2.6
Quality4.1
Difficulty26%
Would Retake93
Reviews26%
Would Retake
93
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
16
4
18
3
11
2
17
1
31
What Students Say
“By all means if your a film student he is amazing”
ENFL208 - 2.0 rating“DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS IT IS HORRIBLE”
ENFL354 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
98%
Textbook Required
36%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.15 avg changeRatings by Course
FILM01
5.0
(1)ENGFL3
5.0
(1)ENLTONE
5.0
(1)ENGL300
5.0
(3)ENFL490
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ENFL200
5.0
ENFL354
5.0
ENFL245
5.0
ENFL356
4.8
ENFL295
4.5
Reviews (93)
Wouldn't recommend this taking this professor at all. He has a severe superiority complex and loves to demonstrate when he feels you haven't done your best (i.e. showing which kid has done the best online responses of the week, etc.) Some of the movies shown were interesting but he refuses to let you enjoy them at all. Take him at your own risk.
He is a young professor you are either going to LOVE or HATE...It's his first year teaching at MSU and just graduated college himself. Give him a break! He's new. With that in mind- He Doesn't take attendance, a bit judgmental, heavy work-load but you WILL learn a lot. A laid back guy, easy, and good to know. TAKE HIM! :-)
Professor Lykidis is great, all around. He leads very interesting discussions, and allows everyone to have their own say, whether we agree or not. He also NEVER tells you you're wrong, which I appreciate. And, he's easy on the eyes!
Best Teacher out there, Nuff said
Recommend taking Lykidis' class, very well taught, BEST TEACHER I HAD THIS YEAR.
Worst teacher ever. If you're not a film major or interested in the same films he is stay away! He only chooses his favorites in class, and doesn't acknowledge a raised hand. Long class,no breaks. Hard tests, although he gave a curve, I still failed a test. Rolls his eyes at stupid remarks, and gets angry if you whisper something quick to a student
The class is hard and he doesn't give breaks. He definitely plays favorites and everyone else isn't recognized. Would stay far away from this class as possible
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! THE WORST CLASS YOU WILL EVER TAKE! Almost the whole class failed the first test and although he curved it it was really hard. Keeps you the full 3 hours with no break. The movies are really boring and in multiple languages. If you love film DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. If you're an english major take a different teacher.
horrible professor. flies through his lectures and will make you feel like an idiot if u dont understand something. makes the class feel very intimidating. the work is extremely hard even though its an intro class. i definitely do not recommend this professor
Do not take this class with this professor. He really does not seem to care if his students are not doing well. He is rude and talks down to us. He has his favorites in class and expects a high level of work and understanding for students who are taking a 200 level introduction course. Horrible professor.
Despite the level of difficulty in this professor's class I have to say that it was extremely interesting. A class on film is not designed to be a movie theater experience. (Lay back, eat popcorn, and enjoy the show)I found the class to be intellectually stimulating. If you actually want to learn something about truly great films then take thisclas
the movies suck, there all old and most of them are outside the US. You have to do a pointless blackboard post every week, and you have to sit for the whole 3 hours. the readings are long and boring and the tests are hard and all writing and then you still have class after. very hard class had to work my ass off for a b+
This was by far the worst class I have taken thus far at MSU. The work load is ridiculous for an intro course, more so than my major courses! The test are extremely difficult and he expects you to know much about film. I would suggest you avoid this class if possible.
This class is alright. Some of the films are good, other ones suck. The exams are a bit challenging though. It's a 3 hour class, so if the movie's boring, the class will go by slow. Only take this class if you are into older and foreign movies.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this class, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not much outside work, save for studying and one or two take home exams. You also have to post something on a discussion forum weekly, but honestly, it's no big deal. Just pay attention, go to class, and you'll be fine. His tests aren't that bad..very fair grader!!!
RUN AWAY. This man has an english degree and teaches an intro to film class? He talks to fast, very unclear, and his exams are annoying. He has no interest in the subject and often forgets what he is even talking about. FIND ANOTHER PROFESSOR IF YOU CAN.
Sure this class is a lot of work but it's worth it. Don't take Professor Lykidis if you want to watch blockbuster films and goof off. But if you want a real class taught by a real film professor then this class is for you. Besides, prof. is cute if you're into indie film types.
