In my total college experience (including grad school), I rank Dr. Padilla among my top 3 favorite professors ever. He's passionate about his subject matter, brilliant, energetic, doesn't assign an unbearable workload, & the assignments are interesting.

Brilliant writer, good teacher, very creative & nice, a little arrogant though

AN ASS AT FIRST, BUT ONCE YOU GET TO KNOW HIM HE'S COOL, WILL HELP YOU A LOT TAKE BOTH CLASSES WITH HIM

Very good Professor. He expects what should be expected of college students. He is well organized and is highly unbiased.

Padilla is passionate about English. He is fair, yet he expects that you do your work and participate in class. If you are serious about learning then take Padilla for English 1. If you are a lazy slacker then don't take him.

curve grades

he's a good professor,he's probably not the kind of person u can like and become friends with, but he will try 2 teach u something...just bear with his criticism and his constant reminder of his Ph.D and u'll be okay..oh yeah and work hard

Yes, you will hear about his Ph.D. on a regular basis. However, he's pretty hot, and he's a good teacher, so it's easy to look past the slight arrogance! :)

Very easy. Just do homework and youll pass.

Very helpful and good, lectures were a bit shaky, but provided me with enough to get by. Very encouraging to students, constructive criticism, and give you good points on your writing.

He is good looking. However, he talks too much and when u sit in the back u can tell u is falling a sleep. Yet, he give u enough time to do work, but is never availble for office hours!!! He really prepares u for UCLA work.

this is creative writing, really easy A, just participate when you are there, write 10 poems, and 30 journal pages. the class is more of a workshop than a class.

This teacher is soooooo boring and his class is so stupid that almost everyone drop his class in the first week.

I feel for the Eng 1 ppl, but in 30A/B, he's cool. Never heard about PhD; never noticed arrogance, probably b/c it's SO easy to see through. He's very nice and very supportive; you'll become a better writer if you work

He simply is the best professor from SMC. If you went to truly learn college writing take him. He is very understanding and he truly cares. Other professor suck but he is the bomb.

I had mixed reactions about Padilla. He's a nice guy despite the fact he may seem hard the first day. His lectures are so boring yet he's really not that hard a grader. It's tough to get an A, but he will not fail you if he sees you're trying.

Nice guy. He's also a good baller.

He is a cool guy, and has a personality, he migth be a little hard in the exams, but with hard work an A is not out of hand, quite entertaining and helpfull too. He will give u good clues when it comes to writing essays.

TAKE HIS CLASS IF YOU WANT TO LEARN. HE IS A WONDERFULL PROFESSOR. I LEARNED A LOT WITH HIM.

actually one of the best teachers of had in my life. He is passionate in his work, and trully wants the student to do well. he is there for students after class for help as well.. great teacher

Real nice and lively guy. He will spark some interest in literature in you. Not too easy though, but again a really nice guy!

great poetry writing class!!! workshop setting, lots of feedback from otr writers & prof, also got bio/info on famous poets & diff poetry styles. tchr can be bitter tho, tends to emph diff w/getting published. be careful NOT to get into editor mode, don't chg your writing voice/work for the class!

very good teacher, helpful when you're unsure of what was taught, recommend him highly, great guy

don't listen to these bottom two, hes honestly not that bad, probably someone who failed lol. hes not easy but you will learn to be a better writer. he seems kinda annoying at first but its gets better.

He is a great teacher, his is very demanding but it is worth it. I learned alot.

...superb teacher! he taught me quite a bit about literary theory AND standard format writing. encourages discussion, and is very supportive and eager to teach. i couldnt recommend him enough! he is one of the greats at SMC. great sense of humor as well:)

He is very clear about his assignments, kind of a tough grader though. Can be kinda arrogant at times, and the class is definitely not the most interesting. However, if you make an effort, come to class and turn in the assignments on time (proof read!!), you should at least get a B!

I hate him! kill your confidence overnight. picky and arrogant. VERY HARD GRADER. but if you don't care about getting As and wanna learn a lot then take him.

very good teacher! Easy and Fun

Highly recommended. Favors students that comment in class and take his advise in getting tutoring. Write papers on environmental issues read stories before class and be prepared to analize them. Last day of class he practically gives you the final exam which is a good chunk of the final grade. Cooperates with Learning Disability Program.

Very knowledgeable teacher and a great guy. He has the class read some fantastic literature and poetry. His lectures are very in depth and clear, and he is really there to help you along the way. However, if you do not participate in the class discussions, don't expect to do well in this class. You need to participate.

I liked Padilla. Participating in class will definitly help your grade, he can be somewhat hard in grading papers, but there is honestly not that much work, and he taught me alot, and he truly cares about helping people write. He does give away the answers to the final, which helps ur grade. The class could be boring, but I'd take him again.

I am currently a student at UCLA. However, Mario Padilla played a major role in praparing me for the transition into the UC system. I am surprised that some students found him difficult and/or unclear. I highly recommend Mario, he is one of the few professors that will prepare you for the next level.

