I love Dr. Denova. She is possibly the most humorous and exciting professor I have had ever. Her classes are easy, the exams are to-the-point, and it's almost impossible to fall asleep in her class. I recommend her to anyone.

AMAZING PROFESSOR! Best I have ever had. The reason her class seems easy is because she makes class so interesting. Wonderful class!!!

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She's awesome. So engaging. Don't think twice about taking her classes. It's worth it all.

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She is the coolest prof. Makes material interesting and engaging. Take her classes!

she is extremely fun and engaging. she can be very contradictory at times, and sometimes downright just tells lies thinking she knows something. nonetheless, take the class if u want to learn interesting things.

Amazing

very interesting, funny, easy going and knowledgable

Take this class for an easy A. You don't need to buy the books, just show up for class.

She is a great Prof, fun exciting, and pretty easy...

Great Prof. Interesting lectures, fairly easy tests. Highly recommended.

Lectures are entertaining, which I sure need for a change as an engineer. Go to class twice a week, have fun, go to the review session for each exam, study for an hour or so the night before and be happy with your easy A. Just try not to get to too offended by her if you're Catholic.

she is a good teacher.. does seem to have some issues with Cathloics, no big deal..

One of the best at Pitt. If you're into religion or ancient history take anything she offers. Varieties is better than Origins. Warning: She may test your faith!

fascinating class and exceptional teacher!!!

She is a really interesting woman and is very passionate about the subject. her honors classes is VERY hard with a lot of papers that are really vague and difficult. shes a good teacher, but it would probably be better to take a non-honors class with her.

Denova is one of the most knowledgeable people on the ancient world out there. Her classes are fun because she doesn't just stick to what the actual course is covering; interesting diversions are common. As for you Catholics...the only reason she enrages you is because she details the truth about Catholocism's history...face the facts

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Definitely one of the easiest classes I have taken here, but that is NOT AT ALL indicative of how much knowledge I got from the class. Lectures are enjoyable and informative. If you go to class and take notes, you'll have to study about 2 hours before the exams to ace them. Reading for the class isn't necessary to do well, but it helps.

Class was pretty fun. She definitely knows what she's talking about. Lecture is a little scattered and difficult to follow sometimes. Super easy and fun. I recommend it to anyone who getsthe chance to take it.

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Going to lecture is necessary but so much fun, and you don't really need to read if you go to class. She makes you think, and despite what everyone says about how terrible she is to Catholics, she IS Catholic! She just happens to know the sordid history of the religion. Get over yourselves and learn some fascinating history.

The purpose of a university education is to think. Why go to college if you don't want to be exposed to new ideas? Dr. Denova gives you many new ideas using up to date scholarship. Grow up and take this class. No dogma here.

Extremely intelligent woman that is able to express her knowledge very clearly. There are no tests in the course, but you have to write 2 short essays (about 2 pages) and one term paper (10-15 pages). Must also give a presentation of the relations of christians and muslims in western countries. Also have a lot of assigned readings, but it's easy

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Super easy. No homework. 3 tests, all multiple choice. Sometimes she'll go on tangents or stories, but I found them intersting and/or amusing. Often, she'll explain a subject using modern analogies. This is not a theology class, rather, it counts as a history credit. Look elsewhere if you're looking for a philosophy course.

awesome and fun teacher!!

Dr. Denova is definitely one of the best professors I've had so far at Pitt. Not only is she intelligent and extremely well-informed in her field of study, she makes class extremely interesting with her stories and witty quips. Don't take her if you're easily offended--do if you never thought the Old Testament could be amusing.

Awesome baby!!! Interesting, easy to follow and really knows her stuff. She is passionate and extremely well travelled. Take good notes & do the readings and you can't geet less than a B

Reallllly knows what she's talking about - lectures very well with no notes or guidelines -- has everything laid out in her head! Pretty easy class and a B minimum if you attend all the classes (3 multiple choice tests -- thats it)

Origins of Christianity is a very easy class. Multiple choice tests, 3 determine your grade. With a minimum of work you can get an A. If you are very religious, you might be uncomfortable. She's direct but not unpleasant.

She tends to focus too much on her personal opinions and assumptions. She is not very open to discussion or other's thoughts. If you don't know much about Christianity in general, then it's best to take everything with grain of salt or else you'll end up having a very negative view of Christians. Anyway,this class is an easy A if you attend always.

