Professor Derdeyn was fantastic. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this class as much as I did. She teaches in a way to ensure that you understand the content. Her interest in the topics is contagious to the students. She is very helpful and attentive, and she gives great feedback on your papers and quizzes. ALL majors can benefit by having her!

Very passionate about the subject, (Irish Lit of the 20th Century). I wasn't initially interested in the topic, but her discussions make the material easier to relate to and more interesting.

Professor Derdeyn is incredibly intelligent - you get more than just a grade from her class if you pay attention. She is very willing to help and give advice. One of the best professors I've ever had.

Very hard class. I didn't like the subject at first (Irish poetryliterature) but in the end I felt like I actually learned a lot. Very difficult class, but effort will end in a good grade.

Ms Derdeyn makes Irish Literature interesting. By far the best teach at SMU. Approachable, funny, and a great teacher. I recommend all to take Ms Derdeyn's disc class.

Professor Derdeyn is a top-notch instructor! It was a pleasure taking her class my 1st semester as a Freshman. She is what all professors should be like. She really wants you to succeed and makes you work for your grade. She is passionate about her subject and does an impressive job making it interesting. I definitely would take her class again!

Knows a lot about everything! Great teacher and really loved the class

She is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable about Irish literature. Her class is a lot of work but she makes it interesting.

great class, learned a lot, but expect a challenge

Professor Derdeyn is a fantastic professor. She is very knowledgeable about Irish Literature and makes a seemingly boring subject interesting. She gives superb feedback on papers, marking up nearly the entire paper with suggestions as to how you can improve. Would recommend highly. Best professor at SMU that I've encountered so far.

Thought Irish literature was going to be the most boring subject on Earth but was pleasantly surprised. She expects a lot of reading (it is a capstone college English class) but if you put in the effort you won't have a problem getting the grade you want. Great teacher, english skills improved greatly.

Professor Derdeyn is the most dedicated English teacher I've had throughout my educational career. She facilitates excellent discussion about each of the works we read and analyze, leading to a much higher understanding. However, by no means is this an easy class, but it is well worth it, as I've left the course a much better writer and scholar.

Reading every night. Tough quizzes every week. 4 essays, very tough grader however, gives good feedback. Willing to help out students, but class is challenging. She is super passionate about the subject that I personally found extremely boring. Two tests, open note and based off of the quizzes.

She is the most dedicated teacher I have ever had. Absolutely loves Irish literature and is excited to teach it. She gives a ton of reading every night, but if you take good notes in class there is no need to read anything. Is always willing to help and is an easy grader.

After I finished the course, I felt that I improved a lot as a writer. She gives you feedback for every essay you submit, but make sure to apply all of the feedback given onto your future essays. She values participation in class, and she likes students to bring new viewpoints into class discussion. Take good notes on readings.

I didn't realize that this course was about STEM, but because of Derdeyn, ended up really enjoying the class. She is really passionate about it and is a really good teacher. You have quizzes every Tuesday but they are open note and open book, but you still need to read because they're timed.

Prof. Derdeyn's class is not easy, but she is there with you the entire time. She is amazing about responding to emails and meeting outside of her office hours. If you want a professor which will give you an A, she will, but only if you show that you work for it. Take her class, if you want to learn how to truly and logically think.

Professor Derdeyn is passionate about what she teaches and really engages her students during class lecture. Attending lecture is necessary to pass quizzes, and papers are challenging, but Professor Derdeyn gives amazing feedback and really helps build student's writing skills. I had a great experience in this class and would take it again.

Though the topic for this class was not great (science and technology), Derdeyn was a good professor overall. Lots of reading, a quiz every week (lets you use notes), 2 exams, lots of writing but gives a lot of useful feedback on it. Gave a few opportunities for extra credit too. If you keep up with work and listen to what she says youll be fine

Dr. Derdeyn is an excellent teacher. She really knows how to turn students into great writers. Her class is interesting, and alternates between lectures about the readings, quizzes, and writing technique advice. She gives feedback on every aspect of your essay, so you really know what you need to work on to get a better grade.

