Ray Williams - York University (all campuses), Toronto, ON

Professor: Ray Williams

Department: Music

College: York University (all campuses), Toronto, ON

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: FAMUSI1520
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Amazing prof know his stuff. not a bird course music journal is difficult. However the class itself achieved it's purpose and I feel a much deeper knowledge and appreciation music. If you listen to what he says guaranteed A only downside is he doesn't post his slides/lectures make sure you take good note

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: FA1520
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He tells you the first day of class on how to get an A. If you don't get an A in this class it simply means you are a lazy student. Thats it, thats all. Don't know what anyone else is saying on hear.. he gives amazing lectures and is hilarious. If you want more information on the course outline, google - black music studies. 10/10 prof!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One of the only classes i've taken where the material is taught well. He can come off as head strong, but is reasonable for it. Like every other rating, don't procrastinate on your journal assignment! Being that it's worth 30% of your grade, start early. Other than that great prof, I really enjoyed taking his course.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: FAMUSI1520
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very good prof and gives amazing and very organized lectures. However this is NOT a bird course. Don't make the same mistake I did and procrastinate on the song journals it's not a hard assignment but it is a lot of time. You need GOOD notes if you want to succeed on tests as well. Like any other course work hard and you will be fine.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: FAMUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Originally I had written a negative review about professor Williams as I found him to be very arrogant. But by the end of the course my attitude had changed. Professor Williams is a good professor. Go to class and put effort in the journal assignment and you will do well guaranteed!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This was my favourite class this year. However, it's tough. The journal assignment was both fun and infuriating. Not a bird course if that's what you're looking for. Williams is great, I loved his lectures, and I loved the material. You should only take this class if you legitimately love music history. Otherwise you will have a really hard time.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: FAMUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Terrible proff. I found him to be a very arrogant person. He's definitely not approachable, and for me, he sucked out the fun of learning about Jamaican music.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Really good prof, the course requirements are clear but tough. I did really well with the journal, but he doesn't mark them, and poorly with the tests where the expect you to memorize song details. Funny and interactive prof though, worth taking.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: MUSIC1520
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Lectures are really interesting, he gives the history of all the artists. the tests you have to memorize at least 100 songs and their artists,record label and year. disappointed with my mark for the 150 journals and asked to have it remarked but i never heard from them again. but he doesnt mark the journals. loved him as a prof

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: 15201570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Mr. Williams was an excellent professor . He is very knowledgeable and he delivered well . I got and A and A+ on both is courses. If you love music this is the course to take

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• 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: Mandatory

Comment:

Such a knowledgable prof. Material is really engaging and I usually hate music courses at york. It's def an EASY A!! GO TO CLASS AND DO THE PARTICIPATION ASSIGNMENTS. Start the song journal from day 1, best advice I could give anyone going into this class. Do 8 entries 4x a week ur good to go.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I would definitely recommend this class to anyone with an interest in Reggae music and culture. Williams is a clear professor that can provide any type of assistance if needed. Lectures are important to attend, as well as completing the required music journal.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I would definitely recommend this class to anyone with an interest in Reggae music and culture. I loved this class! Williams is a clear professor that can provide any type of assistance if needed. Lectures are important to attend, as well as completing the required music journal.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: FAMUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This was a great class! My favourite so far. Ray is a great prof, very funny. If you like music (reggae), take the course it will be interesting and fun. This isn't an esay A class, the test is a lot of memorizing, and the journal was time consuming. Just work hard and don't wait till last minute, also be as detailed as possible with the journals.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: MUSIC1520
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I enjoyed this class its really interesting u basically learn about peoples lives. the tests are difficult but managable i havent gotten less than an A. just memorize. the journals took a long time but theres not alot of work involved in this course. i dont know why people say its hard. hes also super funny

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• 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:

Attendance and participation mandatory. This is NOT a bird course. I worked very, very hard to get an A. Don't take any of the music courses at York. They're not easy like people say.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This course would have been great if the professor wasn't so useless. he is not helpful at all and tries to intimidate his students instead of being approachable, which in my opinion always works better! also his exams/tests are multiple choice and include the most random of questions! i regret taking this course!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1520
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Ray Williams is a great prof. Show up to class, listen and take notes and you will be fine! He tells you on the first day what he expects and how to get a good grade. Easy A if you try at all.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1570
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

The easiest A that will fall into your lap. # test, I final assignment. Honestly and easy class. He appears to be a hard ass but talking to him and not being scared of him... he is helpful and nice. Great prof, great class!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MUSI1570
• 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:

Very cool professor. He was very good at explaining each artist, genres, record labels, etc. Three tests. Reviewing in key. Final and only assignment is a journal. Big assignment but VERY easy. Be a university student. Do 3-4 journals per night when the journal is assigned and I promise you will do awesome.