He's an amazing teacher and he's really helpful. And although he can be a tough teacher-he does everything to help his students pass his class. Essentially, however, it's you who has to do all the work, he makes it so you do all the work and helps you in the process. I love him!

GREAT teacher. Assignments are difficult but he's extremely helpful. Besides, he gives you all the answers for the final!

Excellent teacher and very helpful. He's hard on grading paper but workload isn't heavy. He gives editing sessions to every paper we need to write, that really help you to get a good grade for the class. He cares if you actually learn and understand what has been taught. I don't find many english teachers are like that. Take his class.

Dr. Padilla is an honorable & educated professor with comprehensive emphasis on technique and elements of critical thinking.USC PhD graduate, he is a model example to all Latins!!

He is an excellant teacher! Is very helpful, even though he is a tough grader and the work is a bit hard, he is more than willing to help so that you earn the grade you deserve. Also, he loves it when the students participate.

Who ever wrote on 1/31/06 is kissing ass. He is a good man who know what his talking about. Lectures alot so you must keep up with his speed of thought. Very clear and clean-cut instructions of what he expects from us. Participate, follow instructions, do the readings and your grantied a good grade. He is a fair teacher.

Mr. Padilla is awesome. A little disorganized and it would help if he wrote things on the board, but he is soooo interesting! I went out and bought books of tons of the poets that we studied in class.

One of the best teachers I've had. Students are free to choose the topics for the paper, since he's more interested in the right way to write other than what is written. Explains very clearly, and the in-class editing sessions really helps. He really wants the students to do well.

Very knowledgeable.Gives one-on-one feedback.Great class.

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He is wonderful. Totally motivating. Super hot. Great discussions. He has a totally unbiased open ear for all writing.

At first i didn't like his methods of teaching at all. After really listening to his lectures, it became really clear. He's willing to help. He tells it like it is. Easy teacher. No tests. A couple essays. 1 big research essay. His handwriting is HORRIBLE though.

An excellent teacher! If you're interested in writing then take this creative writing class.

Hard as hell...but very great teacher! Hes is awesome! he tells it like it is, he is willing to help those who need it and he motivates students to try harder. His writing on the board and papers really sucks though! couple of essays with editing sessions, and a huge 6 page research paper... but you will gain knowledge from all the writing.

I agree with the person before me... English 1 is not an easy class but Prof. Padilla is the best choice for it. I highly reco. him. ESL students take him. You will learn how to do your papers. He is the best. I took him for Eng. 1 and Poetry...Do not miss this opportunity... He is Latino and very hoooooot...Have Fun...

Prof Padilla is very interested in literature and shares his passion, making the class interesting. He is a stickler, as he should be, on MLA format in writing. If you follow his guidance and have a command of English basics you will do very well. You MUST do the reading & CONTRIBUTE to the class discussions. In-class paper review is very helpful.

Great teacher. Highly recommended. Easy to approach and will take your writing skills to the next level. Knows his subject and expects you not to be the best writer, but defenitely present your work in the highest level possible. MLA FORMAT. 2 2-3pgs Essays. 1 Research(6-8)Do all journals. Takes half a grade for every missing journal. BEST ENG.PROF

Very intelligent, passionate person. Cares that people are competent in writing and English. If you have issues, he's willing to work with you. If you hate English or hate being graded by choice of words, don't take him. Very strict. Disorganized with information: no written instructions, must take notes from confusing info given. Text helps.

Padilla is a great teacher. He means to help you really better yourself at writing and he is very easy to talk to. If you read the text you'll be fine, pretty easy assignments, only he really wants to see your improvement on your work. Definetely worth the 60 bucks for the class!!

Surprisingly, he was kind of a hardball and a few of us, who were A students, actually got B's on some papers. Took him in the summer so he didnt have any office hours. He denied us when we asked him to peer edit our final papers prior to it's due date. He denied assisting us personally and just told us to seek the help of tutors upstairs.

I enrolled in this class on a whim a couple of years ago. When I found out it was a poetry class, I almost walked out but I'm glad I didn't. He is an inspirational & constructive critic. I had never written poetry before and came out of it with several good poems, one of which I'm proud to hear he still reads aloud. Not an easy A, but worth it!

I found Padilla to be an extremely personable, helplful and encouraging professor. He really wants his students to find their own creative voice, do their best, and is pretty open to all styles of writing and does not grade subjectively, but instead on effort and participation. He really devots a lot of time to each student's work.

This teacher will surely make you understand the principles of writting and academic college essay. Thats all. He is not easy but you will learn the essential tools and skills to succed in any future english related class. Very clear and straight forward. Make sure you are willing to give it your best shot. About 5 essays and a final.Got a B

Great teacher! Very clear and will teach you about writing academic essays. Definitely likes it when you participate in class discussions and your final grade will probly be influenced by you participation.

