He laid back, wont get your papers graded on time, but that just gives you more time to turn it in. Really cool, definitely not boring, a little eccentric but that's what makes him fun. Don't be afraid of his crazy hair.

awesome professor! Very laid back and cool. If you put some effort into it, you will definitely get an A

Sherfinski is awesome! I took him for Eng 160 and 161 and I enjoyed his class the whole time. He's very personable and I'd consider him one of my friends. Classes are interesting, books are good, and you'll def. get an A if you do the work that's assigned.

Todd supervised my Honors project last semester as well as taught my Engl 101. He was fabulously helpful, and always had an interesting ancedote to add. He kept class interesting and his eccentricness was his highlight. Definitely a professor to choose if you're quirky.

He's very good at keeping a class interesting and is fair when it comes to assigning work.

Sherfinski is an amazing teacher. Not only is he one of the funniest teachers I ever had but he really taught me how to disect my writing in order to get straight to the point.

He is a nice teacher with a sense of humor. He thinks everyone will most likely be an average student and he takes that literally when he grades your paper. So, unless you go above and beyond and every paper, expect some kind of C or low B.

He is a great teacher, very passionate about the topic i would recommend him. He is a little bit odd thought and tends to make a lots of bad jokes. But I loved him.

A VERY interesting class.. BUT he's a really tough grader... I worked really hard and got a C... If I had a chance to do it over, I would have picked another class...

He's a good teacher. He makes a lot of jokes, some of which are good. He makes you think, but gets ticked off a bit when people don't speak up. He's really lax about homework, but it's still mandatory. I liked his reading selections.

He was a very helpful and interesting teacher. He's one to make you think a lot and you actually learn a lot from what he talks about. Over all, it was a great class since he was reasonable with the work he gives out and is very willing to work with you if you need help with your writing. I would take another class with him.

I have such a crush on Sherfinski. He's really nice and cool. If you participate and show some understanding of the readings then you'll be fine. My boyfriend, who had him last year, told me to take the class and I dont regret it at all. Just make sure you do the homework. Im taking him again for 161 in the fall.

Loved him. He was interesting, loved the subject, and always pushed our class to think outside the box. He is definitely quirky, but he was what made the class bearable. Definitely agree with the crush on him, haha. It's not an "easy A," he will definitely push you to be a better writer.

Sherfinski is a great professor, one of the best. He keeps you interested in the subject and motivates you to learn. I've taken several classes with him and I enjoyed all of them. Definitely take his classes...you won't regret it!

He is very biased but he liked me so I don't care. Funny guy, easy class. Just show up and show some effort and you should get an A for sure. Easy grader too. I actually read the materials for the first time and paid attention because he made class fun/funny. I would love to take one of his classes again.

He's a really great professor. I never had as much interest in english class until I took a class with him. Just make sure you do all your assignments, come to class on time, and participate.

He is a great professor. Really funny and keeps your interest in class. The assignments are easy and quick to do, they mostly consists of short stories. He kept me awake during an 8am class and I'm not a morning person. Easy A, just come to class, participate and do the short homework assignments. He jokes around a lot, its a fun class.

Makes great conversation with the classroom, I actually looked forward to class. Funny, cool, and interesting. Extremely helpful but you need to speak up. Tends to favor certain students. His class is a lot of work, he expects a lot from his students but if you work hard and take his advice, you will do well.

Keeps the class very interesting. There are a lot of assignments throughout the semester but as long as you do them its a pretty easy A.

Take 161 death and dying... great class. Sherfinski is a great teacher, super motivated and intelligent. He also knows a lot about music and is a big DEAD HEAD :)

good teacher. makes a lot of useless jokes. fun. very biased. make sure to be on his good side. speak up in class. put effort in your homework. if you don't do so well on your homework, no matter how well you write on your writing projects, expect your homework grade to be written down.

Great Teacher. Fun Class. Pay attention, and be prepared to answer questions. He gets mad when no one talks.

He was an amazing teacher. I have never liked an english class but he truly made it interesting and I actually enjoyed it. He likes to tell a lot of jokes and will move assignment due dates to a later date if the majority of the class wants him too unless it is the final research paper of course.

He is an amazing teacher.. He made learning about death interesting! Very funny and nice teacher

He grades papers super hard. but besides that i enjoyed the class, very funny. Just a very interesting class overall.

Without a doubt this professor is on my list of toughest graders but in the end it is very beneficial. Work hard in his class and you will see much improvement in your work by the end of the semester.

He was a great teacher. everything he says is intresting. he doesnt force his idea upon you but forces you to think about things in a different way and challenge what the world has to say. he does not participate in conforming students into cookie cutter writers but infuses creativity and enlightenment.

Took him for 160 and 161 great professor really wants you to do well but you must try just keep up with work and participate in class and you should get a b

This is one of the best English teachers I ever had. Topic of discussion was sanitation, very interesting. You will definitely learn from him. Must admit that he is not an easy teacher. Homework almost everyday and four essays; however, in the long run, its beneficial.

