good teacher, funny, smart

Very good and fair prof. Makes class interesting. He's funny too.

this guy is a great prof, keeps the class interesting, i took him for freshman comp and intro to film

Has a very interesting class. Teaches well, and he is pretty easy. Brings some humor to the class.

He is a very good teacher who knows what he's talking about. His assignments and tests are fair and he is very clear about what he wants done. He is very helpful.

he knows what he's talking about, but his film choices leave a lot to be desired. also, he's pretty tough on papers, but he lets you choose your own topics

What an intelligent man! Very funny and interesting guy. Had a great time in class, but some movies made me fall asleep. Papers were hard but were fine in the end. What a nice helpful professor. take him!

I took him for into to film and i didn't have to open the book at all and still got a B. His tests and assingments are very fair. He is very knowledgable about what he teaches. Take him, not bad at all.

This guy is amazingly funny. Offers great discussions. If you want your last paper, please tell him, of course he throws them away but he will never tell you. Smart guy!! :)

Had him for Honors 20th Cent. Civ I-- great guy, probably one of, if not THE best teacher i have ever had. I even want to take film now just because he was such a great teacher. You will not regret taking this man

Awesome teacher. Very good teacher, talks a little fast, but not too hard to keep up with. Very entertaining. Old school films, v. good. Had V. little homework, one take home assignment, mid term was a breeze, and not to bad at all. recommend this class.

DR. SIMON IS AN INCREDIBLE SPEAKER. HE IS WITTY, INTELLIGENT, AND ENCOURAGES PARTICIPATION WHICH IS SOMETIMES CHALLENGING IN LARGE CLASSES. THE FILMS WERE SOMEWHAT "BORING" AT TIMES, BUT CERTAINLY ENTERTAINING. TESTS WERE FAIR AND TAKE HOME TEST

Those movies were horrible...the only thing I got from that class were a few more hours sleep!

Extremely knowledgable about film history - his courses are for serious film students only. If you're looking for an easy class, you will be lost and undoubtedly fail.

this guy is really nice. can be funny in a korny way, but he's kinda cute. class isn't that bad, some films are a little boring but some are also really good. not a bad at all

Awesome class. Really got me interested in the subject. Pay attention in class, don't skip any, read once in a while, and listen to lectures and you will do fine. Definitely learned a thing or two from this professor.

Definitely a professor who challenges you. There was very little theory for this class so I was left to do a lot of my own thinking...He is very informative, always there to help, and open to new ideas. Highly recommended.

BORING! I passed the class, but it was so hard to stay awake. The movies are boring and the class was 3 hours long. If you like old time movies you'll have no problem, otherwise try taking something else. I just took this for a GenEd.

He is a great teacher! He is funny too...in a cheesy way. I totally enjoyed his class. He really knows a lot & cares about film. I think he is sexy too...um, just as a side note...

this was probably one of the most interesting classes i have ever had at msu... prof. simon is laid-back, easygoing, and funny. he was never condescending and always treated you like you were not "lower" than him (like some professors do). and the man knows his stuff. take this class!

Art Simon is the Man. Very laid back, and very informative. He assigns some work, for his lecture days, but you have a week to do it, and it's very very managable. A great professor, and one could only wish all professors are as he is.

don't miss class, watch the movies, and take notes.. you'll do great. YOu never have to read the book! Other than that the class is boring, maybe 3 movies that are interested. Simon is really intelligent and knows his info! I wouldn't take it if you didn't have to unless you are interested in film

Good guy, fair grader, and he knew his stuff. Bring some coffee to class, because most of the movies will put you to sleep. Pay attention to what he says, his tests are based off of what he discusses during class.

I dont think hes as great as the last person who rated him makes him out to be, but he's not bad.

Very surprised to find only one comment on Professor Simon. He is a very interesting and well thought out in his teaching. Enjoyed several of his classes in film and a graduate course with Professor Simon. Highly recommended.

Professor Simon is one of the best teachers I have had at MSU. He is a great guy and an amazing speaker. He welcomes class discussion on all films and readings and is very helpful. Notes and attendance are required. There are 2 tests and 1 assignment. Take the review with Elissa, his TA for the assignment...she is wonderful and it is very helpful.

this guy seems nice but i havent really gotten to know him- i doubt he even knows my name. the class is easy but longggg, i usually sleep straight through the movies but i do well. we dont use the text in class but u def. need it for hw.