Derdeyn is really a great professor. She's willing to help you improve and gives a lot of feedback on papers, especially the first one. Some of her criteria seems really specific, but I think her class has really helped me improve as a writer. That being said, you still need to work for your grade, and there is reading every night.

One of the best professors I have taken here at SMU. She is very kind and does care about her students. Go to class and do the work and you will be fine. The quizzes are easy if you do the readings. Very helpful and gives great feedback. One of the best DISC professors I've taken at SMU. Lots of reading, but there is a purpose to all the readings.

Not that hard. Just show up and take notes. Some reading, but she goes over everything in class. Super easy course if you take good notes in class.

Professor Derdeyn is one of my favorite professors I have had at SMU. She truly cares about the material and that shows in her teaching. The topics are interesting and the class is never boring. Your writing will be improved by the end of your time with her, and that is something that can be used throughout life.

She is a great teacher, but you will have to read the material she gives in order to do well. For papers go to her office hours and show her a rough draft and ask what you need to work on. She is very helpful iff you just ask. Overall a very nice teacher and makes you work for your grade.

gives a lot of reading homework. there's 2 shorter essays and one longer research paper as well as 2 tests and weekly quizzes. not an easy class but interesting subject and you can do really well if you put in the work and do the reading and participate in discussions. generally a super nice lady who genuinely cares about us and is willing to help

Learned more than I did in all of my AP classes in high school and improved my writing by a ton. Challenging course in the best way with a great instructor who is not only very successful and smart, but pushes herself and her students to further achieve those traits. Take this DISC class you will not regret it! Show up and read and benefit :)

She was my favorite professor yet. She works as hard if not harder than her students and I learned so much about writing from basic mechanics that I forgot about to words that I may never use again but am happy to know. Take her class if you want to learn something.

Great professor! You definitely have to adapt your writing technique to what she expects, which is tough at the beginning. She gives great feedback in office hours and participation in class will help your grade. Don't get behind on reading and take good notes during class because she lets you use them on quizzes!

One of the best English teachers I've ever had. I have struggled with english and writing my entire life. I hate writing, I repeat I hate it, but I loved this class. I am going into Business, not writing. She improved my writing skills. She gives quizzes once a week so you have to read, but this is not bad and she gives extra credit. Take her class

Really enjoyed the class. Make sure to go, because she does take your attendance into account at the end of the year. You need to actually do the reading for the quizzes, but you should be fine if you do the work. She gives great comments on papers too, so you know what she's really looking for.

I loved this class. Prof. Derdeyn really cares that you improve over the course of the class and leaves amazing comments on all your essays which really help. She is very big on class participation but the material is interesting so it's kind of fun to participate. You can tell she really cares that each individual is doing their best. 10/10

Make sure you read because there is 0% chance you will understand what is going on in the discussion if you don't. Make sure to speak up and engage every now and then-but don't be the kid who never stops talking during discussion-as participation is graded. Overall, she improved my cultural capital and writing skills that were definitely lacking.

Professor Derdeyn is an absolute gem. Easily the best professor I've ever had. Yes, she'll make you work for it, but it makes the semester you spend with her so valuable. She's tough, yet she's super friendly and personable if you let a relationship form. A very smart and passionate teacher.

Challenging, but worth it. Professor Derdeyn provides the tools necessary for her students to hone in on their writing skills and encourages her students to be more thoughtful and responsible individuals. She is obviously brilliant and passionate about her subject. Very invested in her students!

She's going to be one of the harder english teachers you've taken but she will definitely be one of the best. She pays attention to who does and doesn't put work into her class, and rewards her students accordingly. Weekly quizzes, 2 easy midterms, 3 papers, and a final essay. Do the required reading, put in work, and you'll be just fine.

It has been more than a year since I took her class but I still use the writing methods she taught (I'm not even an English major) - what you learn from her courses will stick with you. She puts in more work than she expects of her students and will break down every single part of your paper with you; stay invested in the class and you'll enjoy it.

