3.1
Quality3.3
Difficulty45%
Would Retake89
Reviews45%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
27
4
16
3
16
2
9
1
21
What Students Say
“Quite possibly the worst professor I have ever had in my life”
ENGL262 - 2.0 rating“It really depends what type of student u r”
ENGL333 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
EARLYLIT
5.0
(1)ENLT375
5.0
(1)AMERRENAISSAN
5.0
(2)COLLEGEWRIT2
5.0
(1)NONFICTION
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENGL2502
5.0
GREATBKS2
5.0
ENGL22601
5.0
WPR
5.0
WPROS379
5.0
Reviews (89)
She tends to go off on random tangents about horoscopes and feminism that can last the whole class period, even if they have NOTHING to do with what you're discussing. Tries hard, but should possibly consider another career...
She's a nice lady, although if your opinions don't agree with hers it might effect your work.She sometimes goes on about how dreadful certain things are that are irrelevant to the topic.
Just don't take this class!
No Comments
No Comments
Feminist rants are common but besides that the class wasnt so bad.
No Comments
"Worst...professor....ever." - Comic Book Guy
Kooky, but really nice and very positive. I found her class to be interesting and enjoyable.
horrible. always her way or the highway. feminist "rants" does not even begin to describe the sheer volume of stupidity that eminates from her mouth. if you're a guy, or a person that likes traditional family values, get out.
The tangents were fun, and took the pressure out of the class. She loved talking about the texts in a full and personal way. Participate in class to get a good grade...I would completely recommend her.
Excellent Professor very knowledgable. However, the class is challenging and heavy on reading assignments. One of my favorites! Her sense of humor and tangents (including the feminist ones) are very entertaining
SHE IS NUTS! She talks about being reincarnated by George Sand! What a wacko! And she is so unspecific with assignments and then gives you terrible grades because you didn't say EXACTLY what she thinks!!!!! DO NOT TAKE!! AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!
If she could only stay on topic with discussions and stop changing the directions for papers, then we would have no problems.
Woman is out of her mind. A man-hating, blame us for everything feminist who spews things about men when she really has no idea how we think or act. wanna piece of advice lady? Get off the damn soapbox and teach the course. I dont care about your v
VERY UNREASONABLE workload, yet she seems perplexed as to why much of the class has already dropped!! There would be more in fact, if others who wanted to drop could. The reading assignments are interesting but w/unreasonable expectations.
Allows the students to take direction of the class.
Has a clearer agenda when it comes to her knowledge of astrology and male-bashing. Very smart - so much so that she loves to go on tangents about herself at every opportunity. Her personal views need to be kept to herself and she needs to allow other interpretations other than her own.
This is a very different woman. She is a little crazy, but in a good way. I am a guy and the class is challenging, but you need to have an open mind. Realize what class your taking before you sign up, if you dont want to here about women, then dont take it, but dont blame the teacher!!
It is true that she is a bit strange, but it is in a good way. Truly genuine person who insults people only when she tells the truth. Very knowledgeable on subject matter.
I bet she really is reincanrnated like she says. Dr Elbert is great. She clearly loves her subjects and her students. Would also recommend her.
If you can put up with all of her weirdness ("give me chocolate now!") and her negative portayal of all male students ("boys lie! Never trust a guy!"), then by all means take the class. But don't expect an easy A.
Too many books to read!! She's a poor grader, takes points off for everything. She doesn't spend time teaching authors she doesn't like but they are included on the test anyway...She hates men, very feminist. She always blames everything on men and talks too much about horoscopes...F!
Very nice lady, always in a good mood. Nothing wrong with that. A lot of writing. Doesn't hate males, or atleast not in my class. Funny and cracks jokes sometimes.
She teaches undergraduate students, perhaps the way one ought to each graduate students. She doesn't stick to her word either. She's OUT THERE. I don't know how she got to be where she is today... Dr. Elbert???? Roll the dice if you want to. I didn't care for her AT ALL.