Dr. Padilla is very passionate about poetry, take him if you're interested in developing your creative writing craft. Subject matter is open and he just encourages you to keep writing...

For Spring 2008 I took Mario Padilla for English 1. This was the best class I have taken since I began college! Prof Padilla is a fair when grading his papers Additionally, he does not overload you with homework. Although, thick skin is a must if you have sentence structure or grammar issues. He will put you on blast in front of the class if you do

Prof.Padilla is one of the best!Passionate about literature,friendly,good grader and helpful.Participate in class discussions and attend editing session and you will get a good grade.Two 2-3 p. essays and a 6-8 p. research paper(short stories,poetry,novel) plus a final is required. I would recommend everyone to take him!You will love his class!

I took creative writing with him, it was great. Easy teacher. Nothing is due until the end of the semester, class partipation is required, but it's a friendly atmosphere. Completely about poetry, no short fiction. He takes role but doesn't mind if you come in late or miss a few classes. Super nice, approachable, complimentary. EASY A.

I took Prof. Padilla over winter term, and he is a good teacher. He is passionate about literature and poetry, and he really tries to get his students involved. If your a foreign student you prob wont like his class he does not like people who cant write a fairly decent paper with proper grammar etc. Not too difficult if you do all the work though.

This is the most amazing teacher you'll ever have at SMC. I had him back in 2003 and he's still writing me letters of rec for my masters and PhD apps. He's a very fair grader, assigns minimal work, makes the class fun, and will help you become a bettwe writer. Taking his Creative Writing courses (ENG 30A&B) was an amazing experience. He's my mentor

The prof is great (intelligent, helpful, funny), but I still found the material to be a little boring. You can get an A if you show up to most classes and you are a decent essay writer without serious grammar issues. He prefers straightforward essays (no clever wit or humor).

Amazing prof. He will teach you everything you need to know about academic writing and truly cares about students and their improvement. He loves english, and really makes you think about the material. you will LOVE HIM!

I wasnt really interested in english before i took his class, however he got me interested in writing, and now im an english major. As long as you show up to the editing sessions, your good to go. He's a good teacher.

I wasn't sure about my writing skill before this class, but the feedback style setting really helped me develop. Padilla is encouraging but I have to say, suffering through silly comments and horrible poems was tough. To each his own, at least people tried. It's hard to read in front of so many people, but worth it.

Padilla is my favorite teacher at SMC! The class is mostly talking about the readings, TAKE NOTES during these sessions b/c they make writing essays on the subject much easier. He is so helpful and it helps that he's easy on the eyes. I had never done very well in English but he made it interesting and easy to grasp that I got an A. Take him!

this teacher is really good. hes a professor who enjoys what he does and that is the key that makes him so great. my non-english major writing was pretty bad before his class, and now i feel pretty good. very good teacher

I thought this was a very interesting English class. Professor Padilla is a great teacher and truly cares about his students.

professor padilla is a GREAT professor. i took him for english one and two. hes very clear as to what he expects from you, he might get a lil boring because he repeats himself a lot but only because he wants to be clear. GREAT class

I took him for Eng 1 and I'm taking him againg him for Eng 2 so that says a lot. He's a very fair teacher, very clear and helpfull.

Really cool teacher. At first, i was fearing english 2, but it turned out to be a pretty good class with him. Lots of discussion, so if ur shy, forget about this class. He doesn't overload u with work, his grading is fair, and he cares about those who show honest efforts in the class. Keep up with the class, put in effort, and you'll do well. =D

Great teacher. Wasn't difficult, though I thought it would be. Lots of class discussion, but isn't entirely boring. Seems like a chill calm dude. The material he chooses is pretty cool too. I actually found my favorite short story in this class.

CREATIVE WRITING be prepared to read all your poems. easy enough though. does help improve your writing. cool overall.

I love this man. He's amazing. One of the best classes I've ever taken - he made me realize how much I truly love poetry. I transferred out into a 4 year university but am planning to go back after graduation just to take his 30B class for fun. 10/11 poems, 5 readings, final reading, final portfolio of revised 10 poems. Awesome.

so great. really passionate about literature. read the assignments before class, because he likes class discussions. awesome and nice prof.

Very great teacher, amazing attitude and very likable guy. I thoroughly enjoyed his class and plan on taking him again

I got an A. Padilla is one of the rare English professors that will teach you HOW to write a good academic paper and not just assign a ton of essays as homework and not tell you what you did wrong. His first assignment, many did bad. I'm an reg A student. My 1st assignment was a B- and I got an A in the class. Point=Take him because it'll help you.

He is an amazing professor. The best I've ever had. I learned so much from him. He cares. He prepares you for tests and quizzes... just do what is assigned. He gives room to have your own ideas-- debating often took place in class. Several semesters after the course he still recognized me and wrote me a recommendation letter. Amazing human being.

