Marie Regan

I agree with the last review. Her class was not easy, but if you follow the instructions to a T you will be fine. There is a lot to study for during the midterm but the exam was not too difficult. Regan definitely knows the material, but tends to force her viewpoints on the class. Nothing else to say

Yeah, this is an intro to film class. Which means a pretty healthy mix of film nerds and first and second years who have no idea what the hell they're talking about, but like to think they do, anyway. What I don't get is why we even bother to read film theory when the T.A just glazes over it in class and doesn't even bother to elaborate on *any* of the major theorists referenced in the readings--how can you talk about the beginning of film without referencing Benjamin or Kracauer, especially to a bunch of freshmen who have no idea who they are? Anyway, Regan is okay, though rather rigid, she seems smart--despite the fact that she referenced the Russian constructivists as people who "constructed things into abstract art." I guess her, and the T.A's, missed the memo that film didn't develop in a vacuum. I'm obviously not a film major, but I'd much rather watch these films on my own time and skip the 5- hour hell where people make such comments as, "I'm so over dialectical montage--they use it on FRIENDS!" Somebody shoot me.

I have mixed feelings about this course. I had started to take it last year with a different professor but had dropped it after an absurdly terrible first lecture. This year, I needed to get it out of the way in order to take other film courses so I took it with Regan. On the one hand, Regan's syllabus was WAY better than the first professor, Regan clearly knows what she's talking about, she contextualizes all the films and movements, and she knows how to spark interesting questions about each and every film. On the other hand, Regan is a bit dry, her powerpoints are stuffed with information and she moves quickly, she responds a little negatively when students profess differing opinions in class (although granted, a lot of those kids were freshmen that rambled about their feelings), and her assignments don't allow for too much freedom. Overall, I'm glad I took the course, and Regan seemed just as good as professor as any to take it with. I definitely know way more about film theory and have plenty of interesting quips for cocktail parties and for family dinners when my uncle gets boring.

Very cold woman which is pretty much what everyone says. she does things her way ( like the first month of class we had to say our name after she pointed to us when we raised our hand. even if she knew our name she did this to fit into her "system." she reminded us and got a little angry if we didnt do this procedure). Not such an easy class for an intro. We arent encouraged to give opinions about films so she really takes any fun whatsoeever out of it. its all terms/history of film

I had a nightmare with this professor in it--an actual nightmare. I think this sums up Marie Regan as well as the course. I would strongly advise those considering not to take it. If you must, in order to fulfill a requirement or take other film classes, so be it. This was by far the worst class I have taken thus far, because she takes such an interesting subject and completely sucks the intrigue out of it. It is not a good foundation for film courses and can often cause students to deplore the subject as a whole. She is not open to interpretation in class discussion, (though discussion is a vital part of your grade) and she will intentionally go out of her way to disagree with you despite you reiterating her own interpretation. She also has maintains clear favorites. She will blatantly insult a student for their contribution in class and moments later, praise another student who she favors despite them voicing the same thought. She is a stickler about the theory and her demands are unrealistic and unreasonable. Overall, the exams are not too hard, so if you must take this course, take it at Columbia so that you can interact with the TA instead of having to directly deal with her.

Regardless what a few reviewers said below, this is not a terrible class and Regan is not a terrible professor. She's a stickler to be sure. She hates tardiness and seems a little frozen in her ways, and unduly fond of the word "gaze," but she's not an altogether unpleasant professor to have. She knows her stuff, she facilitates a decent amount of class discussion and in my opinion the grading is entirely fair. As for the work load being heavy, that's a lie. The readings are short, relatively straightforward and only need be referenced in passing on the midterm and papers. At least half the class time each week is devoted to screenings, and they're all, almost without exception, excellent films. For an intro to film course, you could do worse.

I agree with the previous poster. Marie Regan certainly makes this class challenging - but ultimately, it's extremely rewarding and engaging. Now, I'd like to offer some sage advice: 1. Know your theory. Really. 2. Talk to her during the break or after class. You might be shaky and start to point to yourself and say your name before you talk (out of habit), but in all actuality, Professor Regan is very approachable and she always listens carefully to what you have to say. Once, she even gave me inspirational advice about film making. True story. 3. Still don't understand interframe narrative? Look it up. That's why God invented the internet. 4. Print out the lectures beforehand and save yourself from trying to write down every little detail. This will allow you to listen to Professor Regan's lectures, which are always interesting and very well organized. 5. Sit in the middle. Don't ask. Just trust me on this one. 6. Enjoy the films! This class provides a really wonderful sampling of different types of cinema and Professor Regan's commentary is helpful in digesting some of the more abstruse elements of the films. Overall: Don't let CULPA scare you. If you love film and you want to learn more, let Professor Regan be your guide. She's extremely knowledgeable, occasionally funny, and she always keeps the class on their toes. Fin.

Prof. Regan really knows her stuff when it comes to film, which sometimes makes her come off as arrogant or condescending towards students. The truth is, she's very approachable and honestly wants her students to understand the material. She is usually willing to meet with students before or after class and is open to questions and discussion during class. There is a lot of reading for this course, but you'll do well on the papers and midterm if you just follow directions and study. Regan's strictness in class makes her seem like a harsher grader than she actually is. Overall, this is a very intense and interesting course but be prepared to do the work. Regan is a great teacher who is excited about the material and eager to share her knowledge.

Honestly, I don't think people are fair to Professor Regan. This may be an intro, but it's a 3000 level class... you should know that it's going to be harder than your average intro when you sign up for it. And yes she requires a lot of specificity, but that just makes you more prepared. You have to listen very very carefully in class because detail is very important, but she made makes most major topics very clear, and is available during the breaks to clarify things. I agree she definitely should have explained the presentations better. And to future people giving presentations in this class: know your theory REALLY well, because she will grill you on it if she doesn't think you know it. So be warned - this class is very very hard, for sure. Be prepared to put in a lot of hours for each paper, and to learn a lot of detail. But if you're willing to work hard, this can actually be a really fun class. Also she has never once mentioned how much better the columbia class is. I have no idea where the person below me got that.

she wants you to repeat what she teaches in the lectures. do that and you'll be fine. she's nice but not to warm and fuzzy. smart lady.