Take good notes in lectures and read course reader and you'll do fine. Lectures are very interesting and she makes it fun to be in class. I loved this class and there was no work other than three multiple choice tests; no final. I definitely recommend this course.

I took this class as a joke because i needed a humanity. I ended up liking the subject a lot. She is clearly interested in what she does, and is very good at it. Easiest college class i have had, by far. Because it was so easy and unnecessary for my major, i didn't actually learn much, but still recomended.

Pompous, but interesting. Tons of good info, but some is presented in a lopsided way. Lectures are enjoyable and your notes are all you'll need for the exams.

Excellent teacher. Enjoyable to listen to and is so knowledable about her subject. I'm privlidged to have been able to be in a class of hers.

Varieties of Early Christianity is a great class. The lectures are entertaining and the tests are not difficult. She has her opinions but isn't obnoxious about it. Highly recommended.

Very easy class, but I think I've learned more in this class than most I've taken. She's easy to listen to, a great lecturer. Honestly, I'm a junior and she's the first professor I can say I actually liked! Highly recommend. I'm taking one with her next year!

I had Prof. De Nova in 1991 and I *still* refer to things that I learned in her class! She's awesome!

Go to the study sessions before each test! Take great notes at the session and study them and you will do well.

Dr. Denova is very interesting. Her lectures are never boring, and she is very frank with the course material. Her courses on Christianity do not involve theology, just history presented in a fun and entertaining light.

She is the best teacher I've had at Pitt! I took both her varieties and origins classes! I would recommend her to anyone!!! She is funny yet extremely intelligent at the same time!

Dr. Denova is a wonderful professor. Love her classes. I was expecting it to be hard since it was an upper level, but she made it easy to understand. Tests were easy and there was very little reading. Going to lectures and skimming the readings was more than enough. She makes classes fun and is more than willing to talk about anything.

3 exams- third isn't cumulative, BUT GO TO CLASS. The material is extremely interesting, and she's so intelligent she doesn't even use notes, so paying attention is effortless. Don't buy the books - only course reader.

Very intelligent prof, and very comfortable wih material. Not as aproachable as I'd like, but helpful all the same. Interesting class. Makes material memorable, which makes a sometimes difficult subject easier to learn. Go to class (or ask a friend to record lecture), use books as suplemental.

Easily the best professor I've ever had, and I'm not even interested in history or religion! I rarely had to try for this class, and I studied like 20 minutes for each exam and got 98%. That doesn't mean it's a blowoff class though, she is just such a good teacher that you learn everything by the way she teaches. TAKE THIS CLASS!

I anticipated absolutely hating this class, and it was my absolute favorite. Denova really knows how to keep things interesting and really offers new ideas and perspective. I took her class because she had been recommended to me, and I see why. She will spend any amount of time you need on a topic and encourages stupid questions. She's wonderful

I just finished my third class with Dr. Denova and she has come to be one of my favorite professors at this University. I took Origins, Varities, and West; got A's in the first two and am anticipating a low A or B+ in West. I love her teaching style. Easy readings, straight-forward lectures, and a phenomenal professor!

She gives lots of information but gives fair tests, and all the info only helps to clarify what she's saying. Wonderful and informative. I recommend her classes!

Amazing. This woman is THOROUGH, she knows her stuff, knows the context, and I dare anyone to say otherwise. You don't need a lot of context, though I do recommend taking Origins of Christianity before you take Varieties of Early Christianity.

ORIGINS OF CHRISTIANITY-- She really knows her stuff. I didn't read any of the books and still got a B. Exams are mostly on lecture so definitely go! She makes class fun and interesting, funny woman! EXAMS ARE ALMOST 100% THE SAME EACH YEAR.

Fantastic! Every Christian should have to take this class, I learned so much about the religion that I never knew before. Also good for any other religions because it is so interesting and she is such a fantastic lecturer. Tests were easy as there were never any trick questions or answers. One of the best professors and classes I've had at Pitt.

Origins of Christianity is a great class. You'll learn a lot of you go. You will still get a decent grade if you don't go to lecture. Go TO REVIEW SESSIONS FOR EXAMS.

Great professor and a really interesting class for christians and nonchristians. Tests are easy (go to the review sessions).

