2.3

Karen Levy

English - California State University - Sacramento

2.3
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
15%
Would Retake
129
Reviews
2.3
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
2.3
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

15%

Would Retake

129

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

23

4

12

3

14

2

21

1

59

What Students Say

Do not take this course, very hard on grading and in class discussion is not helpful at all

ENGLISH20 - 2.0 rating

For someone that complains a lot about entitlement, she seems awfully entitled to belittle and ridicule those who she sees as morally inferior to her

NONE000 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

60%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 77 grades
Most common grades:
B (15)
C (15)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(22)C(22)D(9)F(3)A-/B+(16)
Based on 87 reported grades
B: 15
C: 15
B+: 10
B-: 7
Common Tags
Tough grader (68)
Get ready to read (25)
Graded by few things (23)
Gives good feedback (13)
Participation matters (11)
So many papers (9)
Tough Grader (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-2.30 avg change
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

34863

5.0

(1)

ENG1A

5.0

(3)

ENGL1A

4.5

(2)

NONE000

3.0

(2)

ENGL522

3.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG1

5.0

ENGLISH20

4.5

ENG20

4.2

ENG5

4.2

ENGL5

4.1

Reviews (129)
4.0
4.0
ENG20
Apr 2, 2008

If you can try to take someone else. Me and some of my fellow classmates who usually get goods grades never did with her. I never got higher than a C- on anything. She even admits when it comes to the WPE exam she does pass many people. It is an interesting funny class but grade wise she will get you.

2.0
4.0
ENG20
May 10, 2008

I don't know why she is teaching at the university level. DO NOT take her class. The subject isn't difficult, she just grades inappropriately. She seems to enjoy giving low grades. I spent more than six hours on one paper, gave it to an English professor to review for feedback, turned it in, and still got a C-. Stay away from lecturers.

2.0
4.0
ENG20
May 17, 2008

I do not recommend this professor at all. She completely misses the bigger picture when she is grading essays and gets caught up in minute details like word repetition. She marks down harshly for small mistakes. I agree, she enjoys giving low grades. Stay away!

5.0
2.0
ENGL20
May 22, 2008

Wonderful professor. She was very nice and always allowed rewrites. Her class focuses on literary interpretation rather than research papers. We only had to do 4 essays the whole semester, each 3-4 pages long, and never needed a Works Cited Page. She grades fairly easily. But you'll have to attend almost every class; the discussions are important!

1.0
5.0
ENGL20
May 26, 2008

She is a lecturer, not a professor (like older post mentioned). Big difference when it comes to experience. I took many English classes at Sac State and loved them all. All but hers. I am now a teacher and can say that she was the worst instructor I had in college. She should never have become a teacher. What a disservice to the profession.

1.0
5.0
ENGL20
May 29, 2008

only four papers? this class wasn't suppose to be writing intensive. rewrites constitute spending hours reworking a paper that is already well written, only to receive one additional point. levy is an awkward and critical instructor. for 15 weeks she talked about the importance of interpretation, but marked down for it on papers or exams. avoid!

3.0
3.0
ENGL20
Jun 4, 2008

Class started off well enough; assigned readings, four essays, and interpeting poems for the midterm and final were all that was given in this class. I did all that and what do I end up with? A D, all because I didn't show up to class on the days of peer editing, which never HELPED me write a better essay so what's the point of going???

5.0
3.0
ENGL20
Sep 12, 2008

I LOVED HER!!! She is wonderful, she gives you lots of material to choose from and you are able to pick from the readings in class what you want to write about. She was very helpful and i did very well in her class i got an A- and i'm only okay at english! I highly reccomend her!

2.0
5.0
ENGL20
Nov 13, 2008

I agree, her grading system is so unfair! Before her class, my English teachers always told me I was a good writer, and even in her class, my peer review group told me the same thing, but it was never good enough for her. She is biased in grading, if she doesn't agree with you she will "fix" your paper to fit her point of views. Overall, BAD

1.0
4.0
ENGL20
Nov 15, 2008

Do not take this woman's class. Her behavior remided me of the behavior displayed by teenaged girls. If you want to learn something in English 20, from an un-biased and seasoned professor, do not take Levy.

5.0
4.0
ENGL20
Dec 22, 2009

She has a certain way of teaching that really makes you think about the subject being discussed and some people are put off by her attitude, but I found all the topics in class very intriguing and she's really nice if you approach her. If you're looking for an easy A, this isn't a class for you because she'll make you work for it.

