2.8

Shinian Wu

English - Grand Valley State University

2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
33%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.6
Clarity

33%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

10

4

26

3

14

2

15

1

20

What Students Say

He sets you up to fail

ENG261 - 1.0 rating

All he does is lecture the entire class

ENG667 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

78%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 18 grades
Most common grades:
A- (7)
A (5)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(2)C(1)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 20 reported grades
A-: 7
A: 5
B+: 2
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
Common Tags
Graded by few things (10)
Get ready to read (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Tough grader (5)
Group projects (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.67 avg change
May
Dec
Jan
Apr
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ENGENG

5.0

(1)

ENG662

5.0

(1)

261

4.0

(1)

ENG668

4.0

(1)

ENG665

4.0

(1)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG364

5.0

ENGENG

5.0

ENG3

5.0

ENG660

4.3

261

4.0

Reviews (85)
4.0
3.0
ENG261
Nov 8, 1999

He's pretty easy going.

4.0
2.0
ENG261
Nov 18, 1999

If you show up for class, take notes and do the readings, you'll do fine.

4.0
2.0
ENG261
May 2, 2000

He's very knowledgeable although sometimes hard to follow.

4.0
2.0
ENG261
Mar 19, 2001

sometimes hard to understand/follow but if you go to class you'll do fine.

2.0
4.0
ENG365
Apr 2, 2001

not good in365-very unclear and rude to his students

2.0
4.0
ENG365
Apr 2, 2001

Unclear assignments, critiques work negatively, not very thorough.

2.0
3.0
ENG261
May 22, 2001

huge comunication barriers! Grades tough, negative feedback

3.0
3.0
MTH225
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 2, 2001

A bit hard to follow at times, fine otherwise.

2.0
4.0
ENG150
Oct 8, 2001

He needs to learn english first before he can teach an English class.

5.0
4.0
ENG261
Nov 2, 2001

Ignore all the bad comments, he's very nice and intelligent.

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Nov 16, 2001

nice guy but some parts of linguistics should only be taught by english speakers

3.0
4.0
ENG261
Grade: B+
Nov 26, 2001

Arrogant and always right or theinks he is, English is hard to follow at times

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Mar 26, 2002

hard to understand but still a good prof, just ask him questions, alot

5.0
3.0
ENG261
Apr 9, 2002

has a good sense of humor, was always willing to answer questions

4.0
4.0
261
Apr 24, 2002

good humor, a perfectionist, ask ?'s = great prof.

1.0
3.0
ENG216
Grade: A
May 22, 2002

Speak the language before you teach it!

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Sep 28, 2002

hard to follow, doesnt tell you what's on quizzes ,and hard to understand

4.0
4.0
ENG261
Oct 28, 2002

nice and funny but hard

2.0
3.0
ENG231
Jan 20, 2003

Probably a smart guy. If only he could teach (or speak English clearly).

5.0
3.0
ENG261
Mar 27, 2003

very nice, the accent isnt bad at all! attend class, interesting discussions. fair grader

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Apr 13, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ENG660
Jun 28, 2003

Very poor communicator

2.0
4.0
ENG660
Jun 30, 2003

Really smart guy with little to no ability to understand the rest of the human race. And by the way- when class should end at 9:20, he loves to give out a little "project"- due at the next class, at around 9:45.

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Jan 3, 2004

Bad prof. if you are going to teach english speak it. One should avoid him at all costs. He won't help you with anything and as hard as you try you probably will flunk. Hooked on phonics didn't work for him.

2.0
4.0
ENG261
Feb 21, 2004

There was so much to study it was hard to know exactly what the tests were going to be about. He didn't give specifc answers to questions. Anything discussed in class was game for the test as well.

5.0
2.0
ENG366
Apr 28, 2004

Can answer any random grammar question, gives numerous helpful examples at the blink of an eye, very upbeat. Helped me immensely, I had no grammar knowledge before this class, no I feel confident enough to teach it to my students. A very necessary class.

