2.0
Quality4.1
Difficulty75%
Would Retake92
Reviews75%
Would Retake
92
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
8
4
8
3
11
2
22
1
43
What Students Say
“Take for a good laugh, until exams come”
53 - 1.0 rating“If you enjoy hearing a constant but disjointed stream of gibberish, stutters, grunts, mumbles and some random math terms, you'll love taking math 53 with Givental”
MATH53 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
93%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH215B
5.0
(1)MATHH185
5.0
(1)MATH215A
5.0
(1)M1
4.0
(1)53M
3.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
53
5.0
H53
5.0
MATH141
5.0
MATHH185
5.0
MATH215A
5.0
Reviews (92)
COMPLETELY unintelligible. THICK accent. His boardwork and handwriting is a mess. Lectures have little order. ALWAYS lectures too long,past classtime. often makes mistakes and corrects them after. Board looks like scratch paper by the time he's done.
I completely agree with the other rating. Not a good teacher.
he's a smart guy.. but lectures have nothing to do w/ the exams, which are pretty easy though.
He teaches right out of the book, but its so unclear and disjointed that its impossible to understand, so you end up hunched over the book anyway. (A good class if you wanna learn on your own). i dont go to lecture
He could not teach. It's hard for him, cause he doesn't know the language... but sympathy doesn't help you with grades.
Mumbly, unprepared, digression-prone, high squeaky breaking voice (think that ****ly teenager from The Simpsons), poor-teaching, headache-inducing, useless-lecture giver. I learn my material from my GSI and from the book. Avoid like the plague.
he's so boring that the only reason people go to lecture is so they can get a good hour's rest
good sense of (russian) humor. gives fun math brain teasers at the beginning of class. takes a couple weeks to get used to, but it's well worth it. while he may teach the exact material in the book, his style is far from it, making his lectures well worth your time.
He is most definitely the worst professor I have ever had the displeasure of listening to. ever. Only 1/3 of the class is present in lecture on a good day. He manages to use complicated theoretical proofs to explain simple concepts in the most unintelligible mumbling excuse for language possible.
Do you hate numbers? This class will make you miss them. There are hardly any examples, and his lecture focuses on theory. You know you have a good math professor if you never need to read the book. Well, crack it open now. You'll need it. He also can't draw, which means he shouldn't be teaching 53.
He tries. This guy is just way too smart to be teaching undergrad math classes.
cant speak engrish, unclear, tests do not cover material well
worse professor ever, lectures suck! doesnt speak any english!
Completely incoherent lectures, not to mention a thick accent. I learned nothing from going to lecture. The only thing redeeming about lectures were the naps I took. Three thumbs down.
Reasonably good at theoretical explanations, but spent about half of his time on protracted computations. Simple but usually clear sketches. Eccentric but delightful sense of humor.
Once you get used to the thick accent, and give him a chance, you'll realize he's a very good lecturer. Yes, many people nap or don't come to lecture, but they gave up on trying to understand. His drawings are unclear, but LISTEN to him and you'll learn lots. Stay awake and get that A. =)
class was fun, sometimes hard to understand.. midterms were easy, final was hard
A brilliant teacher. Don't listen to others who are too dull to follow his lectures; they probably got bad grades and are blaming everything on the teacher.
Kind of arrogant. Always seems to make students feel bad when they answer questions. However, he is kind of funny. Nice brainteasers toward the end.
he is horrible. avoid his class if possible.
horrible professor... easy midterms but impossible final... take a different professor if possible
easy A
too hard to understand his accent/writing. unhelpful during office hours.
Seems to prefer vague analogies to proof; homework is rarely applicable to tests; difficulty of class varies from day to day; bad board etiquette. Not interested in group theory, which makes him an unusual choice for 113. Not helpful in office hours. Peculiar choice of book makes it difficult for students to go to 114. Avoid.
Avoid at all costs! The book is ridiculously Spartan and has nothing to do with his lectures at all. He's a nice guy, but has terrible handwriting and rambles on about... supposedly relevant topics.
If you can, avoid this professor. He mumbles a lot, and does not give enough explanations. He only hits you with theory, and there is nothing you can do with it, until you read the book. He does NOT grade the class on a curve, so good luck.
If you want a professor who is imposible to understand, who goes straight out of the book so you have no other sources of information, at the end you will spend hours in your GSI's office hours trying together trying to disifer what he was talking about. Oh yeah and the class is not curved, have fun.
