I am student from Korea and I was in her communications class at University of Northern Virginia when I first came to United States. Professor Kastens was so good helping me to use my English, I transferred to NOVA.

Ms. Kastens is one the best professors i've had at NOVA. She helps you understand what you are reading. We only had 2 essays and they were VERY easy. Her final was easy. We debate someone in class related to issues in stories. Read the HW and you will do fine. Too bad she is going to the woodbridge campus.

Outstanding professor!!! She's moving to Woodbridge!!! Starts semester with a lot of work and then goes easy at the end. Research papers and course debate are most important for good grade.

I learned so much in her 112 class, I wish I'd been in her 111 class.

I took her Eng 112 Ft Belvoir last summer. It was the most interactive class I've ever taken. Damn, I learned a lot!

She is different. She uses the students background to teach the class. I know that sounds weird but its true. Its like a mind experience. I'm so glad I got into her class.

A friend at NOVA annandale recommended her. I have her for Eng 112 this summer. It's the only Eng class i have ever look forward to. I plan to take her mythology course in fall.

She's amazing! She's a great teacher and amazing lectures! From somebody who doesn't know any english i learned tons of stuff, and it was a great class. I took both ENG 111 and 112. You learn from bottom up, shes a great teacher that i'd recommend her to anyone! i love Ms. TK! -t.n.m

She's taken over a class I am in. My professor got sick. I never heard of Prof Kastens before. After she took over my class, I looked her up on rate my professor. It is ALL true!

Best professor ever!

A class with Professor Kastens is a different experience. It's like I go in there and just learn.

really like her! no reason!

She makes English interesting and I never missed her class. Unfortunately, I was too slow registering for her mythology lit class and now it is full.

She's pure energy in classroom. This is my 3rd class with her. She is close to Senator Ted Kennedy. My sympathies to her today.

BEST college discussions! Her class makes me feel as though I am really out of high school. We debate and we write.

Her mythology class is the best college course I've ever taken.

It's the only class I have where I know the names of the other students. I leave her class and I'm still thinking about mythology the next day. Great class.

Her 112 is already booked, but I got into her 125. I was told by my advisor that 112 and 125 are the same credit for transfer. I have her for 111, she's really good.

Her Mythology class is the BOMB!!!!!

This is the only class I am actually sad that the semester is over.

She is a truly amazing professor!! Her class time is based off of pure discussions and debate which keeps the attention of everyone. Two papers & participation is what your grade is based off of. She is very passionate in her "lectures", inspiring and very motivational! I would definitely take her class!!

She's easy and she's tough. She would not let me hand in my final essay late. She failed me!

Ms. Kastens is by far my favorite english teacher. Her class is based solely off of discusions on real world problems. She is a very enthusisatic teacher... and often times has funny stories to tell about herself!!

She is SO real, the real deal. SO glad I am in her class.

Awesome! The most interesting class I have! Must take!

THIS is the professor to take! She has completely turned me around. I used to hate English. She made me look forward to English class. I almost did not graduate frmo high school because I flunked English! You are crazy if you do not register for her class!

I'm soo glad I took her class shes an amazing teacher and teaches with a passion I def recommend taking her class

One of the best teachers at NOVA. Very good at explaining the stories we read in class. Going to go back and take her Mythology class.

THIS is the professor to take! Her classes fill up fast! Its the only class I had where I knew the other names in the class. She lets us debate and no one sleeps.

LOL about THIS is the professor to take. But its true. I had someone else for 111 and did not know Kastens was popular when I signed up for her 112 class. I just got lucky. She could probably make statistics be interesting. She teaches in some Greek philosopher style. Whatever. It works.

The best! She's really good.

I never did footnotes before and I learned how to do them in this class. She is a VERY nice person who REALLY is interested in what you think. She never made me feel as though I was not good enough. I got a B and I am very proud of it. She's REALLY good.

Professor Kastens rocks! Her class is seriously worth taking!

Best English teacher ever. She welcomes all points of view and she's very open! Class consists of 3 papers (that aren't hard) and reading stories before class and then discussing them. Honestly I barely read any of them because you go over them in class. TAKE HER!!! :)

The best college Professor I have ever had. She knows her stuff and is a really good teacher. She is also very helpful in making sure you understand what is expected of you. Do your work in this class it makes your learning more enjoyable.

SHE IS AWESOMEE!! my favorite teacher here at NOVA. i was highly upset when i could not have her for ENG112 due to her high popularity here at NOVA. i recommend her to anyone!! her class was just too fun and real easy. I didnt even want to skip haha ;) debates were hilarious. her comments enjoyable. AMAZING!

BRILLIANT! I just wish she taught more classes. I've taken all that she's taught. Her classes close out quickly for a reason.

I luckily got into her class on my first try. She was an amazing professor with great interest to teach and keep students awake. She had debates about relevant, current events. Great professor if you are here to learn, if not, don't waste her time and leave the spot to someone who cares for it.

Amazing! Lots of energy the moment she steps into the room!

She is a very nice person.I took a hybrid course and did not know that meant it was also online. I thought it was easy because I did only the class stuff. I was not reading my emails and she called and told me that if I did not get my online work in, I would not pass the course. Most professors just flunk you and don't care. I passed the course.

If she has space available in her course, JUMP!

She is a terrific professor. If you are shy about speak up in class, you need to get over it. She is intense and direct. The class moves quickly. I recommend.

You cannot go wrong with her. Its the only class where I knew the names of the other students. No one was afraid to make mistakes. I enjoyed her class and I am taking her for 112.

She is an amazing professor! I actually looked forward to going to her classes. I took her for English 112 and Myhtology and both classes were fun and easy. Her classes get filled up fast so make sure you sign up early!

I got into her Mythology class. It's like the most amazing thing. I LOVE this class!

Terrific. The best class discussions I have EVER had. Doesn't even feel like college work.

She really works hard to make sure everyone gets it. She called me up today to tell me that she had not yet received my final essay for our 8-wk course. I got it to her real quick. No one has ever done that for me.

The hardest thing about her class is getting into it. You MUST register at midnight. Or there is a good chance you end up wait listed.