Very good teacher and definately knows what he is talking about. He cares about the subject he teaches, which really is a very powerful thing when you consider how many professors just don't care at all. He has taught me more about film than my film production teacher ever did. I would take him again in the blink of an eye for a different class.

Really good teacher and a true cinephile... learned a lot and enjoyed his class...

He is rather humorous and definitely knows what he is talking about. I don't think he really cares about the grades, he just wants you to get to understand the "film language". Movies are mostly very good, only one I fell asleep in.. Lectures are interesting if you actually pay attention. P.S. - Has a hot assistant.

He's very passionate about films. Very insightful. Knows what he's talking about. I enjoyed it. Some films are boring. Slept through most. But, some are reallly good that you can't sleep through them. One midterm. The final is easy if you know the terminology. Final involves a lot of the films, too. So you should try to stay awake for all of them.

If you want the best way to complete this class if you have to take it, take it with Dr. Simon! You only have to take a midterm, final, and a shot-by-shot analysis that takes like an hour. The examinations are not confusing at all if you TAKE NOTES ON EVERYTHING HE SAYS and STUDY! And you are in college, so you should be used to doing just that!

To make sure you'll pass,go to every class;watch the movie;take notes on what he says.He'll give a shotbyshot analysis which is simple;go to the meeting on how to do it!He tells you what will be on the midterm and final.Plus, you don't need the textbook!!:D Bring yourself some snacks and coffee and just enjoy the movies

great teacher! attendance is mandatory! midterm and finals are easy if you read the book or even if you just take down notes in class. One shot by shot analysis which was easy as well if you've taken notes. he tells you to take notes during the movie but its impossible since its pitch black. you honestly don't need them if you remember the movie

I like this class, most of the movies may be in black and white but they are still entertaining enough. The shot-by-shot analysis is easy and if you pay attention to his lectures you'll do fine on the 2 exams. The book is not really necessary. My only issue is the classroom, it is set up like a movie theater which I find annoying.

interesting and easy class, pay attention if you want to do well on the exams but other than that it is an easy A.

Professor Simon is wonderful! He shows a lot of old Hollywood films which I love, so if you dont like old films this might not be the class for you, although I suggest you give it a shot. He's so intelligent and makes the class so interesting. He's extremely friendly and I would love to take another film class with him as my professor! Take him!

Great professor and an easy class. Don't buy the book, just take notes on everything he says and you'll have all you need for the tests. Pay attention and watch the films he plays, they're always entertaining, and also will be on the tests. Every assignment given is easy if you payed attention. His TA is very helpful as well. Take this course!

Professor Simon is awesome! Really knows his stuff and he's incredibly helpful. Some films are entertaining, some aren't. My only complaints are: the room is always 90degrees, the textbook is unnecessary, and the midterm/final are a little hard to study for. Overall, take Simon if you can. Loved him!

His main goal as a teacher is to make you look at film critically. He doesn't give a lot of tests because he cares about what you take out of the class rather, than making sure you memorize everything. If film interests you, there's no way you will not appreciate how insightful he is! This class is basically film history + basic concepts of film.

Professor Simon is awesome. He really cares that you understand the material. There is a midterm, final, and shot-by-shot analysis. They're all pretty easy, if you take really good notes. I would recommend writing practically everything down. Some of the films are pretty interesting, as well. He is really helpful, clear, and lenient! I loved him.

Professor Simon cares more about you getting something out of the class rather then grades. However, his tests can be tricky. Not an impossible class though. As long as you pay attention and put your effort into the class, you'll be okay. Shot-by-shot analysis is not hard, just time consuming. DO NOT BUY THE BOOK! Everything's note-based for exams

Professor Art is awesome. He is super cute and is an amazing teacher. TAKE THIS CLASS. it is super easy to pass and has a hot assistant. he is super clear and always available to office hours. Love this guy

Dr. Simon knows film. He wants you to know film. In his class you don't "watch movies" you "look at films." Think, discuss, take notes, and pay attention. Exams can be tricky, but with good notes, they are on the easy side. Textbook is useless. Take notes. Great class. Did I mention take notes? Bring a snack, sit up front, and take notes :)

Took him for intro to film. Some films are really interesting, while others will bore you to tears. However, his lectures are interesting and he really makes you look at films in a new way. No homeworkno actual participation required, just take notes - super important if you want to pass the tests. Overall, he's wonderful.

