Professor Dawkins is terrific instructor! She lead our class with great encouragement and skill. Not only is she a wonderful instructor but also a truly caring person. Her graciousness and understanding through this hard time for me during this class was imeasurable. I was blessed to have been instructed by Professor Dawkins, a huge asset to the faculty.

This is amazing course that quickly developed into one of my favorite experiences of my scholarly career. Dr. Dawkins's enthusiasm for all that she teaches abundantly overflows into the classroom and her students as she embraces innovative thought and encourages ambition.

Any encounter with Dr. Dawkins is always a pleasure as she not only brings light to the subject at hand, but also to any room.

In good cheer,
Julia Navarro

Based on the name of the class, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to enroll at first. I wasn’t keen on the idea of taking the course at first—was I going to end up in a class that examined gossip rags? I’m glad that I gave the class a chance and enrolled.

This term has been a pleasant surprise for me. On the outset, some of the subjects up for discussion—fashion, for instance—were not high on my list of personal tastes. However, the sheer variety of topics was enough to keep me enrolled. Other topics, like graffiti and hip-hop culture, intrigued me. Throughout the course, I discovered that each of the topics we discussed was actually quite interesting, and Dr. Dawkins fostered an environment that allowed for open communication for students to discuss their personal views. This kept each lesson stimulating and allowed us to learn more about each other and our various perspectives, breaking down communication barriers and drawing us closer.

The coursework was more challenging than I had originally anticipated, but it was certainly for the better. I expanded my horizons a bit and thought more about subjects that I normally wouldn’t care for. The final project was an especially interesting analysis of an artifact of our choosing—and being able to be active in choosing the topic was a key component in my staying actively interested in what we were learning, for much of what we learned in class helped guide me through my research.

Best of all, I found that Dr. Dawkins could relate the class to both our experiences and her experiences, making the subject come alive. She’s approachable and allows the class to help dictate the flow of discussion, and an open forum is always appreciated. I found myself looking forward to each lesson, which I suppose was an extra-added surprise.

I’m actually taking two additional courses with Dr. Dawkins next term, and if this term has taught me something, it is to be open to courses I may not think I’ll enjoy and that the classes will likely be highlights in my schedule. I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Steph Bee