If you're lazy and you can't handle a professor with an opinion, don't take Elbert. If you're open minded and hard working you will learn a lot from her. Dr. Elbert doesn't hate men, but yes, she is a feminist. If ya can't handle that perhaps college isn't the right place for you.
This woman is certifiably insane. She believes that the spirits of Native American lesbians live under the tree in her backyard. I'm not making that up, either, which is the scary part. And I'm supposed to learn from this lunatic?
Wonderful teacher! If you are willing to spend the time, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Probably one of the few classes I have ever learned anything in. She's a very initelligent woman, very eccentric, however has a very kind disposition. I will take her again. And yes, I am a guy!
I really liked her she seeks students out when she sees your struggling and really helps students by extending due dates. The book is important and her grading is easy. She does give alot of essays but they are very easy. She does have a final that is kind of weird because you dont really take notes through out the semester. I do like her.
i didnt get anything out of this class. i didnt learn anything, but its writing. who can learn anything. tough grader.
Don't listen to all of the whiny freshman who don't want to write essays in College Writing, Dr. Elbert is a great professor. This is the first lit class that I've actually enjoyed. If you are an English major, you need to take at least one class with her!
I was the only other male in my class, I felt like I was trapped in a Lifetime movie. However, I learned lot from this class.
Prof. Elbert does NOT hate men; she recognizes the difference btwn men and women, that's all. She is fun and smart, though the work is demanding. Very smart, and really cares about students. If you have half a spine, take her! Do the work, and you'll actually learn. Not an easy A, but who wants that anyway? That's boring.
No Comments
Took the women's study class. She is an English teacher so she loves details and lots of writing. She loves to talk and you say one thing there gose class on that topic. Took her for the summer and thank God because she give a lot of work. Nice and needs a husband. Has too much time on her hands.
Extremely knowledgable and helpful professor although the reading and course work is very high. Her classes move very fast and a lot of people dropped the class after the first couple weeks. It is by no means an easy class and you really have to work for your grade but you get a lot out of Dr. Elbert's lectures. Take her atleast once.
Elbert's class made you think, and get in touch with a side of you that was sometimes uncomfortable to become acquainted with. At many times during the course there was a real value to the knowledge that she gave us, and it was very good to know that should we need help, it was readily available to us.
Dr.Elbert is the epitome of a great professor.She helps students 2 become critical eyewitnesses 2 what's taking place in the world around them & in their own personal lives & then get it all down on paper into cohesive well written essays.She's openminded, upbeat ,intell.,ez 2 talk 2 & proof that tru womanhood isn't only defined by marriage & kids.
If u get more then 3 absences she drops your grade 1pt.If you miss 1 paper you auto-fail.She expects books to be read within 1wk. She never misses a class unless it snows, and usually she's late 5 or 10mins. A LOT OF READING. 3 or 4 papers(2-3pgs), 2 exams (essays). Class Participation a must. U can't slack in this class! Many started, few remained
I've had her several times and I can say that she is a FANTASTIC teacher. If you're looking to learn something she is the one to take, but if you're looking for an easy A she is not the professor for you. Her classes are always A LOT of reading and A LOT of writing, keep up with the reading and you'll be fine. She is VERY fair with her grading
Professor Elbert has a unique slant on the material with an affinity for Hawthorne, Melville, Emerson, and Thoreau. She expects attendance and homework completion for quality, sincere discussions. If you do your assignments on time and your homework (as with all classes), you're sure to succeed.
Does not lead class discussions well. Allows some people to monopolize the conversation and penalizes those who do not get a chance to talk.
Quite possibly the worst professor I have ever had in my life. If you like Hawthorne you'll love her, if not, be prepared to hear nothing but Hawthorne and guy bashing. She also looks disembodied the whole time, nor can she explain anything outside of Hawthorne. Do yourself a favor, don't take any of her classes, save yourself the headache.