I took this class my freshman year, and I enjoyed it. Although it is long, you can't really complain about watching movies. The lectures are interesting if you stop looking at your phone and listen. Yes some of the films are boring, but the discussions after are what makes the course. Try not to be absent or you'll miss a lot of information.

He wants you to actually learn and see film in a new perspective. A nice professor but the class is 3 hours long and some of the films are boring. Definitely great for a film major but if you're not (and not interested) - get ready. TAKE NOTES. Online quiz, midterm, shot by shot analysis, and final. That's it. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Some movies are SUPER boring, I actually fell asleep during a few! Just take notes when he speaks and you'll be completely fine. He's helpful and doesn't mind answering questions. There were no surprises on the midterm and final either. If you need the requirement, pick him!!

Professor Simon made a sometimes boring class much more bearable. He has a dry sense of humor that is subtle at times but funny if you catch it. You mostly need to show up and take notes on the film you watch. If you have the notes, it's pretty easy to pass. Midterm, final, one quiz, and a short paper all of which have very clear guidelines.

if you pay attention to the movies it's easy. Nothing crazy. multiple choice midterm, similar final (he gives you a study guide with EVERYTHING you need to know the week b4). 1-2 easy quizzes. final project which is basically analyzing a 5 minute scene. IDK what everyone is complaining about. some movies were boring but some were good. suck it up

He's a cool guy, very passionate about the subject! Some of the movies were super boring, but the lectures were usually interesting. Don't bother buying the textbook, everything you need to know comes from the lectures (so don't miss class!). I would take him again.

I took him for my art gen-ed requirement. Not a very hard class but he does not use powerpoint or write on the board much, so his lectures are hard to take notes on and it can sometimes be hard to figure out what's important. I heard that he gave out study guides before but for my class he just read terms out of the glossary. Will answer questions.

Simon knows what he's talking about, and if you love film, you'll really love the class. It runs on the longer side and that kind of sucks, but if you're paying attention the class is pretty easy. Bought the textbook, barely use it for class, but it was decently helpful around midterms and finals.

If you take this course, make sure to avoid being absent. Class time is devoted to watching films and discussing their meaning, and there is no make-up work for this. Also, since Professor Simon does not write much on the board, be ready to listen carefully and to take detailed notes. Midterm, 1 paper, and a final. Book is helpful to read.

By far one of the my favorite classes and favorite professors. Simon is really nice and funny and passionate about film, and the lectures were always interesting. The class isn't difficult as long as you take notes during the films and lectures. Grade consisted of one quiz, a midterm, an analysis of a scene and a final. Super easy, take his class!

Professor Simon is such a great guy. His class was so interesting and I have never been interested in film. You only have a midterm, final, one quiz, and one paper. His lectures are great but you can't doze off. Not much is written on the board either. He is always willing to answer any questions or speak after class. Take him!!

Simon is great. Funny, laid back dude. Shows a lot of boring movies but at least you are watching movies instead of math. Cool guy, we actually watched some good movies too. 1 paper, midterm, final and ur done. Deff take

GO TO CLASS. You will regret missing one especially if it is a movie like Citizen Cane ;/ I enjoyed the class but for many it was nap time. Don't sleep in the class. Hes a cool guy and super smart. Wants his students to really take values away from the class. One online quiz, midterm, final and a shot by shot analysis. Make sure you put work in!

Professor Simon's class can definitly get boring since he tends to lecture for a long time but you can tell he really cares about the material and is super knowledgeable. You'll always know exactly what to expect- he's not the type that's out to trip anyone up. He really wants his students to learn something about film. I recommend taking him.

I transferred into this class to fulfill a gen-ed requirement, previously I had no interest in film. However, prof Simon's excitement and passion for teaching made me want to learn more. I looked forward to Prof Simon's lectures and insights into the films we watched. Study for tests and pay attention to lectures and you will do well!