2.0
4.0
660
Dec 1, 2004

Repeats self.

3.0
2.0
ENG261
Dec 5, 2004

Nice professor but boring class. Not too much reading and only a few quizzes and mid term and final. Will help you if you ask. I didn't really learn too much in the class. He is an easy grader, but I wouldn't take him again.

5.0
4.0
ENG366
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2004

He is very knowledgable. He is willing to help if you ask, he's also encouraging.

3.0
4.0
ENG261
Dec 9, 2004

I found this class to be boring and essentially pointless. Prof. Wu was not clear with his requirements for the class. He is difficult to hear and understand unless you are sitting two feet away from him

4.0
2.0
ENG261
Dec 16, 2004

Not a bad prof. I didn't do any of the readings and just paid attention in class, and I was still able to dominate. I don't know how anyone would be unable to hear or understand him. A little accent doesn't throw me off that much. WU, WU, SHINNY WU.

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Dec 20, 2004

Prof. Wu does not stay on task. He doesn't answer your questions or your email messages for that matter. His quizzes are extremely difficult and then tells the class that we took too long to answer them. I was lost throughout this class. I was lucky enough to pass with a C.

3.0
3.0
ENG261
Jan 9, 2005

Nice guy but you can never figure out what he's talking about or how it relates to the subject. It's a difficult subject, and he doesn't make it any easier. Sweet man but find another prof.

3.0
2.0
ENG261
Apr 20, 2005

Most of the subject matter in this class was very interesting, but sometimes it was difficult to understand the topics presented. Shinian is a cool guy and is very knowledgeable. A little more clarity on everything would help the students greatly.

2.0
3.0
ENG660
May 24, 2005

Wu does not seem to lesson plan. Syllabus changes weekly and he doesn;t remeber changes he makes. Grading on papers is arbitrary and his expectations are not clear. He is a nice guy but a poor teacher

3.0
3.0
ENG261
Aug 7, 2005

I found his teaching style very dull, though it was fairly effective - what I could force myself to be there for (low tolerance for boredom) taught me enough to let me walk away with a B. Not especially helpful as a prof, but not a bad guy either, and I appreciate his straightforward testing, which he never failed to prepare us for in class.

3.0
3.0
ENG261
Nov 10, 2005

Very interesting class; challenging but fun. Grading 94.4=A- is rather unfair though.

2.0
3.0
ENG261
Dec 2, 2005

Wu is a nice man. However, this class seemed pointless because Wu frequently got off topic. This happens a lot and is not a good thing because you will still get a quiz the next day even if you didn't go over the material.

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Dec 5, 2005

Interesting course. Quizzes always seem to be harder than expected; read the chapters and follow the powerpoints. 4 short, easy papers. Doesn't take attendance, but notices who's there. Very flexible w/ syllabus--if the class isn't ready for a quiz, he won't give it. Definitely possible to get an A in this class but it does take a little work.

5.0
2.0
ENG261
Grade: Fail
Dec 6, 2005

Wu Rocks! I thought he was a great prof and is pretty funny. The subject is pretty boring BUT he was still a good professor.I hated the reading but you didn't really have to read most of them and you'd still do ok. Go to class, read your powerpoints and pay attention and you'll be fine.

4.0
3.0
ENG366
Apr 14, 2006

Professor Wu may seem like a hard professor but he is really a good one! He really challenges his students and gets you to think for youself! I would recommend taking him! Make sure you read the book and follow up on the all PP slides! :)

3.0
4.0
ENG366
May 8, 2006

Very helpful if you ask questions. Be sure to stay up-to-date with all of the reading assignments, powerpoints, etc.

5.0
2.0
ENG261
Sep 28, 2006

Professor Wu is full of knowledge and interesting. He wants his students to do well and understands how busy his students are. Pay attention and ask questions. If you say nothing he'll assume you understand. I got an A- without overexerting myself. I would recommend him and wish I could take another class with him as my professor.