WARNING! Do not take this class unless you have a sincere interest in film. Personally, I loved it. The class was too big though. It should not be an English course. lThe professor is awesome and really knows what he's talking about. I learned so much. The work load is not bad, and the exams are kinda tough. Study and go to class!
Lykidis is like Timothy from the Life and Times of Tim, which is awesome. Good dry sense of humor. So if you like the life and times of tim and if you like awesome independent and foreign films then definitely take this class.
Dr. Lykidis has a very nervous energy when he is teaching. He doesn't seem comfortable so you aren't really comfortable. The films aren't bad. Only one or two that I really didn't like. The mid-term was fairly standard in terms of difficulty for this level of a course.
The class is 3 hours long and he is a nice guy but he is really confusing.The class was huge and attendance is mandatory.Everyone did so bad on the first test he had to curve the grade.Only take this class if you are into film.If not, I recommend you steer clear.I cannot stand it at all.Too hard for someone with little interest to film.
Relies on notes way too much, makes you take notes on your reading and relies on those notes for everything, I'm not a not taker so this class wasn't for me
Bottom Line: this class is great. True, Prof Lykidis expects a lot from his students, but he gives back much more if you listen to what he has to say. The films he has selected are all important, and great to watch alongside his input, which is both thoughtful and humorous. If you seriously want to learn about film, you should take this course!
The Best!!
Prof. Lykidis strikes me as quite knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. The main issue, for me, is that he lacks a clear pedagogical strategy. I think he needs to continue honing the ability to clearly articulate his knowledge of film to an audience of students who are interested, but unfamiliar with the content.
He is very interesting and well-spoken.
taking Lykidis has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my academic career. only regret leaving msu is i can't take him a 3rd time. He is extremely passionate and knowledgable. He is absolutely brilliant! He expects you to work hard but his course is 1 of the most rewarding 1 of the best professors MSU has to offer. by FAR!
You can't cruise through this class without studying. You can't cruise through this without attending class and taking notes. Professor Lykidis takes you through the history of film and introduces key concepts both historical and technical. You will learn a lot if you apply yourself.
Prof. Lykidis is one of the most accessible instructors you will find, uninterested in self-glorification, and is genuinely interested in his students' ideas. He has never failed to deliver the kind of intellectual motivation required for college. He is a sincere example of one who engages and encourages a personal learning experience.
Prof. Lykidis has been the best professor I've had at Montclair so far. His classes are very intellectually appealing and he has helped me tremendously improve my writing. Definitely take him if you are very passionate about English. His class is very challenging and you have to work for your grades; he doesn't just hand out A's or play favorites
Prof. Lykidis is helpful and wonderfully articulate. Speaks with passion about subject matter. because of this class watching film and TV does not feel so painfully passive, like brainwashing any more. The class size and duration sometimes made it hard to stay engaged. The professor tries to make the material interesting, accessible, and relevant.
The guy knows what he's talking about and seems interested in the subject matter. However, it seems he would be better suited writing a textbook than teaching a class. Dry as all hell. The films are great and the class is easy. As long as you take notes you'll be absolutely fine.
While his ENFL 208 may be boring but easy, his other classes beyond Intro gets stupidly hard. Weekly 40-60pg readings and open-ended pop quizzes that he literally wants an exact answer to or you'll get a D. If you're forced to take another ENFL after Intro, don't take Lykidis. You will have to perform long superhuman feats just to get at best a B.
He is the worse teacher ever. He only teaches his theories. He puts people down, and talks in a rude manner. He is seriously the worse thing ever. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS IT IS HORRIBLE!o
He's rather rude and will make you feel bad if you get a wrong answer. His class is extremely difficult and draining, I would not suggest it.
It's tricky to explain exactly how I feel towards Prof. Lykidis. Like most of the reviews here, it's a very mixed bag with him. The lectures given feel like they come straight from the textbook (hint) but watching and analyzing films afterward (essentially the purpose of the class) was no trouble.