INCREDIBLY hard to understand his thick Russian accent. However, our first midterm was relatively straightforward.
Worst teacher ever, his lectures dont make sense, and he expects u to know everything he writes for the test, do not take this class, i love math, and i was not going to get a C- because i cant remember his "Theory" or proof but in reality it's his lecture not proofs.
Avoid at all costs. Very unclear. Attrocious boardwork and just goes off on tangents at times. Furthermore his theory questions are just ridicolous. He never really tells us what he wants on his theory tests but assumes we should know. I really do miss numbers in this class. Also homework has no bearing in class -> way too easy and usless.
Worst teacher I have ever had in my entire life. Do not take this class. He is awful.
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR. PERIOD. If you have to take math 53, take it from a different professor!!
If you love memorizing and regurgitating verbatim lecture notes on exams, then this is the professor for you. There is no feedback mechanism in his lecture. His theory "questions" make no sense. It doesn't help that the GSIs, as always, are socially inept.
he actually does a decent job of explaining his theories and proofs, but his thick accent prevents most people from actually understanding him. if you're taking math 53 just to satisfy a req, avoid him at all costs. the theory will just depress you; it's practically half of the midterms. he does not go over the material in the book either.
Very difficult to understand. Do not take this class. Freshmen beware.
If at all possible do not take this class with him. Unable to read notes, just repeats the same things over and over. Theoretical questions are ridiculous.
Hard to understand, focused on theory rather than problem solving, tough grader
This is absolutely the worst professor I have ever had and possibly the worst at Cal. Forces people to go to lecture because his tests are over theory... he gave 75% of the class a zero on the theory on the second midterm. The tests are not like the problems in the book which is all you have to go on other than his jumbled lectures. AVOID.
Definately one of the worst math professors at Cal. Very smart man, but his accent and the fact that he came to lectures unprepared along with the fact that he expected us to memorize exactly what he wrote and reproduce it for one theory question on each exam was rediculous. I really liked math before I took this class, now not so much.
The worst professor I had at Cal. I went to his office hours to clarify theory every week. So unless you like a theory intensive course where the professor nitpicks on every word you write, do not take this class. The tests are nothing like the homework. Do not take math53 with him if you care about your GPA.
He's picky about theory, wants things done a certain way. A good teacher if you are a hard core math student or a genius. Some of us just can't learn that way. Apart from theory q's his first two midterms were reasonable whereas the final was hard. (got owned) Take this class if you want to be a theorist, stay away otherwise.
What he teach, theory, is nothing related to book, but is 37.5% of the midterms. class attendance is mandatory if u want to do well in the theory part of the tests. Has thick accent but expects u to know and memorize what he's talking about and write it back down on the tests. good thing class is curved so 50% is still a B- (second midterm)
This class is HARD, because he makes it hard (see other comments). What I found worked was taking copious notes and before midterms/finals, studying them like crazy. And you have to be good at actually doing the math too. Avoid if possible, but if you're stuck here, have fun....
VERY cool person. Teaches everything you will ever need to know. Very concise, cuts the crap when dealing with math. He teaches REAL math. Gets people to understand the real concepts when dealing with math, not the fluff other people give. =)
worst math prof. i ever had... his theo. questions are graded ridiculously.. and also, his final almost has nothing to do with the book questions... avoid at all cost....
As I was taking the final, I realized that I spent a whole semester trying to learn Math 53 reading the book extensively, going to every lecture and discussion section, but learned nothing. I wonder if I would learn as much Math 53 on my own than taking him.
Multivariable calculus - how hard could it possibly be- that is- if complicated lectures featuring theory never mentioned in the book is your idea of a class. Difficult material, exams. The only saving grace is a ridiculous curve - 10/40 on the 2nd midterm was a c-
worst teacher ever
Seriously, he needs to teach Math instead of teaching his "theory" about math. His test suck because he expects you to remember every part of his lecture and regurgitate it back in the test, which is 40 % or your test grade. Lectures were useless and unclear every time especially with his thick and heavy Eastern European accent. Take Hutchings.
Definitely not the easiest section of Math 53. His accent is thick, but if you make the effort to understand the theory rather than just the applications, this class will be extremely rewarding. Just make sure you know mathematical notation and can do basic proofs.
