Western Kentucky University / S / Melissa A. Stewart
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Moderatev
Tag Summary:
True/False: 9
Multiple Choice: 4
Matching: 7
Fill in the Blank: 16
Essays: 17
Problem Solving: 2
Mandatory Final: 24
Cumulative Final: 13
Textbook Required: 25
Extra Credit: 3
Attendance Required: 22
26 Total Evaluations
SPAN-373 : Spanish Civilization And Culture - Posted 12/1/2013
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Stewart is my most disliked teacher of college. She doesn't get mad or act unprofessional, and she is easier to understand because she is not native (which is why many like her),but her use of filler words (?no? ?verdad?, etc) are overkill and are used nearly between every other word which makes it distracting to what she is trying to say. She expects us to read 20 pages (1 chapter) for every class and know all of it for the test. The test covers 3-4 chapters and we have to have a very good general idea of all of the 100 pages worth of information in order to respond to the essay questions. If I had the choice, I would take another teacher for this class. This is my second class with her. I took a translating class with her and it was not as bad, but I feel like no matter how hard I study, I cannot come up with an A. I do not recommend anyone take this class that doesn't enjoy thorough and lengthy readings and memorization.
SPAN-373 : Spanish Civilization And Culture - Posted 12/5/2012
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
She is the worst teacher i have ever had. I will never have her again if I can help it. She never gives explicit directions. She ignores emails and acts as if everything is your problem. She alone made me change my major.
SPAN-455 : Immigration In Contemporary Spanish Lit, Film, & Media - Posted 1/8/2011
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was a 3-hour night class and we never got out early. There is a huge amount of reading assigned every week and we had to read an entire novel in the first three weeks of class as well. The material was interesting but quickly got VERY repetitive and Stewart tended to draw the discussions out way longer than necessary. 70% of the class grade came from the midterm, final, and term paper. Stewart is very knowledgeable but did not always do a good job of organizing her class; we had to redo the syllabus three times because we kept getting behind. She grades the essay exams and papers relatively hard and really counts off for grammar mistakes. This was a graduate class as well and it seemed like Dr. Stewart catered almost exclusively to the graduate level students. We got absolutely no help on the essays (she didn't even give us a clear idea of what she wanted us to write about), so there was a lot of guesswork involved. Good luck...
SPAN-201 : Intermediate Spanish - Posted 1/29/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I thought that this class was super easy. I took 101 and 102 in high school and it was easier than high school! Dr. Stewart is very nice. She speaks in Spanish the entire class and encourages you to speak as well. There is homework every night.. if you do it and pay attention and do some studying you will do fine!
SPAN-202 : - Posted 4/14/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dra. Stewart makes class fun. You do need to prepare for the day's lesson before class starts. Everything will make more sense if you do. She speaks complete Spanish, except for a very few occasions. However, she understands that not everyone is an expert Spanish-speaker and helps you as such. I recommend her!
SPAN-102 : Honors Spanish 102 - Posted 12/12/2007
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
First and foremost, be aware that if you are enrolled in this Honors 102 class, IT IS ACTUALLY 201. This is crucial. I did not know this until the 2nd week of classes when Dr. Stewart announced we would go straight from this class to 202. So, if you're not ready for a 201 level course, DO NOT take this class. Otherwise, it is not a bad course.
There are several small tests throughout the semester. We made it through 5 chapters, with a test after each. Be warned, Dr. Stewart speaks completely in Spanish (I think it took me about 3 weeks before I ever heard the woman speak English). She speaks very rapidly and your first few classes will be incredibly overwhelming if you are not a native speaker.
That being said, she is very interested in helping you understand the language. She is more than willing to set up appointments with you if you do not understand something, or refer you to a tutor.
My biggest fault with this class was the simple fact that you basically have to teach yourself the material. Class time is spent going over homework and various exercises relating to the chapter. However, you are left on your own to actually learn how to do it. For example, she never explained the subjunctive tense -- however, in class you are expected to know the exercises relating to the tense. She will answer your questions dealing with the homework in class, but like I said, for the most part, you're on your own.
You will have to do one 3-5 minute presentation about food, and it has to be entirely in Spanish. It is only worth 10 points, though, so it's not a huge deal. Also, you will have homework every single night. Much of the homework is done online through Quia, which is very easy. But be prepared to have around an hour of homework after each class.