If you enjoy Hawthorne, Melville, Poe, etc., you'll love the class. However, you are expected to read at least 2-3 books in 1 week. Class participation is important. Prof. Elbert is helpful if you approach her, but the class is not easy.
I think she is a great professor. I always found class to be very intresting. As others have wrote, there is much talk about Hawthrone.. but i thought it was all really intesting. I didnt find her class that hard at all. As long as you particiapte and read the books you'll be fine. But i highly suggest you take her class. I really enjoy her!
She does give you a lot of readings but as long as you do them and participate in class you'll be good. She's very helpful if you go see her at her office. Just be prepared to read a lot. She has amazing knowledge on all the readings which if your an english major, you need to know. Highly recommend
There is so much work. You read ONE Book a week. 2 papers and 2 exams. Very interesting readings, but very very tough grader!
Dr. Elbert is a wonderful teacher. The assigned readings are interesting and have a variety. She's a tough grader, but she makes class fun and interesting with her mini-rants and feminist views. Be prepared to do a lot of reading and discussing!
Do yourself a favor....STAY AWAY FROM HER! She remarked in class how she likes the tastes of wood barks....?!? WTF ...LOL...Read a post on how she favors certain students to speak in class and that is the truth....She is wayyyyy out there.....Hard grader....and an over all wack job ! sHE AS Ozzy Osbourne would say is on the Crzy Train !!!!!!!!!!
Professor Elbert is a leading Hawthorne Scholar,a real feather in the cap of MSU and a brilliant teacher. She has incredible energy, enthusiasm and insight and a true interest and delight in her students interpretations and responses. The reading assignments were manageable and the grades fair. One of the best teachers I've ever had by far. A++++++
Best Class I have taken at MSU. She is a great professor and I want to take more of her classes. If she is teaching Creative Non Fiction ! Take Her!
Dr. Elbert is LOVELY. Lovely.
If you can write well, she's super easy. I never participated. I used up all except one of my excused absences. I failed every mini quiz she gave. I got A's on all the papers.
Very strict and expects a lot, can be a little rude at times, but she really is a great professor. Requires LOTS of reading and in class quizzes. Shes cery helpful and intelligent though, and I really enjoyed the class
Dr. Elbert is phenomenal. She is a true intellect with a passion for her studies. Her reading load is intense. However, her assignments aren't bad. There are two papers and two exams. She values participation heavily. She is so kind and sweet. She is also a fair grader. She is willing to help you out, whether it be on a personal or academic level.
incredible, incredible woman. I truly admire her. if you want to learn, take her.
I don't understand why these previous ratings are so nice. As English majors, we should all know that a good portion of the department professors are arrogant, and there's no in between when it comes to the actual prof--they're either awesome or terrible. Elbert is terrible. I'm shy. That shouldn't be a big deal, but she'll call out out for it.
I wonder if Elbert is writing these comments herself. Honestly, I've had my share of English professors at Montclair that were difficult but worth it. Unfortunately, Elbert isn't one of these professors. The entire class was just a giant conversation between Professor Elbert and a few of her students that sat in the front. Good luck with her.
Great Class. It really depends what type of student u r. If ur shy, dont. If you like to discuss, u'll be fine. Conversations are awesome, Just read and get the gist of it, u'll do fine on quizzes. Pay attention to themes that connect authors. Reading is actually worth it and will change ur life. Raise ur hand be part and engage, welcome to college
Dr. Elbert is a great professor. She takes personal interest in her students and makes real connections with the classroom. I'm taking her back to back this semester and it's the best decision I've made thus far at MSU. Reading matters, participation is important, pop quizzes happen but I highly recommend taking her.
I would not recommend taking Professor Elbert. She is very unclear with her course material, and will personally call out students who do not participate, try to use the bathroom, or show up 10 seconds late for class. There is quite a bit of reading in her classes, and she expects you to agree with everything she believes. Good luck!