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Feb 25, 2007

I absolutely loved this teacher! The quizzes were sometimes difficult, and I definitely got a lower grade than my other English classes (a B+), BUT he is great and very very smart. He is a little hard to get used to but definitely give him a chance! He is so willing to help.

3.0
5.0
ENG660
Mar 3, 2007

In the beginning I was very excited to learn about linguistics. Then Wu told his that he is known for ruining GPAs. He repeatedly insulted our intelligence and just falling short of calling us stupid. He sucked the motivation to learn right out of me. Wu, stop insulting students and work harder at actually conveying the true meaning of the subject.

4.0
3.0
ENG363
Dec 12, 2007

I have had Wu before and still I hear mixed things about him. For me personally, I really liked the class but I know that he be unclear. He deserves a chance though, he is VERY smart and he is a great person.

4.0
3.0
ENG366
Apr 16, 2007

Prof. Wu is very helpful and willing to help if you need it. Use his office hours b/c he will help you a lot if you are having difficulties and you will. His exams are not bad and make sure you attend class b/c he often has in-class assignments and if you're not there you don't get to make them up.

3.0
3.0
ENG126
Apr 28, 2008

Linguistics is one of those classes you have to take. Wu wasn't particularly fun, but considering you have to have someone, he's not that bad, either.

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Dec 13, 2008

He's hilarious! Although he's a bit hard to understand at times, he knows his stuff and makes the class as interesting as it can get. And it's not that hard if you keep up with it, but if you don't do the work and/or don't come to class, don't expect it to be easy.

4.0
5.0
ENG261
Feb 19, 2009

Prof. Wu is great, I love him! Yes, the course is pretty difficult, but Wu made it almost enjoyable for me. He is a very smart and funny guy, but listen closely or you may not understand him. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Apr 27, 2009

He is not very good at explaining things in class or clarifying difficult material. He is also a harsh grader and his quizzes are too difficult for what and how he teaches. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!

1.0
5.0
ENG261
May 13, 2010

He never explained any of the assignments. He rambled through every class and never taught anything. Everything I learned was from reading the book & teaching myself. When I asked him to clarify what was wrong on my tests and homework, he wouldn't explain. He passed back all of our homework after we took the exam on that material. DO NOT TAKE HIM!

1.0
5.0
ENG364
Oct 22, 2010

He doesn't explain assignments or expectations. Everything I learned was from reading the book & teaching myself. Worthless professor.DO NOT TAKE HIM!

4.0
3.0
ENG261
Sep 9, 2011

He is knowledgable of the subject. I noticed that in my class only 4 people ever spoke, so if you are confused, he is always open to questions, you just have to ask them. At first I had trouble understanding him, but after one class session, I got used to it. His accent is almost musical: work extra hard to avoid glazing over.

5.0
5.0
ENGENG
Sep 15, 2011

Best English teacher I have ever had ask him about Russ'...if you really want to learn English grammatically take his classes.

2.0
5.0
ENG3
Nov 29, 2011

DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS, if you do you will spend the semester confused and teaching yourself out of the book.

2.0
4.0
ENG261
Apr 11, 2012

Wu is not a very helpful teacher. You learn everything out of the textbook. He gives some funny lectures, though, and knows his stuff. I don't recommend him, but his class is okay.

2.0
4.0
ENG261
May 18, 2012

He is a very intelligent professor, but I do not recommend taking him. He has a fairly thick accent and doesn't phrase things correctly, making the material hard to comprehend. I found myself very confused often and going to his office hours only helped slightly. He's not horrible, but as a sophomore, he's my least favorite professor so far.

4.0
4.0
ENG668
Oct 17, 2012

He is a very smart professor, and he knows all of the materials that we need for the class. The assignment is difficult and a little bit intense. Also, I was expecting more from his instruction than what I had from the class.

4.0
3.0
ENG665
Jul 24, 2013

He is knowledgeable. He is open to questions and clarification. Hard to follow lecture. Easily gets sidetracked to give extra examples (not necessary). Lectures are interesting due to examples doesn't leave enough time to cover material. Thus need to read all chapters to understand concepts.

