Class is entrememly interesting, entirely based on readings, and grade is based on 4 papers. Extremely helpful and makes an effort to get to know students

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Beneath his professionally suave & by-the-book exterior lurks a sensualist w/ a wicked sense of humor. Conducts class w/utmost devotion to order but leaves room for jokes, pop culture references and incidents of reading aloud that will make you swoon.HOT

Don't be scared off. Yes, he will call upon you in class (so always be prepared to comment) but his intensity and obsession for all things Medieval is worth every frightening second. And he grades fairly.

Brilliant & biting; really knows his stuff. Also knows every sexual reference IN his materials, but that's a lot of the fun! You must work for him; if you slack, he will not respect you. Even if he respects you he'll be hard on you; that's his demeanor

Cruel exams, frequent classroom embarrassments, see-through "impartiality", occasional grandstanding, extreme eccentricity, and a whole lotta fun. I wish I had found him sooner.

Great teacher loved his class, was very fun and interesting. Watch out he calls on you a LOT!!

Best teacher you can take in the english department. He brings the classics to life in his classes. If you want to do well in your academic carrer, you should take him.

He is very witty, makes boring stuff seem interesting. Possibly one of the best looking male professors. I wouldn't mind sitting in the front row again.

Oh man he such a fabulous professor! I loved this guy. Always willing to help, gives ton of extra credit: wants to see the class do well. Makes everything sound relevant to our culture. Makes an effort to learn your name. His "'tude" is just a front, don't be scared. Also, very handsome :)

I HAVE HAD BOTH GOOD AND BAD EXPERIENCES WITH THE GUY, SO I CAN SYMPATHIZE WITH ALL. BASICALLY, DON'T BE LAZY IN HIS CLASS. IF HE PICKS ON YOU, LAUGH IT OFF AND DON'T TRY TO OUT-WIT HIM. YOU WILL LOSE...

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He was always about the lecture and the meaning. He did trail off now and then to talk about his life. He seemed a bit snobby to me, but never pick on anyone in partibular. He does give lots of reading and three papers, not including midterms.

HE IS A VERY GOOD TEACHER... HUMOROUS, EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND SOMETHING ABOUT HIM MAKES HIM VERY ATTRACTIVE.

Has high standards for his students that they rarely achieve.

He's an okay teacher but I don't understand why anyone thinks this man is attractive! What?!

Walks in like Grendel the "student slayer" but leaves as Beowulf - the heroic redeemer of us all. Don't expect easy sailing - buy your books early, bring to class and do the reading! Slightly intimidating in office hours but overall fair-minded, funny and extremly quick-witted. Expect mucho linguistics and one recitation.

He makes it a mission to be intimidating which is a bad quality in a professor because students don't speak up and they just nod away to please him. He seems a bit narcissistic and encourages chauvinistic remarks. He's a challenge both academic and personal.

Calabrese is not a "feel-good" professor who will automatically give you an A. You will definately recieve the grade you deserve. However, if you prepare for class, and do the work, you will find your experience with Calabrese extremely rewarding,

Great professor. You have to work really hard, but if you do you will get an A. Read EVERYTHING, do not slack off. Take notes in class. Participate in class. Study HARD FOR THE EXAMS. He's a great professor, I would definately recommend him!!!! he makes everything he is talking about REALLY interesting.

Yes, he's brilliant...and he'll pontificate for hours to let you know just exactly how brilliant he is.

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This guy's brilliant (hot), very anti-postmodernism, not PC. He loves the dead white males and has tenure so he's not afraid to say whatever he feels like. If you work hard for him he'll reward you (don't be afraid of his scare tactics in the begining). Don't take his class unless your writing is college level, he WILL fail badly written essays.

Professor Calabrese is an execellent educator. His class is pretty hard but at the end it's worth it because you learn a lot. He grades fairly, depending on how you do in your work. I really really enjoyed his class!! I recommend any of his classes to anyone who really wants to learn something and not just worry about the class grade.

His bark is worst than his bite. Try hard, remain humble, and respectful, and you will find a professor who is more than willing to help you succeed.

In the first few weeks of class I thought he was the most conceited professor ever! But as time went by, I found myself really enjoying the lectures and as another said, "his bark is worst than his bite". I loved his class and I am sad to see it end. Just be prepared for his class. 3 essays and a final, there are a few books but I love reading so that is a breeze. Don't let him scare you away! Take him!

He is one of the greatest profesors I ever had. He showed me how to write like a real English major should. This class was definitely like a boot camp for English majors.

Really knows his stuff, but is intimidating. Personally, I have enough stress in my life to deal with, and I don't need a pompous professor stressing me out with scare tactics. I don't know about him being a fair grader, but he's more inclined to give Fs than other professors are. Which can be good or bad, depending on your attitude.

