highkey feel like all these super positive reviews are fake, because there is only one harsh review on this class's reviews. the other harsh reviews are on her english 3 reviews instead of english 3d, and tbh, those are more reflective of her teaching style.

this class was heavily unclear, she encourages you to write what you want and doesn't give proper feedback, but then grades harshly. most classes are discussion based which honestly gets tiring. she never gave any sample essays, and she went over some discussion posts, but never clearly told us what type of analysis she prefers. she says cliche things like "one person might not like this analysis but others will", like just tell us the one you will give an a to. also, she emphasized a lot to not write like a high schooler, but never really taught what she thinks is good college level writing. like i genuinely dont know what she thinks a good analysis or good essay is. for the fact that most people take this class to fulfill writing 1, it sucked. there's south campus classes easier than this. would not recommend.

I don't know if I'm the odd one out here, but I genuinely did not like Lauri or this class. Yes, she is a good professor who is passionate about the topics, but she so obviously chooses favorites in the class and grades unfairly based on that. Essay prompts were UNCLEAR as she does not provide rubrics or any kind of prompt. She was extremely unhelpful during office hours and is harsh (not in a helpful way) with criticism. She acts like she wants to be super cool and down to earth but she clearly is not. Overall: enjoyed the class setting and the material covered; strongly disliked Lauri.

Lauri was awesome! The class was about analyzing stand up comedy, so it requires a Netflix account. But theres only two essays plus discussion posts, and she gives super helpful feedback on both of those. She's funny, kind and definitely worth taking,

I would totally recommend this class. Professor Mattenson is the best Professor I have ever had. She is so kind and so helpful, she will never be rude and is always open minded. The class load is not too bad but do make sure to read all the readings and watch all the shows as they are essential for participation points and for doing good in essays. Make sure to participate during class and discussion forum because it counts a lot for your grade but it's not too bad. The class is very interesting and Professor Mattenson really helped my writing skills improve and my idea of how an essay should really be written.

I took this class online because of covid-19 but I didn't mind the online platform! Lauri is such a sweet person and really wants you to succeed, meaning that she's 100% willing to give you the help that you need. There were only two essays this quarter, one around week 5 and then the final paper; she dropped one of the papers we were supposed to do because of election season (she understood how stressful it could be). The class is centered around the social, educational, and political value of comedy, and honestly I feel like my eyes were truly opened to what comedy is really about. I loved the discussions we had in class (which is for the most part what we did in class, discuss the shows and articles that go with them so make sure to keep up), everyone was so welcoming and nonjudgmental. I really recommend taking this class, it was enlightening and I feel like my writing really improved, plus I had more freedom to write the way I wanted to.

I took this class virtually during COVID

This class is incredible. Lauri is such a caring and genuine person and it really shows in this class. A lot of the work is watching Netflix comedy shows and then reading documents that go along with a general theme of comedy. Then you discuss in class. Talking in discussion forums on CCLE was important, and then we had a couple papers we wrote that made up a majority of our grade. She gives very honest and blunt feedback. It seems hurtful and it is really difficult to learn to take criticism and reconstruct your hard work; however, Lauri has improved my writing for the better. I would definitely recommend taking this class to get your diversity and writing I requirement!

This class was absolutely amazing!!!!! Dr. Lauri is an absolute gem. She is so thoughtful, helpful, and gives you so much one on one attention. I took this class online but it was so amazing!!! You learn so much, and your worldview changes so much. I am not even into English , but I would take this class over and over again.

I LOVE this professor. She really cares about her students, and offers tons of advice for those who need help. I came a little nervous to this class since English isn't my strong-suit, but Professor Mattenson's class made writing fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and would take her again!

You watch videos ~1hr each, take thorough notes on them, and write four papers on them throughout the quarter. The professor is extremely helpful when it comes to teaching students how to write, and is a genuinely kind and caring person.

I originally only chose this class to get credit for both Diversity and Writing I, but it quickly turned into one of my favorite classes that I've ever had.

The class revolves around analyzing comedy routines on Netflix (which serves as your textbook, though Prof. Mattenson accommodates) and analyzing the comedians' works for their impact on the socio-political sphere.
As long as you watch all of the routines, take thorough notes, and actually take the time to write your papers, you'll do well. You'll also likely come away from the class with some mental notes on how your writing needs to improve to be the best it can.

Lauri is awesome! Great person and fantastic teacher. She's very approachable and helpful during office hours. She really cares about each student and the content of the course. The homework takes a long time because you just watch hours of stand up comedy, but I felt like it was easy because I enjoyed it so much. Definitely recommend this class.