enjoyed this class. Mr. Sharkey is awesome, but he doesn't hand out A's like candy, so a 98 on an assignment means something. He has a great sense of humor and is super-smart. He loves his field (which is obvious) and won't trivialize it to make it easier. He cares about teaching students some literature-not trying to please everyone.

People aren't kidding when they say this guy grades rough. He does allow one rewrite. I did my rewrite for my second paper and got a bump from 70 to 72! Ouch! My first paper got an 89. It's rough. He's a good guy though. Just be prepared to participate and work hard.

Took this as an elective thinking it would be a nice class to read in...It was difficult but Sharkey was incredibly helpful and would answer any question in a timely matter. Not an easy A but for sure a great class if you actually want to learn something. Favorite professor of the year (:

Sharkey is energetic; he really draws you into the material. He directs class discussion well, guiding it to the point but not squashing students' thoughts.

Professor Sharkey may be a tough grader and a lot of writing is required but the tests are easy and he does allow one free re-write. He is eager to work with you and it is apparent that his main objective is to make you grow and learn. If you want to take a class that is extremely enriching than he is the prof. for you

Joe is a very smart man which makes his class so awesome to be in. I've never appreciated any english courses much less any literature until this one. Joe, brings to light so many interesting perspectives that make you actually learn. He's a tough grader if your not an excellent writer however, I would take this class over again!!

Always teaches by guided class discussion, and is fantastic at it. Fairly tough grader, but your writing will definitely improve with him. Open to any student ideas, even if they are contrary to his, as long as there is supporting evidence. One-page papers on assigned readings help develop your ideas. Taken him twice, would definitely take again.

Dr. Sharkey is basically Daniel Jackson from SG-1. He's extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about the materials. However, the workload is CRAZY! It is excessive and there is so much to do. His standards are very tough. However, he makes the standards very very clear. If you want to succeed, get started early and go through ALL of the criteria.

Professor Joe Sharkey is a good professor to take if you want to improve your writing skills. However, he is a tough grader and if you want to get anything above a 90% on assignments prepare to spend many hours revising them. The class is discussion-based, so attendance and participation is important.

He has a passion for literature, and he expects you to actually learn. He is even willing to call you to help you on your essay, what more do you want out of a teacher? Yes, he does assign a fair amount of reading, but he lays out what is expected on the first day of class with a calendar of when to read which book.

I have taken Sharkey twice and I've loved both classes! He tells you what to expect for his class right off the bat. He's super helpful when it comes to feedback, which is great considering he's a tough grader. I learned so much in his class and would highly recommend him to people passionate about literature and bettering your education!

Discussions with Dr. Sharkey are engaging and thought-provoking. He knows his literature and will help you know it, too. There is a LOT of reading so don't plan on taking other hard classes at the same time.

He's upfront about his policies and how hard the class is. I love literature and writing, so this class was a real joy. It's rare at UWT to find a professor who is fair, wants you to challenge yourself/learn, and loves the material. If I were not interested in literature, however, this class would be hell.

I've taken two of Sharkey's classes. He's one of the more difficult professors at UWT. His classes require a LOT of reading. His lectures help clarify the material and his expectations but you're graded mostly on a couple papers and participation in group discussion. If you aren't aggressive, it can be difficult getting your participation points.

The one class I had with him was very enjoyable. The lectures did a great job of clarifying material from the books. The course work is somewhat difficult, but he offers re writes and if you go into office hours he's very clear about what you should do to get an A. Also, participation is 30% so prepare to show up and talk.

Prof. Sharkey is a great professor. He is funny, he engages with his students personally, and he is passionate about the subjects. BUT, he grades extremely hard. He expects you to dig deep, to think abstractly, and to analyze thoroughly. It's hard to meet his expectations. Besides that, lectures are funny and makes you want to be there. Engaging.

You will participate in every class, write essays, read 7 books, and ROFL at his heroic quest to conquer Zoom. Tough grader but great feedback for rewrites. Has a sense of humor, makes medieval texts come to life. Signed up for the required lit credit, stayed for the fun class sessions and challenge of exploring the medieval mindset.

Dr Sharkey was, definitely, one of my hardest professors. He grades hard and there was A LOT of reading and writing. That being said, he is super passionate about what he does and very engaging in lecture! He was super helpful with me and, when I made a mistake by swapping fonts from stress and confusion, he was very understanding!

Mr Sharkey is one of the best professors I have ever had. He is very laid back, personable, humorous, wicked smart and passionate about the literature he teaches. He is a very tough grader, but cares a ton and is willing to meet with you to help with literally anything. The structure of this class is great, as is the content. Work hard, pass!

He's very passionate and knowledgeable. I learned a lot but the class was very challenging.

Be prepared and practice self-discipline. You miss one thing, you fall behind. Stay on top of everything, then you’re doing great. Very difficult course. I said I’d never take him again but I did. I did better because I put in a lot of work. Appreciate him as a Professor and person. Very caring and passionate about the work. Love the feedback.

Wonderful class! If you are genuinely invested in learning this class is awesome. Prof. Sharkey is a straightforward teacher that truly appreciates active participation and all perspectives. Our class was small, but that only added to a fun, educational environment. The expectations are clear, and he is willing to help everyone learn.

I took Joe's Shakespeare class last year and loved it! He's a bit of a nerd, but it's very endearing and you learn a lot throughout the quarter about early modern history IN ADDITION to reading and discussing cool plays. Doesn't give perfect grades but really cares about effort. A must take if you're an AMC major.

Sharkey is by far one of the BEST profs I have ever had and I have taken multiple of his classes. He is a tough grader, but only because he wants you to produce high-quality work. He is always more than willing to help students and is quick to set up an appointment to help you brainstorm essay ideas or revisions. Hands down amazing professor.

Learned so much from Prof Sharkey. But be ready to read like crazy and learn how to dissect literature on an extremely detailed level. He is ready to help you if you ask for help. He has high expectations so be ready to be challenged, but also be ready to become a refined writer and literary critic. 2 essays, weekly responses, and a final test.

Learned so much in his classes but worked harder than I had in any other class I took during my college career. If you don't like to read or be challenged then probably not the class for you. However, if you appreciate literature and aren't afraid not to get 100% all the time and actually learn something, then take his classes.

The class material is fantastic, and I truly enjoyed it. However, there is a ton of writing, and the test was in person, and we had two hours to write three essays. If you are familiar with the Greek tragedies, you will excel. Tough grader but is very passionate about the material. I learned a lot in his class.

Super passionate and knowledgeable professor who makes the readings come alive with his lectures! Very funny, but very tough grading. (Participation is graded, too.) Final exam is extremely nervewracking, lots of unneeded prep. I enjoyed this class especially because of my peers. Wouldn't take again, but I'm very glad I took it once.

Dr. Sharkey is hilarious and makes the class super fun. He allows the class to participate and talk a lot. His feedback was phenomenal and he takes the time to write specific, helpful criticism that allowed me to improve my writing and my own analysis of the literature. YES, there was a lot of reading but it was very engaging and he made it fun!