4.0
3.0
ENGL1A
Jan 14, 2010

I thought she was pretty cool in the beginning. Class moves extremely slow, and started not coming to class as much because of it. She does take role, and counts how many times you're absent, so GO TO CLASS...your grade depends on it. 4 essays, all pretty easy. Final was a piece of cake.

5.0
1.0
ENGL1A
Mar 26, 2010

Very nice professor who clearly states what she is looking for. 4 essays, some pop quizzes, and a final. Would definitely take again :)

5.0
2.0
NONE000
May 31, 2010

I think she used to teach at my middle school. She was strict but I did good in that class, she was nice to those who tried hard!!

5.0
3.0
ENG20
Jun 4, 2010

She is awesome. She tries to get you to think deeper and express it in writing, and she wants your highest quality. She is down to earth which separates her from most other professors and she is a sweetheart. I RECOMMEND HER FOR SURE! Doesn't give grades, you have to earn it.

2.0
5.0
ENG20
Jun 9, 2010

This class is not taught at a college level, but high school. Its dumbed down and her grading is "aggressive." She is less concerned about what makes a good paper or a good writer and more concerned with you "obeying" her. She focuses on the wrong things for this class level, forget any critical thinking or artistry...its all about grammar

4.0
3.0
ENG20
Dec 11, 2010

One of the hardest graders ever! Corrects every error, word, sentence structure out of place. Over analyzes our papers! Allows a rewrite for each essay though, but all that revising got me just 1 pt higher =/. I would avoid this professor...

5.0
1.0
ENG1A
Dec 13, 2010

Great teacher! She's very helpful, and gives you plenty of opportunities to receive a good grade. There's 4 essays to write throughout the semester (which you can re-write) and 1 final that she gives you the answers to the week prior. One of my favorite professors.

5.0
2.0
ENG1A
Dec 14, 2010

I actually had fun in her class, she kept the assignments fun and te reading easy, you had a book but i dont think i ever opened it, most readings she printed out for you and gave to you in class and even if you were supposed to read the book just show up anyway she doent choose peopl to answer ?s so no need to trip.

5.0
2.0
ENGL20
Nov 30, 2011

She is a great professor. 4 essays 6 response sheets and peer edits. She's very clear on what she wants on each essay, and allows re-writes for each essay. I would recommend to go to her office hours because she's much more helpful than the peer edit groups. I recommend her. Put a little effort in, re-write, and getting an A is not impossible.

5.0
2.0
ENG20
Dec 8, 2011

I loved her, first shes a very nice person, one of my fav teachers yet. Very helpful and understanding. 4 Essays. Peer review. readings almost every night but always goes over them in class the next day. allowed one rewrite with each essay. no final. very much enjoyed this class, and i hate writing essays!

5.0
1.0
ENG1A
Jan 6, 2012

She was one of the best English teachers I have ever had. The papers assigned were interesting as well as the reading. GREAT PROFESSOR!

4.0
5.0
ENG1
May 24, 2012

The lady is great, but her grading is extremely tough! She requires days wereu get in group to peer review, they are not helpful at all. She does give you the chance to rewrite each paper and take the higher grade, however you need make extremely significant changes to the WHOLE paper!

4.0
1.0
ENGL20
Jul 26, 2012

Such a nice woman! 4 essays total, and 6 response sheets. No final. Her essay topics are really out of the ordinary and interesting, and the short readings you do for them are so interesting. She makes it easy by discussing every reading in detail, and then relating it to your essay as for where to cite. It really shouldn't be hard to get an A!

5.0
2.0
ENG20
May 17, 2013

Definately take her for english. Laid back teacher who is willing to help. 4 essays + response sheets. Text is useless, she gives you the readings and others can be found online. She goes over every reading the next class so you know what to write about. Get 1 rewrite per paper. GO to office hours, she is way better help there than peer edits!!!

2.0
4.0
ENGLISH20
Grade: B-
Sep 3, 2013

Do not take this course, very hard on grading and in class discussion is not helpful at all!!!

5.0
3.0
ENG20
Dec 17, 2013

great professor!! I would recommend her to anyone that enjoys English or is willing to work for their grade. This is not an easy "A" class, but she does allow for re-writes on essays and she is very helpful if you approach her. Also, the writing topics were probably the best I've had in any of my college courses.

5.0
2.0
ENG20
Dec 19, 2013

great professor! gives you readings and goes over it in class IN DEPTH. she practically gives you all the info you need to write your papers. You get one rewrite per essay and is a fair grader. I recommend if your willing to go to class and put some effort into it.