Extremely good professor,the best English teacher i had so far.He is very articulate and intelligent and will keep u engrossed in his class because he is interesting. In the beginning he uses scare tactics and scares most people out of the class but only to get rid of the slackers and the class clowns.I received an A- I recommend this class

Professor Calabrese really cares about the education of his students. I do not think he is insulting. His criticism is constructive not candy-coated. If you have a problem with participating in class, don't take him. However, if you really want to learn how to write, then take his class.

Don't take this professor unless you really have the time and means to make this class your priority-- because he expects nothing less. The minute you fall behind for whatever reason (work, money, life in general) is the minute you're screwed. He has little sympathy for you if you do not make his class your priority. (to be cont. in next rating)

Giorgio Armani--er, I mean, Dr. Calabrese walks like he's too good for the ground he walks on and talks like the gods owe him an apology for giving him nothing more than a teaching position at CSULA. He is a smart guy, but not smarter than most,he just projects that image in the way he talks. Very classy and sophisticated though.

You will either love him or hate him. I enjoyed his anti-post modern views and teaching style. However, don't even think about bringing up a feminist perspective in the class, because he will just dismiss it as a literary fad. I learned a lot in his class, but it isn't for wimps. I think this is good, but he needs to acquire some academic humility.

Took me 2 weeks to get used to his political views, which are not my own. However, ended up loving the class. We had intense discussions and Calabrese improved my writing 100%. So helpful and fantastic with close reading. Funny, too. Nice having a prof who didn't force external social causes on the text. We really READ the works.

His classes is not for wimps and like a previous comment said, you NEED to make his class your priority because the moment you fall behind, you'll keep on falling. He is very helpful though when you do ask for help because he wants you to learn the material; he is very passionate about what he teaches. Take him if you want to learn something.

One of the best teachers I have had the pleasure to take class with. Hard and demanding but also fun and you will learn.

Very difficult course if you do not stay on top of assigned reading. Average books per class = 8. Class discussions and participation is encouraged. He is a bit of a perfectionist but his approach to teaching only makes you a better student.

Knows his stuff and is willing to help if you are willing to ask for it. To the point, no BS professor. Not recommended to skip his class cause you will miss out on things. Not as bad as people make him seem. :)

the BEST professor @ CSULA by far. He is actually dedicated and cares. He has the attention of the class the entire time and time flies by. He is informative,helpful and funny! I enjoy every single minute. He's tough and expects you to work but he's fair and helpful. Take this class! Attendance is mandatory but you won't want to miss anyway.

Dr. Calabrese is most likely the best professor at CSULA. I took four of his courses and I never wished I was not in one of them. If you are taking Literature seriously as you should he is the most qualified professor at CSULA. His material and knowledge is beyond that of any other professor on campus. The most interesting classes by far.

I'd take him for everything if I could. The kind of teacher that challenges you mentally. If you get an A at the end of the day there is no doubt in your mind that you've accomplished something great.

Tough on your work, but if you truly pay attention to what he's telling you, your writing will only benefit from his class.

Calabrese is a must take at CSULA. He is a great teacher overall. He is dominant though, his style of teaching is my way is the brilliant way--but he is that and hot too, in a rough around the edges with the soul of an Italian poet kinda way

Rating of 2 for Easiness is the only "negative" thing. Class is run military style. Dr. Cal is one of the most awesome instructors. Wants the best for his students and wants them to take their education seriously. Got a "C+" only because I fudged my paper AND turned it in late. But it was hard-earned, and wear it with pride.

By far the best professor I've ever had. He is very insightful and passionate about what he does. The only bad thing is that we had to read so much -.- and he grades pretty hard too, going to his office hours are a must ! overall, I had a great time in this class.

All I'm gonna say is GOOD LUCK my friends. The class consists of INTENSE readings.SO MUCH READING! -_- You must read everything and know everything because he expects A+ answers durng participation/test/essays etc. You really have to be dedicated to the class. Be prepared to be called on. And don't eat in class. He gets mad. Have fuuun.

Best literature professor I've ever had. As long as you are a good writer, you will get an A in the class. Fair grader, very insightful, class was never boring. Yes, you have to read a lot, but what are you expecting, if you are an english major you SHOULD LIKE READING! 8 books in 10 weeks really isn't all that bad. Very fun class, would take again

Time flew by in this class, Calabrese makes it very interesting.The books he assigns are great, yes it is a lot of reading in a short period of time but they're worth it. My one issue with the class was the final exam. There's just not enough time to answer the questions he asks in full detail, but overall it was great.

If you want to become a better writer-take him. If you want to become a better literary theorist-take him. If you want to become a better altogether student-take him. If you want to be a lazy, uninterested, average student-do not take him. Simple as that. He is a great teacher and all around good guy.