Professor Kastens is highly knowledgeable, down to earth, and moves quickly through the class giving you all the essentials. I took her 111, 112 and 241 and have enjoyed every single class! There are two papers, mid-term and final, and sometimes short, one paragraph assignments. With holistic knowledge in many areas, she offers "pearls of wisdom."

Ms. Kastens is wonderful, i mean i dont like literature courses at all, but her class was amazing and she gives you plenty of opportunities to participate in class, answer any question, and explains everything inplain english. Really helpful teacher i would recommend her to anybody trying to LEARN.

I am a VCU student taking a summer course at NOVA. I wish she taught at VCU. My summer Eng 241 class was so interesting and went so fast, I cannot believe it's over!

She is absolutely terrific! TAKE HER!!!!

She is passionate. She gets so excited about our readings they start to sound interesting!

Excellent professor. From the moment she walks in everyone is alert. No one sleeps.

Theana Kastens. This woman is dynamite in a world of wet firecrackers. If all teachers were half as talented as she is, children would stampede through the doors of their elementary schools with smiles on their faces, eager to learn. If her class cost twice as much, I would sell a kidney to take it. Kastens brings out the best in her students.

I feel truly blessed to have gotten her as my teacher. She is very nice and helpful. TAKE HER or YOU WILL REGRET IT!

The person who said dynamite is right. The class goes very fast and I am still thinking about it later. She's really good!

I was never a good student in high school. I went back to school nervous at age 35. And for the first time in my life I feel as though I am the student I was supposed to be when I was younger. Prof Kastens is really good.

I took Professor Kastens for English 111 and 112. I absolutely loved her class. She makes discussions fun and always keeps you interested. As long as you attend the class and follow her requirements on the paper, it's and easy A!

She is good, but she is extremely strict about attendance. If you do not show up, she drops you! Just like that! There are people on waiting lists wanting the spots. So if you do not go to class at the start, kiss it goodbye.

She suggested I go to Amazon and read "inside" the book. This is a great shortcut. No other professor ever helped me to get the material I need to source material. I cannot afford all of the textbooks NOVA requires.

English is not an easy subject for me. She is very strict about footnotes. We must put footnotes even when we are not using quotations. But she is very enthusiastic. I never know when she might call on me. So I pay attention.

wonderful teacher.make sure attend her all classes. she get mad if you miss the class without any reasaon.not realy an easy teacher, but her class is intresting. if do your home and assinments you easily get A grade.

She's the best teacher. Take it or u will regret

Very energetic teacher..... You will love her, she gets straight to the point and makes her class very interesting

She is a very good professor. If your cell phone goes off, that is ok. She's cool about it. But if you miss class, she marks it in her book and asks you the first question of the next class. But I still recommend.

I took Professor Kastens class and loved it! She is very easy going and in the honors class we debate over topics while she gives us a case scenario. It's a very fun and interesting class. Attendance is mandatory, we do 3 essays, and a couple of easy opinion based blackboard assignments (usually 3 sentences long). TAKE THE CLASS YOU WON'T REGRET IT

This teacher is awesome. She is strict but at the same time flexible. Take her class, she is a smart teacher. I highly recommend her.

she is energetic. I took her weekend class. the class suppose to be started at 9 am but she change it to 10 am. very flexible in attendance but care her assignments over all very easy. I recommend to take her class.

She is an excellent professor. I learned so much.

Prof Kastens is very passionate about English. She actually gets excited when she teaches and will suddenly jump up in the air and insist that a student explain something better. "Defend your thesis!" No one is bored. I recommend.

She is, without a doubt, my favorite professor. I took every class I possibly could with her. She wants you to have an opinion and support it. If you show her effort and participate, she will do anything to help you. She loves her students and wants them all to do well.

She loves touching on controversial subjects. She wants you to state your opinion, support it, and have an open mind to other's opinions. She gets very excited and is very understanding. She never gives out intentionally hard assignments. They are all reasonable. You should absolutely get an A or B in the class.

She is the best professor at nova hands down! She loves teaching and her class is so interesting ! You are never bored and you actually want to come to class. Just do all of the assignments she gives you and you should pass with an easy A (assignments are super easy). Only three essays and she is not a strict with grading. HIGHLY recommend!!

Take her for honors! The classes are basically debate sessions and she's very passionate. It's one of the few classes that makes you feel like you're in college and not just doing busy work. She's strict on citations so do your work on that. Overall, an enriching experience.

Professors Kastens is a great teacher,I highly recommend her. She is the best teacher I have ever had. If you do not take her you lose it.

She is highly intelligent, caring and just an all around remarkable professor. Class is never boring because she is a dedicated teacher. I learned so much more from her than English or even debate-I learned to be a better person. You will lose out if you don't take this professor.

The best professor I've ever had. This is what college is all about. Terrific debates and students take over the conversation. It really makes you think.

She is an amazing professor and tries to help you as much as she can. Very easy class if you apply some effort!!

Wonderful teacher!! Class was super easy if you pay attention and do the readings. She talks about all different kind of subjects. A lot of debates. Class debates and discussion board all the time. Super easy A.

Professor Kastens is what I think a college professor should be, inspiring and insightful. She teaches you how to think, not what to think. If you attend class and participate you might actually learn something, if you don't, you won't. Knowing how to write before you take this class is a plus as she isn't interested in teaching basic grammar.

She is the best Professor very nice .Take her ..

She is a good professor. Her classes are very interesting. I recommend highly.

She comes in prepared. If you are not, it is not good. But she is very clear on the point of each class and I am taking her again. She is outstanding.

Extremely nice. Can be a little intimidating when it comes to going into controversial topics but that means she is not afraid to go over topics that makes a person think outside the box. 3 essays(2 regular and 1 final)SHOW UP TO CLASS. This is a must, if you don't , don't be surprised when she recommends to drop cuz she doesnt want u to fail.

Professor Kastens is by far the best professor at Nova. Just 3 papers in the semester. She will tell you what she wants in the papers. Be careful about the MLA format. She is strict about them. She is very helpful and inspirational. Just show up in class and enjoy her amazing lectures. You will definitely feel bad when the course ens!

