Deanna Benjamin

Unprepared in an emergency, doesn't explain expectations at all, then grades unfairly based on unknown and uncommunicated guidelines, doesn't make the class interesting, lots of reading. She does give clear feedback, however, and I think I'm a better writer after this class. You just have to work hard and go to office hours(!!). Supportive in OHs.

8/1/2026

Prof. Benjamin's writing identity course was good overall. Your writing skills will really improve, and she gives good guidance and feedback, but you have to put in lots of work for the class, readings, and projects. If you're looking for an easy CWP class, this is not it, but if you're looking to improve your writing skills, then take this class.

4/29/2026

Just take college writing next semester. This is NOT worth it.

4/10/2026

Dr. Benjamin's Citizen Scientist class was pretty interesting! She clearly has a lot of experience teaching writing/college writing, but she's new to citizen scientist. Some readings were a bit difficult, and there were times when many assignments were due around the same time. However, Dr. Benjamin is very accessible outside of class!

12/20/2025

Professor Benjamin's CWP is definitely on the harder side. There is a LOT of reading, more than other CWP classes, most of it isn't necessary or helpful. It is a small class and you get a letter grade off for absences and tardy's. She is a HARSH grader with little help on how to improve your papers.

12/4/2025

one of the most difficult professors I've taken. the class is participation and completion, especially since its a small class. you only get one unexcused absence then points off your final grade. She doesn't use modules on canvas and everything is posted in a weekly announcement. dont recommend. more workload than other CWP sections. harsh grader!

12/4/2025

Dr. Benjamin has been one of the most supportive professors I've come across here at WashU. She provides such deep insight and is always willing to meet with students after class, regardless of topic. She has been a pillar of advice for me, an advocate, and makes me feel seen on this campus. Show effort, provide input in class and you will do well.

3/3/2025

This class pushed you to stretch your ability to think and produce in a way that revitalizes creative thinking. However there was a substantial amount of reading and writing compared to other college writing classes. Additionally her grading and feedback was not always consistent. However Professor Benjamin is very accessible outside of class.

12/27/2024

I recommend taking her for college writing. The class is not a heavy work load-until it is time to do the research essay. She also cares a lot about her students and will work with them outside of class. Compared to others students professors, Dr. Benjamin was one of the best as long as you put in effort for the assignments we had.

12/6/2024

2 or less hrs/week

Deanna Benjamin is such a great teacher! The readings are very interesting and made the topic applicable to every day life. It altered the way I viewed the world in many ways. The work is more than many other college writing classes, but I don’t think she generally gives below an A

5/21/2024

Prof Benjamin is nice and helpful! She's clear with expectations. Class is usually engaging/interesting (depends on students though bc it's a small class). Her teaching style is very easy to follow. The work outside of class isn't much until we get to the research paper. If you need help with your paper, meet with her and she will definitely help!

12/29/2023

i love her so much but there are a lot of writing assignments. She truly cares!

4/27/2023

Professor Benjamin is one of the most caring and enthusiastic professors at WashU. Both in and out of the classroom, she displays her passion for writing and literature. This love for her subject shines through in her teaching. Easily one of the best professors I have ever had.

10/5/2021

Professor Benjamin is empathetic with her students and understands stress. She grades mostly on your effort. I got an A in this class, and here is my biggest advice right off the bat: go to her office hours when possible, do the readings for class, and talk in class when relevant. She is a great person and definitely a little quirky!

1/19/2021

assigns her papers the day it's due, she says take the L, bruh

12/10/2020

Professor Benjamin's writing identity class definitely had a much heavier workload than other writing identity sections. The instructions for the papers and assignments were sometimes vague, but she's very accessible during office hours. Definitely go to office hours and prepare to discuss the assigned reading if you want to make an A

12/10/2020

I do not consider myself a fan of writing but Professor Benjamin made Writing Identity a class I looked forward to every day. Her approach to teaching is generative and thoughtful. She chooses texts which anyone would enjoy and learn from. Benjamin will make you work hard, but she will improve your writing. She's also a caring, fun person.

5/2/2020

Would not take again, definitely not worth the immense amount of reading she assigns. Her class Writing Identity was unpleasant. Save yourself the trouble and don't take it. The only pleasant thing I could add about her is that she tries to engage us by trying to be funny her sense of humor isn't the best though:/

1/14/2020