4.0
3.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2013

She's a great professor! She's really passionate about English and she is a tough grader. Have her look at your essays. She goes into detail about what she looks for in the essay and pretty much explains the readings in class. Just put in effort in the class.

5.0
2.0
ENG20
Grade: B
Mar 4, 2014

Professor Levy is absolutely passionate about English and writing. She is a very hard grader but she goes over everything that you need for your essays in class. She will also read your essays before they are due so you can get feedback. I really like this teacher, and if you pay attention you will do really well in one of her classes

5.0
2.0
ENGL5
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2014

Show up, pay attention, do the readings, and you should pass. She does whatever she can to make sure you actually know how to write at a college level. The assignments are awesome and fun to do. No final.

5.0
3.0
34863
Grade: A-
May 11, 2015

Professor Levy was always helpful and had feedback when you needed it. She assigned only three paper throughout this course and she made it the easy to understand.

4.0
4.0
ENG5
May 11, 2015

Professor Levy makes you work for your grade. She is very helpful and very fair with how she runs her class. Make sure to stay on her good side, it helps. Go to class because she takes attendance and have her sit in on your peer editing's. She is very nice though :)

3.0
4.0
ENGL522
May 14, 2015

Very nice teacher but her grading is harsh. I'm not bad at English but its not my strong suit. What screwed me is that i was unaware of when the midterm was going to occur, so i didn't study and i received about a 48% if i had done better on the mid term i would have done better in the class.

3.0
5.0
ENG5
Dec 14, 2015

Not sure i was writing my own papers. Being in class doesn't really help much, just read the articles you get in class.

2.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: C+
Dec 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Personally, she is a tough grader. Helps at the beginning then you are on your own. Write any lectures she does, since she hardly does not lecture. When she does it is important information. You need to have many people peer review since your group is not enough. Go to office hours. Many people do not pass.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
4.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: C
Dec 12, 2016
Would take again

Straight forward class with 4 response sheets , 3 essays, a midterm, and a portfolio. If your writing is average you may only pass with a C but if you work hard and make good changes your grade could go higher. This class is worth taking but if you're not a strong writer you might want to think again especially if you want a grade higher than a C.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
3.0
2.0
ENG5
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

She assigns reading packets for homework, but also reads it to us in class, so that's a waste of time. There's only three essays, and you get to submit them twice. Her grading is confusing, because once you make the changes she requests, she'll mark it off as wrong?? She mentioned that not many people in my class passed, so that's something.

Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: B
May 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

3 papers and a midterm. No final. She's a tough grader and will make u work for a good grade. If you suck at writing, then I would avoid it. She could come out rude but she's really nice if you follow directions. I liked her and she was very caring for her students.

Gives good feedback
Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
4.0
ENG5
May 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

she was ok very though grader and comes out as rude most of the time which can become a nuisance. unless you are already good at writing I would recommend to avoid the class at all costs. She however is very clear in her instructions which makes the assignments easier to write.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
1.0
NONE000
Jun 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Karen Levy has been the most insensitive professor I have encountered in my college career. For someone that complains a lot about entitlement, she seems awfully entitled to belittle and ridicule those who she sees as morally inferior to her. I can only hope that she posses the ability to objectively evaluate how she treats those around her.

5.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: B
Aug 27, 2018
Would take again

Professor Levy is a really tough grader. I've heard some bad things about her before taking her class, but it wasn't true at all. She is very helpful and I honestly don't know why some students give her a hard time. I really enjoyed her class. If you try, you shouldn't have too many problems!

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
ENG1
Grade: A+
Sep 23, 2018
Wouldn't take again

It hurts to be in this class. help my soul. only thing that makes it better is chiken noices

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
ENGL5
Oct 30, 2018
Would take again

Very hard grader on essays.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
2.0
ENGL5
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2018
Would take again

She is very nice and approachable and with editing opportunities there's no reason to get below a B in this class. Grade consists of 3 essays, 4 "quizzes" on reading, one midterm and a final portfolio consisting of past assignments and 1 new letter to a friend. All of these are extremely easy and she interacts with students during lecture

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
3.0
ENG5
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

I recommend Professor Levy to anyone that loves English, but more specifically to anyone that struggles with English. She gives good feedback on papers, and you can re-do them for a better grade each time. Class consisted of 3 papers, 3 quizzes, and a midterm. Great lecturer. As long as you show up to class and pay attention, you should do fine.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ENG5
Grade: B+
Mar 21, 2019
Would take again

