3.2

Barry Nowlin

English - University of South Alabama

3.2
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
108
Reviews
3.2
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.3
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

108

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

37

4

20

3

20

2

5

1

26

What Students Say

Do NOT take him; he's the worst ever

EH102 - 1.0 rating

Ask for his help and HE WILL help you

EH102 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
A- (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(0)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 11 reported grades
A: 3
A-: 2
A+: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.52 avg change
Dec
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

226

5.0

(1)

EH215216

5.0

(1)

EH224225

5.0

(1)

EN225

5.0

(1)

EH225225

5.0

(1)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

EH121

5.0

EH215216

5.0

EH224225

5.0

EN225

5.0

EN102

5.0

Reviews (108)
5.0
3.0
EH102
Mar 21, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
EH121
Aug 2, 2004

He acts like he is vastly superior to his students. He tries to embarrass of his students in front of the class. He thinks it makes him look smarter, but in the end we all thought he was just a jerk.

3.0
3.0
EH225
Aug 11, 2004

Take notes. Do not skip class. Take him before you take Amare.

1.0
5.0
EH215
Nov 16, 2004

Horrible! Never ever take!

3.0
3.0
EH102
Nov 18, 2004

I took him last year and he was very challenging. I suppose I became a better writer, but if you arent really up for re-inventing yourself, DON'T take him. Once he said I'd fail a paper...and I got a B. So who knows.

5.0
5.0
EH215216
Dec 7, 2004

Dr. Nowlin is a fantastic teacher. Most people who take the classes he teaches could care less about english; they are filling a requirement. He knows his stuff, and if you are willing to work hard, you will be well rewarded: by your grade and the knowledge you take from the class.

5.0
5.0
EH224225
Dec 14, 2004

If you love to learn...take Nowlin. If you're up for new challenges...take Nowlin. If you're serious about your education...take Nowlin. If you're willing to test your limits and discover new things about yourself....take Nowlin. He teaches so that you may become more responsible for self.

4.0
5.0
EH102
Dec 17, 2004

Nowlin is a super smart man. He definitely wants you to learn. He is a fair grader, and relatively easy to talk to. Sometimes he does act like his students are idiots, but he's still a nice guy.

5.0
5.0
EN225
Jan 24, 2005

Barry is very demanding but more than fair. If you pay attention and do the work, you will be ok. If you are looking to slide through an English course, this is not the one for you.

5.0
3.0
226
Jan 28, 2005

knows his stuff

5.0
2.0
EH225
Apr 1, 2005

You have to read the material,but he is a good teacher. He has wacky theories,and he keeps the class interesting. His test are fill in the blank, true and false,usually one or two short-answer essays,and out of class essay, and sometimes matching a phrase to a story. Sounds like a lot but its not.

5.0
4.0
EH102
Jul 9, 2005

I think he is an excellant teacher. Be prepared to work hard in his class, as far as, the writing assignments go. Tests were fair, take good notes and read the material. If you "can't" write well, learn quick!!!!

1.0
5.0
EH225
Jul 12, 2005

No Comments

3.0
3.0
EG26363
Jul 20, 2005

He sucks. Locks the door sometimes and if you are late for the quiz that day, you get a zero. He's an idiot, and the person who said he knows his stuff must have slept the entire semester.

5.0
4.0
EH226
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Jul 25, 2005

One of the best teachers I've ever had--students who are continously late for class deserve a zero--

4.0
3.0
ENG226
Aug 25, 2005

Who ever said that Nowlin sucks must be a true idiot. he makes class intersting fun enviorment and hell if you are late YOU should get a zero on the quiz!!!!

5.0
3.0
ENG102
Aug 28, 2005

Great teacher, funny, easygoing, expects a lot.

5.0
4.0
EH225225
Oct 20, 2005

Nowlin is great. He is passionate about his subjects and has some great theories. Really opened my eyes to American Lit and how great it is.

5.0
1.0
EH102
Oct 21, 2005

He made the class fun, which makes it easier to learn. He encouraged class participation and the quizzes help buffer your grade. He gives you a study guide before the test. If you study it well enough, you will score high.

5.0
3.0
BRITISHLIT
Grade: A
Oct 26, 2005

No Comments

3.0
3.0
EH225
Oct 28, 2005

his test are 50% essay questions and he grades them hard. his test are harder than you would expect. he is interesting, but if you do not like writing alot do not take.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Nov 4, 2005

For a guy who strongly resembles chuck norris, he's a horrible english teacher. Gave me a NC for a paper that i worked for 2 weeks on, and then gives me a B on a paper i did the night before. (confused me too) he's biased and is only nice to certain people. wasn't ever late, yet he still was rude to me. Avoid at all cost.