She's really an outstanding teacher. She'll improve your writing skills and point out things that you didn't know you were doing wrong. She's so knowledgeable about a lot of disciplines so she incorporates philosophy, science, etc. into the material. Always accessible outside of class via email. You get out of the class what you put into it.

She is very well-established and well-read. She is a tough grader and makes you work hard, but she encourages you and is available to help along the way. There aren't many professors like her, so if you have the option to take her, do so.

One of the best professors I have taken. She truly cares about her students and provides more than enough feedback on papers. You definitely have to apply yourself to get a good grade, but it is very worth it. As long as she knows you are trying, you will be fine. She puts so much time into the class that you will want to too. Definitely take!!

I absolutely LOVED class with Dr. Derdeyn this semester. This is a hard but extremely interesting class. You definitely have to put time into the the work but she gives unbelievablely helpful feedback to every assignment. You can tell she really cares about her students truly learning. Didn't think I would like an "environment" class but I love it

I loved Dr. Derdeyn! She is one of the best teachers at SMU. She truly loves her job and is very good at it. She is very clear on the assignments and will give guidance when needed. The extra credit she gives is also very helpful. I had this class as an 8am, and it was honestly one of my favorite classes!

Dr. Derdeyn is an amazing professor! She definitely makes you work hard to get your grade but she's usually available outside of class to help. She really cares about her students and about what she's teaching which is what makes her such a good professor. Her class will greatly improve your writing skills.

Dr. Derdeyn's best quality was her ability and willingness to be reached out of class. She responds to emails within 30 minutes almost every time. Always willing to meet outside of class. There are 2 tests and 3 essays. The tests are a breeze; 90% of the test's questions are taken verbatim from old quizzes. You're allowed to have a cheat sheet too.

I had a great year with Professor Derdeyn, I feel that because of the moderate level of difficulty in the class I became a much better writer and a better student academically overall. Professor Derdeyn's intelligence and ability to help students grow at this fine establishment is unparalleled among Southern Methodist Faculty.

Plenty of reading for this course, supplemented by in-class conversation facilitated by the professor. Derdeyn knows what she is talking about and is very straightforward about what she wants to see in work submitted. Performing adequately on weekly reading quizzes requires adapting slightly to her style of analysis. Fantastic feedback on essays.

Dr. Derdeyn is incredibly smart. Makes you work a ton and there is a lot of reading out of class. She is reasonable and if you work hard you can succeed. Great feedback on your essays.

Dr. Derdeyn's DISC 1313 was without question my most challenging class, but it also was by far my most rewarding class. She is a tough professor and demands high-quality work, but you will be very happy with the results. Her feedback is very clear on essays and with every paper, she makes sure you see your improvement. Very applicable material.

Dr. Derdeyn is truly incredible. Yeah she makes you work more than you ever thought possible, but I walked out of this class a better writer than I came in by far. Assignments aren't particularly easy but she's there for you every step of the way, always at the end of an email.

Dr. Derdeyn is a straightforward engaging professor. Her class is very insightful because she knows her stuff! It could seem intimidating at first but she offers extra credits and you really see an improvement in your performance.

Difficult class if you aren't willing to put in the work. But if you try hard enough and actually put in the effort, Derdeyn will grade fairly. Only piece of advice: don't take it as an 8 am unless you really want to suffer.

I loved this class and the professor. It's essential to do the assignments, go to class and stay engaged: hard work pays off in this class! The professor is incredibly knowledgable and pushes her students so they become more aware of their own thinking process. Gives great feedback & genuinely wants each student to work to their highest potential.

Professor Derdeyn wants you to be your best when you leave her class. She will definitely tear your papers apart, but if you fix your mistakes and show improvement she will notice. She devotes incredible personal attention to any student who comes to her in email or visits her. If you are serious about writing, she is a professor to take.