This was the absolute worse class I could have taken. By all means if your a film student he is amazing. If your not... STAY AWAY! This class is so long! His lectures put you to sleep. And you will fail the midterm if you don't know everything he is talk about in class. This class is so annoying
Boring.
Professor Lykidis while monotone & can be construed as boring, is passionate & committed to the art of film. Never missed a class, no technology allowed. Classes run LONG so have your coffee with you! Grading is fair, PARTICIPATION MATTERS. It saved my butt so do it. Only take this class if you are passionate for the intricacies of film. 4 Stars.
Professor Lykidis is an excellent instructor, one who--despite often having large classes--takes the time to give thorough, individual feedback to each and every student. He is incredibly helpful, but don't expect an easy A! He will put you to work, but you will learn a lot... I reached out to him for help and he was more than willing to assist!
Best teacher I've had at Montclair in the Honors program. Really tough class but I learned so much. I learned how to write about film along with the concepts we had to cover for Contemporary Civ. We watched some incredible films as a bonus! Super smart guy, intense, but very caring and will give you all the help you need if you ask. Would audit.
Professor Lykidis is a very difficult professor but very rewarding. Bets professor I've had. The lessons he provides are challenging but once you get them down, the whole unit opens up for you. He is very willing to work with you if you go to his office hours and let me hand in several late assignments in order to pass. Great guy.
This is for Intro to Film only. THIS. MAN. SUCKS. I am a film major, love film. This guy actually makes me HATE film, that is how terrible he is. Gives an insane amount of notes each class and expects you to know everything for the exams, which are HARD. Take this class with ANYONE ELSE but this guy. I had to work so hard for a B. Stay away
If you're a film major and are very interested in the small details of film, definitely take him. If you're looking to just get a Gen Ed out of the way, find a different professor. He posts the textbook online and there are a lot of online assignments on analyzing scenes from the films in class. There's 3 exams and the take home exam is brutal.
Alexios wont allow absences at all unless you file a complaint to the dean. The content was very subjective opinions on film, yet if we ever wrote a contrasting argument against the material in our paper, it was an instant C or below. Ive also never had a professor who would cut students off while talking in open discussions as much as he did.
He takes his class... very seriously, for lack of a better term. No phones, laptops, electronics, etc. He will stop his whole entire lecture to ask one student to put something away. The lectures themselves are very dry, but you learn a lot. Tests aren't too bad so long as you check Canvas and make sure you know basic terms.
Boring didn't care for anything
I can confidently state that there is nothing to really worry about. Professor Lykidis is humorous, and tries to relate the film material to relevant political / cultural issues. As long as you do your discussions, participate, and take notes of key terms (which he tends to signify), you should be fine.
Do not, I repeat do not take this class. Don't
If you are taking Alex as a nonfilm major DO NOT. He is very knowledgeable but is intimidating and you will not want to take him unless you have to. Taking notes in class is difficult because you cannot see while writing. Also, there is a lot of reading for this class.
a 2 hour class, only meeting once a week. recommend you come for attendance or your grade gets effected. I was not informed that all the films will be in a foreign language and by the time I realized it was too late to drop. the midterm was weird to study for too meaning its almost impossible. not sure what he expected us to do so i received a D.
His tests are hard but open note, so focus your time on copying all the reading quotes and page numbers on his slides under each topic/term because the rest of the slides are posted on canvas. As long as you understand the terms and have reading quotes to back them up, you'll ace any test/paper. A lot of work though. Don't take if not a film major
Most definitely isn't for everyone. First film theory class that I actually struggled in because of how meticulous his questions are; its almost as if he's seeking a specific answer from you rather than letting you conceptualize theories for your own interpretation. Wouldn't take him again. Cool dude outside of the classroom though!
If you skip this class YOU will fail. So you basically watch a film and either before hand or after he will give you movie terms you need to remember for the midterm and the final. When I tell you the midterm and final is extremely hard, I am not lying. He is very confusing as a professor.