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Nov 22, 2014

One of the worst professors I've had. He knows his stuff, but is very bad at teaching it to the class and expects everyone to know the material after learning about it once. Uses a different book than everyone else so even my tutor was unable to help me at times. I would not recommend him to anyone. DO NOT TAKE HIM

1.0
5.0
ENG261
Dec 6, 2014

He sets you up to fail. Class is only out of 100 points even though the tests are more than that alone. He doesn't know how to teach and will not help when you are lost. Doesn't spend enough time on the hard stuff and too little one what will never show up on quizzes or exams. homework is worth nothing. I would not take him EVER!!!. s

5.0
3.0
ENG366
Feb 24, 2016

He speaks quietly, which can make it difficult if you sit in the back, but he really knows his stuff! Wonderful pedagogy, fun and always cheerful.

4.0
3.0
ENG366
Grade: A-
May 3, 2016

Dr. Wu is very smart and took plenty of time to explain each new concept. He is very repetitious which is helpful for remembering because the content was difficult. What's nice is he steered clear from the horrid diagram trees introduced in 261. The tests were only difficult if you didn't do the homework, if you did there were never any surprises.

1.0
4.0
ENG667
Dec 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

All he does is lecture the entire class. There is little to no student interaction or engagement. His feedback on assignments is unclear and his explanations don't make any sense. So confusing. I was frustrated and confused about what he wanted me to do. Grading and rubrics were unclear (if provided at all).

LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
ENG390
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Wu is soft-spoken, but very knowledgeable about linguistics. He assigns a lot of homework, and is fair in grading. He gives good feedback. His lectures are hard to follow for some. He only tests on what is covered in class. He responds to email very quickly. He connects what you learn to the real world often, and repeats concepts so they stick.

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
1.0
4.0
ENG363
Grade: A
May 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

most confusing professor I have ever had. Many students in class are education majors, not all, but he only teaches through the education lens. Grades based on "thoughtfulness", whatever that means. Doesn't actually want your opinion and never actually teaches ANYTHING. Don't ever expect to learn or receive feedback on how you're doing in class

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ENG366
Jun 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This professor was impossible to please and learn from. I truthfully did not learn anything and taught myself the course material from the beginning to end. I DO NOT recommend this professor if you need assistance with hard grammar subjects. Prepare to learn on your own and be insulted if you don't get it.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ENG366
Grade: A-
Jul 31, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class was online and he had never taught an online class before. No lectures, just powerpoints and reading. Very confusing professor and class overall. Never clear on expectations. He can be nice, but he will also tell you in very rude ways when you are incorrect. Definitely do NOT recommend him. Avoid him if you can. Terrible experience.

Participation matters
Graded by few things
Group projects
1.0
3.0
ENG261
Dec 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor Wu is kindly, and fun to talk to, but his grading criteria is incredibly unclear, he has no experience with Blackboard or teaching online, and his answers to questions posed are often lacking and/or outright unhelpful. Given the chance, take someone else's class, especially if the teaching is going to be via Zoom.

Graded by few things
Group projects
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
ENG261
Dec 3, 2020
Would take again

Professor Wu is very smart, and I think his class would be fun in any other circumstances, but I'm not going to lie, having him online is difficult. I've never really gotten feedback on homework, and his grading system is confusing. Overall I would recommend him as a professor but be prepared to use outside resources, especially if you are online.

Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
ENG261
Grade: B-
Jan 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

One of the worst teachers I've ever had. He outright refused to explain things a second time, even when nobody in the class understood. Reading the book did not help very often. He would belittle us for not understanding what he was talking about, even if he hadn't explained it yet. Three tests and maybe five assignments make your entire grade.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
ENG261
Grade: A-
Sep 4, 2021
Would take again

Hes a solid professor with a passion for his field. Highly recommend. But, dont take this class for an easy A. Youll have to be engaged to earn one.