I have hated English all my life, but I actualy liked his class. He is not opinionated and he is willing to hear whatever you have to say. He's a funny person and laidback. He is a hard grader, but my writing has completely transformed through this class. His feedback on papers is good. Only downside is that he doesn't post grades up, but I got A.

Mr. Sherfinksi is one of the funniest professors on campus. ENG 161 is actually fun and engaging. He gives homework assignments daily, but they're easy to do. He gives great feedback to essays. He likes to make his students laugh and swears like a sailor, but he is a great professor. Take him for 161!

I love Mr. Sherfinski! He is really funny and nice. He is a hard grader but because of that I finally learned how to properly write! His class is NOT AN EASY CLASS. But it's really beneficial in the long run.

Sherfinski is a GREAT professor! He does give homework every day but it is usually just read and point out important facts or summarize the chapter. He makes English interesting. Take him for 161!!

I don't know what some people are complaining about. I think he grades fairly and if you try your writing will improve and you can get an A. He is more than willing to provide commentary on a rough draft if you email him. Basically if you're a good student, you can do good in the class. I got an A.

I think Mr.Sherfinski is the best English teacher at UIC. He gave me poor grades at first but I talked to him and asked what exactly he wanted and he clearly told me, I got an A in his class. He is very nice if you're nice to him. If you're listening to your iPod or sleeping in class why would you expect him to give you an A? WAKE UP PEOPLE.

Mr. Sherfinski is one of those incredibly laidback, if corny, teachers who makes what you're learning incredibly fun and interesting. He's easy to talk to and there if you need extra help. The workload isn't overwhelming and he's a fair grader. I honestly miss him this semester!

Mr. Sherfinski is a great professor. We had a lot of homework assignments that seemed pointless but they actually helped with understanding material and becoming a better writer. The class mostly consisted of discussion on homework readings. Yes, he grades hard but you can always go in for help! I highly suggest taking his class.

Prof. Sherfinksi is hilarious and make English class interesting. There's a lot of homework in the beginning of the semester, but then it winds down and becomes more about writing papers. I think Sherfinski really helped me become a better writer and he made the class worth it. Take 161 with Sherfinski!

I took him for ENGL161 and for many undergrads this is their last English class, so yea there will definitely be some work. Sherfinski is a fair grader though, if you turn in a bad paper he'll give you a bad grade, as simple as that. His lectures are very interesting and I found him to be very funny. If you're interested in a fun class take him.

A difficult class, but worth it. Interesting and funny teacher, but gave assignments almost every day, and you had to work hard on them.

He starts off the year as a really tough grader. Got Cs on the first couple of assignments, but all he wants in your writing is for you to use the "They Say I Say" templates. He wants you to get an A and will give it to you as long as you do the homework and actively participate

The professor is very nice and helpful. The class itself has daily reading and homework. The teacher is a hard grader but he gives constructive feedback and is always willing to help. Getting a good grade isn't easy but it is doable if you do your the homework and always give your best efforts.

Its surprising how good he is compared to the reviews below. His class, by the looks of this semester, has minimal work compared to other ENGL161 classes. He is very reasonable, real, and to the point. He gives good feedback and is pretty wacky but fun. READ THE SYLLABUS! Its a good way to keep track of assignments and due dates. Use the templates!

Sherfinski is really nice. He can be all over the place with his assignments and what he wants from it, but if you ask him personally he'll make sure you understand. Emailing him a question is good too, but for him, it's better in person. You can miss 4 classes. There's 4 papers but they're EASY! The final is your final. No test/1 group project.

Professor Sherfinski is hilarious! He is one of the best professors I had for english. Although he might be a tough grader he just wants you to use the book he provides in the class titled They say I say. I would recommend this course it is easy and he's very chill and funny. ask for what he's looking for in an essay and ask for his advice/help.

Professor Sherfinski truly cares about his students and wants to get to know them. He is a fair grader and wants you to do well and has great feedback! Such a sweet person and makes the class interesting as he is intelligent and informed. However there are a decent amount of papers due to keep you busy!

Aside from the fear of writing papers endlessly, this was a really good class. Large amount of work loads are going to come regardless of which English class you take. Prof. Sherfinski is one of the best professors at UIC. He is extremely insightful and helpful. Communication is key. If you are ever uncertain, doubtful or apprehensive talk to him.

Awesome.

Sherfinski is honestly an awesome teacher. He spaces out his writing assignments and gives you time to turn it rough drafts and he looks at them and makes comments. His class is fun and he always jokes around and make it comfortable.

Sherfinski is an absolutely fantastic professor! English 161 was a breeze in his classroom. Just stay on your deadlines, and you'll be just fine.

Prof. Sherfinski is one of the best profs I've ever had. His lectures are easy to follow. If you attend classes and listen to him you will get A for sure. I've heard a lot about tough ENGL 161 professors at uic, I was lucky to be in prof. Sherfinski's class

Professor Sherfinski cares about his students and is willing to help you grow as a writer. While the first few assignments may be rough, Sherfinski will give you the necessary feedback to become a better writer. You will definitely learn the skills you need to succeed!