Although she grades tough, she is very clear on what needs to be fixed & allows you to rewrite all essays. I also took ENGL20 with her & she has helped me improve my writing so much. She is incredibly sweet and she always keeps the class thinking. Instead of reading huge books, we read different sections out of different books and she prints them.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: A
May 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This is by far the worst professor I have ever had. She was rude to my fellow students in class, dismissive when I asked for help during office hours, and made me very uncomfortable during subsequent lectures. As a result, her class was miserable to attend. Avoid her class at all cost. You will regret taking her course.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
May 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

By far the worst professor I have ever had. If youre interested in learning nothing and suffering while you do it, try and take this course and suffer in ways you previously believed impossible. I cannot stress enough the fact that this professor is a students worst nightmare. Save yourself and run the other way.

Accessible outside class
4.0
4.0
ENG5
May 18, 2019
Would take again

A professor who cares about students grade.

Gives good feedback
Group projects
Caring
4.0
3.0
ENGL20
Grade: A
May 21, 2019
Would take again

If you're truly looking to improve your skills, she is the right professor for you. I have also taken ENGL5 with her & she is one of the most caring professors I know. You have around 4 papers but you get to rewrite each one & she is very specific about what needs to be fixed so it's very easy! And there is such little reading... take, take, take!

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Caring
3.0
4.0
ENGL20
Grade: A-
Dec 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

It seems that this class was harder to get an A in than my major class. I feel that my writing improved over the course of this semester, but she does grade very hard and point out every little thing. She is a good professor and explains everything well, but I wish she would go a little easier on the grading.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
Dec 4, 2019
Would take again

This professor is either a hit or miss. She grades a bit difficult. 4 essays, attendance not require but dont miss too many days. she'll actually talk to you if you miss a ton of days. she definitely helped me get better as a writer but her pop quizzes are a bit annoying if you arent prepared. you can also redo essays. show up, dont slack, pass.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
4.0
ENGL20
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2019
Would take again

Prof Levy is a hard grader, but that's because she's honest and wants us to succeed in our writing so there's some tough love there. There're 4 essays in which you can rewrite each time. We also have quizzes on the articles that we read, so be prepared in advance for any pop quizzes! Overall, she's an awesome professor!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
ENG5
May 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Karen Levy is very insensitive and uncompromising. Very entitled, she basically thinks shes better than you in a very degrading way. Doesnt do much to help you pass, miss a class and shes out to get you. She just has a very depressing trait about her. Gee class isnt that hard to pass, but its torture being there. If possible dont take it.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: C-
May 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Her class was very hard and it was hard to understand the text. She grades very harshly. As a writer I usually would get good grades for my essays but in her class I would receive multiple D's and C's in her class. Even if I wrote my essays again she wouldnt give specific detail how to fix my essay .

Graded by few things
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: C+
May 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She was the most insensitive and unenthusiastic professor I have ever had. Wants to be a tough grader yet gives little to no instruction on what she expects. Even during a PANDEMIC, she still grades as though she teaches well. Outright REFUSES to do anything online(Zoom, Canvas) and still assigns essays that she gave NO instruction for. STAY AWAY.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
2.0
ENGL20
Grade: A
May 12, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I will not take her after this. She is rude in class, and she was very difficult for COVID-19. Very uncooperative. She doesn't use Canvas, and still did not use even after March. It is all is through email.

Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: D
May 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The worst professor I have EVER had, seriously. And I am a straight A student. Professor Levy was EXTREMELY uncooperative and not understanding at all especially during this pandemic. We did not know our grades throughout the entire semester because she refused to go online. Unclear expectations, harsh grading, and the feedback she gave was meh.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
ENGL5
Grade: B+
May 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class just felt real awkward. When we were in the process of writing essays we would have to go into groups and read our essay to the people in our groups, and give/receive feedback. Wed read a lot of articles and anecdotes that didnt really help with translating how to write our essays and I just felt there was a lot more to learn.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
ENG20
Oct 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

With her grading expectations of papers, she critiques every little thing, I usually get A's on my papers, but after taking her class its a different story. Do not take this class even if its your last resort, take an elective instead and find a different ENG20 class for the upcoming semester, a professor can really make or break a class for you.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I thought this course was decent considering it's a college English class, but I didn't appreciate that she did not let us revise our papers considering 1) the course is online 2)not all of us are majoring in English 3) we are going through a pandemic. I expected her to be more understanding.

Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
ENGL20
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Asynchronous class lectures are very short audio recordings. Four essays and four assignments based on the readings; you finish the class a month early. Shes a harsh grader and feedback didnt really help me improve. Dont feel like I learned anything. Definitely have to be a solid writer to do well.

Accessible outside class
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
ENGL20
Grade: C
Jan 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lectures were prerecorded and whole class was based on 4 papers and 4 question papers based on readings. Feedback was not helpful due to the fact that she does not even allow students to revise their paper. Levy is also very picky with grammar and will knock off a lot of points for it. Would not recommend this professor.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: C-
Apr 22, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Levy is an extremely tough grader. You get a quiz and a writing assignment every month. Her grading made me feel like I was a complete idiot since she nit picks at every small detail. I would not take her course again just because I personally do not take criticism well.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: C
Apr 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

HATE THIS CLASS. literally grades like i'm an English major sis relax. all semester only 4 quizzes and essays but it was HELL. DO NOT RECOMMEND HER. I read the reviews and still took her bc no other classes were open but just skip it and take it at sac city or ARC instead of going through this demonic course again.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ENG5
May 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Gave the option of a rewrite assignment. I had a missing paper back in February. The syllabus said she doesn't accept late work so I thought I can just use the rewrite to get some credit from that missing paper. I get an email saying that I should've talked to her back then but I already knew what she was going to say if I asked to turn it in late

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: C
May 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She's a very strict professor but in a good way. She really does want her students to succeed but she can be vey harsh on the grading. 4 essays and 4 quizzes and one optional rewrite. There's a lot of reading but the readings are nice and not boring.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C+
May 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst Professor ever! She has so many expectations for your writing, even if you are a non English major. Although she does give feedback, she is an extremely tough grader who wants perfection. I would not take this class if I were you

Skip class? You won't pass.
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: C
May 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She is the worst professor I have ever had. Grades the papers really tough and gives useless feedback to help me improve. Has 4 papers and quizzes that are really hard.I DO NOT RECOMMEND HER AT ALL. Sis needs to rethink on how she grades papers. Please take this as a sign not to take her class she will cause you so much stress.

So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ENG5
Grade: C+
May 31, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I do not make reviews on my professors, but I had to come on here for this one. Professor Levy is a VERY harsh grader that nit picks at every detail and makes you feel stupid with her feedback. I highly do not recommend this professor if you are not an English major. English is one of my favorite subjects and she made me hate it this semester.

4.0
3.0
ENG5
Grade: B
Nov 22, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I am not very good at writing but even while doing bare minimum work I managed to get B's on all my essays so far. I do have her class fully online though so bare in mind. She always gives me 16/20 on essays and 4/5 on quizzes. The class online is easy as long as you manage your time. If I did that I would have an A rn. But I'm a procrastinator.

Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I'm very good at English but this professor makes me hate English. She is a tough grader and I've never struggled this much in her class. Definitely don't recommend taking her.

Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENGL5
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Levy had good intentions of trying to help her students succeed as writer, but no Im the class. She grades very harsh as I see many others have said as well. I was very upset with my final grade as I tried very hard on my essay and had my aunt and family members revise my essay multiple times. I do not recommend to take her :(

Tough grader
So many papers
Caring
1.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: C
Jan 27, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Simply a MISTAKE. If you have the option of taking another professor, do it!! I was confident in my essays, but she grades so harsh, there was no way of pleasing. The quizzes weren't that difficult but the essays were just murderous. Switch out ASAP.

Tough grader
3.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B-
Apr 1, 2022

Professor Levy does not assign a lot of work but wants things done very specifically, and is a tough grader. Do not take this course if you expect to get an easy A. You will have to work for every single point. The readings and discussions that come with it were my favorite part of the class. You will come across many great authors.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2022

The professor overcomplicates this course. Grading is way too harsh, and no clear rubric is provided for the essays.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: F
Apr 27, 2022

I have taken multiple AP level writing classes and have done good in them but this professor grades insanely hard for no reason. It is literally English 5 and many students failed the class mainly because of her final writing assignment, it averaged a 40% and was heavily weighted. Avoid taking her if possible. Does not seem to care about students.

