3.0
Quality3.7
Difficulty21%
Would Retake108
Reviews21%
Would Retake
108
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
31
4
14
3
20
2
21
1
22
What Students Say
“Lauzen is a passionate speaker and does an excellent job of explaining concepts”
TFM330 - 3.0 rating“But overall, I was not impressed”
TFM530 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
94%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.80 avg changeRatings by Course
408409
5.0
(1)COMM4084
5.0
(1)600A
5.0
(1)COM409
5.0
(1)COMM408409
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
TFM470
4.6
408409
4.0
COMM4084
4.0
COM408
4.0
COMM491
4.0
Reviews (108)
great classes,come to class & you will learn everything/pertains to real life!
A very great teacher. I would take another course with her.
Taught one of my favorite classes
No Comments
Dr. Lauzen is the best.
No Comments
excellent teacher, very intelligent. i only wish she taught more classes.
No Comments
She is very knowledgeable. Tests are a little hard, but she knows what she's talking about and makes everything clear.
she's the best. i would def. take her again. tests were hard...don't miss class or get the notes b/c not much on test is out of book.
class is interesting. need to go to class for the notes. the tests are not as hard as everyone says they are.
tests ask for very specific info. Paper is easy. group project is easy. teacher is fairly attractive. go to class. she is an expert in her field so you will learn alot
Very professional instructor. Comes to class prepared and delivers an exellent lecture that incites dialogue from students. DOES NOT LET STUDENTS WALK ALL OVER HER (which is good, for a change at SDSU). Tests are easy IF you study and take good notes.
No Comments
Great teacher. Knows her stuff. Pretty hot. Best teacher I've ever had. Go to class Take Notes on lectures. Tests are kinda hard.
No Comments
I find that this professor singles students out that don't directly agree with her natzi ideals and makes them feel short-sighted or half witted. And this - with her "women should help each other" bullhonkie. Bring your protective armor girls!
She's cool. There wasnt a lot of class interaction but the lectures were interesting. Tests are slighty harder than average but she's pretty fair.
I would not recommend this teacher, because she gives out an assignment assuming that everyone knows how to do the format that she asks for and then gives out really low grades, because she doesnt explain the format. Not a good teacher at all!
Don't ever question what she has to say. There is no explanation for any problem except men hate women. Apparently men are evil, and are out to get women.
This is the hardest class I took at SDSU. I got a "D" but gained a lot of knowledge about the subject of Media. She is very tough on grading, especially research papers. Great class, though.
Dr. Lauzen is one of the most knowllageable teachers on this campus. Her lectures are thick, expect to take AMPLE notes. Tests are multiple choice, but HARD...STUDY A LOT...trust me. Very well spoken, and very fun to discuss topics in class. Don't be late
This instructor is baised! She is constantly talking about herself- she doesn't really care to teach. All the S@*# she talks about is just that! She treats men and women equally--like idiots. You will never be as smart, as pretty or as accomplished as her. ONE WORD---PLASTIC!
This lady is the wicked witch of the west...she under went some surgery. Still has the attitude.
Martha Lauzen is a cold hearted, evil, Lylith Crane wannabe who lacks any evidence of a soul. So if anybody out there sees her fly by on her broomstick RUN FOR COVER! Good luck and remember; she hates men, women, babies, old people- even puppies...and by the looks of her pulled back face, WRINKLES!
She is very liberal and closed-minded. When I approached her to reconsider my paper, she was inconsiderate and did not care. She is very deameaning and I would recommend her if you want the worst semester. The information is interesting but she is very unmotivational! Thumbs Down!
the class itself was easy. the lectures are actually interesting. however, she is very condecending. gave me the impression that she hates all men. makes you buy her $120 book, and there were maybe 2 questions on both tests from the book, and they don't take the book back. easy class, tough teacher
Class was really interesting but the tests were difficult. Her book is costly and you really don't need it. Find someone to share with. My biggest tip for a good grade is take good notes and don't miss unless its presentations. Information in the notes is all thats on the tests.
People are very intimidated by her b/c she is so intelligent and informed on the topic. Everyone should take this class to see the inequality in media. she does not hate men just seeks to show us what is really going on in communications. not an easy A but invaluable lessons learned
This professor can't see past her own accomplishments. She may be a good researcher- but she is an awful professor. Doesn't care to create an academic environment, instead she intimidates her students and makes no apologies. Take this professor if you would like to fall victim to her bias grading.
