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A
Adam KERN
KERN,ADAM L
Email
Position

Professor

Department

Asian Languages and Cultures

Credentials

PHD 1997 Harvard University

Grade Point Average
3.24
Completion Rate
95.54%
A Rate
45.77%
Students
1750
Rating
3.7
Difficulty
2.4
Would Take Again
64.7%
Attendance
Required

76.9% of students reported.

Comments

Prof. Kern was okay. This was a guest lecturer class though so he really didn't actually lecture much. The format was okay, but during this session he was unable to any of the lecturers in person, understandable but sad. When he did lecture he seemed knowledgeable. He also really loves to play devils advocate when people participate in class.

I would rather be tied to the back of the 80 and dragged across campus than attend this lecture taught by a white man who doesn't understand privilege. craziest superiority complex. says the field would improve if all the text was written by him. yeah and maybe if I taught this class, everyone's will to attend this god awful class would improve.

There is an absurd amount of required reading for this class. Upwards of 600 pages in a week at times. But overall an interesting experience and an easy class. The professor himself is kind of an oddball.

do not enroll this course

Worst

is not an easy A, the class is bland and boring.

Don't take this.

Asian310 was a super easy but brain dead class (to me). Adam made is really easy to complete the quizzes/discussions without having to attend the classes (tho it was recommended you do). Solid choice of a professor who was not too hard. There was 1 opportunity for extra credit, but it was only for 1%. Take him if you can, but be ready to work.

Easily the best professor I've had at UW. This class was the single easiest class in my career, and probably at the school. No homework, only 4 quizes. All MC and True/False. Take this class.

Such a chill and knowledgeable dude. This class was my easiest course this semester and it was just something to look forward to. Do note though- its not really a literature course, its Japanese pop culture in case you were looking for something reading heavy.

Adam is one of my favorite professors. He's clearly passionate about Japanese studies.

While there's a decent amount of reading and effort in reading theory and translation, Adam is super helpful and lenient. He's so completely mastered the theory it's scary sometimes! He's funny, easy to listen to, and always thinking about you! I've taken 3 classes with Adam, some easier and some harder, but he's been great every time.

Extremely easy class. 4 online open internet and book quizzes, the lowest of which is dropped. That makes up 60% of your grade and attendance is 40%. It's all manga, but there is just way too much reading. I read one of them the entire course and still aced the quizzes. Helps to take this class w friends. Chill professor but he acts weird sometimes

It's always amazing to watch people be so knowledgeable in something that fascinates them, and that's how the lectures by Adam are. If the material is bland, the sense of humor of Adam overshadows it - make sure you do the readings before writing any papers though.

Kern is a professor that is extremely captivating but also pretty dang annoying (in a good way). I was never bored in his comic class. He had intriguing thoughts about the comics, and the comics he chose were extremely interesting. Class grade is based off of 4 quizzes, attendance, and participation. Show up to class, read, and you'll get an A.

Kern is an interesting guy with interesting perspectives on everything. Took his classes three times because I was intrigued by his character. I enjoy hearing his take on history, he makes it quite interesting. He will remember you and your writing--take that into account if you want to skip. If you are one who won't argue with the Prof, take him.

This class is about comics, and it's the first year Adam taught it, and I thought it was great! He's such a nice guy and super approachable. He presents thought provoking arguments and is really passionate. The class is graded off of 4 online quizzes (lowest dropped), attendance, and participation. If you show up it, it's super easy to do well!

He is very passionate about Japanese culture and knows what he is talking about. He is quirky, funny, intellectually driven but a little cocky in terms of personality. A great person to get know if you want to pursue East Asian Studies. Do the readings for the lectures because there will be discussion. Interesting topics covered about JPOP culture.

A spectacular and energetic class. Very willing to offer help and is genuinely interested in his students and fostering critical thinking (including opinions contrary to his own). Discussions are thoughtful and interesting for the class size. Difficult to get an A, but unless you're all about maintaining a high GPA, the class is more than worth it.

Kern's Haiku class is wonderful! He is super knowledgeable and cares abuot what he's teaching. Fair amount of reading but it's mostly short poems so it's interesting. No exams but a few essays. Class is fairly easy if you show up, read and take notes. Kern gives high energy, interesting lectures.

Great teacher! Cares a lot about the course and his students. The tests can be tricky but he is fair. Hard to get an A, but also hard to fail. If you do the readings and show up to class you will do fine. That shouldn't be too hard to do since he is a captivating speaker and most the readings are very interesting.

Fantastic teacher. Very knowledgeable about everything he teaches. Tests are tough. You really need to keep up with the readings to do well. But once you get the hang of his brand of critical thinking, things will start making more sense. Highly recommend taking Manga class with him. You'll never read manga the same way again!

He's very passionate about what he is teaching. quizzes can be kinda tricky due to his very articulate writing style. Overall though he emphasizes having fun.