Donald Gutstein - Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

Professor: Donald Gutstein

Department: Communication

College: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Had him for an online course. When I tried to reach him with a question I was told he was on holiday, and I wouldn't be able to talk to him. Had him for another class, found him to be the most entitled person I've ever met. Also, he makes students buy the books that he's authored, even though they aren't relevant.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The entire course is very labour intensive, never are you not researching and writing for a paper. Final made no sense and expects you to remember every single detail from the textbook while you write non-stop papers. Gutstein has nothing to do with the course besides creating the framework.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The online class is ridiculous. Work load is way above a 200 level, NON QUANTITATIVE course. Consists of 3 assignments (one 6 pages, 2 x 14 pages) and final exam. Assignment guides were useless also. The TA Kevin took over a month to hand back each assignment. Marks were not horrible but definitely inconsistent and not worth the amount of work.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Although Gutstein himself had nothing to do with my experience (because he isn't involved in the distance classes), CMNS 261 was difficult. You can expect a lot of TECHNICAL WRITING essays that are very time consuming. I biffed the first essay because I was trying to be creative - answer exactly what's asked of you and you will be fine.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Worst course I have ever taken. Provide very little guidance. Grading criteria is extremely unclear. I guess it depends a lot on the TA as well. The TA I got was horrible. Extremely bad attitude when you ask her questions. Takes 2 days to answer her emails. Also very unfair marker.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I am really hating this course. The instructions are unclear, we have study guides, library guide, assignment guide, and the guide the T.A wrote us. All give some kind of conflicting info. The tutorial on some of the research is outdated because the websites have changed their layouts. Overall I really hate this course.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

worst prof, worst TA, worst class in SFU ever. Don't take this class!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I found this class difficult at first but quickly realized that was because I was approaching it wrong. Follow the instructions given to you to write the papers, literally follow them step by step and you will do great in this class. It's to hone your research skills, not to show your creativity. I found Donald very helpful when I was struggling.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This course is unclear and complicated - I don't recommend it. The class average is low B-, and the majority of the students (myself included) have B+ to A- averages. Way too hard and way too unclear.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Worst class and prof ever.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Assignments were time consuming, especially the 2nd one but it's very straight forward. Start working on them early and you'll have no problems completing it. Textbook/courseware is not needed for working on the assignments themselves but make sure you read it for the final exam. The final consisted of details not covered in the assignments.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• 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 only took him through distance education, so I don't know how he is in lecture, but this wonderful man saved my university career with his understanding and helpfulness.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I don't really understand the bad comments here. I was really not looking forward to taking this class because of the comments, but I was pleasantly surprised. On my first assignment, I got 84%. Granted, it is a lot of work and days of research, but it is not "hard" per as; in the distance ed. version, at least, there are step-by-step instructions and even video demonstrations for most parts. I guess it really depends on the T.A.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Had this guy a few years back. Is the worst prof I ever had. Lost my paper, tried to blame me, thankfully technology proved I had it complete and ready for hand in prior to due date. Seems like he has no reason or rhyme to how he marks anything, and he for sure is not there for the students. Avoid like the plague

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I agree with everything said. Took this class Fall of 2008 and I am still seething about being ripped off. I argued every one of my marks for the assignments and he couldn't give me a reason, just stood by his TERRIBLE TA. My marks were post-it noted to my assignments, not even saying how the papers were graded or what they were out of!! Don't take

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very unhelpful, the assignments were extremely vague and lecture and tutorials were useless. You have to teach yourself how to do research in this class. Advise not to take this class!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• 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:

Did you sign up for this class because you need to take 1 of the research courses? Well after reading these evaluations, drop this class IMMEDIATELY! I thought Documentary research would be easy, since I'm a strong reader and writer. Boy was I ever wrong in taking this course. Very unclear instructions.Horrible TA.No help wutsoever. Don't take it!!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The worst prof I have ever had. Gives you a criteria sheet, and even if you work hard to follow his vague rules, you still might fail. I regret that he is a teacher. The course work is much too difficult for a 2nd year course. Does anyone even read those course evaluations?! Dont take this course.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CMNS261
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The worst class I have ever taken at SFU. Amount of work is staggering and even then the marks are really low. Taught like a distance ed class with a couple of lectures to tell you about assignments. Not a lot learned other than I would never take a course with this professor again. TA was also unhelpful. Overall TERRIBLE class!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CMNS110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I'm taking the Distance version so I can't say much about his lecture style. My TA Jennifer Garton is extremely helpful though. Her feedback is detailed and her marking is fair. I guess that reflect's Gutstein's marking as well since he sets the standards? Just do the readings and you'll be fine!