JSP 1: Ms. Tricia Fermin

Subject: JSP 1 – Japanese Language and Culture

General Advice: practice. that’s the best advice i can give whether it be in writing katakana characters or in pronouncing the “ふ” sound. also, if you’re taking this class in the first sem, join the activities for the JSP week. not only are they fun, kimono-wearing or chibi-drawing can earn you bonus points as well.

Teaching Style/Method: Fermin-san provides her students with all the tools possible to aid them in their learning of the Japanese language. this ranges from listening activities to exercises with cute drawings. 

Requirements Level: Moderate (aside from writing assignments, which are necessary for japanese characters are really different from the ones we are used to using, she also gives two sets of orals– one group and the last one, with a partner. aside from that, there will be a midterm and a final exam)

Study Habits: As with any language class,  you would have to memorize sentence patterns and words if you want to do well. other than that, do all your assignments and practice with your partner. that would be enough to at least guarantee you a B.

A-able Factor (1 – easiest, 5 – hardest): 2

Th 121: Ms. Charity Durano

Subject: Th 121: An Introduction to Doing a Catholic Theology

General Advice: Start strong early on and some signs of consistency will eventually set your eyes on the prize. ‘A’ Don’t worry about the first day. She starts off every semester with every class the same way. Believe me when I say she’s really nice. Basically, take some time to understand what you’re reading and learn it in your own words/language so that explaining it during exams (both orals and written) will become natural.

Teaching Style: Doesn’t like to be interrupted when teaching but if itching for a question, exceptions are allowed. She gives notes of all her lectures so take down more of the “inputs” than the technical stuff. She’s traditional and prefers to use the blackboard and the OHP projector. Moreover, she’s got one of the most relaxing voices that sometimes puts you to sleep rest but put an effort to listen. Though she wouldn’t mind if you sleep in her class, it would help ease the burden of preparations once there’s initiative to listen to the lesson.

Requirement Level: Moderate

Study Habits: Use the Bible, absorb the notes and prepare for the group works.

A-able Factor (1-Easiest, 5- Hardest): 3 only because it’s hard to be consistent.

Fil 11, Fil 12, Fil 14: Ms. Jemma Pamintuan

Subject: Fil14 Panitikan ng Pilipinas, Fil12 Sining ng Pakikipagtalastasan sa Filipino II, Fil11 Sining ng Pakikipagtalastasan sa Filipino I.

General Advice: Ms. Jemma is a considerate teacher – the type that you can ask to change the deadlines if everyone is really busy. Her discussions are very casual and you can see that she tries her best to make the lessons interesting. She has a certain way of giving tests and it will be very hard to articulate it but the closest description is that it is very specific. You’ll be able to pick up after a while but as a tip, you have to focus on the names in what she discusses or what she asks you to read.

Teaching Style/Method: She relies on PowerPoint presentations for her lectures and from time to time, she’ll make you watch videos. She gives surprise quizzes about the previous discussions and will also ask for group repors.

Study Habits: To get an A, you have to really step up but it is very doable. First, you have to listen to her discussion because most of the essays in her long tests come from this. Moreover, you have to show her your attentiveness in class by reciting a lot and this will really make a difference especially when she grades you. You also have to review your notes before going to class because you’ll never know if she’ll give a quiz. A 10-minute review before class is sufficient since, again, you’ll be able to pick up what kind of questions she’ll ask. Oftentimes, she focuses on the specifics. Group reports at least have to show that you put effort into it – meaning it has a good insight and a generally pleasing appearance. Finally, for her long tests, she’s considerate enough to tell you specifically which are included but you really have to memorize them. Again, her essays often rely on the lectures so you have to study them.

Requirements Level: Moderate to heavy. Her requirements are basically an amalgam of everything. You’ll have group presentations, short surprise quizzes, and long tests, book report, reflection papers, and other things she can think of.

A-able Factor (1-Easiest, 5- Hardest): 3

FLC Spanish: Mr. Patrick Capili

Subject: FLC Spanish

General Advice: Mr. Capili is a friendly and an approachable teacher who treats you like pre-school children. This is really a good thing since you’re studying a foreign language. Aside from listening to him, the best advice is to just memorize the book well and do the homework. This will make studying for long tests and the orals easier.

Teaching Style/Method: Mr. Capili is a walking “Spanish for Dummies” book. He is able to simplify Spanish thus making it easier to understand. Learning it however, solely relies on you if you exert effort into memorizing the lessons. His classes are very casual and in fact, he just sits on the table near the students during discussion.

Requirements Level: Light. He’ll give you simple homework to practice Spanish and a mandatory “photo album” at the end of the sem. You’ll also have LT’s but no quizzes.

Study Habits: Basically, since this is a language class, you have to memorize grammar and words if you want to do well. Moreover,  sir’s lessons are exceptionally helpful for you to be able to understand how to apply them correctly. It’s important to listen to him since before the Super Test (LTs in Spanish), he’ll giveaway how the test will be like and provide examples on how to answer correctly. Still, you really have to memorize.

A-able Factor (1-Easiest, 5- Hardest): 2

FLC German: Mr. Peter Porticos

Subject: FLC- German 101

General Advice: When you want to learn German and have fun at the same time, Mr. Porticos is the guy for you. He makes sure he is able to make his students interact with each other, making it interesting and amusing. He usually announces his quizzes and most of them are by partners. Just submit requirements on time and surely you will get a good grade since he is very generous when it comes to grading. He appreciates students that recite and participate with his lectures. Also, don’t forget your book since you will use it every meeting.

Teaching Style: He follows the book and makes the students follow the activities. He always tries to have fun with the lessons and you will be amazed at how fluent he is in German.

Requirements Level: Moderate (get the book)

Study Habits:  Just read and understand the book and try to memorize some German terms.

A-able Factor (1-Easiest, 5- Hardest):1