AMAZING PROFESSOR! english/essay writing is not my thing but professor padilla's enthusiasm for the subject really made me love literature. he is clear on expectations and really helps to improve writing skills. reading and class participation is a must but you'll enjoy his selections. i even went ahead and read kerouac's on the road :) love him!

Padilla is great! Not too much work, and essays are not too hard. Go to class, it's interesting, and if you need help on an essay, you can always go to his office hours and he'll help a lot! Gives you all the answers to the final. He's a great teacher and a great guy!

He is truly an AMAZING English teacher! Just show up to class, do the work, participate and you'll get an A. I took him for Eng 1 and took him again for Eng 2 because he's that great~ ((Got A's in both classes)) His readings are all interesting and he is very helpful and understanding. TAKE HIM!

Honestly, the best English 2 professor! I felt that he made me a better writer, and truly inspired me to take appreciation for literature and writing. He makes you read I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, and gives a couple essays. Nice professor, even wrote me a letter of recommendation.

Friendly guy, interesting to listen to. Can't really give anything that specific.

Makes you participate in class. Interesting lectures. Always do the reading before attending class and do the essays on time.

He's not a bad teacher, and his class is definitely not an easy A. Everyone has to interact in the class discussions. Don't take his class if your grammar isn't good. He actually humiliated me during the 2nd week of school by raising my essay and pointing it out that it had too many grammar mistakes.

I can honestly say on the 1st day he will tell you his expectations for the class. His goal is to teach you to write a great acadaemic paper.Passionate professor who loves literature & is an expert in his field.For those who gave bad reviews on his teaching style,this is college, not high school.Nice guy & is always willing to assist if you ask.

Professional English professor who really knows the subject. Gives lots of criticism on papers but this is good. The main challenge is to write several perfect MLA style papers, and I mean perfect. Your writing will definitely improve. Class participation also counts. Not an easy 'A', but possible; he rewards improvement a lot.

Clear and concise about his expectations. You must participate. i have a new found appreciation for poetry. 3 papers and a final which is straight forward no tricks like some professors. I really enjoyed this class and learned to appreciate poetry which I used to think was just babbling.

Great class if you're already a good essay writer, or want to better your essay writing skills. Not an easy A by any stretch of the imagination, but he makes you a much better writer, even if you were good to begin with. Do your part and do the readings and journal entries.

A lot of reading, but why would you enroll in an advanced literature class if you don't like to do a lot of reading, right? The entire grade is based on journals, one essay, a presentation, and a reaction paper. Attendance not really mandatory, but enough absences will lower your grade. Don't take the class unless you like reading literature. It makes for a boring class.

Padilla was extremely hard, and I am a native english speaker. There was a lot of reading to keep up with and essays to write. He is very strict with MLA format. However, his class will definitely prepare you for future classes and universities. If you want to learn something and can handle the challenge, you will appreciate and enjoy his class

Padilla is a really cool guy and an awesome teacher. If you answer grammar and syntax well enough there should be no problem getting a good grade in his class. Beware he can be a little difficult somtimes. Also, no homework.

Before I began this class, I had no idea it consisted solely of poetry. I only enrolled for GE req. However, I stuck with it & I'm glad I did. I wrote 10 poems total, read 4 aloud to class (scary at first, but you get over it) and 1 for final reading. Prof. Padilla knows what he's doing & he's a real nice guy. Class is 3hrs once a week. Recommend!

Professor Padilla is by far the most incredible English professor I've ever had. He is dedicated, passionate, and very kind. I've always loved writing (specifically poetry), and this class gave me the freedom to write the way I enjoy with enthusiasm and no worry of criticism or judgement. Take this class, you won't regret it!

I thought I would absolutely HATE taking English Lit, but Professor Padilla made the class fun and interesting. He chooses stories and poems that most students will find interesting and presents material in a way that's easy to understand. You'll have to work for an A in his class, but you'll be a MUCH better writer after you do!

Wow, this a great professor to take very interesting class to take. Class is mandatory as well in class editing sessions. Tough grader so don't go expecting easy class, this not the class for you then.

Great Professor. This class is more a workshop, perfect atmosphere for people of art. he supports everyone in class, pretty much an easy A class for those who love poetry

Prof. Padilla's Creative Writing course was among the most enjoyable classroom experiences I've had in 3 years. He doesn't ask for much. The class operates like a poetry exhibition. You will read your work and listen to others pieces and comment on them. That's all there is to it. The final project guidelines are in the syllabus from day 1.

Professor Padilla is a tough professor but that's a good thing. He definitely pushes his class to do better. He might seem intimidating but once you talk to him the feeling goes away. if you're not great at english.. TAKE HIM. I'm bad at English and still passed with a B.

One of the best english professors at SMC. Probably the only one you should take for any english class. He is so passionate about what he does. You have to do a lot of work but it is definitely worth it.

