Professor: Gareen Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 16 Total Enrollment: 24 Class Composition: Froshs: 8 Sophs: 9 Jrs: 4 Srs: 3 Concs: 3 Non-Concs: 12 Don't Know: 1

Instructor Average: 1.81 Course Average: 1.92

“Health and Human Reproduction” is a lecture course designed to provide students with an understanding of the medical, social, and environmental factors that influence women’s health. Emphasis is placed on women’s issues. There are no prerequisites.

Students generally described Professor Gareen as understanding, well-organized, and helpful when sought out. She reportedly gave students in dire straits more time to finish their papers. Survey respondents enjoyed the guest lecturers that the professor brought in, describing them as passionate and enthusiastic about their field of work. Many members of the class found that her PowerPoint presentations made for a more structured class. However, some students complained that she was too focused on research methods to inspire others to love the subject matter.

The course required that students take a midterm exam, write a ten-page final paper, and take a final exam. Students unanimously felt that the midterm was too difficult and was graded too harshly, but most felt that the final paper was worthwhile and interesting. The course readings were described by some respondents as overly technical and potentially frustrating, and sometimes not very applicable to the lectures. Some students, however, appreciated that they were being exposed to such high level medical reading. Many members of the class, however, reported that the level of difficulty of the reading plus the fact that it usually was not relevant to the lecture made it not worth reading.

Most class members reported spending two to eight hours per week on the course, meeting most expectations. Survey respondents recommended that only those who are very interested in women’s issues and healthcare, and who are prepared to take a difficult class should take it. Many members of the class recommended taking it S/NC because of the harsh grading policy.

View BC/0034 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.