Tough grader
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
ENG5
Grade: B
May 5, 2022
Would take again

I love this teacher. She's passionate about reading and writing, and it makes it easy to learn when the teacher likes what she's teaching. Don't get me wrong. She grades hard. If you get an A, I applaud you. You WILL have to participate. She doesn't ask hard questions, and her forcing you to participate will help you learn so much more.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Respected
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: B
May 15, 2022

Do not take this professor. I felt disrespected in her class, and she is a very harsh grader. There are only a few assignments the entire semester, majority of students had a C in the class. Responds very quick to emails but feedback is super nitpicky. Challenging to get grade up in the class, and she comes across as rude. Participation matters

Tough grader
Participation matters
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: C
May 20, 2022

Too harsh of a grader for no good reason. Shows no sympathy or disregard towards students. Entire class was struggling the whole semester.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: B
May 24, 2022

Pros: Replies to emails fast and is always willing to meet with you outside of class, Grades things within 2 days + LOTS of feedback Very good readings that are not too lengthy Cons: Grades extremely harsh, Expects perfection in the essays, Overcomplicates certain instructions/ concepts, This course will test your writing skills.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: D+
May 28, 2022

Worst professor. Do not take this class!!!!! Literally was a tough grader for no reason.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
Jun 6, 2022

Prof. Levy was a harsh instructor who had clear rubrics, but impossible expectations. She was difficult to collaborate with and not understanding of students. She doesn't seem to like her students very much and Karen has even published an article complaining about how the papers she grades are "awful". Very disappointing experience this semester.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
So many papers
1.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
Aug 29, 2022

I appreciate a critical or "tough" professor when they have a method to their madness. I appreciate them because I gain the most from them. Levy does not have a method to her madness. She's critical of students to show them that they have inferior writing skills. I learned nothing more than to cater to her type of writing style so that I could pass

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
2.0
4.0
ENGL20
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2022

Professor Levy is passionate about her work and cares very deeply about each reading that is given. However, she is a VERY tough grader. Grades essays expecting them to be perfect and does not like other writing styles if they're not up to her expertise. Ive had zooms with her arguing my grade, giving valid points, but she NEVER changed her mind.

Tough grader
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 23, 2022

do NOT take this professor. She makes it almost impossible to get a good grade. You have 3 20-point papers and 1 92-point paper and a few quizzes. Your grade is basically your papers which are graded very hard and you most likely will never receive an A on a paper, let alone a B.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: B-
Dec 4, 2022

Terrible prof, dont take her. She is very unclear about what she wants in an essay and will penalize you if she does not like your opinion.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2022

Do NOT take this professor if you are hoping to get an A in this class, it is almost impossible. Professor Levy is passionate about english and writing but she will critique every single error in your paper and lower your grade for it. Out of the 6 classes I took this semester she is the only class I received a B in, this GE English class :(

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENGLISH20
Grade: C
Dec 18, 2022

Do not take this professor, she doesn't care about your opinion or your explanation, and her instruction is not clear, hope nobody made a mistake like me.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2022

Do not make the same mistake as me and take this prof. I love English and writing and she tore that love right out of me. She expects papers to be written as if you are a published writer which doesn't make sense since it is a GE class. Extremely critical and not in a helpful way.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: C
Dec 26, 2022

Professor Levy is such a tough grader! She grades essays out of 20 points and nearly no one would receive a B on a paper. She critiques/comments like crazy and even when you take in her feedback and rewrite your essay according to her expectations she only raises your essay grade by a point. I don't understand her, she expects too much.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Jan 4, 2023

She was awful. She doesn't care about students. She grades extremely hard. There was no one that got higher than 15/20 on the essays. It is hard to belive that out of the whole class that no one was worth an A. her HW is graded hard as well.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: F
Jan 12, 2023

Avoid at all costs. do not take this professor. she is awful and she grades too hard. nobody passed her class and she was very rude and condescending when you would ask her for help.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ENG20
Grade: A-
Jan 20, 2023
Would take again

This professor expects you to work hard and invest in the class. Always willing to meet to go over essays. Interesting readings and discussions. One of my favorites.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Inspirational
2.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B-
May 3, 2023

Although she gives good feedback on your essays, the way she grades doesn't make up for it. Her grading style is tedious; she will mark you for spelling, so PROOFREADING is necessary. There's a series of excerpts and four essays. Thirty students were here at the beginning of the semester, and at the mid/end of semester, 13 students left. Good luck!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C
May 10, 2023

Prof Levy is nice, her class is very hard, I tried hard in her class and still ended up with a C. Her lectures are not boring, the readings are even interesting and she explains things well, but her grading is harsh. Shes very specific how she wants her papers, she takes off points for the littlest things which makes it hard to get a good grade.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C
May 16, 2023

