easy A. not very organized... but that doesn't really matter here. highly recommended!

easy class, easy essays.

Easy class! Took him over summer. He grades very fair. VERY laid back teacher. I spent hardly any time working on papers and I got an A.

He is very helpful... clear with his lectures...funny - great disposition and extreamly willing to help you. Time does fly in his class. I wish all professors were like him.

He's one of the best in SMC. He's really chill and helpful. He cares about EVERY student in the class. Not only that, the best thing about him is that he's a easy & fair grader. He always lets us go early, almost every class. Time passes really fast in his class too. Highly recommended!!!

I ended up dropping in the end due to personal reasons but still loved his class. He is very engaging and unbiased and knows the line between personal beliefs and teaching. By far the best teacher I've had at SMC. Cares about English and his students.

Professor Oba is a super teacher and a really cool guy as well! He is passionate about English. He is clear on his presentation and cares a lot about his students. You can't go wrong with him. His tests and essays are a breeze. I took this class in a 6-week session and I'm so glad I did.

he's a great teacher. Really chill and kick back. Doesn't trip about attendance and is really considerate if you have some sort of emergancy or something.

Good teacher, but somewhat easy grading. He explains many aspects using analogies, so it's easier to understand, but his voice isn't loud so sometimes is hard to understand what he is saying. He seems to be preferred by weak students, so his level is adjusted to them. If you want challenging teacher you might want to avoid him.

I dont know about others, but he is a very good teacher, he explains well and try to help you out alot.please take this teacher

First of all, great guy and extremely supportive and helpful. What I didn't like though, is that he teaches directly from the book and his lesson plans arn't structured. If your looking for and easy A take him but if you want a teacher that'll challenge you and push you to become a better writer, take someone else.

I took his class in summer.easiest A possible. Ever!

Professor Oba is the bomb!!!! He is understanding, caring, and wants the best for all his students. If you want to be in a class with good vibes, than you want to be in Oba's!

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Dude. OBA is the coolest english teacher. pretty much show up to class everytime and do what he asks u to do and u'll do alright. just put in some effort and he'll notice that. he does give a few papers but his topics are made so that u should have no problem writing a 3-4 page paper about them. take him for sure. u'll have fun too.

Prof Oba is the best!!!!! Not only is he clear, he makes the class interesting. He is really fun and clearly loves what he is doing. There are about 4 or 5 essays which are NOT hard and he is NOT a hard grader if you make a legitimate effort. One final research paper that is about 10 pages and a grammar midterm and final (easy). take him!!!

this teacher is amazing. all he does is say corny things that are really kind of funny. will help you out if you need help. moderate amount of work that isnt hard. if you don't pass you either didnt do anything or youre as dumb as a log.

He is very good and humorous teacher.

It's simple. Oba is one of the greatest teachers ever! He is way too much fun, easy to understand and super helpful. I actually look forward to his classes! I've been going to S.M.C for 5 years now, and trust me when I say this, Oba is one of the best you will ever see in your life.

BEST TEACHER I'VE EVER TAKEN. HE'S SO OPEN TO HELP YOU ANY TIME YOU REQUEST IT. HE MAKES THE CLASS AS INTERESTING AS POSSIBLE AND MAKES SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT'S BEING TAUGHT. TAKE HIM AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!

HE'S THE GREATEST ENG TEACHER I'VE EVER TAKEN. I THOUGHT OF CHANGING CLASS THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SEMESTER 'CAUSE ALL THE ASIAN TEACHER I'VE HAD BEFORE WERE REALLY STRICT. I'M SO GLAD I STAYED IN HIS CLASS. VERY HELPFUL AND IS WILLING TO EXPLAIN THINGS UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THEM. 3 PAPERS, 5 QUIZES AND A FINAL. TAKE HIM AND YOU WILL NOT REGET IT!

he's the best teacher ever!! keep the lecture interesting, very easygoing funny guy!

By far the best teacher ever!!! very helpful..give make up quiz and paper if you miss them...one essay in 2 weeks...2 pages each...very easyyyyyy!! and his teaching style is good

He is a great teacher. Very funny and keeps you interested in the material. I took him over the summer and he gives out three essays to do at home...three quizzes in class which we ended up taking home, haha and a final at the end. GREAT TEACHER! get him

Professor Oba is the best English teacher! I would highly recommend him!

