ENGL142 | PlanetTerp

Information	Review
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 07/11/2024	Mandatory Kahoot quizzes every lecture, which are graded. Having trouble with your internet connection (especially since everyone else is using the same network at the exact same time)? Well good luck, since the Kahoot quiz is starting anyway and any questions missed become a deduction in the gradebook.
Blake Wilder ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/30/2024	As long as you actually attend the class and pay even half attention, you should be able to get an A in this class. Attendence is mandatory since he does do kahoots before class, but even if you don't do that well on them they shouldn't impact your grade too much as long as you read/watch whatever content before class. Only has one exam which is the final, the rest are big projects. Overall pretty good teacher as long as you participate. You should also email for an extension beforehand because he doesn't accept late work for some assignments
Blake Wilder ENGL142 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 05/17/2024	Overall, a good teacher, but the class is not what I expected. Throughout the course of the semester, there are kahoots every class that serve as quizzes as well as participation points.On top of that, you have to attend discussion every week, but the TAs are really nice and we mostly watched videos that didn't necessarily relate to the information we were learning in class. You also have to go on 2 field trips to museums or historical sites outside of the UMD campus which was really time consuming and felt unnecessary but was worth a lot of points. The worst part of this class is that the final is worth 30% of your grade and is extremely specific and difficult. Even with all of the class work, I had a 96 until I took the final. My grade went down to a B+ even though I had an A+ all year, and when I contacted Professor Wilder about possibly regarding he said he would not consider it. It's just not worth it if you're only taking this class for a GenEd because there is so much work, you have to go to class, and the final can tank your entire grade.
Blake Wilder ENGL142 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 05/15/2024	you have to go to class to take the quizzes on the readings, but honestly I didn't read and you can answer most of the questions by searching key words in the text. easy grading and final is easy if you follow the study guide. he doesn't care if you don't pay attention as long as you're not disruptive.
Blake Wilder ENGL142 Expecting an A- Anonymous 05/07/2024	He is actually a very nice professor and seems passionate about what he is teaching. The TA's are super sweet. They are very lenient on grading and attendance (just message them ahead of time). There are kahoot quizzes at least every class that are simple just read the passages ahead of time (some are lengthy ngl but some aren't too bad). There are two field trips to museums where he gives you a list. He does "host" a field trip and you should def go. It was super fun, he rented a bus, and he lets you go off on your own. You do write reading journals but only need to do 4/6 and a few discussions or reflections. This class was easy and I highly recommend!
Blake Wilder ENGL142 Expecting an A- Anonymous 04/24/2024	Very laid back teacher. He did do graded Kahoot quizzes for each lecture, but they were only 1 point each and attendance. He also does two field trips for the class which were fun (I highly suggest you guys go!!). I will say that he does remember faces and names. The readings are sometimes lengthy and can be difficult to read but he goes into depth about it during class. The work that is graded such as reading journals and reflections are pretty easy. He is also very lenient about due dates (turning in things late or being absent) just email him or the TA's ahead of time and they will either extend the due date for you or excuse you. This class is good because you do get three GenEd credits for it and it is fairly easy so you guys should take it.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 06/21/2023	I would not recommend taking this class if you do not like to read and really analyze historical texts/poems. If you do, then by all means, take it because you would really enjoy this class. There is a LOT of reading. And lots of the texts are really hard to read because it's old English. Lectures were usually the professor just talking the entire time with a powerpoint - he did explain concepts very well and was very passionate about the material, but since I wasn't passionate or that interested in Maryland history at all, it was very boring to me. In discussions, all we did was talk and analyze the texts, that's it. There were occasional discussion boards. Throughout the course, there were 2 larger projects - I think. Those required some research, but it was fairly easy. There's no exams or quizzes, but the final was HARD. Closed notes and it's material from the entire semester. For someone who didn't pay attention the entire semester, I crammed the night before, and did not do too well. So, do well throughout the semester so that if you take the hit on the final, you can still end with an A or A-. ALSO, you're required to go on 2 field trips on your own time (he gives you a list of places and you can even ask him if you want to go somewhere that's not on the list. Even though this wasn't ideal, I went to a museum in DC - it was actually really fun because I went with my friends who were in my class (yes, it's not a class field trip). Then you have to write a reflection about your trip and relate it to the class material. One more thing I want to add is that you're required to write 4 journal entries (500 words each) throughout the semester, so those also take up some time. Overall, great professor, but if you want to get an A, you have to read and understand the material.