Picking Professor Kastens was the best choice I have ever made. As long as you follow the syllabus, follow her instructions step by step on papers, do not skip classes, and ask questions, this class will be a breeze. Oh, and her lectures are amazing. She is an incredible human being and every professor should learn from her!

Prof Kastens is very picky about proper citations. Before her class, I did not realize that not citing plagiarism. She's not too patient if you do not get it 1st time she explains in class. If you do not get it 1st time, there's OWL website and also the tutoring center. But she's 100% worth it. Lectures make you think!

I took Professor Kastens for College Composition II and she was great. She tends to pick controversial topics to write on, however, so if you aren't comfortable taking stances on topics like abortion, same sex marriage, etc., she's not the right person for you. She's also very particular about MLA and her specifications, so no short cuts.

Best English professor you will ever have! I took her for English 111 also and will take her again for 200 level English. Her topics for discussions are controversial but she respects opinions. Support and defend your argument and you will do well. You will learn a lot and EVERY class is interesting and fun.

If you are planning to transfer to GMU, take ENG 111 and ENG 125 with her. ENG 112 does not transfer to GMU! GMU requires ENGH 101 and a literature course for their general education requirements (Mason core). Make sure to check with an adviser because ENG 125 can be taken in place of ENG 112. This will really help you with the transfer process.

Eng 112 depends on your major. Some majors 112 transfer. Some others take any lit, 125 or 240 or any. Any. TAKE HER NO MATTER WHAT! I never know what side she is on. She argues. It's great. My writing improved!

Excellent professor. She encourages everyone to speak their mind. It's the only class I have ever had that I spent so much talking and learning at the same time.

She was AMAZING possibly the best english teacher I have ever had. She is very passionate and knowledgable about literature. If you don't come to lecture you will be lost though so don't take her classes if you don't plan on showing up. She grades solely on participation and papers so be ready to write. I would definitely taker her again!!!

Probably one of the best professors! Prof. Kastens really knows how to get a discussion going and really tries her best in order to get the curriculum engrained in an interesting way. Only graded on your essays and participation. No paper ws longer than 7 pages. Attendance not mandatory, but you should attend.

She is a wonderful Professor. I am also going to take her for ENG112 and Mythology.

Kastens is easy and hard at the same time. In other classes, I follow the syllabus. I in her class, I follow her instruction and never miss a class. If you miss, you are behind. She made English interesting for me for the first time in my life. I am taking her for Eng 112.

I have never had my mind so challenged and I liked it. It is what college is all about. I am transferring to UVA in Fall and I honestly wonder whether the professors there will be as smart and insightful as Prof Kastens. I recommend highly!

She's a good teacher, but it seemed like she was teaching more of a political class than a writing one. Every paper is based on a current political topic and the in class discussions are very fast paced. The school says it's two to three hours. We never left the room more than an hour and fifteen minutes after it started.

She makes you work. Her classes go fast because she pushes every minute and never sit down. Do not think about getting on Facebook during her class. She roams around and calls on people. Never worked so hard, but it wasn't boring. She is high octane. And I sure as hell know how to cite! I am taking her for Eng 112.

Amazing class with great debates. Its the only class where I knew the names of the others in my class. She takes attendance. You cannot miss. She covers stuff in class that you cannot just read somewhere to make up. Like citations. She never makes students feel stupid. No sarcasm. She always encourages. I love her class!

Kastens takes teaching to a whole new level. She brings current real world events to class discussion to give us something to connect an otherwise boring required course with. The debates might seem intimidating at first, but you find yourself stepping in without realizing it. She shows writing structure by showing how to organize thoughts

Her class can be a workout, but it's worth it. You get what you put in. Prof Kastens expects students to participate and she'll lay questions on you if don't. Don't expect sit to back and get an a. She makes you earn your grade. Super supportive, but draws the line at bullsh-t. Don't try to make excuses. Just do the work, be at class and talk

I've never thought about issues like I am in her class this semester. We must write about utilitarianism. I never heard of the word before. I am learning how to write and think at the same time. Every single person must participate and everyone does. I leave class and discuss topics with my friends. Fantastic class debates.

You have to try to fail her course. If you are in her class, she does not let you walk out without working. She does not give a lot of homework but what she gives you must do. She makes you work in class with her. It's not good to come in unprepared. I am taking her for Eng 112.

I love this class. I'm not used to speaking up in discussions but the professor makes it a fun and inviting environment. Looking to take her a third time around. She has a great spirit when she teaches and wants everyone to succeed. Great professor!!

Best NOVA professor ever!

She was a fantastic professor. Probably the best I've had, and cares deeply about each of her students. You will need to read quite a bit and you do need to actively participate. Other than that, she's a fairly easy grader in my opinion as long as you know what you're talking about. The only thing I really didn't like was using footnotes.

I had Prof Kastens for Honors English and every time I stepped into her classroom, I felt like I was somewhere special. It was like she turned on the ignition and we just started moving. Everyone participates, it is very interactive, and she respects everyone's opinion. I recommend her highly.

She is great! Easy course and her lectures are hilarious! You can find the text book online for free but you will need it! I would take her again.. she is that good!

I like Prof Kastens so much! She teaches way more than just English because the topics she has us research are important issues around the world. Two things are important, you can't miss class and you must cite everything in footnotes. It's the only class I have where I know the names of other students.

This class will change your outlook and shape your mind. It is challenging, but in the most motivating way possible. She is not homework heavy, however you are expected to come to class prepared (do your reading). No boring books, all current topics. This is such a unique class taught by the most unique professor, one you will remember forever.

She is a great professor as long as you do your work. She explains all the assignment in detail before expecting you to do the work. She is a tough grader, definitely not an easy A, but she is very helpful if you need help and she is answers quickly to your emails. I don't have to take ENG 112, but I will take her since you learn a lot in her class

Professor Kastens is amazing! She barely gives any homework and is very encouraging. As long as you do the little homework she does give you'll do great! I'm already signed up for her English 112 Honors class.

That is so true. She does not give much homework. But she works our asses off in class. Whatever she gives you, make sure you've done it. Instead of working at home, you work in class. It's the opposite of my other classes. I'm also taking her again in spring for Eng 112.