If you want an easy class this isn't the class for you. you are only graded by a few essays and the final is also worth 60% of your grade. There is also the fact that she is a tuff grader, like I got marked down because I said they instead of her (I didn't know the gender/ pronouns of the author.) She is also condescending when u ask something.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: Incomplete
Jan 23, 2024

This professor is very rude and condesending.. She really should look at the comments here and make a change.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 23, 2024

No clear grading criteria. Marks off essays for subjective things such as "flow" or "clarity" regardless if you answer the prompt successfully. Average essay score 12/20. Dropped class despite having a B. For such an easy class, unreal expectations out of students. Suggest to take with ANYONE else. Especially if you don't care for English.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B
May 2, 2024

Very much not an "easy A" if that's what you're looking for, but outside of that she's horrible. Rude and condescending when you ask for help, extremely tough grader, doesn't use student's proper pronouns (refused to use "they" as a singular pronoun), and has demonstrated herself to be racist against anyone perceived to be Middle Eastern. Avoid.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
May 10, 2024

I honestly feels like she makes stuff way too difficult. It is good to be challenged to improve writing but it got to a point where it was toooo much

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
So many papers
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: C
May 24, 2024

Avoid. She is the toughtest grader. She literally wants you to write the paper like she would. She asks for students input but is rude if she doens't like what you say. You have to interpret the readings exactly like her or else you are wrong! I stuck it out because I did not want do it all over again.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: D+
Jul 23, 2024

Do not take this professor! She was the only online professor available so I thought she'd be more flexible but I was completely wrong! She wants stuff done specifically but fails to consider other people's writing styles and the topic felt too invasive. I tried doing everything she wanted but in the end, I was less than one percent from passing.

Tough grader
So many papers
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG1
Nov 7, 2024

She says there isn't too much bold in her syllabus, but it's full of bold and impossible to distinguish important information. That she cannot emphasize important information in her own writing bodes terribly for her profession.

Hilarious
2.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: B-
Nov 21, 2024

The professor herself is a kind and will help you if you ask questions. However, if your writing style differs from hers, it will reflect in your grade. Grading criteria is not very clear and papers are graded harshly. Quizzes aren't too bad.

3.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: B+
Nov 22, 2024
Would take again

Tough grader and is not afraid to give harsh feedback. Once you understand the writing she expects you're fine. She is nice but will call you out in class if no one participates. Four quizzes but if you pay attention she literally answers every question for you- rewrite what she says and thats the only way you will get 100%.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C-
Nov 26, 2024

Tough grader and I mean that in the most annoying way possible, she does not care about what you're writing and only likes to tell you you're wrong. She doesn't understand that people have different writing styles and wants everything done the way she would do it. Not only is she a tough grader, but a rude one too. Don't take this.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C
Dec 5, 2024

Karen is very in her ways. You have to write in her style for a good grade. And don't think about interpreting things naturally, you must think like she does. Very back handed and under-minds students terribly. Does not encourage you and will continuously put you down.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2024

The most condescending professor I ever had. Her class was not hard if you did the readings, it was the essays. Because she is a newspaper writer, she thinks she knows everything. I missed a good portion of online lecture because of a family emergency and she got mad at me, asking me why I even signed up for her class just to miss it. Good riddance

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C
Dec 11, 2024

She is probably THEE worst instructor I've ever had. She nearly caused me my education at ac state due to her reporting. She isn't kind what so ever. She makes the white and asian students feel more respected and gives them more leeway throughout the course. Her grading is very tough and very hardly put. She's not respectful to her students.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
3.0
ENG5
Grade: F
Dec 15, 2024

Actually the rudest teacher ever. I apologized for turning in my quiz 30 MINUTES LATE bc i was studying for another midterm. She told me i cant turn it in since I wasnt prioritizing my work and she will be giving me a 0. That grade brang me down to an F and she continued to harshly grade my work and by then, it was impossible to bring my grade up.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 20, 2024

Just a bad person.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
3.0
2.0
ENG5
Grade: B
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

I think these reviews are too exaggerated. She is a tough grader, but only because she is honest. She doesn't sugar coat your mistakes. Four papers total with relatively easy topics. Quizzes are easy if you attend class. Earned a B in the class and all it took was some effort. She is not racists lol, like a review said. I am Mexican for reference

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
ENG20
Grade: B-
Jan 23, 2025

Professor Levy runs a challenging course, but engaging with the material and using tools like unstuck AI can help. She expects a lot, but provides valuable feedback if you put in the work.