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/30/2023	Ontiveros is pretty nice and understanding, and he will give you extensions if you ask for them. If you're not super into English or history, I might think twice about taking this class because you kinda have to read all the readings as there are weekly quizzes on them and they are also on the final exam. It seemed like a lot for a 100-level gened because there were also reading journals, field trip reflections, and 2 projects. The class itself is super easy, just might take some time. Its pretty easy to get an A in this class if you do the readings.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A IfCourseEvalsWereHones 05/22/2023	Fun class, learned a lot. Material can be a little mundane at times, but I really liked him as a lecturer and as a person. Would highly recommend.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A NoobyAsian 05/18/2023	The class itself seemed like it was buffed from the previous one. There was a timed 5-question kahoot (30 seconds for each question) for the readings that you have to read prior to class. Some readings were bland, but some of them were good. We had two projects and a final exam which consisted of vocab, the readings you do for the class, and interpreting questions. Overall, Ontiveros is a good lecturer, but the content seems a bit dry to stay attentive.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/16/2023	Something switched up this semester. The other 2* review sums it up well. The workload for this class is just too much for a gened and yeah the readings and Kahoots every class are so annoying, but the content isn't hard. There's also a final for this class too which is very unnecessary. There are graded field trips for this class but done on your own time so you have to schedule those independently. Randy has a sense of humor but it's easy to just snooze throughout the lecture. I do not recommend taking this class because of the workload, but if you are to definitely do not take it alone.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Anonymous 05/15/2023	Great professor. Shows that he really cares about what he teaches and the students he is teaching. 10/10 would recommend.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 05/01/2023	Don’t get me wrong, he’s a nice professor and I was lucky enough to have a really good TA but the class structure itself was just way too much. There were timed quizzes every lecture about the most boring and confusing readings. I would not recommend this gen ed.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Naruto 11/28/2022	Quizzes are easy and you have unlimited time, to do 5 question quizzes where the answers are directly in the readings/videos. Everything else is just basic classwork, and discussions/lecture are mandatory. Had a 100 in the class before the final project brought my grade down. Final project isn't hard either
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 08/05/2022	Professor Ontiveros is a really nice professor who is definitely passionate about Maryland literature and history. Unfortunately, I was often bored in this class. We spent too much time analyzing and reanalyzing the same work of fiction until we all ran out of things to say. Then the silence dragged on. We had a few long-term assignments, but they were not difficult. As long as you do the readings, take notes in class, and watch the videos, you'll do fine on the final exam. The final is composed of multiple choice questions and one long-essay question that focuses on an overarching theme in the class.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/18/2022	Class is easy, if you do the work. Work every week, but it's easy.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Anonymous 05/11/2022	You can tell he definitely is passionate about the class and gets really into the material. He's a nice and caring guy. Amazing professor The class itself isn't too bad for 3 gen eds worth but compared to a normal 100 level class it is a lot of work. Mostly small assignment but a lot of them.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 04/23/2022	This man might be one of the most chill professors i've had. Although the class (ENGL142) wasn't that interesting, each lecture with Randy was like listening to a ted talk (which kind of grows old tbh).
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 05/13/2021	When I tell you that this guy is the goat I MEAN IT! Overall a wonderful Gen Ed to take if you are looking for an i-series. His class was really chill and I learned a lot more about maryland history and its iconic characters than I originally thought I would. He also includes a lot of discussion time in his class which makes it very easy to stay engaged. There is a pretty big capstone project at the end of the semester, however, he is very very lenient with what you do with it and he's very encouraging with that whole process. 10/10 Randy is the man.
Randy Ontiveros ENGL142 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/05/2021	Professor Ontiveros is amazing! He really cares about his students and is just so open and honest that it's refreshing compared to other professors who act like their the only ones with busy lives. I also just loved the ENGL142 course but I definitely believe that it is Ontiveros who made it so interesting and engaging. I 100% recommend taking any course he teaches!