A very understanding & knowledgable professor, not to mention he's also quite funny. I'm horrified about taking Eng class since Eng isn't my first language, but he's definitely a fair grader. He WILL see whether you've made improvement to give you reasonable grades. Relax, you'll end up enjoy being in his class.

Ryan is one of the most profound teachers at SMC. I learned more by taking his summer class than i did combining all four years of high school english classes. The work is simple...lots of group work and work to take home...not to mention tests. I got an A and he moved me from 21A to English 1. Its an easy A if you work hard, study, and do the work

I loved professor Oba class! He was just the best english professors I've had. Funny, outgoing, and keeps the class interesting. I can't wait to take him again.

Contrary to some comments...Professor Oba excelled me on to English 1. I took his night class in the summer of 2007. I thought he was thorough, clear and energetic. He kept our tired minds awake and interested. I HIGHLY recommend him for class. If some people can't keep up with him it's because you have to ATTEND class and DO THE WORK!!!!

he a great teacher!!! he is willing to help you if you just ask...if you just show your doing your best he will give a good grade even if you think your failing. he is great to get along with n he is outgoin n funny....highly recommended justshow up n do the work n you will do fine

To me, he's teaching style is unique and at the same time, interesting; at least it kept me awake at literature. Assignment wise, there are quite a few and he explains them somewhat quickly. So, if you have anything that you need to clear up, quickly do it after class. Otherwise, put in your utmost effort and you will get a good grade.

Great introduction to English. Class wasn't too hard or too easy. Kept it interesting.

Oba is by far the BEST english professor I have had. He has a great sense of humor and he is really insightful. His essay topics are different, but they are easy to write about. The topics of papers keep his class interesting and fun. Attendance isn't mandatory, but there is group work. He lets you rewrite your essay with the lowest grade. Take Ob

By far the best, and involved English professor I have ever had. He keeps the class interested and works with you if you are willing to work with him.

Oba is the best!! Someone wrote earlier that he doesnt pass anyone to english 1...but i have to say that student is retarded because he passed me to english 1. id take him...amazing!

I love Prof OBA so much!! I never enjoyed going to class this much. He is so smart and very articulate. His topic is diverse and it entertains me. He is not easy, however, as long as you show your improvement throughout the semester, you will be rewarded. I wish I can take his class again!! YOU rock Prof

He's an amazing teacher! Awesome!

NOT EASY, SO HARD. IF YOU WANT TO GET A DONT TAKE IT. LOTS OF WIRTING, SERIOUSLY A LOT, BUT HE NEVER GIVE YOU ANY FEEDBACK WHEN YOU TURN YOUR DRAFT. USING HIS OFFICE HOUR, THOUGH. I THINK THAT IS THE ONLY SOLUTION.

Excellent professor and fair player; you will learn to enhance your writing very fast with his style and assignments, especially for non English speakers. He doesn?t tolerate lazy students; he is very generous in giving a chance for make ups. Just attend the class, do your best with your home works and you?ll get good grade, totally recommended.

Anyone who doesn't like Mr.Oba is an idiot, frankly. He is nice, encouraging, interesting, brilliant, fun, lively, and hilarious. If you have a problem with his clarity it is because English is your second language. That's not an insult, it's the truth. If you listen to his lectures, READ the books, ASK QUESTIONS, and care your will learn a lot.

!! :D

Life changing Professor! I walked into the class as a day-to-day thinker and at the end I walked away as a "Critical Thinker." There are jaw dropping awe moments when the Professor provides crystal clear explanations. My only regret is that I took the class in the Summer. Thank you Professor Oba for becoming an academic Professor! You're amazing!

Haven't been to school in 2 years, when I remember taking Oba I have fond memories of a teacher who would ask you to input something you like and use that to make English relevant. Life changing experience with this class, I will remember his teachings all my life as they have made that much of a difference in who I am as a writer, and person.

Professor Oba is wonderful. I am a better person having taken this class. Learn to be a better writer, thinker, student! Take this class! <3 this Professor

Took HIM for fall09. class started w/ full class w/ people wantin to add. ended up w 10 people end of semester. Alot of people didnt like him & was confused. Have few essays but its an Eng class so its expected. Tght I would get B or C but got A. Got C on most essays, did all HW. If the whole class does bad on a test, he'll won't consider the test.