Dr. Elbert is awesome! if you're prepared to read and participate. She's a fairly easy grader. In-class discussion will never be too dull, considering she does share a lot of wacky anecdotes and unique perspectives. Really sweet woman who will become a great mentor if you allow it. But for the love of god, don't leave the room. Ever.
Only talks to the same few students in class and appreciates only their thoughts. Class can be boring since she is quoting randomly. Can be confusing and unclear. Uses the book. Lot of reading and be prepared to do it. Gives pop quizzes. Class was only two papers, midterm, and final. Not much of a chance to raise grade.
DO NOT TAKE HER!!! She is incredibly rude and does not have an ounce of sympathy in her body. Her tests are nearly impossible to pass and she will make you feel bad for missing class. DONT leave to go to the bathroom and make sure to take really good notes - including EVERY SINGLE QUOTE. She also gives pop quizzes so ALWAYS come to class prepared.
This professor does not care about her students, nor the fact that they have jobs, families, and classes outside of hers. I LOVE my major, but she is the first English professor I disliked. Although the readings for the class were interesting, she assigned way to many readings with too short of a time to complete. Inconsiderate, cold, and rude.
Amazing professor would take her again if given the chance. Very clear grading criteria, more than happy to meet you outside class to discuss essays etc. Answers emails quickly & makes class interesting. Takes the time to get to know her students. Pop quizzes are easy if you read & participate. Best professor I ever taken, such a kind prof.
This class was awful. She was funny, but in all the ways you don't want to be funny. She would often say very not nice things, or off colored things, about different groups (I won't give any specifics, but the stories I could tell). She was often generally mean spirited, and had favorite students. I wish I could right more, but it was bad.
I admit that Elbert is very knowledgable in her content. However, how she teaches & treats her students is awful. There is a massive amount of work & there is no pleasing her. Her expectations are ridiculous. She only likes a few people in class & it's clear who she doesn't like because she'll pick you apart. I regret taking her. Avoid if possible!
Dr. Elbert is lovely person and I liked talking to her but I didn't like her class. American renaissance just isn't my thing, it was a lot of reading, and her classes were all lecture based. If you could take her for a different class or if you like American renaissance I would recommend her.
Dr. Elbert is a gem. Not only is she a great professor, she is a lovely person. She lectures a lot, but she truly cares about what she teaches and her students. The content is tough, so make sure to really learn it. Attendance and participation matter and she will call you out on it. Just read and do the work and you'll easily do well in her class.
Creative Nonfiction with Dr. Elbert was fun in the sense that the papers we wrote were about ourselves. She encourages us to write interesting things about ourselves and is usually laid back with grading. On Zoom the constant breakout rooms were boring cuz students never talked. She has said some off topic/rash things but she has good intentions
sweet but nearly no filter. had about 7 papers throughout the semester so be ready to read and write. Each class followed the schedule of short irrelevant convo, student reads their story, breakout rooms to discuss, come back together as class to provide feedback. At first didn't like her, but ended up liking her in the end.
I never thought I would like American Renaissance lit, but she makes it interesting and assigns pieces that make you think. The discussions we have are insightful and relaxed. Don't be put off by the other reviews or the subject matter, it's an upper-level English course and if you know what to expect you'll be fine. Participation is key!
do NOT take this class. she is really rude, disrespectful and can be really inappropriate at times. she has like three students that she likes and cares about their opinion, and shuts everyone else down. if you do manage to say anything she'll actually listen to, she attributes it to your "star sign" ex: you said xx because you're a leo
Steer clear of this prof if you can. Came late to class every single day. Very subjective and "my-way-or-the-highway" type. Would flat out tell people that their interpretations/analyses were wrong. My suggestion would be to pick one of HER topics for the final paper. If you try to think of your own topic, she'll probably hate it (not kidding!)