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
07/11/2024

Mandatory Kahoot quizzes every lecture, which are graded. Having trouble with your internet connection (especially since everyone else is using the same network at the exact same time)? Well good luck, since the Kahoot quiz is starting anyway and any questions missed become a deduction in the gradebook.

Blake Wilder
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
05/30/2024

As long as you actually attend the class and pay even half attention, you should be able to get an A in this class. Attendence is mandatory since he does do kahoots before class, but even if you don't do that well on them they shouldn't impact your grade too much as long as you read/watch whatever content before class. Only has one exam which is the final, the rest are big projects. Overall pretty good teacher as long as you participate. You should also email for an extension beforehand because he doesn't accept late work for some assignments

Blake Wilder
ENGL142

Expecting a B+
Anonymous
05/17/2024

Overall, a good teacher, but the class is not what I expected. Throughout the course of the semester, there are kahoots every class that serve as quizzes as well as participation points.On top of that, you have to attend discussion every week, but the TAs are really nice and we mostly watched videos that didn't necessarily relate to the information we were learning in class. You also have to go on 2 field trips to museums or historical sites outside of the UMD campus which was really time consuming and felt unnecessary but was worth a lot of points. The worst part of this class is that the final is worth 30% of your grade and is extremely specific and difficult. Even with all of the class work, I had a 96 until I took the final. My grade went down to a B+ even though I had an A+ all year, and when I contacted Professor Wilder about possibly regarding he said he would not consider it. It's just not worth it if you're only taking this class for a GenEd because there is so much work, you have to go to class, and the final can tank your entire grade.

Blake Wilder
ENGL142

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
05/15/2024

you have to go to class to take the quizzes on the readings, but honestly I didn't read and you can answer most of the questions by searching key words in the text. easy grading and final is easy if you follow the study guide. he doesn't care if you don't pay attention as long as you're not disruptive.

Blake Wilder
ENGL142

Expecting an A-
Anonymous
05/07/2024

He is actually a very nice professor and seems passionate about what he is teaching. The TA's are super sweet. They are very lenient on grading and attendance (just message them ahead of time). There are kahoot quizzes at least every class that are simple just read the passages ahead of time (some are lengthy ngl but some aren't too bad). There are two field trips to museums where he gives you a list. He does "host" a field trip and you should def go. It was super fun, he rented a bus, and he lets you go off on your own. You do write reading journals but only need to do 4/6 and a few discussions or reflections. This class was easy and I highly recommend!

Blake Wilder
ENGL142

Expecting an A-
Anonymous
04/24/2024

Very laid back teacher. He did do graded Kahoot quizzes for each lecture, but they were only 1 point each and attendance. He also does two field trips for the class which were fun (I highly suggest you guys go!!). I will say that he does remember faces and names. The readings are sometimes lengthy and can be difficult to read but he goes into depth about it during class. The work that is graded such as reading journals and reflections are pretty easy. He is also very lenient about due dates (turning in things late or being absent) just email him or the TA's ahead of time and they will either extend the due date for you or excuse you. This class is good because you do get three GenEd credits for it and it is fairly easy so you guys should take it.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
06/21/2023

I would not recommend taking this class if you do not like to read and really analyze historical texts/poems. If you do, then by all means, take it because you would really enjoy this class. There is a LOT of reading. And lots of the texts are really hard to read because it's old English. Lectures were usually the professor just talking the entire time with a powerpoint - he did explain concepts very well and was very passionate about the material, but since I wasn't passionate or that interested in Maryland history at all, it was very boring to me. In discussions, all we did was talk and analyze the texts, that's it. There were occasional discussion boards. Throughout the course, there were 2 larger projects - I think. Those required some research, but it was fairly easy. There's no exams or quizzes, but the final was HARD. Closed notes and it's material from the entire semester. For someone who didn't pay attention the entire semester, I crammed the night before, and did not do too well. So, do well throughout the semester so that if you take the hit on the final, you can still end with an A or A-. ALSO, you're required to go on 2 field trips on your own time (he gives you a list of places and you can even ask him if you want to go somewhere that's not on the list. Even though this wasn't ideal, I went to a museum in DC - it was actually really fun because I went with my friends who were in my class (yes, it's not a class field trip). Then you have to write a reflection about your trip and relate it to the class material. One more thing I want to add is that you're required to write 4 journal entries (500 words each) throughout the semester, so those also take up some time. Overall, great professor, but if you want to get an A, you have to read and understand the material.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
05/30/2023