She is an amazing lecturer, very funny and entertaining. The course material is good and you barely have to read as long as you go to lectures and take notes. Tests are multiple choice. I highly recommend this class and would definitely recommend taking Origins before Varieties because everything will make more sense.

Dr. Denova is hands down the best teacher I've had at Pitt. She's awesome and hilarious. Even if you aren't interested in religion or antiquity, I'm sure you will find her lectures interesting. Exams are based almost entirely from lecture. You don't have to buy the books.

She's an interesting character. What makes her an attractive professor, is that she teaches by truly being herself; she does not rely on notes and her personality draws you in.

Origins of christianity was my history credit. Denova is a very entertaining and funny professor. It is not a hard class. the tests are not hard. It was super interesting no matter what religion or way of life you follow

The best teacher ever! Informative, entertaining. She has a true passion for her studies and she shares all of her knowledge. I plan on taking all of her courses.

Dr. Denova is amazing, as always. I've had her several times now. Lecture is really interesting and entertaining. It's awesome to see how passionate she is about the subject. It makes class that much more interesting. If you go to lecture, pay attention, and take notes, you'll do well on the exams. She hasn't given any cumulative finals in class.

She's a great lecturer, very interesting to listen to. Covers a lot of material each class; definitely go and you don't need to read the books. Exams are incredibly easy if you take good notes (took 10 minutes for a 70-question MC exam). 100% recommend her and her classes: perfect easy, interesting elective with a great professor.

The review that said "If you are a Christian, don't take this class" got it all wrong. As a Christian myself, I can say that Denova is not offensive (except to the extremely uptight) nor is she at all anti-Christian! Her class influenced me to engage with my faith. I learned a lot and it was interesting. Great class for people of any or no faith.

Having her for the second time now! She is an awesome professor, really know and loves her stuff. I enjoy her teaching style, she is funny and engaging. You rarely get bored in class. Recommend her class for both Christians and non Christians

One of the most engaging and entertaining lecturers I've had at Pitt. If you show up to class, take notes, and read the assigned Course Reader, the class is a piece of cake. Coming from somebody raised in an atheist household, I can attest to the fact that having a religious background is not necessary to get a good grade!

Awesome lecturer! If you take good notes in class and stick to her study guides, you should do fine.

Dr. Denova is the best teacher at Pitt! Very engaging and doesn't lecture from notes. She simply tells stories in a fun manner that keeps your attention. No homework, just pay attention and take good notes... You will get a good grade and actually learn things.

Excellent instructor, interesting class. Highly recommended.

Do not pass up a chance to take a class with Denova. She is engaging and keeps your attention.

Once again Denova provided excellent instruction. One of the best college courses I've had thus far. Highly recommended.

Great professor! Review sessions are very helpful. Highly recommend.

Dr. Denova has easily been the best professor I've had at Pitt. Amazing and interesting lectures. I took the class as a gen-ed, but it ended up being one of the most enriching experiences I've had at college. Highly recommend you take a class of hers before graduating. You should probably do all the recommended readings for an A, though.

Take good notes in class and you won't have to read. Really interesting class. She is very funny and really knows what she's talking about. Highly recommended!!!!

if you want an A go to class and d the readings, if you're looking for a B just show up and you should be fine. one of my favorite professors (hilarious), I took her as a gen ed but ended up finding it to be really interesting. I would recommend taking her at least once before graduating

She's hands down the best professor I have had at Pitt! This class is recommended for everyone either from a religious background or an atheist! Her classes made the highlight of my day... I can definitely say that Dr. Denova doesn't disappoint. Make sure that u attend classes-- seriously, just listening to lectures is enough to get you a B on test

3 exams. She assigns way too much reading but you can sort of get by by only going to lecture. Though she sometimes asks questions straight from reading not covered in lecture. Extremely interesting, in depth, and funny lectures. Favorite class this semester, highly recommend.

Dr. Denova has been my favorite professor so far. Her lectures are great. They are really interesting and you can tell she is very knowledgeable in her field. She's not afraid to speak what is on her mind. The tests are easy enough if you go to lecture, but if you skip you will fail.

(History of Christianity) Great lecturer. I learned a ton! And even grew in my faith through learning more about it. There's a lot of reading assigned, but I didn't read most of it. Easy multiple choice tests. Would really only recommend if you have some Christianity knowledge or else I feel like it would be pretty hard to learn from scratch.