This professor is so amazing I took an extra class just because she was teaching it. That's how amazing she is. Her lectures are everything, and is out of this world smart. i have learned so much from her. Definitely take her!

she was amazing, straight forward and sometimes went off topic and would talk too much but she was extremely funny.

I drove every week from Reston to Woodbridge just to attend her English class and it was worth it. I was not the only one either. One person in my class drove every week from Fredericksburg. She's smart, and I felt smarter each week after her class. Also se is a very nice person.

Amazing amazing amazing teacher!! Im taking her again this semester for 112 cause I loved her so much in 111. You don't have much hw except weekly discussion boards which shouldn't take u more than an hour max to do. Her class is a class where u won't be able to sleep. Be ready to participate and speak in class. She is very enthusiastic and open.

I missed a few classes and a few discussion boards and still managed to get a B. She is an interesting professor and definitely is a tough grader on your essays. Make sure you have the right format or you will not get a good grade on them.

I just read the earlier comment and wondered whether I was on the right page. It doesn't sound like Prof Kastens at all. I've taken three of her classes. I've never one time seen her get mad. I came on today to say that I learned so much from her and wish she taught where I am going next, UVA. I recommend her highly to all future students.

Overall Amazing.

Absolutely amazing class. She doesn't give much homework but you must be ready to be called on in class. If you walk in late, she calls on you next. Don't be late, but do take.

Very easy class. Do everything by the deadlines and you will get an A. Beware that there are many readings that are not necessarily "short" stories.

Good English prof, almost felt her class was a joke. Attendance isn't absolutely mandatory, but alot of the grade is participation, so you have to show up. Graded on three essays and weekly discussion boards, which were based on chapters in the reading. Readings were cheap, both books together come out to $50 She loves to talk, just pay attention

I took her before for ENG257 and this was an easy class. Workload was more bc summer, one project per unit, one discussion board per unit, and midterm and final. As long as you did the readings, which she provided, it wasn't hard to get an A

I got my grade today, B in Eng 111 summer class and worked hard for it. Now that I know all about MLA format, I'll wait until Spring for when she teaches Eng 112 again, now that I know what she wants. Be ready to talk. She expects everyone talking in class, saying positions in "thesis" and "evidence" format. Our topics were interesting .

Just had my first class with her. She's everything I've been told. I walked out thinking about things, the kinda things I don't usually think about. I even spoke up in class. This is something I don't normally do. So glad I am in this class.

The most inspiring lectures I have ever heard. She says that we will write better if we have real interest in the topic. I leave her lectures and I come home to tell my parents.

I have never met her in person. But I took her online for children's literature and thought she was good. I am taking her again online in spring for an online short story course. She is very nice and she makes it personal, even though it is online. I felt like I knew her.

Attendance is mandatory, but you won't mind. Her classes are so interesting, you won't want to miss. One time a student in my class mentioned rice paddies he'd seen in Asia. Just like that, Prof Kastens connected this guy's comment about rice paddies into mythological images. I walked out of the class and said damn she knows her stuff.

Awesome class and awesome teacher. She gives the most amazing lectures. If you need or want to take a 200-level literature class, this should be it!

She is very smart, has lots of personality and genuinely likes her students. I was a pleasure to be in her class. She teaches the course material and so much more. I highly recommend.

Prof Kastens gives us all of the reading materials so that we don;t have to buy books. She is thoughtful, considerate, and her lectures are amazing. I tell my family about them after class and now my mother is thinking about going back to school and taking her classes.

Shes the best!

Professor Kastens is probably by the far the best. She explains everything so clearly, she is very understanding and the work she gives is super easy if you pay attention. She made me so excited to go to class, I learned something new everytime I went to class. She is the way to go!

We had 2 essays the entire class with a few readings. Her class felt almost TOO easy

I took her for my first semester and second semester at Nova and I honestly was blown away. She truly cares about your success as a student, as long as she sees you're trying she'll help you in any way. I only had to do one essay for her honors class and the rest of the class was all discussions and blackboards. I highly recommend her to anyone.

You're graded on two papers, discussion board questions, and attendance. Super easy class, I actually enjoyed attending because she always had a funny story for us or talked about something that really made you think about your role in life.

I really love this professor. I took her for ENG111 in the summer and she was amazing just follow what she teaches on how she wants her essays to be like including the foot notes and all. Its an easy A class

I took her for online ENG 236 because I heard she was a good professor to have. She is excellent! I have not even ever met her and I feel like I know her. I had a problem with Blackboard and she allowed me to submit the work to her on email and I got full credit. She is also very quick to respond.

This class was good! Do the work and you'll pass! No book required.

Professor Kastens is AMAZING! She grades everything in a timely matter and always responded to my emails whenever I had questions. Make sure you read everything and complete all your work. If you do that, you will pass!

She was the best! She gave us work that wasn't boring. She was very nice and the work was not hard at all. I definitely recommend taking her class.

Honors. Lectures were really fun to attend - they were giant discussions of the texts. The texts were interesting too. a final and a mid term paper, but she prepares you really well for them. no tests or additional homework besides 1 reading/ a week and a response (which took no more than an hour). excellent professor!! take her class!! she's great

Prof. Kastens is amazing! Her test was fairly easy, as long as you study for it! Provides feedback on your assignments, and is super nice. If you put in the effort, its an easy A!

Terrific online professor. Just finished my 8-week course with her in ENG 236. She was wonderful. I've heard she also good in the classroom. I highly recommend.

I took her for ENG 111. She was WONDERFUL. I did not have the same experience with ENG 112. I took it at another NOVA campus. I am taking Prof Kastens online ENG 236 in summer. She is the best!

Just wrapped up my 8 week course with her - FABULOUS instructor! Gives very nice feedback and as long as you follow the criteria for discussion boards and unit projects, you're bound to do well! I finished the course with a 100%. Exams were not difficult, but definitely try to get a good amount of the assigned readings done.

