Steven Olsen-Smith - Boise State University, Boise, ID

Professor: Steven Olsen-Smith

Department: English

College: Boise State University, Boise, ID

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ENGL375
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

There are a few English professors at Boise State that will remind you why you're an English major. Olsen-Smith is one of those professors. His wide breadth of knowledge on history, literature, and politics provide synthesis to his classes, and he expects his students to attempt the same kind of synthesis. You definitely earn your grade.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ENGL377
• 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:

Probably my favorite lit professor. He is so passionate and so knowledgeable about the subject matter - I really learned a lot. As with any lit class, class discussion is important. His awesome personality comes out when the class is engaged in lively discussion. Wish I could take more lit classes from him.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ENG277
• 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:

Great teacher. Take a 5 hour energy before class if you have trouble staying awake in school. Super monotone voice, but smart, nice and clear. You will learn what you need too.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ENG277
• 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:

Professor Olson is one of the best professors I've ever had. He made class interesting and he kept consistent with themes found in the literature. He tests on what he teaches, and I learned more from his teachings then I would if I just had to reach the exerpts alone. Highly highly recommended.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ENGL275
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I think he is a very smart man, and has the potential for a great teacher, however, I found myself focusing more on his vocabulary than on the material of his lectures. I had to look up 10 words from each lecture. I took it as a night class and got an A but I had to put so much into it. Luckily he grades based on progress.Night class = whole 3 hrs.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ENG398
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Seems a bit incomprehensible at first, but if you listen, and listen closely he really starts to make sense. he is very helpful, (albeit intimidating) and more than willing to listen to others opinions. If you care about English Literature, take any of his courses!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ENGL227
• 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:

You need to come to class. He never tests over anything we didn't cover in class. He is very smart and has a passion for literature. Good class! Just study your notes. Kinda reminded me of Tarzan...

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ENGL497
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Took 2 classes: American Renaissance (377; grade A) & special topics on Moby-Dick (497). Brilliant scholar AND great teacher (you don't always get the 2 in the same professor). Appears somewhat formal/'old school' in presentation at 1st but is totally approachable and helpful in person and in critiques of your work. Expect to WORK. It's worth it.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ENG277
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This was my favorite class, because every day was like storytime. Take good notes, study them, and you will do fine on the tests. This professor welcomes comments and encourages class discussion. I took this class in the summer and on 'Walt Whitman Day' we had class outside in the amphitheater. It was great!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ENGL266
• 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 helpful and thorough. Tests are easy if you come to class and pay attention to what he highlights. Easily available to talk to. Class days on Whitman and Melville are especially worth attending with him.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENGL391
• 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:

Olsen-Smith is extremely knowledgeable and intelligent. He isn't neccesarily looking for you to discover 'his opinion' but more he is looking for you to be able to develop your own based on reading, research and critical thinking. Remember your at a university, not a high school lit class.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ENGL277
• 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:

Cold at 1st; ignore. Shows his warm side when student shows effort and care about class. Back up statements w/ critical thinking and logical arugment. He respects that. Encourages crticial thought. Will help you improve writing 3 fold. Need apt. for office hours; high demand teach. Highly reccomend for serious writers. Tough & fair grader.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENG277
• 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:

He's difficult to take, but his class is interesting and his quiz questions are taken from his lecture. There are no trick questions, but there's a lot of reading.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ENGLISH
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ENGL277
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Really loves his subject. Although he may not agree with personal interpretations, respects a well-founded argument. His strength lies in the transcendentalists and Poe- those segments where he still has you reading complete works.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: E265
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Has big opinion of himself and his viewpoints. Probably is knowledgable but needs to respect other opinions. Also was extremely rude when I sought out help for personal reasons.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ENG497
• 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:

Helpful - you have to seek him out, he won't do it for you. Surprisingly animated. Don't go by first impression.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ENGL267
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

close-minded,pompous,and overtly dependent on others writings to promote his voice...he's pretenious and walks funny.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ENGLISH
• 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:

I enjoyed his class once I got into it. His classes are not easy, however very informative. He really seeks to educate.