Really great professor. He really wants to help you improve your poetry and enjoy writing it. Grades on completion rather than if he likes your work or not. As long as you come to class, participate, read 5 of your works, and turn in your portfolio at the end of the semester you'll get an A

A very knowledgeable professor. Padilla is passionate about English and has very educational lectures. He's a fair grader--though don't think this class is an easy A. He grades on attendance, your structure and coherence in your essays and if you participate in class discussions/debates. If he sees improvement in your writing, he WILL pass you.

A very knowledgeable professor. Padilla is ardent about English and has educational lectures. He's a fair grader--though don't think this class is an easy A. He grades on attendance, your structure and coherence in your essays and if you participate in class discussions/debates. If he sees improvement in your writing, he'll pass you.

Padilla is an awesome professor. Yes, he's a tough grader, but if you want the skills necessary to write academic papers (an imperative for anyone thinking about transferring to UCLAUSC) this class is a must. He is clear on his expectations and I enjoyed the literature selection.

I worked crazy hard for the A. I am happy to say that he pushed me and I am so thankful. I hated that class but receiving the A was like receiving a thousand dollars. I worked for it. Tells you straight up what is wrong with your writing. He is tough.

If you're lazy you better NOT take his class. He definitely makes you work hard for a good grade. There are a few that think he's mean but if you pay attention in class and try then he won't be hard on you. He gives good feedback and is willing to help, but you need to give in an effort. I got a B and it felt like I won the lottery.

This is a great class! He gets frustrated if students don't participate in discussions. There are assignments after every class, but it is like a diary entry (except related to your readings). Those are easy points. There are three papers; he prepares you very well for them, partially in the editing sessions during class. He takes roll so show up.

Decent Class. Learned a lot about academic essays.

The essays are not hard if you actually analyze the literary works. Don't summarize the literary works. You can get an A if you are a decent writer, seriously. If you are not confident with your writing skills, then try to participate as much as possible. The journals are easy points, so do them. The literary works are okay.

Really awesome ! I was afraid to take Engl 1, people were telling me that it was so much work and reading, however Prof. Padilla makes the class so easy! Not so much homework, not so much reading. Just listen his instructions, they will help you to write properly and that all he wants. Tests are easy, discussions are really interesting!Take him!

This is a great class for people who work hard. If you take the time to analyze the readings and participate in class, you will attain some interesting life lessons. Do not get discouraged by the grade on your first paper and use your resources (writing center) to help improve your grade!

Love this Professor! Very passionate about what he teaches. This is by far one of the best classes I've ever taken. Would have gotten an A in the class but I didn't do the journals. Inspiring teacher

Was expecting him to be a tough grader as he comes off as a little intimidating, but he just wants to see your work is structured and that you are actually learning. Most improve after the first essay because of all the peer editing and the feedback he gives. Very clear professor, would definitely recommend to anyone.

Amazing teacher! Made literature fun! Loved his lectures, he helped students really understand the material assigned for reading. He's there for you if you are struggling. Written assignments were easy. I definitely recommend!

My English 1 teacher told me that i needed luck upon entering this class due to its level of difficulty. He was accurate however Professor Padilla is a wonderful professor. He is extremely kind and truly wants the best for his students. He is a tough grader but it helps us learn to be better writers! I learned a tun and I reccomend him!

He is very passionate in literature and cares about students' improvement in literature and overall writing skills. He gives thorough feedback on your writings. You must always be participating in class and if you do so. This is not the class where you just sit down and do nothing.

Great prof! Would def take him again

I took his English 1 class for my first semester at SMC and I am definitely taking his English 2 class in the Spring. He is tough but it is only because he wants you to push yourself and improve your writing. I went from a C average on my high school essays to an A in my college essays. I thank him for making me a better writer.

He was honestly passionate of what he was teaching and wanted to hear what the students had to say. Participation is a great way to really indulge in the class and allow yourself to understand the material better.I would take any of his classes just so I could see him again!

Just show up to class and participate. As long as you do that writing his essays will be a piece of cake. He's is an amazing professor and really cares about the material he teacher and his students.

Absolutely superlative teacher! I found his teaching style and lectures not only informational but life changing. More teachers should adopt his style. He really has a rare gift. He is humble and receptive and leads students to learn how to not only write, but also speak. As a scholars student I can say, best class I've ever had! Passionate & smart

Fall was my first semester at SMC, and I couldn't be happier I landed in Prof Padilla's class. He is a passionate, intelligent teacher and his lectures were always fun to attend. You will have to work hard for your grade, but if you do, you will be a much better writer and independently thinking individual by the end of his class.

I took him for the fall, Writing was never my strongest subject BUT the way he teaches improved my writing skills. DEF. take him !!! Never use first person !!! have a strong thesis and strong evidence and you'll be good for this class. Do the journals he assigns, it helped me a lot ! he's the best English professor If u wanna improve academically

Professor Padilla makes it easy for his students to be able to grow in their writing skills. He's very clear on what he wants done and the syllabus is very easy to follow along during the semester.