He is very kind and helpful during office hours. However, I cannot understand a thing he's saying in class and also the handwriting that gets all messed up. Well he's a nice guy but the exams aren't so nice.
Very hard to understand. heavy accent. i was lucky to have a very good gsi that was very helpful. his midterms are quite easy just make sure you check your answers properly, but the final is impossible. good luck
this prof is super hard, and he would ask questions that NEVER appears ANYWHERE.... and with his accent.. there's NO WAY to understand him..
worst math class I've ever taken
Ummmm... well if you don't read the book you are screwed, so when the homework says read... READ!!! so when he teach on lectures you'll get it... that's why students says he is hard but is not really... well he has accent but if you read the stuff before he lectures, you'll snap them... so good luck guys. have fun and don't trap yourself like other
If you are unfortunate enough to have to take M53 with him, his lectures will make a lot more sense if you read Principles of Mathematical Analysis (Rudin). Givental likes to use languag3e from Analysis that Calc students usually don't know.
hard exams and finals, test problems difficult and may include parts of his lectures which tend to be very difficult to understand. teaches very fast and isn't clear most of the time.
Avoid Givental. He does not follow the flow of the textbook and goes off topic with strange derivations during class.
Very hard to understand and teaches his own principles of math, not the textbook math. Test problems are very complex, but the curve makes it easier. Students must learn very independently as his lectures don't help at all. The hardest part about the exams is understanding what he is asking for. However, he does re-use problems from previous exams..
He seems knowledgeable but doesn't teach very well. His language, mannerisms and teaching methods are useless. If you read this and have ANY choice in taking Math 53, PLEASE do not take it with him. Even if you end up with a good grade, you probably had a lot of help or went through all problems.
Avoid at all costs
Interesting class, sometimes hard to understand due to his accent. He was more interested in presenting all the material rather than making sure everyone understood it, but besides that I liked the class
Unclear and confusing lectures that are often badly-done derivations. Discussion somewhat useful, especially considering the lectures. Homeworks are from book and are fine. Tests are difficult, almost a crapshoot because of how unfamiliar the material on them is.
Had this guy many years ago, but far and away the worst professor I'd ever had. Illegible writing, rambling discussions, tests you then couldn't prep for, and office hours where he said he didn't need to give problem solutions b/c "you would know when you got it right." (on exiting that particular session a fellow student burst into tears. Really.)
He was really really bad. The thing is, he's a VERY smart guy and he simply cannot understand why his students don't get the material. I've put in so much work into the class and I've seen almost nothing. The exams are extremely different from hw/lectures/prac probs/textbk, and I struggled so badly. Don't take it with him if you can help it. Truly.
I am a math major, and I used to like math until I have Givental. He will be the reason why I switch, poor hand writing, poor explanations, horrific accent, avoid at all cost.
This guy is the worst. His lectures are nearly useless. My GSI saved my ass because he was good. Even with a good GSI and working my ass off I did mediocre on tests. His tests were all theoretical and not applications so they were very difficult to study for. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
Advice: (1) Hope for a good (and merciful) GSI (2) Be able to understand Russian accents (3) Be able to decipher really bad blackboard handwriting (or know someone who can). Midterm grading system was absurd, having a good GSI can make or break your grade.
Givental is wasted. I got C- just because his final does not make any sense. Warn all other students next year: Unless you have no hope for your college life, do not take his class!
Clearly does not enjoy teaching... He's brilliant but not good at getting his points across or staying on track or teaching in general.
Worst teacher I've ever had. I did not learn a single thing from him. His lectures are useless because of his thick accent and bad handwriting. He also gets sidetracked a lot. His tests were impossible. He also is unhelpful and even nasty in office hours. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
If I didn't have such an excellent GSI, I would have certainly failed. Givental is brilliant, but obviously uninterested in teaching undergrads. Heavy accent, unclear lectures, impossible midterms (the final was actually do-able by some miracle). If he is your only option, wait to take the class next semester with a better prof. AVOID AVOID AVOID
A hard class, but not too bad.
His lectures are hard to follow sometimes, so it'd be best if you read the textbook prior to each lecture. He is pretty helpful when you ask him questions one-on-one or at office hours. His accent takes time to get used to and his handwriting is hard to read sometimes, but he is enthusiastic and likes to make jokes. The tests are hard but curved.