Overall, this class is not a bad one -- IF you are prepared for a challenge. But come into class willing to work your butt off and still then only make a B. If you are not a Spanish major or are just taking this class for fun, you might want to rethink it.
SPAN-373 : Spanish Civ & Culture - Posted 4/18/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I liked this class because I like history. Dr. Stewart if very nice and her spanish is the easiest to understand out of all the professors. Attendence isn't necessarily mandatory but it definitely helps if you go every day. She occasionally speaks some english and you watch some video clips in english. The tests go as so: Identification, Short Answer, Essay. It is all written, but I prefer it this way because you can get partial credit on questions. There is one presentation at the end of the year on a subject of your choice related to Spain (I did las fiestas) and you can do it with a partner. As long as you stay on top of the reading (which is not difficult bc there is not a lot), then you should do well. But do not expect to pass the test without studying. I highly recommend doing the questions on the student-made study guide. It definitely helped me and it was all I needed to do to make an A on the test.
SPAN-455 : Topics: Texts Of The Spanish Civil War - Posted 7/31/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This course is based on the study of texts of the Spanish Civil War, so lots and lots and lots of reading is required. The course texts consists of a packet of stories, poems, etc. Stewart is one of my favorite professors; she is a very educated and consistent professor. Exams are based solely on the texts and are comprised of essays. For a good grade be sure to attend class and read EVERY story that's assigned for homework. Also take notes on what you've read because there's a lot of info to take in. Stewart expects the best effort from her students and she should; this is a 400 level course. Show her you work hard and are putting forth your best effort and she will be happy to help you with the readings.
SPAN-455 : Text Of Spanish Civil War - Posted 1/19/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class covers precisely what is indicated: Texts of the Spanish Civil War, including poems, short stories, diary entries, and movies. This class is based on READING, so it is essential that you keep up with assignments for a good grade. My suggestion: miss as few classes as possible because it is difficult to catch up on missed work, TAKE NOTES over ALL readings (they will save you when it comes to exam and essay time), and if any extra credit is offered, jump on it because Stewart is a tough grader. Mrs. Stewart is a great teacher, very involved, educated, and understanding but she does expect the best of work from her students, after all, this is a 400 level class!
SPAN-102 : Honors Elementary Spanish Ii - Posted 11/21/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I have taken four years of Spanish and this was a great class. I'm glad I stuck with it! It is difficult at times, but if you actually study then it's not bad!
SPAN-102 : Honors Elementary Spanish Ii - Posted 10/21/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Ms. Stewart is a very nice woman, don't get me wrong. But, like others have said, if you're not a major DON"T DO IT! I had only taken 2 years of high school spanish before I enrolled in her honors class and I almost DIED! She doesn't speak a word of english! If you are seriously considering a career in Spanish, take her. If not, beware.
SPAN-374 : Lit & Culture Of Spain - Posted 4/14/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
For those persons who think Dr. Stewart is a difficult teacher and expects to much out of you when it comes to knowing the language and doing the readings and such, well.....YOU ARE PROBABLY IN THE WRONG MAJOR! I have had Dr. Stewart for 3 courses, and strongly believe she is the only Spanish Professor that I have had who actually teaches at the COLLEGE LEVEL! Who said Spanish Literature was going to be easy? If you are expecting not to have to read literary works in Spanish, well that is naive. Her tests are difficult, but if you go to class, and properly prepare yourself for the exams, there is no reason you shouldn't do well.
SPAN-201 : Spanish In Review - Posted 12/20/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Overall she was an effective teacher. She did a great job when reviewing for exams. The only thing I didn't like was that she would give us homework that covered material that we hadn't covered in class yet...that's okay if you can be self-taught easily. The final exam will be the most difficult by far...know everything.
SPAN- : Hon Elem Spanish Ii - Posted 12/14/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Stewart was a really helpful professor. She made the class enjoyable, even when it was difficult. She likes to make jokes and laughs with you when you make up words in Spanish. She talks in Spanish most of the time, but if you don't know the meaning of a word, you just have to ask and she'll tell you. Overall, it was a great class, and Dr. Stewart is a wonderful professor to take!
SPAN-201 : Intermediate Spanish 1 - Posted 12/1/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was mostly a review of other spanish classes. We covered some vocabulary, present tense, preterite, and imperfect. Sra. Stewart was helpful when we answered questions, but she speaks very quickly, so it is sometimes difficult to understand her. Overall a good class.
