Melissa Camacho

Ms. Camacho is an enthusiastic and interesting professor. I did think this class was going to be a lot easier than it was, but you actually have to attend class and read the book. She usually kept my interest, and the best part was we would watch tv and then discuss it afterwards. She was very kind and straightforward, even after class one day she tried talking to me. I did feel a bit intimidated about contributing to discussions, because I wasn't sure about the exact tv terms. But you will realize, that she appreciates all comments. She is a fantastic and fun teacher, she'll even bring candy for the students on test days! The tests are harder than I expected, but there are only a few papers to write. The most important thing to do is go to class (tests will become so much easier) and turn the cell phone off.

Camcho has a very good personality and is very outgoing. She welcomes questions and comments about the TV viewings that we watch. Her syllabus contains one midterm (25%), one final (25%), both are multiple choice and are very easy if you pay attention to her lectures. After viewing a TV show, she makes you write a page of analyzing it. She reviews the show in class with the students so just take notes and then when you go home type them up and you will recieve a 10. She collects three to see how you are doing and at the end of the course she wants 10 total. That is worth 25%. Then there is a 5-10 page criticism paper on a show that you watched by yourself on anything except if it was viewed in class. That is worth 25%. She gives you guidlines for the paper so follow them and you'll get a good grade. I enjoyed attending her class because she makes the information very easy to understand. Take this class, not for an easy A, but for an easy passing grade.

First off, if you are interested in taking this class as a B.S. class, I would not recommend it! Yes, it doesn't require as much work as say, a math class, but I wouldn't walk into this class expecting an easy A. There are two exams - midterm and final. There is a 5-10 page criticism paper due at the end of the semester, as well as a 10-page portfolio. This may sound hard, and no it wasn't easy, but it's completely doable. I walked into this class expeccting an easy A. I did end up with an A at the end of the semester, which makes me think this class was easier than I expected after hearing the guidelines at the beginning of the semester. Professor Camacho is so awesome! She has a great personality and completely easygoing. Recommendation: remember to turn off your cell phone! She hates them, and one time she actually took a cell phone away from one girl in the class. Of course, she gave it back at the end of the class period, but still...remember that!! Professor Camacho is very knowledgeable - she has worked in Hollywood and has worked at some other cool places. She is humorous and lets everyone who wants to speak up. But she never forces anyone to talk, so don't worry about her calling on you randomly in the class...except the first day, when she called a couple names from the role sheet and asked why they were taking this class. No big deal. So in the end, I recommend Professor Camacho. She is really awesome...And yes, we do watch television! The Simpsons, Friends, Law & Order, you name it!

I have to disagree with the other reviews. While I think Dr. C is an amazing lecturer, her grading policies leave a lot to be desired and I got a really good grade in this class. She assigns Critical Writing Assignments that are not supposed to be summaries, but in essence, that's exactly what they are. BE WARNED ABOUT CWAs! No matter what the chapter or topic, each CWA has 5 MAIN POINTS that you get graded on, and the main points are often random, obscure, or just completely subjective. Pick the wrong one and your grade goes WAY down. Also, her group project assignments are annoyingly vague; but if you love group projects, this is the class for you. If you don't, take a different class or teacher! Part of the class was fun, but I'm not sure I learned a hell of a lot.

I went into BECA 201 expecting it to be my favorite class of the semester but it is only in retrospect that I realize how good the class really was. I was an avid TV watcher prior to this. After having to look at programs in depth in class I hardly ever turned my TV on at home. I suppose a part of me just wanted to be entertained and not have to analyze every little thing on screen. If you're like me, take that into consideration before you enroll. Teaching-wise Camacho is really good. Enthusiasm is never lacking and you get the feeling that she really knows what she's talking about. Prior to tests she supplies review sheets and is happy to clarify anything that may be confusing. Keep up with the portfolio entries and go to class. Do this and you should be on your way to a great grade.

I have to agree with the previous reviewer--straight A+'s for this teacher. Dr. C has an amazing personality and was able to pull off getting an entire room of over 200 students all involved in class discussions.

I couldn't believe there is so much involved in becoming an educated TV viewer. I, too, see TV in a different way now. Dr. C's background and experience as a producer at CNN allow her to teach with a real command of the subject matter.

There definitely was a worthwhile payoff for the effort I put into this class. I actually look back on this as a valuable part of my education. Take any of Dr. C's classes you can get into--you'll be glad you did.

Professor Camach is an exceptional instructor... she definitely knows what the hell she says. And she even makes me understand it, (believe me that's rare!) Her lectures are cool: NEVER dull. Her knowledge and enthusiasm is obvious. She's a fair grader. She understands her students. She's funny. She's articulate. She helps you in any way she can. There is no daily homework. There is a mid-term and a final - but she reviews everything. There is a portfolio due the last day, it's 10 write-ups on shows we've seen in class, (not hard.) And there is also a 5-8 page essay on a show of your choice. It's not hard either because she prepares you well for it. Plus she opens her office hours so she can help you with it before it's due. You have to be analytical in this class... I wasn't before but now I am because of her teaching. SHE MAKES YOU SEE TELEVISION A DIFFERENT WAY. STUFF THAT NEVER EVEN CROSSES UR MIND WHEN U WATCHED IT... FUN CLASS..BRAVO PROFESSOR CAMACHO!!!

YOU'LL NEVER SEE TV THE SAME WAY AGAIN! I GUARANTEE IT!!

GRACIAS Y VIVA!!!!