Stephen Blackwell - University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Professor: Stephen Blackwell

Department: TBD

College: University of Tennessee - Knoxville

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: RUSS221
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Literally only take this gen ed if you are a Russian major or if you care about Russia. The professor is a VERY harsh grader and in this course you are only graded by 2 papers (about 7 pages in length) and 2 in class essays. The topics and questions are extremely hard to write about. He also fails to post any grades throughout the semester.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: RUS424
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class was very focused on reading., there were 8 books, you will not be able to do anything on your papers. Professor Blackwell is very nice and very understanding but, he is vague about his papers and this makes them very hard to write. There are daily quizzes and articles to read. Not a bad class if you like reading and writing.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: RUSS221
• 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:

I loved this class. The readings were excellent and Dr. Blackwell is incredibly adept at stimulating interesting discussion. Not only was it enjoyable, this class dramatically increased my reading and writing skills. I am an immensely stronger writer because of Dr. Blackwell's guidance. That said, the reading for the class is heavy and challenging.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: RUSS221
• 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:

Dr. Blackwell is a great teacher, obviously enthusiastic about his subject. I had zero interest in Russian lit, but he made it fascinating! A lot of reading, but books are discussed thoroughly in class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: RUSS102
• 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:

Knows his stuff, Will do ANYTHING to help his students learn the material. Def, one of the great little known professors in this university.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ENGL482
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Blackwell is a brilliant professor and you can tell that he really loves his subject, but he often has a hard time relating to the class, and his discussions in class focus on questions that he doesn't have answers to. It's easy to feel inadequate in Blackwell's class. Nevertheless, he's incredibly smart and funny--good professor, just difficult.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: RUSS102
• 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:

Great Professor. My favorite so far.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: RUS210
• 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:

Very good teacher - interested in his students, knows his subject very well, laid back - does require a decent amount of work, but you learn a lot - always available if you need additional assistance.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: RUS101
• 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:

He's a very interesting teacher, and I have to say that he can be pretty funny a lot of the time. I can't really say that I have any sort of beef with him, my only complaint is that the online assignments can be a bit too intensive, but when this is a 4-hour class that can only meet MWF (due to the budget) you have to make do. Favorite Professor.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: RUSS221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I'm not a big fan of Russian Literature, but Blackwell leads some interesting discussions. A nice guy, very smart, has lots to share. Tests aren't too challenging, either, if you read the material. Kudos to Blackwell.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: RUS221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Good Teacher. If you have trouble learning languages and not afraid to try Russian, he is the one to take.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: RUSS202
• 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:

Dr. Blackwell is a great professor. His class is funny and even though its difficult material he takes the time to explain thoroughly, lays out complete detail of what you need to know for tests and is always ready to help if you're having trouble! I highly recommend any of his classes be it Literature or language!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: RUSS221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I really like Dr. Blackwell. Subtly humorous, compelling, and passionate about Russian lit. Always well-prepared for lectures. He expects a lot out of your papers and essay exams, so make sure you stay on top of the reading!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: RUSS202
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Dr. B is great. Always a very positive experience.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: RUS201
• 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:

A great Prof! He wants his students to learn. He is eager to teach and is enthusiastic about the subject. He is always prepared. His lectures are always interesting therefor one is never bored. I recommend him to anyone!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: RUSSLIT
• 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:

A good teacher.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: RUS201
• 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:

Dr. Blackwell is an incredibly good professor.