She's a great teacher one of the best at nova one of my favorites, show up and you'll pass. only 2 essays and a few discussion post literally do the work and you'll get an A

She was nice, DP which made most of your grade as well as some individual projects but it wasn't hard as long as you put in the effort. I feel like she picks & chooses on which emails she wants to reply back too but other than that this class is very simple & straightforward. If you fail is because you didnt put any work but its an essay A

She is more than a professor. She is a kind human being. When my online system failed, she received my work on email and I received credit. This went on for days and she made sure I stayed current with the rest of the class. I am a JMU student who took her course for transfer credit over summer. I wish she taught at JMU.

Easiest English class of all time. I took the 8-week section and it felt like the full 16 week with a low amount of work to do each week. Thank you for taking a load off of my semester!

I never worked so hard in class and so little out of class before. She has some kinda different formula for teaching. Whatever it is, it works. It's like you go to class, you find out what you gotta do, and then you do it. There's no guesswork. It's really specific. Best NOVA class I've ever had.

We got to discuss a lot about the mythological texts. There were a few issues with our papers, so we rectified that through inquiry. I thought the prompts for the papers were cool, so I could build my papers into comprehensive ones.

I took her for online short story literature and I felt like I was in a classroom with her. She grades works almost as soon as it is sent in. She's terrific.

She gives 3 main grades no exams just one midterm essay and one final essay plus the grades for a weekly discussion board, which you only have to write 5 sentences so its easy!! You have to get 2 books no text book but they are on amazon for a total of $20! lectures were fun and she lets class out early! Shes so nice 11/10 recommend if you need lit

Professor Kastens is the best in nova. She is so easy to learn from.

i had her for ENG111, 112 , mythology and honors 236 short story. She is one of the best professor i ever got. Her classes are easy and fun to understand, she always gives you the opportunity to improve your grade.

Fast responses with emails, lots of reading but that was to be expected with a higher-level English class in an 8-week period. Coursework includes discussion posts and quizzes. I ended the semester with a grade just below 90% but she emailed me and told me that she increased my grade to get to an A.

I took her for English 111 and 112 Discussion post, midterm paper, and final paper She one of the best English professor at Nova I highly recommend her.

Dr. Kastens is very clear on what she expects. Hanging indentations are important. Everything must be sourced. If you have questions, she responds to emails faster than my friends. On my midterm essay, she went point by point on what I did wrong. I followed her comments exactly on the final and got an A in the end. That was tonight!

Professor Kastens was a great English teacher that challenged me to do better in analyzing short stories as well as my writing skills. She's very clear in what she's looking for as well as the way the class is set up. This course consisted of 4 quizzes and projects. We had weekly discussions also. She is GREAT with answering emails quickly!!!

Very straightforward, every week there is a discussion board and you'll have about 3 papers for the term but I'll say that the discussion boards count as mini ones but they're about 1 paragraph each. She's very sweet but doesn't upload grades to Canvas, she'll email you the grade on your assignment with helpful notes. Lectures are quick.

There is a lot of writing involved, but that is expected for an English class. I got a bit confused about the grading on some of my papers, but Prof Kastens clarified my questions and I got 100% on everything going forward. The exams are 1 page papers based off the readings. Do the work and you will get an A.

Dr. Kastens is the nicest professor I have. She has a wonderful personality on Zoom and makes students feel as though we're in a physical classroom. I had a personal situation where I fell behind and she worked with me and gave me the opportunity to catch up. I am definitely taking ENG 112 with her. I'm learning from her. She's really good.

Prof Kastens takes mythology literature to a deeper level. She knows the subject like she lives it. And her enthusiasm makes the course a breeze. She's also an easy grader. Clear objectives, easy to meet. Her Zoom classes are interactive. Some professors just talk, talk, but not her. She gets us talking. My best class this semester!

Dr. Kastens is my favorite professor. I didn't know how to break paragraphs. I just made it look like paragraphs. She gave her cell phone number and we discussed my work. I couldn't believe she would do that. Most professors don't want to hear from students outside class time. But she wanted me to understand and now I do. She's the nicest!

Professor Kastens is an absolute delight. I recommend taking her leading up to an election, as her curriculum for the first half of the year is centered around it (very interesting). She is extremely accommodating and clearly wants all her students to pass. She seems to really enjoy her subject. Easily one of the best professors I 've ever had.

Zoom meetings weren't required, but she did want you to turn in your work. She responded fast through email. She was always in a good mood. She won't accept late work which I didn't mind because no teachers accept late work. She isn't heavy on work which I liked because I had a busy schedule with school and life. I really recommend her!

Good class and good professor. Lots of reading and homework for an 8-week class, 7 discussions, 4 short papers and 2 tests. I wish there was clearer feedback on the papers so I could improve. Be ready to work hard, and you'll get an A. Grading is fairly consistent.

For the 8 weeks online class every week there's 2 discussions (2 paragraphs), paper (3 page minimum), quiz, and many stories to read that were anywhere from 1 to 20 pages long. The two exams are writing heavy and require you to write 2 essays in 120 minutes. Takes her a while to respond back and she gives limited feedback. She isn't a tough grader.

A friend suggested I take her online short story course and I'm glad I did. She real and genuine. When I had a problem with the exam shutting down on me, she set aside special time just for me to administer the exam. Other professors may have just said tough, you fail. But not Prof Kastens. She wanted me to do well and I did.

Professor Kastens's class was really interesting and I was fascinated by all the short stories we had to read from my 8 week class. We had a lot of short stories to read and understand from. Each week, we had a discussion board to write, a essay project based on the short stories you read, and some easy quizzes. The tests were essays.

Best professor I have ever had. This is an Honors course, so it is at at a higher level of "academic inquiry" as Dr. Kastens says. But it is easier! I mean it! The busy work is gone and we really get into it. I wish she was still teaching mythology lit. I would take it. Maybe she will the next semester.

professor gives feedback on all work and explains every assignment well. course consists of quizzes, discussion post and projects but they aren't too complex. there are long and many readings but the homework isn't too heavy. great professor!

I was unsure about taking an online course for composition, but she made it so easy. She's clear about what is expected and is extremely understanding. I've already registered for her summer ENG 112 class before it fills up.

