Annie Pfeifer

First Project (30%) Midterm (30%) Final Project (30%) Participation (10%) - It can only help your grade; it's automatically the average of your other scores. Relatively light/manageable. There are hefty assignments (i.e., the projects); however, the load is consistently fair. :)

We read less than the syllabus (we do spend more time on discussing specific texts), she doesn't believe in quote IDs, no weekly postings, no midterm. One 4-6 page essay where you select from a range of passages, one "thought paper" which is a 1-2 page quick essay prompt where you jumpstart the class conversation based on a work you choose in the beginning of the semester, and a final 4-6 page essay with lots of creative freedom. Final is essay-based.

This was such a lovely, life-altering course and professor. Annie Pfeifer is a true gem, deeply impassioned by the subject matter (the TAs, too, were particularly versed and helpful). Classes are hybrid "discussion"/lectures (you're sitting in rows), and remarkably revelatory. Professor Pfeifer wants you to succeed - but more than that, LEARN! Her office hours were always open/encouraged. She is such a brilliant, smart woman - I want to carry around her insights in my pocket (for life!). This is a sacred, beautiful class (and you also aren't expected to know German, although many in the class did).

TAKE HER CLASS. Easy is an understatement. I am confident saying that there is no better professor to teach this course. If you are looking for a class that you look forward to, that is an easy A, and also a class you will enjoy and learn a lot in, this is the class. She struck the perfect balance between providing historical context and guiding the conversation while simultaneously allowing natural discussions between students. Her approach to the course wasn't one of overworking students and promoting a monolithic narrative about any specific text. Rather, she lightened the workload when it allowed us to dive deeper into areas and works that were more useful to study in-depth, instead of reading more but less critically. She made sure everyone felt comfortable in class and actively went out of her way to ensure every student had access to resources and that each person felt engaged with the discussion. Her excitement to delve into the works was palpably authentic. Easily one of the most intelligent, most kind, and most effective professors at Columbia.

A few fairy tales and essays to read each week, nothing too long or incomprehensible. In-class participation is vital, and, although it is a lecture, Prof. Pfeifer makes it very easy to contribute.There is an oral tale transcription project, an in-class midterm (read: essay), and a final project that's more creative. She and the TAs are very open to granting extensions and give solid feedback on assignments, while also grading generously.

Going into this class, I knew I was at least going to enjoy it, but I ended up loving it! Even though her expertise is in the Frankfurt School and Modernist literature, Prof. Pfeifer does a fantastic job teaching this class. Across the broad range of tales we read and analytical lenses we use to analyze fairy tales, she demonstrates clear expertise in all cases. In class she's interesting and engaging, and makes a real effort to take students from where their current understanding of fairy tales lie to a more critical and analytic framework. I always looked forward to each class, and even more excited to discuss class and my personal thoughts and interests in folklore in her office hours with her! She's a warm, intelligent, understanding professor, and isn't afraid to laugh along with the students, something that's very refreshing. I couldn't recommend either this class or the professor enough, definitely a must-take!

First paper is 30%(Writting your own oral fairy tale), second paper is also 30%(Creating your own fairy tale), take home final paper is 30%(3-4 pages), and participation is 10%. The papers are graded by either prof Pfeifer or the TA. I found the professor's comments, feedback, and grading to be better than the TA's. There are no exams and the homework included watching a few movies towards the end of the semester with the bulk consisting of short readings throughout the semester. It is not a time consuming class, I would say that it has lighter workload overall.

First of all, when I heard that there was a light and fun class about fairy tales that fulfills the core lit/hum, I thought it was too good to be true. Well, this class exceeded my expectations. Professor Pfeifer is clearly passionate about the topic and is also very nice and approachable. Her class is a mix of both lecture and discussion. We learned a great deal about what are fairy tales, and how to read and interpret them- including many folkloric tales from the Grimm brothers- and their sociocultural context and legacies. I highly recommend this class to anyone who needs to fulfill either lit/hum or an elective.