Excellent professor! If you're dedicated and passionate about writing you will do fine. slackers will fail. My writing has improved so much after this class.

He is a great teacher, but he is not the nurturing and doesn't baby you at all. If you are a bad write than he'll tell you that you are, but he'll explain why you are and how you can do better. I personally like his teaching style.

Love him! He trys to put on his "macho east coast Italian" personal but in actuality he is a "soft bunny you pet under the chin" ( one of his famous analogies when describing characters in the various myths) He is one of the few amazing professors you can learn absolutely any subject from. HE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Such an amazing instructor. I learned so much. He might seem intimidating at first, but he really is good at what he does, and is someone who makes you feel comfortable in class. I highly recommend him, but watch out, it's a lot of workload, you'll be reading all the time!

Dr. Calabrese is an example of a scholarly man. He delivered a lot of insight into the classical and medieval literature that we studied. He is also a friend of R. Hollander, who helped translate Dante's "Inferno." You will learn A LOT in this class, but I would NEVER take him again if I didn't have to because he is tough and somewhat intimidating.

Professors like Dr. Calabrese are the reason I attend college. Such a passionate, insightful, and intelligent man. He graduated from Colombia for crying out loud! His lectures are interesting and the subject matter is awesome. Highly recommend taking his course. The best class I have ever taken at CSULA!

Dr. Calabrese is one of the most intelligent and dedicated professors at CSULA. I have taken many classes with him and they are always challenging but extremely fascinating. He makes you work HARD but you definitely come out enlightened.

Professor Calabrese is an amazing, insightful person that prides himself on his fairness and passion for the literature. If you want a good grade you need to buckle down and pay attention. Make sure you do the reading and treat this course as two classes, because that is how much time you will need to study. Do not be rude or late. Fair warning.

Calabrese is a good professor. Hard on people that are late. Get on his good side early. Few papers. The ones I did have I used homeworkdoer to complete them.

One of the more demanding and challenging English professors. He will make you a better if you want to be. Don't believe the hype about him. Listen, participate, take his comments to heart and do what he says and you'll do well.

He is a truly AMAZING professor. I loved the lectures and his humor and hearing about the bits of background info he would give about himself. Sounds like such a wonderful man. At first I was super intimidated by him because he is so knowledgeable (and adorable with a great smile), but he ended up being my favorite instructor ever. Highly recommend

YES i got a C+. BUT, I'm way more proud of this grade than an A I would have gotten with a different professor. He is a truly caring man full of enthusiasm. Makes you proud to have graduated with him in your transcripts. In the words of Dante, a true Maestro.

Favorite professor, hands down. He makes old ancient texts interesting and fun. He genuinely cares about the success of his students, but you do have to work for it.

Greatest professor I have taken so far. Really made me work for my grade and I am very happy with the results. He is a really great professor. He does grade tough and give lots of readings. He does encourage students to come to his office hours and is a great help. He makes you work for your grade.

I had him for a weird course. He was a great professor. He made class fun to come to and he was very helpful. Definitely would recommend him.

I tried, but i need more effort.

Calabrese is a strict, hard-grading and blunt professor but he is also inspiring, caring and an overall amazing lecturer. He will work with you and help you if you seek him out. Take him if you want to work hard for your grade and learn but skip him if youre looking for an easy A.

Calabrese seems like one of the toughest teachers on campus, but its only because he wants his students to be the best of the best. He places extremely high standards on his students then helps you exceed them. He is arrogant but with reason to be, so I suggest learning from it. Develop a relationship with him and work hard, and you'll be fine!

Had him for a course that wasn't about English, but enjoyed it thoroughly. Learned a lot about the different musical groups in LA and its connection to the Inferno. Two papers, one final consisting of four in class essays. If you put in effort into the class, you'll get an A. Lots of extra credit offered as well, take advantage of it.

Puts on a tough and arrogant front but he's very accommodating, inspiring and brilliant. 3300 is easy if you make an effort to read and pay attention to his lectures (which is easy b/c they're interesting). A tip - he improvises quiz topics on the day, so no matter what he says in advance, do your best to stay on top of the readings.

Professor Calabrese might seem intomita, but he definitely has a passion for the text that we read. You wont pass this class if you do not read the text assigned. Gives 5 quizzes worth 20 points, short response 30-45 minutes given. Calabrese gives extra credit throughout the semester (5-8 page reflective papers) highly recommend doing them!

Calabrese's one of the best profs the English department has to offer. His classes challenge your critical thinking and writing skills, but he knows this and takes effort into account with grading. He can make the densest texts entertaining and relevant to everyday life. You have to work for an A, but it'll be worth it! Lots of reading.