If you enjoy writing at all, take 30A! The set-up of the class as a workshop was so helpful. Padilla offers great insight on how to take a piece to the next level. The guy is also a pro in his field, so he can give you insider tips and even help you publish your work. Taking his class is an invaluable experience!

he amazing and easy going would recommend if you have problems with writing.

As a freshman coming into college without any experience I would recommend Mr Padilla because he teaches you exactly how to write a college academic paper, that is exactly what his class is for. However, do not expect an easy "A". One thing I really loved about his class is that you can write about any topic you want. He grades mostly on grammar.

This has been one of my favorite classes so far at SMC. Dr. Padilla really inspired me to work on my writing skills and I feel like I learned a lot from him as was able to really improve. I enjoyed the reading he chose and appreciated the help outside of class he made available.

Great professor who truly wants you to succeed. Especially if you're thinking of majoring in English, TAKE HIM! He gives great feedback and doesn't just handout good grades. He actually teaches you so many fundamentals for your college career. Amazing prof, would take again. Buy the Writers Handbook, the others weren't used that much!

Literally just participate in class and listen to the discussions on the readings so you can write your paper off your notes. You need to have no grammar errors in your paper and you need to do exactly what he says in class on your paper. He's a nice guy + very straightforward.

Great professor and class. He truly cares that you learn how to write and wants to see improvement. Two essays, one research paper, and easy final. Participation matters; if you miss 2 classes your grade drops to a B. Textbook unnecessary. Lectures are engaging and enjoyable. If your papers are free of grammatical errors you will get an A.

Wonderful wonderful professor. Best at SMC. So inspiring and passionate about everything he teaches. His class didn't even feel like a class. I loved both Eng 1 and Eng 2 (scholars) with him. If you bring your paper to office hours he will help you perfect it. I learned so much in both semesters that I still carry with me in my other classes.

Cool personality, the only problem I had with him is that he was never in his office during the hours he said he would be there.

Interesting class. I don't like literature, but from this class, I could understand why people love literature. Easy A if you are a solid writer with few grammatical errors. You don't need to buy the Bedford book.

Great professor!! Had him for fall and the class consisted on 14 journal entries (1 page entry every week). 2 intro paragraphs, one 3-5 page essay. Participation is important so show up to class everyday. There are no quizzes except for the final but he prepares you for the final. The last project for the class was a 6-8 research paper. RECOMMEND!!

Mario Padilla is a wonderful professor, although challenging, he has guided me into a discipline I had never considered before. He grades hard and gives captivating lectures. Overall, he is a great professor for English majors and anyone who is willing to challenge themselves.

He is a good professor, but not an easy one. Get ready to go to the writing tutor center and his office hours. As long as you have the right MLA format, almost perfect syntax and good critical analysis youll be fine. He was hard during the beginning of the semester but he helps me improve my writing a lot

Come to class everyday. Class is not challenging and he makes it so that you pass. Write the way he wants you to write, he stresses MLA format and makes it so you get that down.

Highly recommend to find a way to take this professor. Provides an amazing learning experience and opens your eyes to literature and poetry in a way that will make you want to know more. Very passionate and caring. Book isn't necessary, must come to class and participate for an A. If you don't love reading, you will.

My second favorite creative writing class. You need to read out loud your poetry minimum 4 times throughout the semester, turn in a portfolio, and journal with 30 entries. If you don't attend class you won't get an A. He gives great feedback on people's work. You'll need to print a lot to make copies of your work when you present. (min 15 copies)

Took his class in Winter. Do the journals, participate, and show up. He's a very tough paper grader, but sets up the gradebook so that is you try in his class, you will do good. He has no office hours during winter/summer. If you take his class, you will never look at literature the same way. Through this class, you become a better thinker.

Dr. Padilla is the best professor I have ever had. He gives feedback on the essays that really help his students become better writers. In high school, I had English teachers that weren't helpful but Professor Padilla really takes the time to make sure his students understand Literature. He's a very knowledgeable professor.

Awesome Eng 30A Creative Writing -One of the best professors ever. He is inspiring, He creates a clear way to get a good grade, attend class, write in a journal, read and share aloud 5 written assignments. #1 he creates a safe space with guidelines for class participation. I would take this teacher and his classes over and over. He is empowering!

MLA is praised in that class. Had the opportunity to express your opinions during class discussions about important topics, which was a great learning experience. I didnt use the textbook I just took a few pictures of a friends book and used that. Attendance is very mandatory! Very easy class, just a lot of writing! I would def recommend.

I have taken all of Dr. Padilla's classes, he is absolutely amazing! He has taught me so much and is my favorite professor. I cannot sing higher praises about him. Go to his office hours and he is completely attentive and helpful about everything. He truly cares about his students and his work, so don't mess around in his class.

Padilla really cares and he will challenge your writing ability--this is what an English Professor is suppose to do! He was strict, but my writing was so superior after taking this class. I enjoyed his style so much I took creative writing. He is less strict in those classes--I would suggest taking those. Understand the format and use the lab.