Martha is great, I am actually surprised to read the above comments. She is extremely knowledgeable about her field and I think she is totally fair. She is passionate about her topics and patient with her students. She is demanding, but this an upper div. comm class. She has a tiny little body a
No Comments
I was intimidated by the comments below, but the class is really interesting. Why is everyone so afraid of her? Great class. She doesnt hate men.
She is an awesome professor! She knows the material and is enthusiastic about teaching others. I don't know what the others were talking about. Don't even really need to buy the readers cuz she covers almost everything in class that you need to know for tests.
She is a wonderful teacher passionate about the subject matter. Although she has her own points of view about most things, dosen't everyone, she does not press them upon you. The class was hard, but what the hell are we at college for?? For those that didn't like her, I bet they didn't work hard enough and got bad grades...don't be bitter!
very smart teacher with all lot of interesting things to learn from her. If you study hard you should do just fine in the class, I highly recommend 409
This class is for the birds, there isn't enough information to keep the class moving forward for a whol semester. I felt like I was in a class full of man haters. The subject matter is easy to grasp but somehow the tests are difficult. Lauzen always has this dumb surprised look on her face, how annoying. Comm 409 is a poor me as a woman class!
Good class. Lectures are bearable. Tests should be sent to hell. all trick questions and a and c, or a and b, or all of the above! I am a male and she seemed to like me just fine. OMG those tests though! ouch! I went to the dentist afterward to get a filling drilled and I dont even have a cavity!
Do not be scared of this prof or the class. She is so smart and totally knows her stuff so she might seem intimidating. Tests are tough if you didnt study so YOU HAVE TO GO TO CLASS EVERYDAY bc the whole tests is from lecture notes which she goes over extensively! YOU MUST STUDY TO DO WELL! dont buy the reader bc u dont need it, tests from lecture!
Very smart teacher and easy to learn from. There are 3 test, 1 paper, and 1 group project. If you study a little and go to class you will do fine. Interesting subject matter.
Her lectures are very interesting and she knows so much about the media. She is a very hard grader though-three tests,paper, and a group project. Tests are wordly awkardly and most answers are a&b or b&c. Super helpful if need clarity or extra explanations. Hard work but so interesting!
Very interesting material... I didn't think any of it was really that hard, because it really makes you think differently about media... She's the sexies dressed teacher on campus, too!
Class was interesting. Great for those with wandering minds. tests were easy if u study, class attendance is a must as she bases tests on lectures. paper was graded way hard so make sure u do it well because its worth a lot of points.
she is the worst professor ever. super subjective/NOT at all objective, quality of work has no influence on grade. the only thing that matters is whether or not she likes you. 3 exams, an impossible paper, and a worthless group project. hated her and hated her class.
She is one tough cookie! She demands a lot from her students, but you come away knowing a ton of good info. She is a good lecturer and REALLY knows her stuff. There are 3 fairly tough exams, a 4 page research paper, and 1 easy group project. If you apply yourself, study, and go to class, then you should do well. It is a fun and interesting class.
This class is not easy, but it is very interesting and you learn a lot of cool stuff. She is kind of hard, but if you attend class and do your work, you will do fine. It is definitely not a snoozer class, as she is always lecturing on cool and current stuff!
She is a great! Good sense of style! There's a Midterm and a Final/ A group project / and a paper+presentation.
If you want to save your GPA do not take this class. Trick questions, outrageously tough grader on papers, and oh my bad, an easy group project that counts for, uh, next to 0% of your final grade. Dr. Lauzen sunk my battleship! Im quitting school and going to sell blenders now.
College is meant to be challenging! This class was very interesting and my favorite of the semester. I got to analyze Greys Anatomy for school (pick a TV show not a movie BTW)! I read everything, but did bad on the tests and even had a D at one point, but the paper and group project pulled me up to an A-
Very interesting class, she is so passionate about the subject. the tests are really hard with tricky questions. A pretty tough but interesting paper, i suggest to analyze a tv show! and a group project.
very interesting class in terms of material studied, what turned me off was her overly biased teaching. she's a brilliant researcher but i think she's ****. expect a C in this class if you're a B student. tests aren't that hard if you go to class and study but she grades tough on the analysis paper. got a 72% for something i felt was at least 80%
Don't miss a class, take the notes, and u will do fine! I have the READER that is required for the course! email me [email protected]
This class is so depressing. It is soooo negative. She only talks about all the bad things women have to deal with in the media. She never talks about the strives women have made or powerful women characters. She is bitter and doesn't want to give out A's. She even said so after the first test. The tests are meant to trick you...read them carefully
Class is kinda tough, there is 1 midterm and 1 final, both are in-class essays. There is also 2 papers, about 6 pages each. You also have to present both papers. She's very friendly and willing to help, nice woman. However, she requires that you buy her reader for a buck-twenty ($120 USD). You need it too if you want to pass.