A very nice and thoughtful professor. He's very engaging when he teaches and keeps you involved as much as possible. There are weekly readings that he makes you read and if you don't, and nobody else does, it gets awkward. But my main criticism is the final paper prompt, it's very unreasonable and not practical at all.

The class is pretty easy if you pay attention and take good notes. Most of the glossary terms are easily understandable. There's only 4 assignments, though. If you don't like lectures, you won't like this class. But college is all about lectures so if you don't like lectures you probably won't like college...

This class is entirely lectures and watching films. There are no solid notes to go off of, so you either have to write down important things yourself or have a solid group of people in the class to discuss with. There were only 4 graded things, the midterm & final, plus a quiz and a project. You'll pass as long as you show up and pay attention.

Professor Simon is so caring and enthusiastic about your perspectives on films! There are 2-3 small quizzes and 10 page paper that make up your grade. Pay attention, do the work, and you will pass. Though the material can seem boring at times, he makes it super interesting. Take Professor Simon if you care about film/film history!

If you really care about Film and TV history, you'll love Prof Simon. The material can seem boring at times but it's only because of how long the class itself is. He's very enthusiastic about what he teaches and you can tell he genuinely enjoys hearing what students have to say. Pay attention, take lots of notes, and you'll do great.

Professor Simon is the absolute best. He really loves to hear what you think about the films and is easy to reach outside of class. A lot of people complaining about the course just have zero interest in film, which isn't a fair criticism. He's super passionate about what he's teaching, take him if you're into classic cinema!

Professor Simon is just incredible. Most of the negative reviews are from people who aren't into film which is fine, but not his fault. The class is formatted well, he'd debrief us on what we were about to watch, and then after it was over we'd have sort of a lecture/group discussion about it. He's passionate about what he does and he's hilarious!!

Professor Simon is awesome! He really knows what he's talking about and truly loves film. Interesting lectures, and easy to talk to. He takes his job seriously, but isn't tough; he's really nice. The negative reviews are from students who don't like real cinema, they'd rather watch Marvel movies. You'll learn a lot if you're actually into film.

You have to pay attention and work really hard on the few assignments given, but as long as you show up to class, take notes, and study for the 2 exams and the shot-by-shot, you're set. He's a great professor and I learned a lot from him.

I loved Professor Simon! He was hilarious and was very knowledgeable. The only thing wrong with his class and material was how boring it could be sometimes. There were very few assignments, but no worries, you will pass as long as you take your time to do your work. Also, pay attention and take notes. I seriously cannot stress this enough.

A quiz, 2 midterms, essay on a film, clip analysis assignment, and a final for the whole semester. Some may find his lectures boring, but I found them very informative and they helped me do great on the quizzes. Take good notes! No phones/laptops allowed, so you would need something to write on. Only con is he takes very long to grade.

I really liked Art, he is extremely intelligent and almost a film lexicon in a sense. I thought he was funny. The class can get dull but there is almost 0 work and as long as you go to class and pay attention, you'll be fine.

Super nice, knows what he's talking about. If you don't like films this is not the class for you. Very long class. It is depended heavily off participation, although some people didn't there are usually a handful that keep the conversation going. A couple readings based off the films, take notes esp for your two papers (only graded assignments).

phenomenal teacher, but definitely don't take this class if you aren't super into film. lecture heavy, but there are film screenings in most of classes, unless you have to watch a movie on your own time outside of class. you can tell he knows a lot about film and is VERY passionate. i found his lectures extremely engaging and he is a great guy!

Be prepared to watch films you've never heard of, dating back 50 years or more. While I don't personally mind this, I found it strange that, in 2025, we didn't cover any films from the last 20 years. The class is fairly easy, requiring minimal effort to pass. There's no extra credit and he doesn't use Canvas for grades, but I don't regret it.

Professor Simon is passionate about film and makes lectures engaging, though the class can drag at times. With attentive note-taking and use of tools like Unstuck study, you can ace this course.

Professor S was just an amazing teacher, he helped me a ton with studying for exams.

Simon knows what he's talking about, but MAN his lectures felt like such a drag. Only had 2 assignments and a Midterm/Final to do so I can't stress enough how important it is to take notes. Grading Critera isn't really clear so you won't know your final grade until the end of semester. If you engage, study, and take notes, you'll probably be fine.