I have taken every class Dr Padilla gives. He has inspired me to another level of expression in writing, speaking and evaluating my own and others works. This teacher is a dream to anyone searching to express words. This is your opportunity, take it use it and shine to another level you never dreamed but always hoped for, its for you if ready GO!

I have taken English 1, 2, 30A, and 30B with Dr. Padilla. I urge you to take any of his classes. I learned so much in his English 1 and 2 classes, so if you must take them, consider having him. He has clear grading criteria, and is always willing to help out on papers. He's just awesome.

I had a great time taking his class. He was probably the only teacher in my life to teach me how to write a proper essay. He's very specific in what you should and shouldn't write in your essays and is fairly a chill guy. Don't take his kindness for granted though. As long as you put effort in class, it shouldn't be too hard.

Professor Padilla is for sure one of the best professors as SMC. While his class is not a guaranteed A, he helps students tremendously improve their writing and is extremely passionate about teaching english. Professor Padilla's lectures were engaging as well as the discussions he starts encouraging students to participate. Don't miss out on him.

The best English professor I've had in my entire life. Dr. Padilla has made me such a better writer. He doesn't hand out A, but if you do the work and listen to feedback than you should have no problem. The class itself is discussion-based and you use the textbook pretty much every class. I would really recommend taking this course.

When I saw the great reviews for Prof. Padilla I added the class as I thought it was going to be a breeze. I was wrong. Being someone who doesn't have a great english background, I struggled in the beginning. I took his advice, seeked help from the writing tutors, and saw myself progress. An amazing teacher who will have you work for your grade.

Professor Padilla was sooo nice!! All he really cared about was attendance and MLA format. For each essay, we got to pick whatever topic we wanted to write about and then got to have at least 2 days of peer editing where he would come to each group and give us each feedback. Overall he was really nice and everyone felt comfortable participating.

Scholars course Summer 2020. Prof. Padilla is one of the best professors I've ever had. He is very helpful, straightforward, and will help you get an A. Make sure to participate in class discussions, he will respect you more! He doesn't appreciate the students that are too scared to share their voices. Most classes are peer-review sessions.

Took this class as an incoming freshmen during my summer. Professor Padilla is probably the most lax professor ever. He is highly communicative with his students and he has a routine-- so pretty much you won't ever not know what you'll be doing in class. Not too many assignments either, just do the work and you'll be fine.

M. Padilla is such a great teacher. I personally don't think of myself as an English person and he really helped me get through this class even with an A. If he thinks you are not turning in A work he will refer you to see a free SMC tutor. I took this class during COVID and even then he was very helpful. Great discussions & I had him 4 Eng. 2.

Took English 1 with Padilla and had to take English 2 with him. He is very laid back and will do anything to help you succeed and be a better writer. This class is not a free A and he will grade your papers fairly. If you don't become a better writer after him it's on you tbh. Very funny and personable. Wish I could take another class with him!

English 1 and English 2 at SMC? THIS IS YOUR PROFESSOR :) Do yourself a favor and 'add class' immediately. The skills you'll learn in his class will transform your mastery of English and absolutely transfer to other majors/areas of interest. Furthermore, you will not find a more inspiring, warm, funny, and encouraging professor in the department!!

I took English 2 over the winter. Padilla is a really good prof. We did 2 literary analyses and 1 research paper. This class made me become a better reader, however, I didn't like how much participation matters for the grade (20 %).

I found his class very helpful. I became a much better writer. It teaches what it takes to write a quality research paper. I actually used what I learned in this class to write a paper in another class the same semester. I really did improve so much in one semester. If you have crap grammar you will receive a crap grade- thats on you though.

Prof Padilla is AMAZING. I took him for ENG 1 & 2. There is a lot of reading and journals but he really makes sure you learn the material well and fall in love with it. He is such an amazing teacher and I learned so much from him. He grades fairly, so just try your best. Would definitely recommend his class, he is one of the best teachers I've had.

Professor Padilla reignited my love for English. He initiates riveting discussions that invite students to dive deep into the text. He gives you the freedom to develop your own critical thinking skills. Although I usually left my high school English classes on the verge of tears or completely unengaged, I almost always left his class with a smile.

Currently a Junior at USC. Mario gave me the confidence to be a great writer and has been the best professor I had in college period.

If you're an international student who is not confident in speaking and writing English, I don't recommend this course. The course truly challenged me to analyze the text in both modern and past time periods. I wish his grading system was not misleading, because I question whether journals and participation were even considered in the final grades.

Professor Padilla gave me the confidence to declare my major in literature. He's very open minded, encouraging and passionate about creative writing. Even if you tend to struggle with your creative flow he will give you all the feedback you need to hear, he created a safe space for my class and truly wanted the best for all of us. Highly recommend!

Took in winter. Very intense/hard, but excellent teacher of MLA. Fantastic reading choices. Organized. You must speak daily to earn an A. Gets frustrated if no one responds. Encourages free thinking. If you are majoring in English, he is THE professor to take & this class will help you succeed in your academic journey. Made me a better writer.

