Professor: Kaestle Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 15 Total Enrollment: 18 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 1 Jrs: 5 Srs: 12 Concs: 6 Non-Concs: 7 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.63 Course Average: 1.68

"History of Print Culture in America" provides students with an understanding of print culture, its history and its social effects. Class members felt that no specific background was required for this class, though a few respondents mentioned that prior exposure to theory or history would be helpful.

Students enjoyed Professor Kaestle. He allowed for much student discussion and made class members present some of the readings. People felt that he facilitated discussion well, though one commented that he should have intervened somewhat more often. Class members described Professor Kaestle as accessible, personable and understanding. They also found him to be knowledgable, accomodating and encouraging.

The workload for the class consisted of readings from various sources, two 2-3 page response papers, a midterm exam, a take-home final and a 10-15 page term paper. Students also had to lead two discussions. Some respondents found the readings to be challenging but reasonable; a few found them to be dull. Most people were generally happy with the assignments, although a few thought that both a final and a research paper was a bit much. Class members generally spent anywhere from two to seven hours per week on this class, with two spending as much as ten hours. The professor observed reading period.

Students generally put a moderate to large effort into the class; they found their motivation in their interest in the material and in the professor. A few students, who put in little effort, found the material to be dull, and one found the readings unnecessary for discussion. Most people said they were glad they had taken the class. They were happy with their exposure to a new discipline and found the material interesting. Moreover, students highly praised Professor Kaestle and were happy to have him as their professor.

If you have an interest in print culture, enjoy discussion and want to have a fabulous professor, look into this class. You will both experience the mysterious John Hay library and have show-and-tell in class!

View ED/0182 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.