My favorite thing about Brown

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>Most of you know about all the traditional good aspects of Brown, like the Open Curriculum and such, but I wanted to share what my favorite thing about Brown is:</p>

<p>The Critical Review - <a href=“http://www.brown.edu/Students/Critical_Review/modules/news/[/url]”>http://www.brown.edu/Students/Critical_Review/modules/news/</a></p>

<p>It’s been mentioned here, but it really deserves everyone’s attention. I don’t personally know about an equivalent at any other school, with reviews of courses that come from student questionnaires handed out in class, and are compiled into a single written summary by a great student staff. I can’t think of one other thing that has contributed as much to making sure that I end up enjoying my courses.</p>

2

<p>wow thanks mgcsinc.. i had no idea this was online</p>

3

<p>that really is cool and helpful. if only brown had accepted me so that i could make use of it...</p>

4

<p>That's awesome. Like a much more useful version of ratemyprofessors.com.</p>

5

<p>that's very cool, though are all the courses offered reviewed or are some missing since there's no review of any music programs</p>

6

<p>this just makes me want to go to brown SO badly. unfortunately, i have another year to wait, and, even then, i'm only hoping i'll get in... .</p>

7

<p>ester - You're right, there's a lot missing, which is a result of a number of factors. Some departments are particularly good at participating, others are terrible. This semester's print version was much thicker than the last, though, and more and more courses are being added.</p>

<p>Rabo - ugh, isnt ratemyprofessors just terrible?</p>

8

<p>hey, they had my arabic course, and thats all i care about</p>

<p>wait, i should also check the engineering courses too... sheesh</p>

9

<p>Plus, a lot of students don't bother filling them out. Sometimes they just don't bother sitting down and doing it, or doing it seriously at least....kinda sucks. You could probably also ask on the jolt forum(brown.dailyjolt.com) about specific courses if you need more information, but you might not get constructive responses all the time. I don't know if you have seen the jolt yet, but you will soon be addicted I'm sure.....haha.</p>

10

<p>Hi, I'm graduating from Brown this month and I've been on the staff of the Critical Review for seven semesters. I was one of the head editors last semester.</p>

<p>I'd just like to clarify a few things:
1. The number of courses reviewed per semester is increasing. This semester alone we had an increase of 16%, because more professors chose to participate.
2. The participation rate among departments varies for a number of reasons. Some departments use the CR questionnaire as their own departmental course evaluation form, so virtually all courses in those departments are always reviewed. Some departments use our reviews as a factor in determining which professors get tenure, so those departments almost always have all courses reviewed as well.
3. In courses that do participate, usually most students complete the questionnaires. Ratemyprofessors.com, in contrast, obviously has much more significant sampling problems.
4. We hope to have a hard copy of the Critical Review available for every incoming freshman as soon as they arrive on campus this fall. If this works out, it will be the first time in years that the CR will be able to provide a copy for every incoming freshman.
5. If you appreciate having the Critical Review as a resource, you should consider joining our staff. The CR is always looking for new staff members, and all training is on the job.</p>

<p>If you have any feedback or questions about the Critical Review, specific courses or departments, or anything else in particular about Brown, please feel free to contact me. Good luck and have a great four years on College Hill!</p>