Dennis Dawson - Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT

Professor: Dennis Dawson

Department: Science

College: Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• 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:

I took this class as a required lab science. I thought it was easy, since it was a 100 level course. I had no idea it was all math problems and science equations I had no prior knowledge of. I struggled throughout the class. But he did curve the tests, which were a plus. I wouldn't recommend unless you're great with math or an science major

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: AST134
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The entire class I felt like I had no idea what I was doing, but ended up pulling off a decent grade. Just write notes, study the study guide he gives you before each test, and the group presentation/paper is manageable (gives plenty of time to complete it). Dawson is funny though, and a nice guy. Talk to him if you have any issues, he will listen.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: AST134
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Summer session May-June 2014 Astronomy 134: Extraterrestrial Environments and Intelligence. Using the same (now dated) text from 2001, Search for Life in the Universe. Teaches from Power Points, included all on N drive! Class was straightforward, very simple way of earning science requirement credits. Runs the Observatory, too! Good doctor!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dawson knows his stuff, he just has stop caring about teaching. Repeats the last 45 mins from the class before in the first 45 mins of the next class. He does not get through the material and because of this is one of the most boring teachers I have ever had. On a topic that is my MAJOR! I love this stuff!!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: AST122
• 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:

Really nice guy and very passionate about the subject matter. attendance is super important. you dont need to do the readings. evything on the tests he goes over in class and gives study guides. labs are easy just read directions. very willing to help with any misunderstandings. assignments are a pain but nothing too bad

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dawson is not a bad teacher. He is a very nice professor and he is willing to help students in class and outside class. The class is very difficult though, he knows so much about the subject that he just assumes that everyone else does also. If you are bad at science stay away from this. Grading is pretty fair though, you have a variety w/ HW/Tests

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ASTRO150
• 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:

Very passionate about the subject matter

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ASTRO150
• 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:

Amazing Intro to Astronomy Course (coming from a Earth Science, Secondary Ed teacher in training). Telescope explanations were brilliant and the level of material we went through was wonderful. If only there were more astronomy classes offered that actually run! You will work. If you are a non-science type that needs a lab class, this is not for yo

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: AST122
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Its a hit or miss class, sometimes good, sometimes bad. Labs are extremely difficult but he will help if you have questions. ALWAYS ELABORATE. He no longer gives out powerpoints. He is a smart guy, but very smug.

Rating # 10

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

I thought he was pretty boring in Earth Science. He is impossible to try and meet with during his office hours too.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: AST159
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Agree with other user comments... very smug.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Brilliant professor and lecturer, you'll enjoy taking his class and I'd recommend it. At the same time, he needs to work with his students a lot more on a personal basis. He is so damn smart but forgets that some of us are trying to understand a new concept. Gets smug sometimes when really he should be walking you through a concept a second time.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: AST134
• 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's SO nice. he will offer help to anyone whenever, he gives you the powerpoints so you dont have to take notes- or write anything down- goes over a review and gives you the test answers the day before the test. plus hes generous with his grading. dont let the class intimidate you its not as hard as it seems. you can get an a easily!

Rating # 14

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

By far and away the best proff at WestConn. One of the few who actually cares about the students, doing what he can to help out. Fun guy, it's obvious he actually enjoys what he does. Take his class!

Rating # 15

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

This was the only science class I could bear during my time at Western. Dr. Dawson will even offer extra help.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Surprize quizzes are not cool. He offered no possibilities for extra credit. He is a very intellgient man, but most of his explanations are very complex and he treats you like you are inferior if you don't understand the lectures. And the labs are not even high school worthy. Very disappointed.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He is SOOO funny, and really hot. He won my heart

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great Guy

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: AST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ES103
• 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:

Interesting teacher, fun to watch