He is so disorganize, tends to be funny at times.His assingments are real easy.. Dont recommend him if ur an english major.. But if u just want to pass the class go right ahead.

Not easy, but worth taking if u want to improve thinking/writing skills. u will learn about various criticisms that will change the way u think 4ever. Cant BS this class. Listen well & take notes. Comment below is so RUDE and not applicable! Grow up!

Prof Oba is great instructor that loves what she is doing! She is such a character with a great sense of humor! There were few quizzes and the final was up to us(the class)- in-class essay, 2 short answers, a few T or F ques. This class was only once a week and wasn't as difficult as many would think. OBA =YES!

Oba is one of the greatest teachers I have ever witnessed; she has power and wisdom in everything she says and cares greatly for both each student's growth and the students themselves. BE SURE to ask questions on things you're unclear about on the essays, and MAKE SURE to buy all the textbooks on the syllabus. Overall great teacher, great class.

She is the best teacher at SMC! Seriously, you learn a lot, and classes are very interesting. However, she is a bit unclear on the assignments, wish she would write them down..

All I have to say is that Oba is one of the most intelligent professors I've ever had. A bit challenging but you come out viewing the world in a different way. Took them for English 2

First off, Oba is a HE. Not a SHE as many people on here believe (if you take his class, you'll see why the confusion...) Don't make fun of him. Secondly, amazing class! Amazing professor! Content covered very fascinating. Makes you view the world differently. Essay topics unique and different lol. Fair (though not easy) grader. Really chill. Take.

Amazing in every sense of the word "teacher". Oba will challenge you and make you become a better writer, whether you want to or not. She has a sturdy command over her class and engages everyone in deep conversation and group work. Her evident wealth of intelligence and realistic view of the world will guide you to write well and think critically.

I took professor Oba during the winter semester and I highly recommend the class. She is a passionate and interesting professor who has different and thoughtful assignments. She takes the time to explain assigned material and wants everyone to do well. Lot of work at home, but worth it for the interesting discussions in class.

BY FAR the best professor at SMC. This was a life-changing class. Oba is intelligent in a way that may intimidate you at first. Through her though-provoking assignments, her dedication and her passion, I became a better writer. She truly helped me believe in myself and I'm thankful for everything I learned. Will definitely take her for Eng2.

This is by far one of the best courses that I have taken so far! She is very clear with what she is looking for while grading the papers, so if you follow instructions well you're sure to get an A in her class. I missed a good amount of classes due to medical reasons and I still passed with an A. Great teacher and I would definitely take her again!

Oba is an excellent professor and I would highly recommend her to anyone at SMC. Her class is not easy but I will say that she will help you in every aspect throughout the semester. She truly cares for her students and wants you to succeed. Lectures and class discussions are always interesting! You will definitely benefit from taking her class!

Oba is funny, caring, kind, and helpful. However, her assignments are not all that easy to understand, so you must ask good questions about what she wants from you. If she sees effort and improvement in terms of critical thinking, she will give you a good grade. Be prepared to pay attention, think outside the box and write a few 3-5 page essays.

Prof Oba is invested in teaching students to be conscious consumers, mature scholars, and creative writers. She teaches that within the English process there is philosophy, and she wants students to open their minds, discard their preconceived ideas, and feel comfortable in themselves.

This was a very interesting class, with fun topics and many class discussions. She is definitely not easy. Expect a couple essays, 15 page essay, two/ three tests, book work, read the alchemist (not a guaranteed A). Make sure to ask questions, she can be confusing. If you like a challenge, take this class.

Defiantly not your average English college prof. She will make you work hard for that A, and most likely you will not get an A on any of your papers/exams/quizzes, though if you will work hard enough, you will get an A in this class.

I loved this class! Excellent at keeping your attention and helps when she sees you really want to get it. All books are cheap and accessible

Oba rules! honestly, show up to class and sit in the front 2 rows. Pay attention (even if you arent, fake it). Give feedback, and do the very little homework she assigns and you will pay. Oba is chill af if you dont show up late constantly (or not at all) or dont do the homework; in which case she wont be fond of you

Oba is a very unique English professor that loves her job. For attendance, I put non-mandatory because she understands that life gets real sometimes and you may not be able to make it to class. She helped me understand the difference between high school and college writing styles.

