#tCF2020. This course was amazing. The material is complex, but you learn a lot, and the textbook is a great resource for anything you don't understand during lectures because the lecture slides draw straight from the textbook. Dr. Liu is interested in having her students learn, she is very helpful, and is also a very fair grader.

One of my favorite courses at UVA. Liu really knows her stuff and is able to teach complex and confusing topics in an engaging, funny, and interesting way that always kept us wanting more. Textbook not necessary at all, everything in the tests comes straight from lecture and the papers we have to read. Tests are straightforward and Liu is very clear in what she wants you to take away from each lecture. You can even go to her before the test and ask her how she recommends you study and she will tell you what to focus on. Liu is also one of the kindest professors I've had, and she's genuinely interested in making sure her students are learning and having a good time.

I was told this class is an easy A...and that is true to some extent. If you study her powerpoints and memorize pretty much most of the content, then it is an easy A. However, is it important to note that you have to MEMORIZE for her A. This class isn't a "kick back and look at the ppt once before the exam" type of vibe. You definitely want to diligently listen during lectures and take thoughtful notes, and then study those notes later on before exams. There are 4 exams (including the Final), and you are allowed to drop the lowest one. Some other things: The content is extremely unique and interesting. This class lives up to being a 4000s level class. You'll definitely learn a lot and it's content you won't find elsewhere. Dr. Liu also has a slight accent which can make understanding her difficult at times, but it isn't anything that prevents you from understanding most of the content. If you're a hard no on profs with accents, then just be on the lookout for that!