He is the most wonderful professor, I have ever met. He cares about students and tries his best to get the students understanding his instruction. If you have some questions, he would be so willing to help you. As an international student, I feel not so confident in English writing, but he always encourages you to move forward. Very responsive.

He is a hard prof, not a hard subject, so prep for lots of revisions and criticisms. A stickler for grammar and sentence structure is important. Do not assume you know "college-level writing". Make sure to go to office hours, and tutors that he recommends. You do not need to be profound, you just need to have evidence and small sentences.

Incredible writer & a very supportive, caring prof. He can be blunt in his criticisms, but it is what I appreciate about this class as he always gives detailed and useful feedback. He wants his students to succeed & is willing to put in the effort to help them do so. He encourages everyone and is kind and supportive regardless of talent or ability.

Good class but tons of reading and writing. He guides the students to earn the A but you have to do the work. Take notes, participate in the discussions, learn MLA, and don't fall behind. Attend office hours and seek tutoring if he suggests it. He's tough but fair.

took winter session. while i agree that he is blunt and calls people out during class, it's only bc he expects the best from his students. readings are manageable-- a few short stories, poems, and a book to read. nothing too crazy. his grading criteria is clear.. be prepared to participate in class bc you won't pass if you don't. an amazing prof!!

I really enjoyed my time in Padilla's class. He's very passionate and caring about the literature you read in class, & it's always fun to hear his opinions. The format of the class is nice because it's basically like a seminar-style book club and feels very comfortable. He is strict on grammar in your writing but only because he wants you to learn!

Great Recommendation! Professor Padilla is the best best professor! He has been teaching at SMC for more than 25 years. That is a huge commitment and big contribution to the students. For an international student from CHINA, I enrolled his class for English 1 and English 2. He is very caring and responsible professor. I have my highest respect.

He is a passionate professor who is inspiring for students. As long as you do the reading and participate in class you should be fine. Lectures can get boring sometimes but make sure to attend class because you will lose points on your attendance grade. For the essays listen to his criteria and apply them and you will get an A. Overall a good class

Best best best teacher ever. Says that there is no write or wrong answer when it comes to your interpretation of the text in order to encourage people to leave their comfort zone and love literature.

Amazong professor, really easy to get an A in the class. Attendance is EVERYTHING, even if you're not participating the whole time. He only asks 3 assignments for the whole year, and they weren't that hard.

I took the ENG 2 Scholars. He's a pretty helpful grader & is always willing to help, super cool and a nice guy. If you participate a lot this class is the best as he gives points for participation. Most days you read and then discuss in class what you read, you write 2 essays and a research paper that are pretty easy, even if you're a poor writer.

Professor Padilla can sound a bit tough but his class is easier than expected. He wants you to try your best and fully grasp the proper way to write an essay. Listen to his lectures, participate in his discussions, and follow his guides and you should earn a good grade in this class.

Professor Padilla definitely knows what he's doing as a teacher. If you dislike Socratic seminars, this class may not be for you, but if you do like them, then this class is perfect for you. His class may be intimidating but he wants the best for all of his students and does what he can to attain that. Overall, I would recommend.

Harsh but honest. He's highly critical and expects perfection don't take this class if you can't handle constructive criticism. He grades hard, but the workload is manageable. I honestly did most of my work last minute & still got a B. If you're confident in your skills and want to be pushed, go for it! If you're sensitive, don't, I almost dropped.

Best professor at SMC. Not a tough grader but he gives INCREDIBLE feedback that will truly make you a better writer. Highly recommend going to his office hours -- he has them every day but you have to show up early because he's in demand. He's had a fascinating life and he really cares about who you are. The only thing is that you CANNOT skip class

Best class I've taken in my 3 years at SMC! Professor Padilla gives honest, helpful feedback and is clearly passionate about teaching. He truly inspired me to write more. Whether you're new to writing or experienced, you'll gain so much. Light workload, just show up and present your work with confidence! TAKE THIS CLASS :)

Professor can be tough, but wants the best for every student.

was VERY participation-heavy class (25% of grade), so beware. discussions in class are on stories/poems assigned, so if you read and talk during class you're good! he does assign a textbook; however, uses it mostly because of all short stories and poems, so you could find them online and the prof is ok with that (textbook = expensive). chill class!

Professor Padilla follows his syllabus to a T, so you know what you're getting into from the first day of class. Whether that's a good thing depends on your style of learning, but I enjoyed it and going through short stories, to poetry, to Maya Angelou was a great experience. DON'T fall behind on journals or you'll be cramming your final week.

Participation heavy course. Get ready to come to class prepared and to have something to talk about and to come up with abstract metaphors about poetry and symbolism. Don't procrastinate journals til the end. Tough grader but will improve your writing skills after this class. You need to have thick skin to take Eng 2 scholars w Mario.