As a Christian myself, I found Denova's lectures to be amazing. College is about challenging your thinking and, even if you disagree with some of her pessimistic views on it, it's about keeping an open mind. The real world won't always cater to what you like. Besides that, shes funny and I recommend taking her. You learn a lot about the gospel.

My favorite class this semester. Denova is witty, quirky, intelligent, and fun. I love her. I learned so much from class and did the bare minimum for grading materials. She just wants you to actually learn about the subject. I learned so much about Ancient Egypt. I am 100% going to take her again. Midterm and Final, two papers. Best for easy A.

1 midterm, the final was during the last week of class. 1 small paper and 1 large group project. Has a couple suggested books, but they are not necessarily needed. Provides study guides for exams, so you can kind of just google stuff if you don't have it in your notes. I like her lectures and she is pretty funny. Definitely go to class.

Best and most passionate prof at Pitt- took this class only to have her again! Three in-term exams, no midterm or final. Highly recommend.

I would highly recommend Dr. Denova. She is very knowledgeable with everything religion. Her classes are strictly lectures and it can be a bit dry, but she tries to make it un by throwing in some funny stories. She is approachable and understanding. If you need an extension on anything, she'll give you it, but you must see her and talk to her.

Dr. Denova is a real gem, by all means. The amount of knowledge that she possess about all of the topics she teaches is simply astounding. The readings are optional, but highly recommended if you want an A. The two papers for the course can be rather daunting, so it is best to get them started as early as possible; she gives everything you need.

All of those commenters below who say she's an "atheist" and cite her "inaccuracies" when teaching the Bible clearly weren't listening or as just too close-minded to realize that she actually cares very deeply about its teachings. You must realize that while she may say the stories may be somewhat fictional,the messages are what remain important.

There were 2 (3?) exams and a final. She was really funny and made the class interesting. As long as you go to lecture, take decent notes, look at study guides she posts, and go to the review session (which is the class before the test), you're fine. Loved her and loved the class.

LOVE Dr. Denova!! She is by far the best professor I have ever had. Her exams are not hard at all and honestly you don't have to do the readings if you don't want to. She is incredibly insightful and her lectures are super interesting. She actually spiked my interest in becoming a religious studies major. I would 100% recommend her to anyone!

Great class and professor. Attendance is absolutely mandatory, class average was low because so many people didn't show up/pay attention and then complained about it.

I've had Denova before so I assumed I wouldn't need to read the books. Wrong. Do not take the night class because she doesn't have a TA. Denova is amazing and I would always take her class again but not a night class. She forgets what she teaches sometimes and the TA is the one that reminds and teaches you before the exam. Take the day time class.

I took her for death in the ancient world she's a phenomenal professor. She's probably one of the most worldly and well-rounded people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Her approach to teaching religion is refreshing, and she's extremely well educated.

Class is interesting but she seems like she's super disorganized and goes off on a tangent a lot in class. This leads to us not covering some parts on the syllabus but we still have to get tested on. Therefore, don't take this class as an easy gen. ed. It's not the easiest, but some topics are interesting. The final paper is worth 40% of the grade.

Dr. Denova is the best professor I have had thus far. She is so intelligent, and her lectures are interesting and she is nothing short of hilarious. She tells the best stories, even if they don't always directly relate to the topic at hand. Attendance is mandatory, as all exam material is covered in her lectures, but the exams are very easy.

Denova is literally my favorite professor ever. She is very knowledgeable about what she teaches! This class however is not an easy A but don't let that scare you. Do the readings and take good notes. Denova makes class enjoyable with her humor and I definitely am looking forward to taking another class with her soon!

Dr Denova was a great professor. She is hilarious and very knowledgeable, however youre only graded off of 3 multiple choice exams.. I worked harder than a B+, it is disappointing.

No powerpoints, just some key words on chalkboard. I always went to class but never read because she wanted us to get like five books. Two multiple choice exams, a short informal paper and a group project were the only grades. I got B's on both exams but very easy A on the papers. Not hard work and I actually learned a lot. Highly recommend

Dr. Denova is a fantastic professor! She makes her lectures super interesting by being funny. It is certainly important to attend class as much as possible because its usual to write 6 + pages of notes for one lecture. She assigns a lot of reading, but nevertheless she helps us through. Only three multiple choice exams, no other grades.