She made my Online ENG 112 feel like in-class learning. She's always there. She responds quickly. She grades quickly. I was afraid I was sending her too many questions. She never minded. She made it easy for me.

Dr. Kastens was super easy. I think it's because she makes the instructions simple and easy to understand. She's fast in response to questions and really wants her students to get it and do well. I wish I'd had her as my instructor for ENG 111. Her classes fill up fast. I'm waitlisted for her short story lit class and hoping I get in.

Professor Kastens loves to engage with other students. She replies fast to emails and is gives out nice and very detailed prompts. Be prepared that she does give out a lot of assignments but is pretty fair with grading. If you are interested in taking her PLEASE DO!! Im not that good at English and I still finished the class with a good grade.

I learned so much from this class, I don't know where to begin. Prof Kastens pushed us to go beyond the story's plot to the literary analysis. It has changed the way I now read all literature. I looked forward to each class because of our interactive discussions. It's what college is all about.

This class was the most personally moving class Ive ever taken. Each story we examined moved me to a stronger sense of myself. I am West African living far from my roots. The writers whose work we studied understood the challenges we all face. And they knew how to drive the message. Thank you, Prof Kastens.

I had her for ENG 111 and ENG 112. She's the BEST! Responsive, fast on grading, and really keeps in touch with the class. Sometimes it's not the same with online courses than it is with classroom courses. But Dr. Kastens makes it feel like a real classroom. I highly recommend!

Prof. Kastens was so responsive and quick on grading in ENG 112, my biggest regret is that I didn't take her class for ENG 111. She made the semester a world of difference from my past experiences. I am now on a waitlist for one of her literature courses.

She's not difficult. She's easy. And I learned so much! Am registered for her ENG 112 class this summer. She gave mer her cell phone number in case I had any questions! Never had a professor like this. She likes teaching and it shows.

WOW! Only 5 modules (1 quiz, project, and 1-2 discussions). 2 exams which are similar to writing assignments. Prof. is excellent with communication, replying back as soon as she gets an email. You may have to read the readings to help you with assignments, but it's best to read stories part of the assignments. Follow the rubrics, you'll do well!

Professor Theana Kastens is such an angel. I took her class for 2 semesters (ENG111, ENG112), and I got both A+ of them. Super easy A if you do assignments. I recommended to my sister and she got A as well. Trust me take her.

Excellent professor for literature. Earlier writer said shes blunt. Yes. But she is clear. And that is important in grading. Her Short Story Lit course ended this week. Its the most interesting course Ive taken Shes very attentive to detail and I recommend her for any course she teaches.

Dr Kastens is not only a wonderful professor, but also a wonderful person. I got Covid during the class that just ended. I was in the hospital, and then home. She worked with me so that I would not fall behind. I learned so much about writing and I learned how valuable it is to have a professor who genuinely cares.

Just wrapped up summer semester Short Story Lit ENG 236 and it was the most interesting course I've taken at NOVA. Dr. Kastens is fantastic. She's clear, very fast to respond, and allows students to move at their own pace. When I needed some extra guidance, she literally gave me her cell number to call her so she could explain. The best!

Prof Kastens is terrific! She was very attentive to any question I had and fast in response. I'm already registered for her ENG 112 class in Fall. I recommend her highly!

She is an excellent professor. If there is a spot left in one of her classes, take it.

Prof Kastens is not for dummies. But she is so nice and thoughtful. She literally gives the class her cell phone number so that we can reach her at any point in the course because she says she doesn't want anyone falling behind. Just don't come to class unprepared because everyone else will be ready for discussion. I really enjoy her classes.

Prof Kastens opened up the entire course early. She allowed us to wrap up early, as long as we continued to attend classes. I have an A. And I am still attending her final class because the conversations are so interesting. She leads discussions where students do all the talking. Never boring.

Dr. Katens was wonderful. She is very clear and precise on what she expects from you and that's basically to show up, do the work, and participate. I'm bummed that she doesn't have any ENG 112 classes for the Spring semester. I thoroughly enjoyed taking her class.

She's the BEST professor I have ever had since I have returned to college. My God! She is a good person, too. She WANTS her students to succeed. I just finished my first semester back after 20 years. THIS is the professor you want whether you are just out of HS, out of military, or have been doing a wage job for the past 20 years.

Amazing professor! Her class is super easy. She just does lectures on zoom meetings. There were about 1 quiz, a midterm, final and final project, and this was all open notes with the yt video she posted on canvas and she goes over the final in class so take notes. Overall very chill and wonderful teacher!

I took her ENG 111 - EDE 11 class online. I wasn't sure what it would be like to take an online course, but she was very quick to respond and kept me on track. She was easy to follow. With Covid everywhere, I am not yet ready to go to campus for classes. I have kids and want to stay healthy for them. Prof Kastens made this course worth it.

I took her ZOOM class ENG 111 & EDE 11 in fall semester. It was almost like being in a classroom. There was a lot of interaction, laughter, and I learned a lot. She's a good choice.

ENG 111 / EDE 11 is the best ONLINE class I ever took! She was fabulous! I recommend her as a professor!

Excellent professor. This class moves quickly. It was interesting and she moved it along. It was an 8 week course that went by quickly. I recommend.

Dr. Kastens is very smart. And when I'm in her class, I feel smart, too. She is truly a kind person who wants her students to do well. I plan to take her popular ENG 236 class next about short stories.

I just read the previous statement. My response is : Don't plagiarize! LOL! We're supposed to take this warning seriously? This professor is the easiest, most reasonable professor I've ever had. I cannot believe someone wasted our time complaining about being caught plagiarizing.

Professor Kastens is very reasonable and nice. Her grading criteria is very clear and she gives good feedback. For the other reviews, don’t plagiarize and you won’t get flagged. She has been extremely easy to work with. The short stories are so interesting and engaging. One of my favorite classes taken to date. The workload is very doable.

Professor Kastens is outstanding in the classroom and a 100% good human being. She finds a way to make every student's comment relevant to the class discussion, even when a deeply biased student talks smack. I've witnessed this professor turn one student's disruption into a learning experience. She's extraordinary.

The best decision I made was taking both her ENG 111 and ENG 112 classes. Terrific.