1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: C
Jan 25, 2025

a BIHHH, RUNNNN

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: D+
Jan 31, 2025

I had Karen Levy as my professor freshman year. The class was online during covid. She is an EXTREMELY tough grader. She would nitpick at many things in any thing you write. I am now a senior and this is still the only class I ever failed at sac state...if I could go back I would love to know to NOT take her class.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
So many papers
2.0
4.0
ENGL20
Grade: A-
Mar 4, 2025

She was condescending and very nitpicky when it came to in class reading and grading. Very tough grader. Every person I knew in the course always received the same grade for each essay. Particpation is worth it though.

Tough grader
Participation matters
2.0
5.0
ENGL5
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 17, 2025

Took her as an online course because I thought it would be an easy A, turns out it's not. She grades very harshly, she provides feedback on essays but the way she words it makes it seem as if you messed up on the whole essay. She calls you out and makes you stay after class if you miss a lot. Don't take her unless you wanna mess up your grades.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: B+
Apr 27, 2025

The WORST professor I've ever had, and I've had some pretty terrible ones. Grades like the world is about to end - nitpicks at EVERY LITTLE DETAIL to the point of frustration. The class average on my 3rd paper (as of when I'm writing this) was a 6.1/20. I got a 13/20. I have A+ in CHEM1A and MATH26… yet a 68% in ENGL5? I don't think so Karen Levy.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: D+
Apr 29, 2025

she was the horrible. she expected all your essays to have less then 5% AI and if you have 5% or more then she wouldn't read it and if you try to tell her anything she will send you to the student academic misconduct. if you sound to sophisticated in anything and it doesn't show its AI she will still fail you for it.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
ENG5
May 2, 2025

She grades very harshly, you will get marked off points for minor mistakes. There are 3 essays, multiple quizzes (which are fairly easy if you attend class) and there is a final paper which is about 50 percent of your grade.

Tough grader
Participation matters
3.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: B-
May 6, 2025

I kind of enjoyed this class? She's funny and as long as you participate, the lecture portion and quizzes are easy. But she had a lot of students using AI and would cheat on their quizzes so she makes you use Lock Down Browser and she is an incredibly though grader. I usually get A's or B's but most of the time I got 15/20. It is a doable class tho

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
ENGL5
Grade: Rather not say
May 11, 2025

I've had her before as a professor and wanted to write about it. Like all the other ratings, she is a very tough grader on quizzes and essays. She would give feedback but sometimes they would be more condescending than helpful. It's more like if your writing style doesn't satisfy her then you'll fail. Try to find another professor.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
ENGL20
Grade: D+
May 13, 2025

Horrible professor. Everything is plagiarism to her. She teaches an online class but does not understand technology. She sent our entire class a zoom recording of her and a students private meeting telling the student that because his mom proof read his paper, he is being reported to the Dean and being removed from the class.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ENG5
Grade: D
Jun 19, 2025

She was such an awful grader and her feedback wasn't helpful at all. She wants you to write the way she would which is totally unfair because if she simply didn't like your piece then you would receive a low grade. At times can be very rude as well, wouldn't recommend.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG5
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 24, 2025

I took her class online, and she is a very strict grader. I did not use any type of AI in her class, but she still assumed that I did and put me in so much trouble. After that, she just automatically gave me a lower grade in all my essays.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: D-
Dec 6, 2025

THE WORST. I was excited to take this class because I genuinely enjoy writing. I wrote personal essays and she claimed that I used AI. I met with the dean and showed proof that I did not. CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSOR. Will be taking it at a community college. I have never failed a class and thanks to her I will have a horrible grade on my transcript.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ENG20
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 13, 2025

NEVER AGAIN! Instead of learning or actually gaining something out of this class, you gain rude comments and absurd accusations.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

60%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 77 grades
Most common grades:
B (15)
C (15)
B+ (10)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(22)C(22)D(9)F(3)A-/B+(16)
Based on 87 reported grades
B: 15
C: 15
B+: 10
B-: 7
Common Tags
Tough grader (68)
Get ready to read (25)
Graded by few things (23)
Gives good feedback (13)
Participation matters (11)
So many papers (9)
Tough Grader (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-2.30 avg change
Mar
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

34863

5.0

(1)

ENG1A

5.0

(3)

ENGL1A

4.5

(2)

NONE000

3.0

(2)

ENGL522

3.0

(1)
+6 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG1

5.0

ENGLISH20

4.5

ENG20

4.2

ENG5

4.2

ENGL5

4.1

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