Professor Derdeyn will definitely be critical of your papers so don't expect an A+ on your first assignment. However, she will set up very clear goals for what she will want to see in your writing and will also give very clear and helpful feedback on your papers. If you follow these your paper grades will greatly improve and not just for her class

Dr. Derdeyn for sure has a course that requires a good amount of work. That being said, I think she gives great feedback and although the class may be slightly more difficult than others you will come out a much improved student and writer. If you are looking to improve your writing skills I would highly recommend this course.

One of the smartest teachers I have ever had at any institution. This class was difficult in the sense that she really makes you learn to analyze readings. Definitely not an easy A unless you truly put in the effort and learn to enjoy the material. Don't be afraid of the professor, she's the sweetest when you get to know her.

There are easier DISC classes to take. TBH, the material itself was rly boring, but I rly liked Prof. Derdeyn. Theres weekly quizzes that're open note, so they boost grade. My writing has improved SIGNIFICANTLY from this. Go to office hours and she will grade u easier. EC opportunities too. She makes u work for an A, but your writing will thank u.

Great Person; Strict Teacher. You'll be derDYIN in her class. Everlasting friendships are made in her class. She's a great person and I feel like I would've done a lot better if I had the courage to approach her. Solid Choice if you want to get better but don't just say that; if you take her- use her to the best of your advantage. Prayin for you :)

Dr. Derdeyn is a great professor. Everyone in my section agreed that she improved our writing and that is the purpose of the class. The key to success in this class is accepting that your writing isn't perfect and following Derdeyn's instructions to improve it. She is a fair teacher who provides ample feed back and if you follow it you will do well

Professor Derdeyn is an amazing teacher. While she makes you work very hard for the grade, you will come out of this class a much better writer. She gives great feedback, and going in for help is definitely reflected in your grade. She is a great ally to have on campus!

I enjoyed Professor Derdeyns teaching style from the beginning. She is an excellent professor and the passion she has for teaching clearly shows. She demands a lot out of her students but I truly believe I gathered a lot of valuable skills that will translate in my future occupation. I am very glad I had her as my DISC professor.

A class I looked forward to having. She has high expectations but only because she genuinely wants her students to succeed. I really enjoyed writing her essays since she essentially allows you to create your own prompt. Good books and short stories (and even better class discussions!). My writing tangibly improved over the course of the semester.

Tough teacher, but if you do the reading you should do well on the quizzes. Tests aren't too terrible. On the harder end of the grading scale for papers. Altogether a decent teacher, just a little strict.

Although Prof. Derdeyn's class material is somewhat challenging and she pushes you as a writer, she does it in order to make you better. I can truly say she improved my writing. Her class is the type of class where you will bond with your classmates due to the tough nature of the course. An A is very achievable, you just have to put in some work!

Dr. Derdeyn may seem a little icy when you first meet her, but she has a love for her subject that separates her from other professors. Her feedback is thorough, but I recommend meeting with her to discuss it further. Effort really counts in her class. If you need a second DISC credit and want to learn about life through literature- take her class.

She is a real gem, despite being a hard grader and giving harsh critiques on papers. She gives harsh critiques and a lot of feedback in order to help her students succeed. Her lectures, assigned readings, and writing prompts are interesting and thought-provoking. An "a" is difficult, but totally feasible and worth the hard work. Would take again!!

Dr. Derdeyn wants her students to be successful; she is patient and uses her interactive lectures to teach strong writing techniques and explain how to conduct a solid argument. The class involved reading homework due every class and a quiz about every other week. The quizzes are taken directly from the lecture take notes.

Dr. Derdeyn is easily one of the best professors I have ever had. She is a VERY tough grader, but it is because she sets high expectations for her students. You can tell that she wants you to succeed, but show up to class! Have a question? No worries, she will answer back emails before you are finished typing them. I recommend taking her!

At the beginning of this class I thought professor Derdeyn's course was going to be not my favorite class. However, throughout the semester my writing developed tremendously and by the end i knew this class was the best english class I've taken. She does not sugar coat anything and will most definitely make you work for your grade, but it pays off!