I had her in spring and she was wonderful. Jump into her class before it fills up. I'm already in her summer ENG 112 class and there was a waiting list. Thank God I was able to get in.

I took her Online ENG 111 - EDE 11 class. She really cared and made me feel as though I could not fail. The Online course was great because I did not need to commute to a campus and I could stay home with my young children and still continue my education.

Dr. Kastens is fast to respond. The class was interesting. I heard she has taught Mythology Lit and I wish she still did. I would take another class with her if I could. She not only improved my ability of literature, but corrected many errors I had been making in my MLA format. If you ask her for assistance, she gives it. She's excellent.

I finished summer ENG 236 NOVA Online today. My average came to 89.98 and I needed 90 for an A. Dr. Kastens notified me that she adjusted my average to A because my trend in the course was steady improvement and she wanted to encourage me to keep up the good work. I wish I had taken her for ENG 111 & 112. She is very thoughtful.

I graduated from high school a few weeks ago and took Prof Kastens' summer ENG 111 Online course. She was very quick to explain to me when I wrote her the things I was unsure about. She allowed us to move ahead at our own pace if we wanted. I learned so much that I never really learned in high school English class. I recommend her.

Her lectures are absolutely amazing! She gets everyone talking about issues that are really interesting. We don't all agree. It's really full of energy. The class goes by so quickly. We write about the issues and then another interesting issue comes next.

I took Professor Kastens over the summer of 2022 and was very easy. Assignments were straightforward and would give you feedback on how to improve your writing. Looking forward to taking her 112 class!

I've been in both her classroom ENG 111 & 112 classes, where her lectures are terrific, and now her online ENG 236. Anyone who can not make it in her class is not really trying. There is a reason her classes fill up so fast.

You really have to "try" to do poorly if you don't do well in her class. She is accessible and very clear. She has us write on interesting topics. It's what college is all about. As for the last commenter, I went to the tutoring center for math and it helped. College professors are not tutors. That's high school. This is college.

Prof Kastens worked with me so that I could finish my semester early to make my flight to India to see my family for the month of December. I finished today. She is a very reasonable professor, very clear on what needs to be done and I learned so much. I wanted to leave this word of appreciation before I leave. She's a terrific professor.

See, when I first signed up & read all these reviews about her, I thought it was too good to be true. Absolutely not. Dr. Kastens is a phenomenal professor, & is fully willing to give you every chance to succeed. There are 4 projects where you literally get to do creative writing (if you choose)! Lots of reading but I never felt overwhelmed. 10/10!

She is the most caring professor I have ever encounted. I almost don't know where to begin. It was an online course that's usually impersonal. I had an emergency and struggled not to drop out of college. She made it clear what I needed to do to continue. I felt like I was in the dark and she was the flashlight. She knows her stuff.

As long as you follow the grading criteria in the syllabus, you'll pass easily. Gives a fair amount of homework that is not too difficult. She does not give much feedback on assignments however. Overall, a really good professor, would take again.

She is a good professor, but prepare yourself to read a lot.

She responds very fast. She's easy to follow. She's clear in her grading criteria. And her ENG 112 class was the most interesting course I took last semester. We discussed and wrote "argumentative essays" about some controversial topics that really made me think.

She's particular about grammar and punctuation. I sometimes found myself worrying that I didn't proofread enough. But I became better at checking myself. Writing a college essay is not anything like writing in high school. I'm a much better writer because of her class. She is also a very nice person who encourages her students to speak up.

She grades quickly and responds to email quickly. I think she's one of the best at Woodbridge Campus. We just finished midterms and the semester is flying by quickly I like the way she lectures.

Last semester I cratered in her course. Instead of letting me go the entire semester and end up with an F, she told me before the drop deadline that I was not going to pass her class no matter what. I appreciated that. I am retaking it now, got an A on the midterm, and think I will have an A at the end.

Our course finished this week. It was a good semester. She is really fast in responding. She is clear. But do not miss a deadline. She's really strict about deadlines. But otherwise, she's easy. I will take her classes again.

Prof Kastens is very nice. I was in the hospital in the beginning of the course. I considered dropping. She worked with me to catch up. After that the rest of the course went real smooth. I have friends who took her course last semester. They recommended her. I learned a lot about literature and I highly recommend her.

She allowed me to finish early because I must travel. My points added up to just below a B. I was a fraction off and expecting a C. Without me even asking she rounded me up to the B. She is a really good person and very considerate.

She is very understanding. None of us in her summer class understood a short story by Haruki Murakmi. The story was weird. I actually thought if I smoked something I would understand it. LOL She explained in class and it made sense. Because no one understood the story, she removed the grades for this assignment. She's very easy.

She is very picky with grammar. But she taught me things I never knew about literature. I thought it was just about the plot. Writers do all sorts of things to make the plot more interesting. I thought she was very fair. I wrote to clear up doubts I had about an assignment and she answered me in like 5 minutes.

LOL! Someone in my ENG 255 class is pi$$ed. We just got our midterms back. It was my easiest A. You have to "try" to fail her class. Not showing up for class is one way to do it!

UMGC's classroom that are global. I am stationed in Okinawa and I felt like I was sitting in her College Park classroom. When we had to go on duty, she worked with me. The military owns our daily routines and I could not have found a more understanding professor. Our 8-week session just ended. I plan to take WRTG112 with her in spring.

This is getting interesting. A student from the same World Lit class I'm in is doing a "hit job" on Prof Kastens following our midterm grades a few days ago, even posting comments as coming from different courses to make it look like many students are writing.

I have enjoyed this class very much and learned a lot about literature. Prof Kastens is easy to follow because her course goes just like the syllabus and there are no surprises. She's fast when she responds and I cannot believe the semester is over. It was a great class with really interesting discussions.

I took her World Lit class only because I needed an elective. Also because I read her reviews on this website. It was the BEST experience I have had in college. I learned so much about the works of authors I'd never heard of. I can't believe the semester is over. I wish I had taken her class for Eng 111 and 112.

