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 ↗
Current instructor
Russ Castronovo
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
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.
Classes with Russ Castronovo
Senior Honors Thesis in the Major is a mentored individual study course for students completing honors theses.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Senior Honors Thesis in the Major is mentored individual study for students completing honors theses.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Independent Reading
1–6 creditsOffering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Mentored reading and research for pre-dissertator students preparing for preliminary examinations in English.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Dissertation Research in English
1–12 creditsIndependent research course for English doctoral students working on their dissertations, requiring instructor consent and advisor consultation.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Distinct courses recorded per term
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | ENGL 681 | Senior Honors Thesis in the Major |
| Spring 2027 | ENGL 682 | Senior Honors Thesis in the Major |
| Spring 2027 | ENGL 799 | Independent Reading |
| Spring 2027 | ENGL 890 | Pre-dissertator Preliminary Exam Research |
| Spring 2027 | ENGL 990 | Dissertation Research in English |
| Fall 2026 | ENGL 461 | Topics in Ethnic and Multicultural Literature |
| Fall 2026 | ENGL 681 | Senior Honors Thesis in the Major |
| Fall 2026 | ENGL 799 | Independent Reading |
| Fall 2026 | ENGL 890 | Pre-dissertator Preliminary Exam Research |
| Fall 2026 | ENGL 990 | Dissertation Research in English |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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