Do not buy the course reader. If you attend class everyday and take notes, you will do just fine. Project at the end is easy, pick a movie to present on. Gives you a review before the test, everything on the review is on the test, not much more. Interesting material too.
Material and tests are pretty straight-forward, she makes it clear what you need to know on the tests. She's very professional and gets down to business. Very firm on her beliefs and opinions. Course reader is pricey, try to buy a used one from a friend.
Prof Lauzen was ok. The material was almost always interesting and relevant. If I were to find any fault in her class, it would be the bias that so clearly exists. Debates occur constantly, so if you want to get through the lecture notes, please shut up. Project was easy, DON'T BUY THE COURSE READER!
Lectures are always straightforward and she emphasizes on the important parts of the readings (don't have to read). Go to class and take good notes. Film every week and 2 exams (MC & T/F) doesn't give out study guides but you don't need one. Just study your notes. Group presentation (only one person has to speak) at the end of the semester.
Do yourself a favor and do not take this professor. She does not care about students, and loves handing out low grades on eevry assignment/written exam. I'm a TFM major and have gotten a A in every single class except this one, and I can honestly say that it was not because of my me.
Do yourself a favor and do not take this professor. She does not care about students, and loves handing out low grades on every assignment/written exam. I'm a TFM major and have gotten a A in every single class except this one, and I can honestly say that it was not because of my me.
She's alright...BUT your grade only depends on three things: a midterm, a group project, and a final! Don't bother buying the course reader unless you really want to get rid of 70 bucks and not get it back ever again!!
Yes, she is a very difficult teacher. I believe her grading system is intensely harsh and I think she is far too draconian when it comes to projects. Not many pillow points. However even though I did not pass I thoroughly enjoyed her class. I can't dog her!
The concept of a researcher being forced to teach is epitomized here. There is zero academic growth associated with this class. Tests and papers have zero connection to class except for the fact that they have no point or academic value. Too bad you have to take her.
Dr. Lauzen is by far my favorite professor at State. She's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects she teaches. Yes, she's a tough grader and she expects a lot out of you... but it's an upper division class and honestly if you attend class and read like you're supposed to, you'll do fine. I love love love her classes.
By far my favorite professor at state. Actually knows how to answer questions without looking them up from a book like other professors. Really smart. Really interested in what she teaches and super knowledgeable. Go to class, read, interact, and you'll do perfectly fine.
The difficulty of her classes is proportional to the effort made, which thus makes succeeding in them pretty simple. If you keep up with the readings, study for the final exams, and devote the time and effort necessary to create a well-written research paper, you'll learn in her class and actually have fun while doing it.
Do not take this class. She's prejudice, chooses horrible director samples, spends more than half of her lectures having the class present work instead of teaching, and to make matters worse her text book is poorly copied texts from other books that she charges 100$ for that you cannot sell back. Unacceptable on all levels.
Prof Lauzen is a fantastic professor. She is very knowledgeable of the subject matter and she offers a refreshing perspective in the TFM program. Sit near the front, talk to her after class about the latest movies (she is actually very friendly) and she will open up to you. One of the better professors at SDSU. She's a steal for this campus.
She taught us some interesting things about different aspects of the genre & some films were interesting. But overall, I was not impressed. The course did not go that in depth with the material & we spent a significant amount of time watching film clips, not the entire film. I received a good grade in the class, but I would not take her again.
She's a tough grader, but not unfair. Where most film profs seem to start at an "A" and scale down, seems like she starts at "C". I understand how some can think she's cold, but she's actually pretty niceeasy to talk to once the semester gets going. Also, she knows a lot about mediafilm. Not an easy "A" like most TFM classes, but worth taking.
Worst teacher I've ever taken at SDSU. I'm a TFM student and I failed this class because the teacher is ridiculous when it comes to her grading and work ethic. If you don't agree with her opinion or follow her opinion, she grades you down especially on in class writings. Her tests are ridiculously hard. 30 questions for a final? Yeah okay....
I loved this professor and this class. The material was fascinating and extremely well-presented. Class participation vis-a-vis the presentation project was fun to do personally, and extremely engaging when the rest of the class presented theirs. Dr. Lauzen does expect you to do the work, and you should probably bone up on your grammar.
Great Class IF YOU WANT to learner. She challenges you especially if you do not have an open mind. I would recommend all her classes, but be prepared to read, and do in class essays for 5 points each. Tough grader but fair.
