Tom Williamson - St. Olaf College

Professor: Tom Williamson

Department: TBD

College: St. Olaf College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: SOAN299
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Tom is one of my favorite Olaf profs! He has a general plan for his classes, but lets students eventually make their way there through discussion. He can be a tough grader on papers, but if you go to his office hours he'll definitely help you out! Hint: he really prefers short sentences and paragraghs 100-150 words long and a open-ended conclusion

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: SOAN128
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class was tough for me because the tests were in class essays based on ethnographies we read and discussed. Tom was a really great professor though because he made the class feel intimate and I felt like I learned so much about how different people view the world.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ANTH128
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This class felt like such a wasted opportunity. The readings are really interesting, but the in class discussion was always just summarizing and never actually analyzing them making class kinda boring. Also it always seemed to me like he struggled to connect with the class. He is clearly nice and smart, but I wouldnt recommend a class with him

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tom. He is my favorite professor at St. Olaf. I genuinely sense that he is so intelligent-- if you just go on a walk with him between classes he'll have you contemplating things you would have never expected. This course, thanks to him, made me grow immensely in my writing ability. He will turn you into the best writer with his paper exams

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tom was one of the best professors I have had at St. Olaf. Although his style of teaching is a bit unconventional, that's what makes his class so interesting and fun. He truly cares about his students and will help in any way he can.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I had him for anthro theory and hes definitely my least favorite professor Ive ever had. He assigns tests one after the other and hes not a fair grader. If you think youre a good writer, youre wrong- expect to get Cs on everything. He often says problematic things in class. The only good thing about him is hes very spirited and passionate.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Such an amazing professor. He uses a good combination of lecture and seminar-style teaching in order to foster discussion. He has so much passion for what he teaches and is very accessible and approachable outside of class. He is a professor that everyone should take before they leave The Hill.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: SOAN128C
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tom was a great prof. He was kind, funny, and did his best to make the class interesting.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great prof with a clear head on his shoulders. Went to class with the assumption I'd be getting my mind blown every day, and that sure happened.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: SCICN217
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very enthusiastic. Eager to help when asked. However, he will talk a LOT, so make sure that he clarifies what his point is. His essay prompts can be very vague and he is a tough grader. Come prepared to class. That above anything else will help you understand what he wants.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SOAN292
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Tom may well be the best professor at St. Olaf. I left every class floored by his insightful perspective on a range of issues, his passion for Anthropology and his commitment to his students. Take all of his classes and go to his office hours every chance you get. You won't be able to get enough of his wisdom in four years.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: SCCN217
• 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:

One of the most amazing professors I have ever had class with. Loved him so much. He is clear, makes you think, even on simple topics that you take for granted. He mostly takes charge of the class, but all for good.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ANTHR128
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof.Williamson is a great man who's very passionate about anthropology. Because he loves what he does so much, you'll find you learned much more than you first thought. He gave four exams, all consisting of 5 essays. the key to getting a good grade is remembering specific examples from the readings, so read everything and study it before exams.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: SOAN128
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He's a great teacher. He's very passionate about the subject and keeps you interested even if the subject isn't particularly interesting to you that day.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ANTHROTHEORY
• 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:

Tom is EXCELLENT. He begs students to come in during office hours so that he can proof your papers for you--take him up on this! He knows what he's talking about, he's interesting, and he's excited to be there. Love him.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: MODSEASIA
• 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:

Any chance you have to take a class from Tom -- do it! He is exceptional! His readings are realistic; he assigns an amount of material that you can actually finish and digest. You will also love his energy. He is a hard grader, so put a lot of time into your papers. He also really likes it when you go into his office hours.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: 128292
• 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:

My favorite prof by far. Williamson will do anything for his students (unlike many here). He knows what he's talking about and puts effort into lectures. His ideas are interesting and innovative. I learned the core of my major in his class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: SOAN128
• 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:

Great prof. Everyone loves him. Well structured lectures that are clear and interesting. He knows his subject in and out and is super willing to help outside of class. Friendly and approachable. Take a class with him. Pretty easy grader if you put in some effort.

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Williamson tied with Wilson as my favorite prof of last sem. He's so passionate about his topic, is a great lecturer and manages to teach a large amount of material in a way that it stick with you. His tests are hard, but if you pay attention to the lectures and take notes, you'll be fine. I learned so much and was sad when class ended.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: INTROTOANTH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

All tests are essays, tends to grade you the same everytime, if you get an A on the first one youw ill get an A on the rest, if not you are screwed. My easiest class became my worst grade