Ben Crane - Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Professor: Ben Crane

Department: Communication

College: Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CRIT215
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He's a smart dude and the class was very eye-opening. The thought of having to write three papers fitting the criteria in attempts to get an '-A' drove me to a 104 fever, twice. Attendance isn't mandatory but he will tell by your lack of detail in journals and if you lie in any way his critical thinking skills will catch you.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CRIT215
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

It's a hit or miss with him, I definitely missed by a very off miscalculated shot. We have all of our work due at the end of the semester. You don't have to go to each class but don't make it a thing. Personally, I thought his lesson plans were a hot ass mess but I learned a lot of unuseful information by the end of the semester, so that was cool

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: TVR25100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Crane is definitely a hit or miss with a lot of people. Essentially, if you are a heavily religious person, do not take this class. There is no final exam, but instead, we listen to a 2-hour lecture about God and how he believes he's not real. Like I said, not for everybody, but I loved it!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CRIT215
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was constantly frustrated in this class because Ben Crane seems to think he invented the concept of critical thinking. I also feel like he doesn't actually listen to students. Multiple times in class he would call on a student, not make eye contact with them, then repeat what the student said as if the student hadn't just said it.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: TVR25100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ben Crane's classes have been the greatest classes I have taken at Ithaca College. He's an incredible professor who offers so much insight. He knows what he's talking about, and you will walk away with so much knowledge. Take any classes with him if you have the chance!!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: TVR251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Ben is the kind of professor you'll either love or hate. He has very clear grading policies but I don't love his lecture-heavy style and he can come across as jaded at times.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CRITTHINKING
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

In seven years of higher education, including three years of law school, Prof. Crane stands out as the most thought-provoking professor I've ever had. His lectures were legendary.

Rating # 8

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

While Crane is a tough cookie, he really helps you open your eyes to not just the media, but to humanity and the world. Taking his class has made me better-equipped to handle any future class I have at college and he's a fantastic professor. While he certainly may not be for everybody, those who are will benefit enormously from taking this class

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CRITICALTHINKI
• 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:

Ben is a great teacher. he is strict but fair with his grading and everyhting is straight forward. if you come to his class hoping for an easy time drop it. it is a lot of hard work but if you are actually trying to learn something he is one of the best ive had.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CRITTHINKING
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

One of the most arrogant and unyielding professors I have ever met at Ithaca College. I was excited for the topics discussed in this class, but because of him, I was unable to truly enjoy any of this.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CRIT215
• 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:

Ben's lectures are interesting and well thought out. He's really funny too. Very strict about attendance. You need to take a class with him!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: TVR215
• 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 can't imagine taking this class with any other professor. His first account experiences and intelligence are quite amazing and even though all the work is due at the end of the year, you learn something new every time. I definitely recommend taking this class!!!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CRTCLTHNK
• 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:

Ben is extremely smart and has a unique ability of pissing stupid people off. If one class all the way from high school to college was useful for me, it was this one. Ben teaches you how to intellectually defend yourself, which, most likely has never been taught to you before. If you get offended in his class, it might mean you are learning somethi

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: TVR251
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Had him for Critical Thinking. Hilarious, great teacher, very interesting class. VERY VERY strict attendance policy and a probably the most difficult paper I've written so far, but it's interesting subject matter and you don't have to do anything but listen until the end of the semester.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: TVR251
• 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:

Ben is hysterical. Great teacher and very knowledgeable! Class was a blast. You do no work for almost the entire semester, but if you chose to write the paper at the end it's A LOT of work. Very strict on grading and attendance are the only negatives.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: TVR2510
• 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:

I admit his class was interesting but he was completely unwilling to hear any other point of view except his. IMHO, a good professor not only encourages you to think for yourself (not just take every word out of his mouth) AND is willing to hear someone else's perspective. Shame on all of you who thought he was awesome because he isn't mainstream.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: TVR101
• 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:

Definitely one of the best professors. I don't understand why people say his classes are bad.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: TVR102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This man is a genius. I honestly looked forward to going to Critical Thinking, it was so interesting and actually useful.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CRTCLTHNK
• 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:

i took him for critical thinking, it was hands down one of the best classes i've ever taken in college. EVERY class was interesting. EVERY SINGLE ONE. it's like impossible to ever say that. he's ridiculously smart and sarcastic and just a great teacher. just stay on his good side and you'll do fine -- plus, all we had were two papers the whole seme

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CRITTHNK
• 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:

A really great professor. The subject matter is highly interesting, and he presents it in an entertaining, often comical manner that really leaves an impression. His lack of assignments is also a plus. He can be a bit arrogant at times, but he's still an excellent professor. One of the best in Park. Strongly recommended.