I loved this class. He really pushes you to think and question what you read. If you want to take an active, lively class where you actually think and discuss literature, go for Riss! Arguing with his views are encouraged - as long as you can back up your interpretation. Great!

fabulous class..... neato teacher. professor riss is an odd duck and i love him

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Riss isn't for everyone. If you don't do your reading and don't speak in class, he is not for you. If you like to actually engage your mind and learn something in college, he is a great, if high-strung, prof. who will sit and argue with you over something in a book for hours. You really get what you put in what you put into his classes.

I had him in Hawthorne, too. I found that Prof. Riss was nice, easy to speak to outside of class, and he had a great enthusiasm for his subject. I wish that we had got to look at Hawthorne from more perspectives and not just historical/political. I found it very difficult to figure out what exactly he wanted.

Awesome guy- very passionate- enthusiastic.

he knows his stuff. he's tough but funny.

I had him as an American Lit professor at URI back in...oh, I don't know, 1999-2000 I think...still reference what he taught me today. I really enjoyed his class.

Riss is an eccentric genius. Class is a riot, challenging and engaging. this guy has a high power intellect. If you stay with him its a hell of a ride.

He is a total hottie! Super smart and different!

If you want a class on existential thinking (even though he teaches LIT.) and an intriguing professor... take his class. If you aren't used to thinking about philosophical ideas, though, don't take his class. His teaching doesn't foster all learning styles. If you can listen to a brilliant guy talk about his take on life... (cont.)

...relate that to your own thinking, and to the lit. your reading, without feeling anxious about questioning your entire world view... take his class. His ideas will inevitably dominate though. He sets the tone. You need to be able to follow his train of thought or your in trouble. I adored him, but I also think he can improve his teaching style.

He does expect a lot of work from his student but I do think that he is a great student.He does call people out when he has the feeling you did not do the reading but I never saw him upset or aggravated.His class is fun

Not an easy teacher, but awesome nevertheless. Really improves the way you think. Class ranks as one of the most interesting, funny, and useful I've taken at SSC. Prepare to work, read, interact with classmates. Looked forward to coming to class daily. Highly recommended.

For me, this class was life changing, but Riss is definitely not for everyone. He is hard but I think he so hard because he wants to change the way students think. He really encouraged me to read deeper into books and realize the connections to the time and place something was written.. Thats all.. Happy holidays!

I don't know why people say Riss is so hard. As long as you do the reading, listen in class, and think...you'll do well. It's a college class and he teaches students like we're in college.

Felt like the first REAL college class I took at Salem. Riss is really funny and always says surprising things. And he has a great dog.

I don't know how ad hominem attacks on a professor help to convey information about the professor's TEACHING, so perhaps the people who resort to such claims are the ones that just don't do the work. If you're lazy, don't waste everyone else's time. Riss is awesome. I did better in all my classes because of what he taught me.

I understand what everyone else is saying, but overall I thought he was a nice guy and I would take the class again. You need to always have the text, read the text, do the work by basically repeating back what he has said and you will get a good grade. If you are lazy/do not want to read don't take this class.

Riss made me think. I loved being forced to do more than just memorize facts.

1 of those profs that challenges you to think deeply about how literature raises issues that really matter. He often has a very definite point to make but really wants class discussions, & values your opinions. I'm a psych major, but he really made english enjoyable...teaching me things that I'll take w/ me 4ever.

readings were substantially interesting and went well with his lectures. he's a rather zany guy and uses an unconventional method of teaching that makes literature more fun and engaging for anybody. encourages you to stop by his office and chat about texts or whatever you may please; he listens real well.

Class made me think about literature in a whole new way. Riss is funny and a bit eccentric and great. I always looked forward to the class. Very strongly recommend if you want to do more than get an easy A.

One of the best and most interesting professors at Salem State. As long as you do the reading (bring book to class!!) and are interested in being part of classroom discussion, you'll do good. Class was easily my favorite one to attend. Outside of class Riss is very open to talking with students about ideas and assignments.

he is the energizer bunny!

Riss has a real passion for teaching. He is really into talking about really complex ideas. An amazing teacher. He is demanding but he made me care about school.

Take ALOT of notes and always bring the book to class.

A somewhat difficult class, but you will learn so much. Do the reading and bring your book to class and listen to him! You will never be bored in his class; I guarantee it:)

Riss comes with an adjustment period, but once you get past it, he's simply wonderful. He's not interested in filling up your head with information; rather, he wants to reshape (and deepen!) the way you think about texts. Trust me, you won't be bored with him. And he is VERY nice! In fact, he encourages students to talk with him outside of class.