I took Dr. Elbert for American Renaissance. She is a devoted scholar and Hawthorne specialist. I was impressed with her ability to lead and stimulate discussions. Seriously, just take her and you'll love her.
i dislike this lady a lot. she was rude, disrespectful, never helpful, late to EVERY class (even when we went online) and she was an unfair grader and never gave helpful feedback. she was also my academic advisor and NEVER helped me and was never easy to reach. i've never written a review for a professor before but this woman is so mean i had to
Looked at other reviews, but you will either love her or hate her. Dr. Elbert is great! She's hilarious, intelligent and a very nice lady. Lots of readings! Please read carefully and prepare yourself for cold calling. She can be a tough grader and goes off on tangents, but she really knows her stuff and is very passionate about it.
Phenomenal professor. She is incredibly intelligent and understanding as long as you communicate with her. She's a fair grader and is receptive as long as you can back up your claims with textual support. Her feedback is constructive. She does go on tangents sometimes that are a bit unrelated, but nothing crazy. Also, she despises comma splices.
this class started in-person but had to be moved to online early in the semester. I think the class would have been a lot more engaging if we were in person for the full term. Always do the reading! They're really not that tough and when it's time for a pop quiz you're going to wish you did the reading. She's a really nice professor.
Where do I even begin. If you love yourself, don't take her. She's passive aggressive and yelled at us for half the semester before deciding we were her "favorite class." Hates phones and went on a rant about Steve Jobs "poisoning our minds." Couldn't decide which assignment to make our FINAL so she just gave us all of them. Run while you still can
First off, Dr. Elbert is a very middle school oriented professor, she even admitted it herself in class. Absolutely hates when ppl go to the bathroom despite us being literal adult college students. I'm also not quite a fan of her unannounced surprise assignments that were never mentioned in the syllabus. Not the worst in the department, but bad...
No. Just no. Every good review about this woman was written by her. She has offended nearly every student in class. Has a no bathroom rule and will embarrass you in front of the whole class by saying that you have a chronic UTI. I have never rated a professor before but as my civic duty as a hard working English major, save yourself.
By far the worst professor I have ever had. Participation is worth 40% of your grade, she says that she is a feminist but is not and that is very clear. Has a problem with people going to the bathroom, even though we are grown adults. She hates all the books that we read but she still assigns the books. asks for your opinion then says your wrong
I have taken Dr. Elbert for multiple English courses and I would take her over and over again! Attendance is mandatory and you will be doing a lot of reading with pop quizzes from time to time. Besides that, she's a wonderful professor and I really enjoy how passionate she is about the books we read and how it leads to well driven discussions.
Still taking the class, and let's just say I've never learned more. Not just in terms of being a good, present student but being an independent thinker. Monika is TOUGH, and getting essay grades is HORRIFYING but it's such a confidence boost when you do well. You have to read, you have to participate, and you MUST be confident in your opinion.
-need to buy 2 textbooks -late 10 minutes = absence, no leniency while she's late half the time -goes on rants about technology and therapists -pop quizzes -can not submit papers online -will actively stop class discussion to complain about students using the bathroom -assigns work not in the syllabus infuriating individual, not worth your time
Shes absolutely crazy. The class is an easy A but honestly not worth how genuinely obnoxious she is. She doesnt teach anything and spends class periods yapping its honestly the least enjoyable class ive ever taken.
Not the best or worse. At times she was difficult about assignments and it was hard not being able to submit anything online (except the final). You don't know your grades until midterm and final and if you want to know otherwise you need to go to her office hours. Lots of writing but easy grader for this class.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.28 avg changeRatings by Course
EARLYLIT
5.0
(1)ENLT375
5.0
(1)AMERRENAISSAN
5.0
(2)COLLEGEWRIT2
5.0
(1)NONFICTION
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENGL2502
5.0
GREATBKS2
5.0
ENGL22601
5.0
WPR
5.0
WPROS379
5.0