Aaron Kerner

I have been fortunate to take two classes with Prof. Kerner, and am enrolled in another this term; his classes are always full because he really is that good. The course material is always posted in detail on his website, with a clear and firm syllabus posted well in advance of class starting; texts, topics, reading assignments, and most importantly required paper topics are all clearly laid out for students to use in preparation.

This step alone facilitates student success, but in class Prof. K. also utilizes technology and visuals in his powerpoint enhanced lectures that include film clips, diagrams, and excellent illustrations of complex ideas.

This very orderly and clear manner of providing students with course materials and lectures in both verbal and written form offers an excellent opportunity for gaining deep level comprehension of course topics. The reading assignments are always challenging and push the boundaries in terms of intellectual depth, while the writing requirements and standards demand high-levels of academic rigor.

If I could make it mandatory for professors to utilize his tactics and means of delivering course information I would. His students are able to not only get a good grade, but really learn and want to learn more about very fascinating aspects of cinema studies.

Lastly, it might be because of his extreme level of advance preparation for each semester and each lecture, but Prof. K. always exudes an incredibly calm, posed, and confident manner. Each class one finds his approach draws the student in, and there is never any of the foolish confusion with the AV equipment or disorganization in lecture that one sees in many professors' classes.

If I ever manage to become a professor myself, I will model my approach after Professor Kerner's very gracious and astute style. I appreciate his knowledge and his attitude, and respect his refusal to pal around with or pander to student's approval. He lays it down in a logical and clear way that makes it a pleasure to go to class.