Just a comment to the person who called Dr. Riss not knowledgeable, yet admitted he or she did not really know him at all: this guy is a freaking genius. You will never look at literature or American society the same way again. I would take any course that Dr. Riss was teaching and consider myself lucky.

Incredible professor. If you do not like to use the thing inside your head called a "brain" his courses are not for you. Riss encourages students to challenge themselves not only academically, but in the way they perceive the world. The way he links texts together is genius. Not your typical English course-but that's what makes it incredible.

He's so great because he wants you to learn and to think for yourself. It's really hot.

Riss is by far the best professor I've had at Salem. Students either love him or hate him. I love him. Riss really made me think about things. Most classes that I took at Salem never made me really push myself.

He is a God (carrying all the good and bad that comes with divinity). Course was impossible, but I loved it. A lot of discussion of tough reading. Riss gave great feedback. He is hilarious. But if you don't do the reading he is not fun at all.

Riss is the most brilliant professor I have taken. He does put people on the spot who have not done the reading. But he really knows what he's taking about and is fair and pretty easy going. Pay attention cause even though it may seem like something he says has nothing to do with the course, it does. Read the book, show up and you'll do well

Riss is the best. I took 4 classes from Riss and one thing became clear: Students who hate Riss want easy answers and dont want to work. He doesn't let anyone get away with easy answers. The bs that works in other English classes doesnt work. Only take him if you want to learn something.

Prof. Riss isn't for everyone. If you don't like a challenge or have your mind broaden, don't take him. You won't understand his methods if you simply want the easy A. He pushed to me think deeper than I had ever thought and to be a better writer. Anyone complaining probably can't handle the heat. He is very helpful and is willing to guide you.

Before I graduate I just want to thank Riss. He was my favorite professor at Salem State. He really changed the way I think about the world. Thanks Riss for exposing me to different ways of thinking. Thanks for changing how I look at things.

He is Definitely ONE OF THE BEST TEACHERS YOU WILL EVER GET! he makes you think really hard about the readings, as long as you do the readings and homework's you should be fine. Don't listen to what other people say, you create your own experiences and this class is worth it.

Literally my favorite professor, hes made me think in ways no other professor/teacher has. If you dont like him you just cant think in the way he does. Ill definitely be upset when I cant take his classes anymore.

Riss is one of the best professors I have had at SSU yet. He is a little tough but he makes you think in ways you never thought you could. He is very different and has a really unique style and even though this class was a bit of a challenge, I don't regret it at all and I would take another class with him again!! highly recommend.

Overall, Professor Riss was a cool guy. I think his class and the content was interesting, but it was often hard to get a grasp on what he was trying to say. He was pretty unorganized and graded kind of harshly. However, if you talk to him outside of class he can be really understanding. I'd take him again, but I'd definitely want to be prepared.

Favorite professor, I hope he knows how much of a positive impact he has had on me by helping me grow as a student and as an individual

Fav professor!

Riss is one of the best professors I've ever had. He definitely makes you participate and work for your grade, but my ability to read difficult texts and dissect them has greatly improved because of him. His classes are fun because he's hilarious. He's seriously one of the best & most intelligent professors I've ever had. Participation is important

He's unintentionally hilarious. If you have a smart class, it'll be way easier. You just need to keep up with him

One of the funniest people Ive ever met! I thoroughly enjoyed every single one of his classes; there was never ever a full moment & the work was overall pretty enjoyable and interesting!

The absolute best professor and human being. This man single-handedly changed the course of my whole life in not only the way he teaches but in the way he pushed and believed in me. Salem State is BEYOND lucky to have him!

Professor Riss is excellent and caring as long as you put real effort into his class. His thoughts bounce fast. He is trying to ask students to write something very different from what you have been used to writing before. Professor Riss loves questions, when you feel confused and need help, don't hesitate to talk to him. He always there to help :)

Love him. He challenges your writing to make you think outside the box. He makes you think about lit and theory as a seperate course. Might not like all you read but challenging class so far. I loved his class for everything I learned. He is so patient, kind and funny. Take him do not miss your chance. Brianna.

An eccentric. VERY animated lectures, sometimes at the cost of making sense. He WILL call on you and expects you pay attention to the class and what he's asking you. Play along with his style, and the class will be infinitely more fun for you. Also you have to ask him in office hours what your current grade is.