This is a real college course. Let's be honest TFM is a super easy major and half the classes are too easy. Lauzen is a tough grader but she honest and real. She's a GREAT professor. The first class that actually taught me something. 2 test, one group project and in class writing. Just go to class take detailed notes and you'll do fine.
Dr. Lauzen is a passionate speaker and does an excellent job of explaining concepts. She can be a bit disorganized at times: not uploading documents (the syllabus, grading rubrics, etc) to Blackboard and responding late to emails and phone calls. There is a left-leaning agenda synthesized into her lectures. Stay calm and agree to earn an "A".
Lauzen is great at recalling facts & figures without having to dodge questions. However, her grading is draconian. I got marked down for presenting alternative viewpoints with data. She is also a luddite and refusing to let students use technology in her classroom. For those who are Pokemon fans, she is the physical incarnate of Lusamine.
I went in expecting the worst re: political/controversial topics, but I felt she handled them very fairly compared to other professors in the department. Completely lecture-based, which can get pretty boring. The group presentation is the only truly difficult part of the class - work on it ten times harder than you think you need to, trust me.
Only take her if she's the only one available. This is class is the most horrible part of being a Production major. She does not let people use laptops in her class, which is irritating and should not be an issue in a college course. She treats everyone like infants who can't control themselves.
Lauzen is very knowledgable but the class is tough. You need to show up because she might give a writing assignment, which she grades extremely tough. Also the exams are difficult and very tricky. The group project is also a pain if you get a bad group, and she is very strict on what she wants to see in your presentation. Just study a lot.
The worst professor in SDSU! Never take this course if you have other choice. Lot's of reading, writing and inclass response. She doesn't allow using laptop and phone in class. Hard class and boring all the time. She doesn't respect students and use her miind to determine student.
She makes you work for every single point you earn. Vey tough grader but fair. The material was very interesting and I learned a lot which is what matters. Very tricky and be prepared. Don't let a bad grade discourage you just keep trying and participate make her see you care. I failed the first test but passed. Don't act entitled or offputting.
Lauzen clearly knows lots about Cultural Aspects of Media because of her research. This class just didn't feel very interesting or engaging. Also, prepare to buy a ridiculous priced book of articles compiled by the professor. There is also a very challenging and slightly impossible group project which will hurt your grade.
Lauzen's lectures were very thought provoking. She's very intelligent. You really learn a lot from this class if you choose too. She created her own textbook and you pretty much have to read the entire thing. There are 5 pop up quizzes, 2 exams, a group project and a final. She has a fair and simple grading style. Her tests are pretty difficult.
Upon switching to virtual learning, Lauzen did not attempt to continue educating us. There were no Zoom meetings, just weekly emails which told us what to watch/read. She didn't care about us and made no changes due to COVID-19. We still had to do a group project which was not presented to anyone, it was just emailed to her. Very tough grader.
Two tests+ couple random inclass writing+ one group project presentation. Be prepared to do a lot of reading and make sure you understand it all. She is a very TOUGH grader! The group project is a disaster, it does not like what you think. Yes she is knowledgeable, but she is hard to pass. Avoid her if you can.
Just do yourself a favor and avoid her. Shes full of herself. One of those professors that thinks your life revolves around her classes. Has arbitrary rules such as not using laptops in her class; as if paying attention to anything rather than her might make the world crash & burn. Horrible communication. Vague prompts, unnecessary group projects.
If you miss one lecture, youll fall behind. I learned a lot but her teaching style is poor. Long, drawn out readings. You really have to work EXTREMELY hard for a good grade. She says dont email me because I'm busy and backed up on emails. Ok sis; busy doing what exactly?!? I pay tuition for you to read my emails. Self absorbed and pretentious
Dr. Lauzen is knowledgeable and well learned. Unfortunately, her ability to teach is hampered by the constant and stealthy pushing of her political ideology. I finished strongly, yes, through emulating her thought process and telling her what she wanted to hear through citation of materials that she considered credible.
There are very few assignments given so you better not miss a class because if it happens to be a day of a short writing assignment, you're screwed. I've never known anyone to get higher than an 8.5/10 on her short writing assignments. & I got 10/10 on the WPA. She is so knowledgeable and material is interesting, but you probably wont get an A.
If you can avoid her class, I suggest you do. She's a very tough grader, and she's not helpful with feedback. For her midterm, it says on the syllabus to use a minimum of three sources but what she won't tell you is that you need at least 5-6 to get a good grade. Also, her books are very expensive and it's only a collection of articles.
Tough class when it didnt need to be. Expect a short writing assignment at the end of every class. If you pay attention it should be easy to write, but dont expect a perfect score. Shell find something. Copy lectures word for word bc if you quote somethin wrong shell dock you in your assignments.