Professor Oba is one of the best teachers I could ask for I want all my professors to be like her, shes so down to earth gives great advice and is down right hilarious! I would definitely take her class again she really cares about her students and you can tell shes passionate about English!

Professor Oba is one of the best teachers I've ever had. She is spectacularly kind and cares about your future. And, she really really knows what she's talking about. My writing has already improved. She is understanding to students for late work and quizzes are simple if you have paid attention. It is an easy A if you show care. Take her class!

Love Prof. Oba! She is humble, smart, caring and funny and your writing will improve so much. Her comments are harsher than her grades---which I like---you improve a lot while continuing to get an A. She can can lack specificity on assignments, but she will help you. Just an overall truly great person. She will care for you as a person and student!

This was my first college class and I couldnt have had a better experience. Professor Oba is an amazing professor and is so patient and understanding. She really wants her students to succeed and does everything she can to help you do your best in this class.

Took her last semester and she was the best professor, she understand that you might have some personal problems and this covid so she gives extra time for the work, she helps you improve your essay and she also gives extra credit. She's bubbly and really wants you to learn about her class, you can feel how committed she is on teaching.

I enjoyed having her as my professor. Her lectures were fun, engaging, and informative. She gives detailed feedback on assignments, which I appreciate. Some might consider her a tough grader, but she only does this because she wants to push us to be the best we can be, which is what a great professor does. She was one of my faves this semester.

The other reviews mention she is a tough grader, but I didn't find her grading style any harder than other English classes. Its very fair and she gives great feedback. I took her online during the Summer and lectures were optional. However, I got her email from SMC website but she never responded to my emails. She provides free pdf copies of books.

5 stars. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take English 2 with Professor Oba. This semester has been nothing short of amazing, providing me with an invaluable learning experience. The lessons taught serve as a guiding light as I continue my educational journey, both in life and hopefully when I transfer to a university.

Professor Oba was amazing!! Workload was moderate but she was so cooperative with deadlines and gave so much extra credit. Would 1000% take her again.

I'm not sure why her rating is not a 5. Honestly the best English professor you could ask for. She's very welcoming and down to earth and explains everything very well. She really wants her students to succeed and pushes you to be your best but in a gentle manner. If English classes aren't your natural talent I'd highly suggest taking Oba.

This was my second time with Professor Oba, I took her class for English 1 and English 2. As soon as I saw she also taught English 2, I signed up, because she is that good! As long as you watch the lectures, ask questions if you're having trouble, and do the assignments on time, you'll pass.

As far as your course grade is concerned, she only wants you to complete the assignments. Ryan Oba cares about the whole writing experience and she doesn't fail a paper because of grammatical mistakes or any other type of little mistakes. Instead, she teaches you and asks you to use it in the next paper. It's an easy class.

Prof Oba is an absolute GEM! She is radiantly passionate about writing, & her lectures never failed to inspire me! Not only that, but she teaches practical ways to pursue writing as a career (genres, publishing, marketing, etc)! I took her Creative Writing class, & her prompts were perfectly evocative & challenging. Extraordinary, caring professor!

I had Professor Oba for both English 1 and 2, and I can wholeheartedly say that she is an amazing professor. She changed the way that I think and look at pieces of fiction, and I feel ahead at my current 4-year university that I transferred to. She writes clear instructions for papers and provides multiple structured drafts leading up to papers.

I had Ryka Oba during Covid at Santa Monica College. She impacted the way I write up to this day. Three years later, I still use techniques and reminders she showed us. She simplifies everything you want to say into something elegant. She is brilliant, honestly. You'll love taking her class. Soak it up!

She's an amazing teacher and great communicator; however, she gives a lot of work. You will have at least 2 discussions, a quiz, video clips, a writing assignment and readings in one week. Yes, it's a lot, but I can truly say I've learned a lot this semester and I would definitely take her class again. Just pace yourself.

Professor Oba is an awesome English prof. Her classes are engaging, and she wants you to succeed. The workload is manageable, and she's flexible with deadlines. Definitely use Unstuck study and the free textbook to ace this course.