I love Dr Denova! This was my second time taking her. She is a great professor, but not an easy A. Only take her classes if you are interested in the topic.

Dr. Denova is really funny and makes class interesting. This is not an easy A though. I thought this would be an easy Gen ed but boy was I wrong. Only graded by three exams (but they're straightforward). Go to lecture and take good notes. Also do ALL the readings outside class to get an A. She doesn't give extra credit so do well on the midterms :)

If you show up to class, pay attention, take decent notes, you should get an A no problem. The grade is based on 3 multiple choice tests, which are non-cumulative and based on lectures (which are absolutely amazing, Dr. Denova might be the best lecturer I've had at Pitt). Textbooks generally went unused.

Interesting lecturer. Literally my only grades for the entire semester were three exams. Definitely didn't do the outside reading and didn't always show up to class (sorry Prof Denova). She says that having a Christian background doesn't really help you in her class, but it kind of does.

As long as you have the lecture notes the tests are easy but it takes some time to complete. The only grades for the class are the three exams but they are open note and not hard.

Professor Denova is really fun and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in class. Tests are open book and there is a big exhibit-designing one at the end of semester. She is a very generous grader, but assignment schedules can be confusing. Lectures are interesting but long, and she's always making jokes in class. No need to read if you watch lectures.

Dr. Denova was great. She's very funny and knowledgeable on the subject matter. As long as you show up to class, take notes, and do some of the reading, you'll be fine. Only grades are three non-cumulative exams, but they're open note and you have time to do them outside of class.

Dr. Denova's class is super fun and interesting, made better by the fact that she genuinely enjoys what she teaches. There is practically no work which makes the class not very time-consuming, but it does mean your grade relies entirely on your exam grades. That's okay though, because every answer to the exams is right there in the textbook.

Prof Denova was amazing! Three tests, all open notes and online with multiple days to take them, no time limit. Questions were hard, but setting was easy that you could easily get high grades on all. Pay attention and read the book, but she tells you everything you need to know in lectures. Super fun!

Dr. Denova always made my day. Origins was hands down my favorite class last semester. There's a decent amount of reading but as long as you come to class you'll do well on the exams which are all very straightforward. Such a sweet lady with her purple hair and cane.

The lecture is always interesting and Dr. Denova has plenty of funny stories and interesting perspectives on a lot of things. The grade is based on 3 tests that are all pretty easy and based on readings and lectures. The class material is presented in an interesting way and Dr. Denova is excellent at teaching.

I adored this woman so much I took 3 classes under her: Origins, Early Christianity, and her Egyptian Religion Course. I love her genuine interest/irreverent attitude towards her subject matter. I took these classes before and after Covid, so the difficulty of exams varies. Pre-Covid paper exams were more difficult. Notes necessary.

She is such a cool lady and class was surprisingly very interesting. The class had three take home exams that were open note and not timed. I genuinely recommend taking her class.

professor denova is the funniest professor i've ever had. she really engages you in the material. you do have to read quite a bit and the only assignments are exams and maybe a paper depending on what class you have her for.

Dr. Denova was a great lecturer. The tests were kind of difficult because I came into the class with no background on any religion, but they were take-home tests. The final paper was easy and she provides feedback. If you're looking for a super easy class there are easier classes to take, but it was definitely doable. Don't skip class.

Grading was based on two open-note take home exams that we were given a week to do where all of the answers were included in the course documents, and one HUGE final paper. She's so awesome and class is so interesting but she does not provide clear grading criteria at all, leaving you struggling if you're not a big writer. Very helpful one on one.

Very fun, very sassy. Even if you don't take notes you'll easily pass if you read the book. Worth it to go to lecture just to listen to her stories.

easy class. didn't really go very much. 3 open note exams that are open for about a week. she wrote the textbook, and the answers are right in it(but looking things up probably won't help). no need to buy it, just go to hillman and sign it out for a few hours and take the exam.

Dr. Denova was mad chill and attendance wasn't necessary but would help on exams. Only 3 online exams that you have a week to complete and no final. Dont need to buy textbook just check out at library. Lectures were interesting tbh when i went

Dr. Denova's class is a breeze. Only 3 exams and no textbook needed - just use the lecture notes. Attendance is helpful but not required. Unstuckstudy was a great study aid alongside the class materials.