Accessible outside class
3.0
3.0
ENG366
Nov 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Wu is incredibly smart and has a ton of incredible life experience. This class mostly consisted of lectures with power-points, as well as Dr. Wu going off of the given content and sharing stories. Homework assigned pretty regularly. He gets sidetracked pretty easy and lectures can be hard to follow. Don't skip class, you'll miss stuff.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ENG366
Grade: C-
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is unwilling to make accommodations, even for Covid related absences. Although he is very educated on the topic, he is not good at teaching it. Also, he doesn't post any grades throughout the semester. He also gets off topic often during lectures. He can be very nice, but he can also make rude remarks if you ask for clarification.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
ENG366
Grade: B+
Dec 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He was one of the most frustrating professors I have ever had. He is knowledgable about the content, but has no idea how to teach it. You can learn everything just by reading the book. His lectures are dull and he often wastes time by getting off track. He also never posts grades. His expectations are confusing, as are his explanations.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ENG261
Jan 10, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I have never failed a class before taking one of Prof. Wu's classes. The material is difficult to follow and Wu doesn't help one bit. His lectures are dry and tend to go off topic. He can be quite rude to students who don't understand the material. Absolutely would not recommend him as a professor. It was a total nightmare.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
ENG662
Grade: A-
Feb 11, 2022
Would take again

He is very knowledgeable about the course.

2.0
2.0
ENG261
Grade: A
May 29, 2022

Every assignment in Wu's class was done in a group, including his final exam. Attendance is mandatory and he hands out worksheets in class, and full credit is received as long as you try. Wu assigns a group report about every chapter, but it is only 1 page double spaced. I somehow finished the class with an A!

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
ENG366
Dec 8, 2022

Professor Wu was very funny and kind in class, but he is not the professor to take for this class. It's definitely a difficult topic, and he has a hard time reexplaining things sometimes. Like I said, he's a great person, and I'd recommend him for 261, but definitely find someone else for 366.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
ENG366
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2022

Professor Wu knows what he is talking about, but he doesn't make it easy for students to understand. I enjoyed the contents of this class, but I just wish he was better at explaining things and giving us more example materials. Do not take professor Wu if you can't learn on your own, or don't have time to look up things outside of class.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
4.0
4.0
ENG363
Grade: A+
Jan 8, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Wu is great. He is a very passionate instructor, insanely smart, and honestly one of the more caring teachers I've had. He does have a tendency to go on tangents and he expects you to do a lot of learning on your own, but he is very fair about it. I've had him for 3 classes now and he is wonderful when you actually learn to work with him.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ENG366
Grade: A-
Apr 22, 2024

This was the most frustrating class I've ever taken. The teacher goes on long, off-topic tangents. One time, it took him forty minutes to actually start class. If you get a question wrong, he will laugh at you and mock you. I learned more from a ten-minute YouTube video on Linguistics than I did this entire semester.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
ENG366
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2025
Would take again

Prof Wu was incredibly kind and personable. The content is challenging, and at times boring, but he was very open during class and had conversations WITH us abt the concepts. He also clarified when needed. My only complaint is that he didn't allow makeup work when absent, but these didn't impact the grade too bad.

3.0
3.0
ENG366
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Wu is incredibly knowledgeable in his field and teaches English grammar amazingly. His class is very lecture-heavy, so it was hard at times to lock in with the material. But if you ask questions and engage with the concepts, you will do well in the class.

Get ready to read
Caring
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

78%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 18 grades
Most common grades:
A- (7)
A (5)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(2)C(1)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(9)
Based on 20 reported grades
A-: 7
A: 5
B+: 2
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
Common Tags
Graded by few things (10)
Get ready to read (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Tough grader (5)
Group projects (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.67 avg change
May
Dec
Jan
Apr
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ENGENG

5.0

(1)

ENG662

5.0

(1)

261

4.0

(1)

ENG668

4.0

(1)

ENG665

4.0

(1)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG364

5.0

ENGENG

5.0

ENG3

5.0

ENG660

4.3

261

4.0

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