Shapley is a super nice instructor and very respected in the field of astronomy. She can be dry sometimes and the class definitely picked up in speed and intensity after the second midterm, but with studying and putting in the work, an A is attainable. She said there is about a 5 percent curve for the class, which also makes getting a good grade easier. There is an extra credit assignment which involves a short write-up and attending the Griffith Observatory. For Fall 2018, the assignment was worth 1% extra credit, less than I've heard it being worth in the past, but still I'll take the points.

The TA's are nice and helpful, but some of them can have strict grading on the Labs during section which can be kind of annoying, but you can usually get the answers out of them by asking them repeatedly.

Overall, I would recommend this course if you're looking for a GE that isn't TOO tough, but don't walk into this class expecting an A just by showing up.

I am NOTT a science person, I actually really suck at math and science. Why I decided to take this course, IDK. but, it paid off. I needed a GE and this isn't the easiest one out there, but it got the job done. Professor Shapley was actually very helpful in her office hours, cuz we went over the homework, which is where the majority of the work is. Worksheet with less than 10 questions but they killed me.

I can't say I didn't enjoy this course, esp as a anti-STEM person, it wasn't bad. She definitely made lectures engaging and they were helpful without reading the textbook. The textbook is really only there for further clarification but honestly, professor Shapley was clearer than the textbook. I had her during the first quarter online, so she was very accommodating and for that I am so grateful. Many STEM teachers aren't so forgiving but she was, she listened to her students. You can tell she cares and if you have any concerns, reach out!