Brian Elder - Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

Professor: Brian Elder

Department: Fine Arts

College: Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ART106
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Im not quite sure why Brian has so many bad reviews. He is very passionate about what he is teaching so yes he does talk a fair bit. Also Ive never had a problem with him not being understanding when I missed class. Overall is is super helpful if you need it and itd you try your best you will pass the course.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ART233
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Brian is a great person, but when it comes to rating him as a professor he's not that good. Expect to be there the full 3 hours for class twice a week and around 5 hours of your own time outside of class. He does not like it when you leave early or miss any classes. He grades tough so DO NOT EXPECT AN EASY A. The average grade is a B-

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ART130
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is very strict about attendance and wants you to stay the entire 3 hour class. He thinks its important to be in class to learn but I didn't learn much from him other than to mix colors. He doesn't care if your not a natural painter and will still grade hard. Be prepared to work outside of class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ART305330530
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I picked Brian as my advisor due to his knowledge of my past education & appreciated the time I had with him as both a teacher & mentor. He helped me understand what past teachers couldn't properly articulate, & overall helped me get what I wanted out of my college experience.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ART105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I thought I liked Brian at the beginning, but by the end of the semester, not AT ALL! He REALLY knows how to push your buttons of annoyance, he DOESN'T stop talking once he starts and repeats the same things 50 times. He is also arrogant, very into himself and his own artwork. I got WORSE at drawing from this class. He gets annoyed if you ask ?'s

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ART105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Brian is a funny guy. He is a fairly easy grader, I received higher grades on a couple projects that I thought I deserved less. Sometimes he can start talking and not stop for what seems like 6 hours. I don't think I became any better at drawing from this class. In fact, I couldn't wait for the class to be over because I was so sick of drawing.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ART405
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He doesn't nurture you, he makes you strive for an A and personally, I like that. You will get works from his class that will be great for your portfolio. And it shouldn't matter why you're taking the class,even if it's just requirement. You're not in high school anymore, grow up. If you can't do things, either try harder and do it, or quit it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ARTALL
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I had Brian for drawing II and III. I am not a natural and I really have to work at drawing. Brian can be zany and nice but he can also rip people apart in front of the class. The class is laid back, but effort is not accounted for and he can be very vague.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ARTANY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I have seen a lot in my day and Brian Elder is one of the best teachers and human beings out there. Art is not easy, it requires great strength from oneself to make something good and "creative," NOT just a good drawing, or a pretty little picture that you yourself likes to look at and thinks is "cool." This is UNIVERSITY people. GROW UP!!!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ART205
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Brian is a nice guy, but he doesn't take into account those who don't have a natural talent in drawing. Some people only take this class because it is required and then are "punished" for not being the greatest artists. He didn't even take our papers out of our portfolio to look at them. Some people got A's when they had half the work needed!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ART230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Brian is not very nurturing, and can be too negative towards his students. I have seen him turn talented artists away from persuing art. I do not believe he fosters a positive creative environment, and I would recommend not getting a BFA in painting at CMU while he is still there.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ART105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

EXCELLENT TEACHER!! very helpful, great class! I'd definitely take him again!!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ART330
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This is the BEST & most helpful art instructor I have ever taken & I just graduated w an art major! I really wanted you to know this because he can be a great addition to your college experience! Very helpful one on one, motivates you to do better, & push your talents! If you are looking for an easy A, DONT take his class. Actually, skip CMU art!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ART319
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Expects you to know a lot, and is weird about the subject. His tests are impossible, he wants everything word for word out of the book or notes. Nothing is ever perfect, and is a hard grader. Be prepared. Very serious about the subject.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ART316
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Brian is a good teacher. This ws the first class that I had with him and at first I didnt like the class because his approach was different thn I was used to. He's always looking over your shoulder, which made me nervous at first, but he really helped me improve. He's a good professor if you are serious about art. If you're not, keep looking.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ART230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He is a great professor and really wants to help you out. He knows his stuff and always shows students different artists work to help them. His projects are fun and inventive - he lets you be creative. One of my favorite professors!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ART230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The guy is an annoying egomanaic. He only talks about himself and has nothing interesting to say about art. If he doesn't like you, then your work is crap or not even worth discussion. Avoid at all costs.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ART305
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I can't believe what some people write on this. Brian is such a sweet guy. He really does care about art, he ALWAYS treats his students with respect. Yes he is a harder grader, and you really have to work for an A, but when you get an A, you are left with a great portfolio art piece. Take this prof.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ART
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Excellent, amazing knowledge. If you're afraid to work, seek his help. If you're looking for something easy, get out of college and go flip burgers.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ART126
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Easy class if you can go to class and pay attention. Good about helping to do catch up work if you're sick. Tests are so easy if you know your stuff from class and the book. Really intelligent guy- gotta love the red converse!