Lectures are extremely fascinating if you can follow them. One of the smartest people I've ever met. This having been said, on a personal level, he is somewhat of a monster. He is even condescending to other professors. I hear he was better-liked at CalTech. Only take his class if you are certain you can handle him, otherwise he will crush you.
Lectures are extremely fascinating if you can follow them. One of the smartest people I've ever met. This having been said, on a personal level, he is somewhat of a monster. He is even condescending to other professors. I hear he was better-liked at CalTech. Only take his class if you are certain you can handle him, otherwise he will crush you...
I really don't know why there is so much hate to this professor. I wasn't going to take him at first but classes were full. He's happy to help his students though and is willing to reteach things to you if you don't understand. Tests were a little too hard though,stupid wordings+harsh grading. If you do the homework though its very easy to get a B!
If you can't learn on your own take someone else there are way better professors However the tests correlate to whats being covered in class so that made it better. Will go over homework and curved midterm because he wanted us to pass. If you show him you're trying then he will help you out.
Don't even go to lectures, there's no point. He's very hard to understand and you probably need to learn Russian in order to do well.
In this class you always have the option to try to understand what exactly the words he is saying, or try to understand the alien diagrams on the board. Don't worry he will relieve your stress by telling jokes half the time. To be most helpful, he posts a pure audio of his lectures with nothing else online. Take for a good laugh, until exams come.
He writes like a 2 year old, meaning it's basically chicken scratch. He is unclear in explaining the subject and although he likes to make jokes, jokes do not help on his exams which are tough. He can't teach so students resort to the textbook, but without a good GSI, you probably won't pass. Avoid if possible or you better figure something out.
If you enjoy hearing a constant but disjointed stream of gibberish, stutters, grunts, mumbles and some random math terms, you'll love taking math 53 with Givental. He is unorganized, skips around, and is downright unintelligible. The class (53) is doable with a good GSI, but getting an A will be so much more work than its supposed to be. Avoid!!!
He might be difficult if you rely on lecture to learn course material, but if you're a quick learner, he is always interesting, funny, and goes beyond the course material. His enthusiasm for math is easily visible, though it might make lecture a bit hard to follow as he goes pretty quickly, but will do his best to answer questions
Absolutely the worst educator I have ever experienced, which is a shame because Givental is extremely intelligent and nice. The problem is his accent - it's almost impossible to understand. His handwriting doesn't do him any favors either, and his tests go beyond the lecture material. I self-taught myself this course. Do NOT take his class.
Lectures were at times hard to follow for even the most advanced students. Homework was manageable and fair, working with someone else helps. Has 6 hours of OH a week, willing to help. He's blunt, and talking to him will make you feel dumb, which can be a good thing if you're really trying to learn. Sometimes, a 5 minute quiz was more like 1.5 min.
Russian English is really hard to understand. I just attend one class and do not want to take again.
he makes lots of jokes in class. As an international student, at first its hard to follow his accent, but later, I am used to it.
Accelerated class, one of the hardest math class in Berkeley. He has accent and unclear writings and tough quizzes. However, he is an amazing lecturer! If you actually follow his lecture, you will find that his perspective is very thought-provoking. If you put in the time, you will find it very worth (learning/hour spent ratio is really high)
Givental is fantastic!
Prof. Givental is an amazing mathematician and offered novel perspectives in his lectures. Homework problems were few (4/week), yet difficult. However you could always get sufficient help in OH. The final also clobbered every homework; the course was a great experience overall.
He is the best! Quite wide but amazingly associated topics, worth reviewing. He is a really nice and caring person. I was afraid to reach out to professors, but he made me way less nervous to expose my stupidity. Super smart but not condescending at all, just cannot understand what confused us and would explain things over and over again.
I WOULD PAY YOU NOT TO TAKE THIS CLASS. Course completely unrelated to teaching! No syllabus provided! Worse, he once made us do a page of math exercises from a Russian textbook (in Russian) for no discernible reason. Be ready for misogyny, incoherent tests, patronizing comments on your quizzes, and an accent thicker than the professor's own head.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
93%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.20 avg changeRatings by Course
MATH215B
5.0
(1)MATHH185
5.0
(1)MATH215A
5.0
(1)M1
4.0
(1)53M
3.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
53
5.0
H53
5.0
MATH141
5.0
MATHH185
5.0
MATH215A
5.0