Loved the topics and readings from British and medieval literature. he opened up a whole new point of view for us. We had A LOT of books and LOTS of reading. Really makes you work for a grade. Test and quiz prompts are really challenging. This whole class was a challenge but he chose it to be that way. Be prepared to READ AND WRITE A LOT

I hated and loved the class at the same time. Prof Calabrese is extremely knowledgeable, BUT be prepared to work! I honestly think the quiz prompts require you to do too much within 30-40 min. It's nearly impossible to find 5-6 quotes, contextualize, AND analyze within the time frame. The final is also crazy long. Overall, it's an interesting class

His lectures are actually worth note-taking and hes a very helpful professor. His pop-quizzes seem intimidating, but he is a very understanding grader when it comes to them, as long as you answer the prompt. His final however, good luck. I spent about 72 hoursbarely taking breaksjust working on it alone. Get ready to sleep with the textbook.

Dr. Calabrese was amazing! I loved learning about the ancient and medieval texts and the human experience from the various cultures we read from. The course grade was based on 3 quizzes and the midterm and final exam, all of which were papers. It can be a lot if you don't do the readings or go to class. Just go to class and read and you'll be good

This course changed my life. There are a few people in the world who get to do exactly what they were made to do and Dr. Calabrese is one of those. I have never experienced a more gifted lecturer. Consider the opportunity to take his class as a gift. He'll make you work hard, but if you can rise to the challenge you'll get so much out of the class.

I've had Dr. Calabrese for several classes now and while he might seem like the most difficult professor ever on the first day, his grading on pop quizzes isn't that barbaric as long as you make an effort to answer the prompt. He also listens to his students, so he'll often drop or ease up on a lot of big projects if he hears everyone is stressed.

Prof Calabrese's class can see like a lot if you do not read. However, if you do the reading before class, and write down the things that come out of his mouth, then you will be fine. He really cares about his students if there are any problems.

Prof. Calabrese is a pretty good prof. Took this class online b/c of COVID, but usually in-person. Class is easy if you keep up w/ readings and assignments. Would take prof. again b/c class was easy. Used one textbook we had to buy or rent. Attendance was mandatory. Midterm was bit hard but based on text and was open-note I believe. Clear rubrics.

The professor is very very lecture heavy and loves to talk. Make sure to listen carefully to his lectures because his quizzes are based on class discussions and readings. He isn't a hard grader so as long as you have an idea of the text, you should pass.

The famous Calabrese envokes a truly interesting and remarkable course. Jokes aside, this was my first time having Calabrese, and while he is a caring professor, he puts you to work. There are several essays throughout the semester and a lot of class discussions. If you do the readings and participate, you'll get by!

Although on one hand taking the famous professor Calabrese was rewarding and riveting he gives amazing lectures but yes you will be put to work. His interpretation is the only one that matters he often skips through books to parts he finds most important but you will be expected to put in your own work good luck!

Good professor tbh

taking a calabrese class is a privilege and an honor, a reason to go to csula. he may change your life. it's still dizzying to think of how much material we consumed, all of it enlightening, and even when from another class, got something new from it. can be difficult, and stay frosty for those pop quizzes, but enriching. rewards for hard work.

Incredibly difficult and demanding course, but VERY important for any English major. 5 total reading quizzes over the semester, a few are written, and a few are oral exams. 4 books over the semester, each being its own unit. Few things: Midterm (6-7 pgs), and a final (connects ALL readings). Constant notes and studying required to pass, good luck.

i really enjoyed my class with professor Calabrese; he is an excellent professor, but he doesnt accept nonsense HW. He will be able to tell if you didnt do the readings based on your work. i would love to take another course w/him in the future!

Be ready to work. He gives great lectures and there is much to learn from him. Just make sure you understand his interpretation of the text and relate it to others. Making friends in the class could also greatly help your overall grade.

He is a pretty good professor!

Calabrese's class is challenging but rewarding. Stay on top of the reading, take good notes, and use resources like Unstuck AI to study - it really helps. Engaging lectures, but you'll need to put in the work.

Don Calabrese, that is how I will remember this professor. His lectures were profound and rich. I credit this man for allowing me to think outside of my mental boundaries. He's tough but does it for a reason, so find that reason. I've no more to say, take my words for what you will and listen attentively. Gracias profesor. "Mr. Paez". I remember

Received a 103% on theory and criticism it can be done but you need to READ! Read that book for hours until you understand the authors points and do NOT use outside help. If you have questions GO to his office hours he's very helpful. The lectures were wonderfully insightful so speak up if you're confused. the most inspiring class I've ever had.

Professor Calabrese's class is difficult, and he can be a tough grader, but he is also a fantastic professor. Professor Calabrese's lectures can be long, so expect to take notes, but he also brings a lot of energy and passion to them. You will not pass if you do not attend class and you must do the reading to understand the exams.