Ontiveros is pretty nice and understanding, and he will give you extensions if you ask for them. If you're not super into English or history, I might think twice about taking this class because you kinda have to read all the readings as there are weekly quizzes on them and they are also on the final exam. It seemed like a lot for a 100-level gened because there were also reading journals, field trip reflections, and 2 projects. The class itself is super easy, just might take some time. Its pretty easy to get an A in this class if you do the readings.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
IfCourseEvalsWereHones
05/22/2023

Fun class, learned a lot. Material can be a little mundane at times, but I really liked him as a lecturer and as a person. Would highly recommend.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
NoobyAsian
05/18/2023

The class itself seemed like it was buffed from the previous one. There was a timed 5-question kahoot (30 seconds for each question) for the readings that you have to read prior to class. Some readings were bland, but some of them were good. We had two projects and a final exam which consisted of vocab, the readings you do for the class, and interpreting questions. Overall, Ontiveros is a good lecturer, but the content seems a bit dry to stay attentive.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
05/16/2023

Something switched up this semester. The other 2* review sums it up well. The workload for this class is just too much for a gened and yeah the readings and Kahoots every class are so annoying, but the content isn't hard. There's also a final for this class too which is very unnecessary. There are graded field trips for this class but done on your own time so you have to schedule those independently. Randy has a sense of humor but it's easy to just snooze throughout the lecture. I do not recommend taking this class because of the workload, but if you are to definitely do not take it alone.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Anonymous
05/15/2023

Great professor. Shows that he really cares about what he teaches and the students he is teaching. 10/10 would recommend.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting a B+
Anonymous
05/01/2023

Don’t get me wrong, he’s a nice professor and I was lucky enough to have a really good TA but the class structure itself was just way too much. There were timed quizzes every lecture about the most boring and confusing readings. I would not recommend this gen ed.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Naruto
11/28/2022

Quizzes are easy and you have unlimited time, to do 5 question quizzes where the answers are directly in the readings/videos. Everything else is just basic classwork, and discussions/lecture are mandatory. Had a 100 in the class before the final project brought my grade down. Final project isn't hard either

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
08/05/2022

Professor Ontiveros is a really nice professor who is definitely passionate about Maryland literature and history. Unfortunately, I was often bored in this class. We spent too much time analyzing and reanalyzing the same work of fiction until we all ran out of things to say. Then the silence dragged on. We had a few long-term assignments, but they were not difficult. As long as you do the readings, take notes in class, and watch the videos, you'll do fine on the final exam. The final is composed of multiple choice questions and one long-essay question that focuses on an overarching theme in the class.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
05/18/2022

Class is easy, if you do the work. Work every week, but it's easy.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Anonymous
05/11/2022

You can tell he definitely is passionate about the class and gets really into the material. He's a nice and caring guy. Amazing professor The class itself isn't too bad for 3 gen eds worth but compared to a normal 100 level class it is a lot of work. Mostly small assignment but a lot of them.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
04/23/2022

This man might be one of the most chill professors i've had. Although the class (ENGL142) wasn't that interesting, each lecture with Randy was like listening to a ted talk (which kind of grows old tbh).

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
05/13/2021

When I tell you that this guy is the goat I MEAN IT! Overall a wonderful Gen Ed to take if you are looking for an i-series. His class was really chill and I learned a lot more about maryland history and its iconic characters than I originally thought I would. He also includes a lot of discussion time in his class which makes it very easy to stay engaged. There is a pretty big capstone project at the end of the semester, however, he is very very lenient with what you do with it and he's very encouraging with that whole process. 10/10 Randy is the man.

Randy Ontiveros
ENGL142

Expecting an A
Anonymous
05/05/2021

Professor Ontiveros is amazing! He really cares about his students and is just so open and honest that it's refreshing compared to other professors who act like their the only ones with busy lives. I also just loved the ENGL142 course but I definitely believe that it is Ontiveros who made it so interesting and engaging. I 100% recommend taking any course he teaches!

Reviews for ENGL142