Not very hard. Low output class with three essays that teach you foundational college writing skills, a few worksheets, and a portfolio with reflective statements about the main papers. This class was very accessible for first-year students and was a good example of how first-year writing in college SHOULD be taught.

I think Prof. Zhu was very helpful if you go in during office hours and ask for one on one help with essays. She gives really good writing advice.

My professor was very nice but she doesn't teach at UW anymore (she has a full-time job in Student Life, I think).