Super cool guy. He shows enthusiasm in English and helping students improve. You will do well in his class as long as you're attentive and engaged.

You do not need a textbook for this class but you do need a book that only costs $12 dollars if you get in on Amazon do not buy it from the book store because it cost $15 there.

Sherfinski is genuinely one of the few professors I actually like. He has a peculiar way of teaching but he knows what he's doing and usually lets the class learn from each other, he's big on collaboration. I'd strongly recommend, he's the type of teacher that makes an 8 am worth attending.

Follow the templates from the textbook, you'll get an A

Great professor! He is very kind and understanding and gives some good jokes here and there. No required textbooks they are all given in blackboard. He truly wants to see you succeed and help in any way you can. I highly recommend!!

I loved this class. It was relatively easy for me, but that's because I read everything the professor assigned and did all of the homework on time. He's also pretty entertaining and down to earth. Definitely one of my more enjoyable courses.

Professor Sherfinski is a very nice person, clearly cares about his students, and very flexible one extensions and other things. He has a sarcastic humor that makes class fun and very lighthearted.

I took him back in 2018 as a requirement to be able to take eng 160. And he was great. He was my first college professor and I have to thank him for being so kind to all of us and for the ice cream!! I also loved that he took time during class to give us advice and guide us. Thank you!

Professor Sherfinski was awesome. Yes, the homework did seem like a lot at times, bu this is one of the easiest courses I've taken. Homework takes less than 30 mins if you really sit down and do it. He's very understanding and easy going. Take time to build a relationship with him. He's super dope and awesome! would take this course again.

Professor Sherfinski assigns the most homework I have heard of in the ENGL161 course. However, it is all really essential to developing understanding of how to write in a manner that is both easy to understand and containing all necessary information. He also starts grading very harshly, to make sure students are always giving their best work.

He is genuinely an amazing person and professor. He may assign a lot of homework in the beginning but it is all worth doing and actually helps you become a better writer and reader. I believe he is a fair grader as long as you follow what he says to do. All textbooks are online. He's also funny and sarcastic a lot. 10/10 not a Swiftie though :(

Sherfinski is very sarcastic and you may not know how to interpret that. In the beginning, he will assign more readings and give harsher feedback. It becomes incredibly helpful when you are writing your final paper. If you participate, appreciate his humor, use the templates, and attend, he will grade you kindly. He is the greatest UIC professor.

Sherfinski has a sense of humor that not many people get, but he's pretty easy to get along with. There are tedious assignments for each class period and we have to have them printed out by class but it's all to prepare for the final paper. Definitely one of my favorite english teachers!

He is super chill as long as you read the syllabus, he strictly goes off of that. You have to print out every assignment so get your printer ready. Overall he is super nice and easygoing!

He likes to connect with his students and talk with them instead of talking at them in lectures. Each lecture was different and unique. He has a rule with no phones or technology, even when just checking the time. There are a decent amount of papers but nothing overwhelming. Everything is syllabus based. He requires every assignment to be printed.

I still remember him from freshman year (junior now)! He was a very nice, understanding, a very great guy. Gave amazing life advice too. He can seem strict but asking for feedback helps a ton and he's flexible about attendance/late work if you talk to him. Take him!!!!

Great prof would def rec. He is a decent grader as long as you follow the syllabus and show effort. Hes very kind and funny and the class is enjoyable. Decent amount of assignments and he makes u print them which I preferred. Syllabus can be bit confusing but he can explain it to u if ur confused. Meets outside of class and is an easy B-A. TAKE HIM

Mr. Sherfinski is a fantastic professor. We had quite a bit of homework, but it was to develop our skills and wasn't just busywork. He gives great feedback as well. He's funny and always managed to make class entertaining. I was struggling with my health that semester, and he was caring and understanding with me through it all. He is my fav so far.

guys he's so chill n funny like as long as u do the work and come to class u will get an A like his feedback is super helpful and the class is acc interesting and i enjoyed it and he's a really good prof. like its lowk a lotta writing but it is an eng course so that's lowk given but its not overwhelming and we have a lotta time to get it done.

I had Professor Sherfinski for an honors class and I was about to drop it after my first class, but decided against it and stayed enrolled and honestly its the best decision I made. This dude is funny and super chill, super relaxed class and easy workload and he grades fair. Gives great advice too, I wish I could take him again.

The teacher is amazing, he's constantly trying to keep the class in a good mood. in the class (HON 121) you will have to read a avg of 30 pages every 2 days, if you write decent observations (2-4) you'll do fine in the class.

this guy is HILARIOUS! he always finds a way to keep the atmosphere of the classroom bright. always look on the syllabus for assignments, theres always a reading assignment (around 30 pages per day) with 2-4 written observations each. he wants all assignments printed out which is actually quite convenient because it helps with the final project.

Be sure to attend lectures, not everything on the syllabus he follows as he seems to not update it. Some reading, not like 50 chapters. Do everything he says and you'll pass. Also be sure to attend the sessions at the writing center for extra credit. Funny guy, cares about his teaching.