SPAN-201 : - Posted 10/22/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Stewart is a great professor. In this course she mainly lectures in Spanish; a horrid ordeal for some, a big help for others. She also asks the students a lot of questions in Spanish, and when there is difficulty in responding she is very focused on assisting one's language skills, and she isn't the least bit condescending. There is no other way to learn a language other than being completely immersed in it. Those who evaluate her negatively have not completely thought out her intentions of her teaching style. College is not supposed to be easy, that is why we pay our professors to teach us: to be challenged. In a word or two: be prepared to learn.
SPAN-374 : Literature And Culture Of Spain - Posted 4/27/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Stewart is an excellent instructor, but you must be prepared to work in her class. There is a lot of reading involved and at this point, if you are taking this class, you are either a major or minor in Spanish and so you should expect to have to work hard to get a decent grade. You read different works from different authors in Spain and learn some history as well. Overall, if you are enrolled in this class around the time you take SPAN 371 - History and Culture of Spain, you should be learning a lot of the same things.. So, be prepared to work and learn about the authors that you are reading and the time periods they wrote because that is relevant to the material and you will be tested over it.
SPAN-102 : Spanish Ii - Posted 12/12/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Stewart is not a very good professor!! She expects everyone to be fluent when they begin the class and she will go on and on talking to everyone in Spanish while the entire class just sits and has no idea what she is saying. She can be helpful at times, but hardly ever. This class is extremely difficult and I would not recommend it to anyone!!
SPAN-102 : Elem Spanish 2 - Posted 12/12/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Well put it this way in my class, the average grade was a 68. That is a d average. This lady is terrible. She thinks you are all spanish majors. I would highly recommend looking elsewhere for a spanish class. Not to mention a 7 page cumulative final.
SPAN-374 : Lit And Culture Of Spain - Posted 12/10/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Granted Spanish Lit is going to be hard class but Dr. Stewart took it a little too far. Everyday we had a reading assignment and would then come into class and discuss it. That's it. Sounds pretty easy. But then on the exams we would have to know the entire literary history of the freakin' Iberian peninsula. Also she would give random lines from about 30 different poems and we would have to know where they were from, who wrote them, the literary epic that they represent, and how they relate to the rest of the text. Right...that's what most people have to do in graduate courses. She's a pretty nice person but the class is still ridiculously difficult.
SPAN- : Spanish 2 - Posted 10/29/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I was a good spanish student, or so I thought til I had htis class. If you are spanish then take it but if you just need a general educaiton requirement look elsewhere. Very fast paced and test are all grammar and listening. Lots of homework every night. And half the lcass dropped the class once we started it. It is hell.
SPAN-202 : Spanish 202 - Posted 2/27/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Senora Stewart is a great Professor. Sometimes she speaks too fast and is a little hard to understand, but I really enjoyed her class and she is very understanding.
SPAN-101 : Elem. Spanish - Posted 12/17/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken because I didn't have to have a foreign language in high school! Dr. Stewart is an excellent teacher though. She is very patient and funny. The tests and quizes are hard and she doesn't give extra credit opportunities. I would say if you have had any kind of exposure to Spanish before, you'll do fine. I would definitely recommend her as a teacher.
SPAN-101 : Elementary Spanish - Posted 4/10/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Stewart is a very patient teacher. She will go over anything you ask her to and she gives you more than one chance to get homework credit. As long as you go to class, this class is not hard.
SPAN-374 : Literature And Culture Of Spain - Posted 2/27/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Never take this professor!!!!
She is very condescending and snobbish. If you do not understand her she does not try to help. When I would ask her questions she would stare at me as if I were a freak and never answer the question. She expects you to remember very specific details of what is read for the cumulative final at the end of the course.
She also made me feel very uncomfortable because she would stare at my chest when I would talk to her instead of looking at my face.
Never take her class and try never to talk to her in general (if possible).
SPAN-102 : Hon Elementary Spanish 2 - Posted 1/14/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was very difficult. This professor would be great for you if you were taking this class as review, but not if you were taking it to learn. The class is extremely fast paced and there is an over abundance of busy work assigned as homework. The tests are very difficult to study for because they are mainly over grammar and she just assumes you have the advanced vocabulary to read her questions. There is also a horrible video series you must watch in the class so one absence on the wrong day may leave you watching a video in her office during your free time. Most of our class, including me, dropped.