I came on to write a positive review. The semester is over. But the last comment is totally unfair. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, Professor Kastens extended our usual Friday deadline to the Sunday following Thanksgiving. This fact is clearly stated on Canvas. Her course was really easy and she was a very good professor.

Some students complain that she does not accept late assignments, but the weekly assignments are really easy to do. Her class discussions were what I looked forward to. She starts it off and then everyone gets talking about their viewpoints. It's not like we just sit there and take notes. We really discuss the literature and I liked that.

Prof Kastens is a nice person and responds quickly. I was in her Friday class. I enjoyed our discussions and the way she turned what we had to say into helpful writing tips. The topics are current and her weekly writing assignments were easy to do. I wish she were teaching more Eng112 classes. She's a good choice.

I took her ENG 255 World Literature class and it was a real eye opener. We had really interesting class discussions. The course was easy, I learned a lot, and she is one of the best professors at NOVA.

She is so good, I cannot believe it! We're discussing and writing on Israel and Gaza. She is steady down middle. And the whole class discussion leads to citations? That's because President of Harvard got canned for not citing? This is already a very good semester. I am Palestinian. She wants us to speak and write what we think. She is fair.

Professor Kastens was very sweet and my experience in this class was great , you do have to write a lot and there is a topic, every week assignment is due. As long as you do your assignments this class is an easy A. She gives good feedback and gives chances to makeup work.

Professor Kastens is a VERY generous grader regarding simple or small mistakes on the discussion boards and the module projects. However, she will deduct points (not many) on citations, so learn how to cite short stories and MLA formatting. Overall, this is an easy class but be prepared for a heavy amount of reading for the first modules.

She is caring and as long as you participate and turn your work on time it is an easy class.

Dr. Kastens is one of those professors you need to take early on so you get an example of what a college professor should strive to be like, her weekly discussions were great to attend, her assignments weren't too intensive where you felt like you drowned in work, overall she has the rating she does because she's a very good professor

One of the easiest profs I've had in my entire life. Put effort into the assignments and you'll get an A. It's that simple. Just make sure you know the module stories for the exams. Never had an easier English class.

Prof Kastens is a great teacher - engaging in-class discussions and reasonable weekly assignments. I found unstuckstudy AI helpful for efficient study prep.

Prof Kastens is maybe 50 or 60 years old and she has the energy of someone about 30. She's really passionate about the subject and she makes it interesting. I don't reach for my phone to check Instagram when I am in her class. That's also because she cold calls on us. The class moves fast. It's a great class.

I've been in her class for the past 3 weeks. It is different from my other classes. Came on here to see what others say. She's good, but do not come into her class unprepared. At the very least do the assignment on Canvas. If you do you will be fine.

I took Prof Kastens class because of the comments made on this website. The comments are all true. She is the type of professor you hope to have in college. She's terrific. I am disappointed that her ENG 112 class is already maxed out for spring. I wish I had enrolled before it closed out.

I took her Sat ENG 111 class thinking I must be crazy to take a weekend class. It was the best decision. She takes big world issues that we debate and write on. Her classes are never boring. I look forward to them! I went from being ENG 111/EDE 11 to HONORS ENG 112 this spring. She's popular for a reason.

Took her class due to great reviews—they're all true! She's amazing: engaging lectures, thoughtful debates on current topics, manageable workload for FT workers, she's a fair and quick grader, and is accessible outside of class via email. Excited that she has chosen me to be in her honors class for spring of 2026!

SHE IS SO LIVELY & UPBEAT! I took both her ENG111/112 honors classes while doing dual enrollment. Both courses were challenging enough that I felt I was growing as a writer, but not overwhelmingly difficult. She gives great feedback and responds to emails quickly. Overall, she is my favorite professor. I wish my degree had more classes with her. :)

You can't go wrong taking her class. There's a reason her classes fill up fast.

I didn't know how one "qualifies" for Honors English, but I wanted to be in her class so I enrolled myself in her Honors Eng 111 last fall on SIS. It was the best decision I made. I continued to her Honors Eng 112 in spring. Becoming an NOVA Honors student was the best step I've made at NOVA. It's not harder. It's more stimulating.

I'm searching for fall classes and wish she had an Honors literature course. I read the previous post and I did the same thing and jumped into her Honors Eng 111 last year on my own. I didn't need any advisor to put me in. The Honors program is really worth it.

Fantastic! I enjoyed her class so much! But just don't miss a deadline. There's no going back. She keeps deadlines like a courthouse does when you have a speeding ticket. That part not fun.

Assignments are enjoyable and informative at the same time. She grades fair and gives ample time to finish assignments. You should not fall behind.

The best professor I have had for three classes: Eng 111, 112, 236. She is clear about what she expects from you and doesn't ask for anything unattainable. She is strict about deadlines, which I feel is fair because she doesn't assign heavy homework. She doesn't grade too harshly.

I had her for Honors English 111 and 112. She does not care which position you take in an argument. All she cares about is how you write your essay. All her assignments are on topics where you take a position. It's really interesting and makes us think. I enjoyed her class.

If you have a chance jump into her class. Her classes close quickly. I got in through a waitlist. Students talk in her classes. In the beginning, she does most of the talking. And next thing I know, students are doing all of the talking. We share different views. It's really interesting all about our essays. All are short, too!

Cryptic in a funny way. Canvas said I had an 800% up until the final because she doesn't use the typical grading system. Your grade is basically dependent on the midterm, final, and some aspect of participation, but she only calculates it at the end of the course. It's suspenseful and ominous, but you should be fine if you speak english.

She posted my grade today. i think her emphasis is on participation. I participated and was not afraid to make mistakes in her class. I got an A. I am normally quiet in class. But I spoke a lot in her class. She's very strict about writing format. You get graded on midterm, participation, and final. It was an easy, good class.

She steps into the classroom with energy. I put down my phone. And before I know it, our class is over. We talk, discuss. And then our homework is to write. And sometimes i need AI to help me. I don;t tell her, but the AI helps me keep up with her. So at least I am learning. She's an excellent professor.

Just be prepared for each class. If you do, you will be ok. She does more in class than in homework. And she is very nice. If you can get into one of her Honors classes, it is sort of like grad school, she told us. She is my favorite professor.