Fact she teaches 3 mandatory classes that ONLY have her as a professor is ridiculous. She tries to force you buy her textbook thats comprised of articles other people have written and frame her opinion. FYI you dont need to buy the book, just copy her lectures word for word. Worst teacher Ive ever had the displeasure of meeting.
Quite literally the worst teacher I have ever had. I only made it a few weeks in her class before deciding to withdraw. I have never once rated a professor on here or had to withdraw from a course but she takes first place. Don't take her if its possible. Pretty sure they are adding more professors to the classes that were once only taught by her.
This professor is easily one of the hardest at sdsu. Your entire grade is based upon two really hard exams and in class "writing assignments" which are three page essays based on the film you watched that day. She grades the essays pretty hard, so be prepared to get between a 70-80 on each one.
This is a completely honest review. She is a professor who knows her stuff, however, she gives very little opportunities to receive a good grade. I have had her for two courses and she had in-class writing assignments for both. When receiving the grade, feedback is minimal to none so it is very hard to improve.
Grades you only on 2 exams and multiple in-class writes. The in-class writes she barely provides feedback to improve grades on spelling when we only have a certain amount of time to complete them. Her exams are trick questions purposefully. She makes you by her textbook, which I did not even read and you can still do good in the class.
I would always recommend TFM majors to deter from taking her classes. I got lucky and was able to graduate only taking 1 of her classes. She was a super harsh gra
Her class is basically graded on two exams, two very tricky and hard exams that don't fully pertain to the study guide she gives out. If you were to take this class, hope for the best honestly, but more people fail her class than pass. She also cannot stop herself from talking about herself and how every work she provides is hers.
This class can be quite challenging, with exams and quick in-class writings being the main focus. While the material is interesting, the grading is tough. unstuckstudy and the free textbook helped me manage the workload. Overall, a decent class if you're willing to put in the effort.
Slightly better than her 330 class, tests were not as tricky as her 330 and more word-based. Class material is interesting, still no technology use. You do a presentation on a comedian and just prepare well and for essays include as many scholarly sources as possible to try to get a good grade. If between this class and her 573 take this one.
Slightly better than her 330 class, but would recommend taking her 573 instead if you can't avoid Lauzen. There is still no technology-use in class. You do a presentation on a television show full season so start early and just prepare well. For essays, include as many scholarly sources as possible to try to get a good grade, she recommends 5-6.
Attendance is mandatory, there are 5 in-class writing assignments and she doesn't tell you when she is assigning them. There is a multiple choice midterm and final that consist of trick questions, so make sure you take notes and pay attention to lectures. Lectures are not posted, so if you miss one you really miss out. All readings are online.
I think everyone that doesn't like her just is very lazy or expects a free ride. She's been my favorite, most inspiring professor I've taken. She can be a tough grader, you probably won't get a 100% on any assignment, but I usually would get a 90% or so. She knows her stuff and I really respected her. show up to class and you'll be ok. Not hard
Literally the MOST difficult class I have taken in the TFM major. She is EXTREMELY against technology, and WRITTEN exams solely rely on lectures and readings. She gives out random writing assignments and is very strict with her grading/ hid our grades. No extra credit opportunities EVER, and doesn't post slides on Canvas. Lock in the best you can.
TO DISABLED STUDENTS, she doesn't accommodate to you. Learn from me and save yourself gas and mental sanity to pass a 330 class. No matter if you do what she says, it will be hardly impossible to pass her class without such accommodations especially with testing. Try taking Brian's class instead. — A senior.
330 is weekly lectures w/ readings for them, 5 surprise writing assignments (she screens videos for these) & 2 exams. Literally just show up and avidly listen to lecture, take GOOD notes (by hand), cross-analyze lecture notes and reading notes to prepare for exams. It can be really simple if you lock in and don't just complain that she's old school
Professor Lauzen isn't as bad as all these reviews say. Yes she teaches old school, but she is super knowledgeable and I found her lectures really interesting and engaging. Make sure you study the readings and review key points from the films for her exams and you will be fine. She wouldn't give me above a 80% though on any of my in class writing.
she is very lecture and test-heavy. you can't use technology in her course, so be prepared to write a lot. there are 5 in-person essay assignments that she does randomly throughout the class, so attend often.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
94%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.80 avg changeRatings by Course
408409
5.0
(1)COMM4084
5.0
(1)600A
5.0
(1)COM409
5.0
(1)COMM408409
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
TFM470
4.6
408409
4.0
COMM4084
4.0
COM408
4.0
COMM491
4.0