He isn't an easy A, but he really challenges you intellectually. He never dismisses an answer to a question in class and always finds a way to connect it to the film you're learning. This guy really knows what he's talking about and is able to clear up any confusion, and is very thorough. If you're lazy and looking for an easy A, don't take.
likeskids is an awful professor and a ridiculously hard grader. Pretty much everyone in the class is a film major but he grades us like English majors. He claims participation matters but I participated on multiple occasions and know people who didn't participate at all get a higher grade. This whole class is pretty much useful info
Honestly, if you actually try in his class then you'll get a good grade. He clearly cares about the material and is extremely knowledgeable. If you are looking to slack off then he isn't for you. IF you are interested in film studies and critical analysis then take his class. Simple as that.
This professor SUCKS! I don't know what the people who gave him good ratings are snorting. His lectures are dry as hell and put you to sleep, he expects a ton of work out of you. I can't say enough bad things about him. If you have an option, don't take this guy, it'll only add to the stress school gives you. The thought of his class raises my BP.
Awful. Under no circumstances should you take this guy. You'll basically be teaching yourself and reading books with complicated wording. Extremely tough grader and pretty condescending.
Nothing you make will ever be good enough. Also, unrelated but I took "American Cinema" or something like that and he teaches it as an independent film study which is VERY separate from what I was expecting.
It's confusing as to why a man that doesn't like to teach would ever become a professor. All of the learning in this class will be done on your own accord as he doesn't bother to teach you himself. He makes you quote readings for the midterm exam but doesn't make the readings available to the student. Horrible professor, avoid at all costs.
Don't EVEN bother.
For a guy who claims to be an intellectual he sure doesn't know how to operate a class.
Participation is key, but he talks a lot which makes it hard to participate at times. Personally I had a hard time staying engaged with the material and I found his class a bit boring. He clearly cares about the material, but his teaching style is pretty difficult. Lots of homework.
Took him twice because I had to in order to graduate. Would not willingly subject myself to his "teaching."
Required to take this class. Would never take again. Hardly ever gives feedback. Feel like I wasted lots of time listening to a lot of BS in this class.
Pretty knowledgeable. need to pay attention during lecture and do the readings. not bad if you try
I worked for the C-. AVOID AVOID AVOID. Very robotic and monotone. This is the more ARTSY and CRITICAL side of film that no one is really excited about, unless you're really into figuring out how a particular shot of a film reflects the socio economic armageddon of 19-who cares, this class is for you. Otherwise, AVOID. Take with someone else.
Alexios Lykidis has the personality of a saltine cracker but I feel like he's a nice guy outside of being a professor. I personally would have expected more out of someone who works in film. If you don't show up for class you will miss out on movies that you need to know information from. It is VERY lecture heavy so make sure you pay attention.
I personally think he's overhated. His class was fair and he's a nice respectful guy. He will answer any questions thoroughly and he curved our grades. He makes it clear what notes he wants you to take, my only complaint is that he doesn't write them down as he's going. He listens to feedback. Great films, but make sure you're rested before class.
easy class. lecture heavy, he talks low and slow but that made it easy for me to organize my notes. no computers so everyone wrote on notebooks. loved the films we watched. 3 exams that were not difficult at all. based on notes & lectures so pay attention. 2nd exam was a paper & shot by shot analysis which was annoying but not too hard.
Besides his personality that's as stale as bread from WWII, he is very knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. That being said, make sure you always show up well awake and alert because his lectures are not for the faint of heart and will include a lot of info in a very short time. His lectures are timed to the second so he will rush through info
Nice enough guy, but his lectures are very boring and he assigns very dense readings for rather simple concepts and you have to read the readings in order to do the assignment as he requires direct quotes from the readings.
He is NOT a teacher. Lectures for 2 straight hours without any hints on what to write in your notes so you just have to write down as much as you can or whatever YOU THINK will be on the tests. Absent ONCE or being a little late will actually put a dent in your grade. You WILL fail if you don't participate. STRICT no electronic policy in class.
I have never once reviled a professor enough to write one of these rate my professor things before. Alex Lykidis fundamentally shakes me to my core with sheer anger. This man manages to talk about film history with the same excitement as filing one's taxes. It would be nice if we watched one film produced by a women but who am I to ask...
Absolutely awful.
I took this class for a few extra credits. However, I would never recommend his class to anyone. If you are not familiar with film prior to his class you will struggle. He also has a strict attendance policy that includes only one excused absence for the entire 16 week period. He gives 3 exams throughout the semester, two midterms and a final.
