FYSB BC1566

short readings for every class, 3 "papers" (a creative piece, an interview, and a project proposal), 5 or 6 journal entries, and around 4 short in class oral presentations

This class is is a little obscure, but that being said I also feel it really does represent what a first year seminar should be. It is extremely interdisciplinary, with different aspects of the class falling under the purviews of environmental science and policy, sociology, psychology, women's studies, and education. The one area this class really doesn't fall (and probably should) is English. I didn't choose Exploring the Poles, I was placed in it after not getting any of my other FYS choices, and I'm so glad I was. Though the actual topic is strange at times, Stephanie is incredible and so accomplished, she knows all these cool people she gets to come in as guest speakers, the class is interesting, the workload is extremely manageable, and I actually feel like I learned.

Her Exploring the Poles class this semester seemed fairly basic. I expected to be challenged a lot more in the class, especially considering how obviously brilliant she is, but I felt like the class was redundant more than not. When I was done with the final project/paper I had a moment of shock where I was literally like "wait... is this is?" There are certain ways that she set the class up that I feel like could have been better---for example, the readings could have been more cohesive/tied together. Instead of doing three distinct phases of reading themes, I feel like they could have been interwoven, for example. She's very kind---although kind of aloof. My male professors show more emotion/affinity than she does. Many students look up to her and kind of idolize her, however once you get past the fact that she is literally brilliant in every sense, it's easy to see past that. I feel like I would look up to her if I was able to actually relate to her in some way as a person---I wanted to identify with her but I couldn't. Seemed brusque during office hours. Very good lecturer though. Very good communication skills. Good readings. Enthusiastic. I feel like she would be better at teaching upper-div courses. 8.2/10 overall. Additional readings: apolitical feminism, corporate feminism, the book D Spar wrote

A LOT OF READING. Page long journals due the night before every class which are sort of a pain but you get used to it. 3 papers during the semester. Opportunities to write poetry out in the snow.

I have learned more in this class than any other class I've taken at Barnard thus far. Because the readings aren't sparknotes-able, you actually need to do the reading to write the journal entries for every class. However, I am so glad I took this class because I know so much more about the Poles now. Stephanie herself is very sweet, even though she is a pretty tough grader. She's a scientist, but she grades like an English professor. That being said, we went on so many fun outings - several times to the American Museum of Natural History, walked to the Hudson River, went to Dinosaur BBQ together. We also got the chance to present our ideas for the South Pole exhibit that is opening in June 2010 to the exhibition designing board at the American Museum of Natural History. All in all, a lot of work, but an amazing class that I would highly recommend

Journal entries almost every class, which are simple if you do the readings and get creative. 3 essays. In both cases they appreciate concise writing. One class presentation where you have to lead the class discussion.

This was one of the best classes i have taken at barnard. The Proffesors are experts in their field, and they are really approachable not to mention smart. As part of the class we got to go cross country skiing,snow shoeing, build and stay in a tent, and go kayaking.If you are looking for an interesting and fun first year seminar this would be the one to take.

A nightly journal entry, 2 creative writing pieces (based on the books), and a final essay. Totally managable because all the readings are super interesting, and you always have a ton to say about them, so the journal entries are super easy.

This was by far the best class I have ever taken. While I didn't really know what I was getting into at first, the class turned out to be so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!! They took us skiing, to a super cool museam, and there were talks of kayaking and dog sledding (although neither of them actually happened). The books we read took you to a different time and place, of something you could never imagin. Plus, they intergrated other materials (videos, newspaper articles, art, etc), which made class more interesting. If you can, take this class. It will be the best, and most memorable of your first year here at Barnard. Oh, and by the way, it was co-taught by Robin Bell.