Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Encouraged me to drop his course instead of meeting me halfway when I had a mental health crisis and could not attend his class. I ended up dropping it and finished my college career with a degree and a 3.89 GPA.Rate My Professors ↗
I highly valued taking this course and would recommend you do. However, keep in mind that he spends class trying to get you to say what he is thinking. It is not a difficult class, but one you will go throughout regurgitating what he desires. I could've gotten more from the class had he not made it intimidating to speak. He is also not very kind.Rate My Professors ↗
At first, the class may seem like a lot of work and reading, but Professor Castronovo makes class interesting enough so it does not feel like work. He is extremely kind and is always accessible outside of class. Visit his office hours and he is more than willing to help you through every step of your writing process.Rate My Professors ↗
Professor Castronovo led one of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. Lots of reading, some writing, but it is very much worth it. Impacts both your writing and thinking skills. Cannot recommend enough but be prepped for a moderate workload.Rate My Professors ↗
Professor Castronovo leads insightful class discussions and makes literature interesting by tying it into current events. But, be prepared to write very often (1-2 short essays per week) and participate consistently in class to get a decent grade. Do not take this class if you think it will be side work to satisfy credits.Rate My Professors ↗
Great professor that increased my understanding of course content and helped me become a better writer. The professor was very approachable and helpful when discussing ideas for assignments. Overall, would highly recommend the professor as he makes the class interesting and is very knowledgeable on the course content.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
ENGL 461 explores literature by authors reflecting the experiences of ethnic and minority groups.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Russ Castronovo is reported to make the class intimidating to speak in, pushing students to regurgitate his desired answers rather than fostering open discussion. Reviewers note he is not very kind, which detracts from the experience despite the course not being difficult.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Fall 2025ENGL 681 is a mentored individual study course for students completing honors theses in the major.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleENGL 890 provides mentored reading and research for pre-dissertator students.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
ENGL 990 is a doctoral dissertation research course in English requiring instructor consent.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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