Dude is super serious about the subject matter. If you put in the work you'll get a decent grade. Films are pretty interesting, not the run of the mill film selection. If you want an easy class this probably isn't for you...
I took Lykidis for two consecutive semesters, that's how much of a fan I am. To make a long story short, he is strict, but fair. Everyone I know that complained about him would submit things late then moan to him about how he's "unfair" even though he gives us ample time to do it. On top of that, yes the tests are tough, THEY ARE OPEN NOTES THOUGH!
He does not know how to properly grade your assignments on Canvas. Instead he had all the exams I took reduced to an F. Throughout the whole semester he would've addressed anything sooner but never spoke to me whatsoever. Some of the movies he assigned weren't even that good. I should've switched his class when I had the chance.
Not a good professor. The tests are tough and even if you read the stuff, he gives you and take notes, the stuff on the tests is usually not what you have learned. He is over the top rude. Does not tell you what stuff you write down, so you're expected to write down everything. Strict no technology rule. The movies picked were not that good.
I got lucky with him. Do not take this class because his tests are worth a lot of points and also they are extremely long. Would not reccomend.
this class did not feel worth it though he teaches well he is very strict on technology making it feel like you are being taught by a caveman sometimes on top of that some of the films he chooses to show are good or horrible, making this class excruciatingly boring and long all I can recommend is to do all you can on the tests that he hands out.
Worst professor i have ever had in my three years at Montclair, I am NOT lying to you. Lectures are long and boring, he just yaps and yaps and you need to guess what material will be on the tests he gives out, though he tells you to write stuff down, it doesn't mean that piece of information will specifically be on the tests. Terrible professor.
At first seemed really bad but got a little better then got bad again. Very front heavy with assignments then not much work. Lectures are just boring and have too much info. Does give a lot of extra credit opportunities as well.
i'm honestly pretty neutral on him. while yes, his lectures are EXTREMELY boring due to his monotone voice, i don't mind him that much. i appreciate that he always tells the class exactly what assignments to do and expect upcoming. also the entire course is planned out. i would just drink an energy drink before and you're good to go.
This is the worst professor I've ever taken his exams literally make me cry out of frustration because I go to class and study the questions HE PROVIDES and then he proceeds to use none of said questions. He also chooses to use the most complex words when talking and on exams that are impossible to understand and tries to confuse with wording of.
he's not very entertaining which makes lectures difficult to listen to and take notes on. he always seems annoyed
Avoid at all cost!!! Alexios Lykidis is an awesome person out side of class, but as a prof. just get another prof. or drop the class. There is a lot of notes you must take to have a chance of passing. He won't tell you about your grade until the end of the semester and the extra credit is going to watch films at ungodly time. Never again!!!
Very lecture-heavy class; it reminds you that you are not in high school and that this is a college-level course. If you are a film student, this will probably be one of the more difficult classes you will take. However, Lykidis makes you appreciate how films are made and the historical context behind them. Went in hating class, came out enjoying.
A perfectly average prof. My consensus is if you didn't choose to have him, don't drop out cause you'll be ok, but don't willingly choose to have him teach you. Study questions are a lifesaver and help organize notes, but you will need to memorize those notes and put in the work. Write EVERYTHING down, never miss class, and readings are skippable.
Idk how to start this but he's a mediocre teacher at best he gives decent lectures and will give out a few tests, which aren't hard if you study properly but this class is a huge challenge no doubt, he is fair and gives a few extra credit opportunities but this class is incredibly painful to take so be prepared if you need to take this class
While he is very knowledgeable about the subject, the class could be better. It's very lecture-heavy, so you need to pay close attention to take good notes. The assignments and tests are also challenging, and his grading system isn't great. I wouldn't recommend taking this class unless you are a film major, and even then, be cautious.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
98%
Textbook Required
36%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.15 avg changeRatings by Course
FILM01
5.0
(1)ENGFL3
5.0
(1)ENLTONE
5.0
(1)ENGL300
5.0
(3)ENFL490
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
ENFL200
5.0
ENFL354
5.0
ENFL245
5.0
ENFL356
4.8
ENFL295
4.5