4.0
2.0
215
Nov 7, 2005

Tends to get off track and cater to classroom discussion that includes nothing about the topic. Quizzes are easy if you have read the material. Tests are fair, again if you have read the material. Challenging yet fair and takes an interest in students that put forth the effort in his class. I would take him again!

1.0
3.0
102
Nov 8, 2005

**** jerk

1.0
4.0
EH102
Nov 8, 2005

He is very controlling of essay topics... its crazy. he is biased on grading as to whether he likes you as a student. (IE his faves get A's even if they suck.) AVOID

5.0
4.0
EH102
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2005

I've learned alot--one of the best teachers I've had

5.0
1.0
AMERICANLIT
Nov 25, 2005

He exemplifies the perfect college professor. He challenges your beliefs and encourages you to look at all aspects of everything. Extremely passionate and knows so much about history. I thought he was the most brilliant professor ever!

5.0
4.0
ENG102
Nov 29, 2005

He is a very good teacher. I learned alot.

5.0
3.0
EH225
Dec 4, 2005

I definitely was not looking foward to this Lit. However, Dr. Nowlin made class interesting. To excell, you must read, take good class notes, and review your study guide. For the females,(or not): he is a looker. Thus, a dream to listen to. He has the sexiest voice. Now, I have a greater appreciation for Literature.

4.0
4.0
EH102
Dec 6, 2005

This class was difficult. The quizzes were easy if you read the material but they were never what i expected. He is a fair but hard grader on essays. Nothing gets by him. He has an eye like a hawk. He was always on time to class and would try to be helpful and understanding but sometimes the workload was almost unbearable.

5.0
1.0
EH215
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2005

Dr. Nowlin is very interesting and in to his work.

3.0
3.0
BRITISHLIT
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2005

very nice man. always got off subject in class... however though it was always interesting topics. the test were killer... you really had to know your stuff.

3.0
4.0
EH226
Dec 9, 2005

This man has a crazy cell phone problem. DO NOT LET YOUR CELL PHONE RING IN HIS CLASS. He will go crazy! He is a good teacher but his workload is too much. He thinks that his class is the only thing you have to do in your life

5.0
2.0
EH226
Dec 15, 2005

I LOVE HIM! he is such a cute old man!

3.0
5.0
215
Dec 16, 2005

Completely hated his exams. Expects you to know everything from the book... no question. No room for error.

3.0
4.0
BRITLIT
Dec 20, 2005

Ego Maniac

3.0
4.0
EH102
Jan 6, 2006

He is a good teacher and knows a lot, but he is strict and you will be in trouble if you do not like his style. You will learn much from his class.

5.0
4.0
LIT12
Jan 8, 2006

I read the reviews of Dr. Nowlin and had to respond. I took him years ago and thought it was well taught, fair and learned a great deal. If you think his tests are hard, you are going to have a long ride! He is incredibly fair and his test are exactly what he says they will be. And he does hate cell phones, good for him!

5.0
2.0
ENG
Jan 12, 2006

I second the review below me. I took him several years ago. You ARE in for a long ride if you think he is unfair or his tests are hard. Your not in high school anymore my little friends.

3.0
2.0
EH215
Jan 14, 2006

If you're taking this class as a requirement, have no interest,look elsewhere. On the other hand, Dr Nowlin is my favorite English professor. His test are not hard,they are challenging. Do your readings, take good notes and study throughout the semeter,instead of cramming at the last minute, you will do great! I will take him again!

4.0
2.0
EH215
Feb 7, 2006

Very nice man. Will help you anyway that he can. Do your reading, come to class and show some interest, that is all that he asks of you. Tests are challenging yet very fair. Take him if you can!

3.0
4.0
EH215
Feb 19, 2006

This class is not for the lazy. He only goes over the reading material in class minimally. Tests are difficult. He goes off subject alot and likes to praise George Bush. His sense of humor is lame.

5.0
3.0
EH215
Feb 21, 2006

I think this guy is great--knows his stuff; great sense of humor--some students are just lazy and think their entitled to a grade

5.0
3.0
ENG215
Mar 23, 2006

Dr. Nowlin has been one of my favorite instructors at South. His tests are fair. He tells you exactly what is going to be on his test. DO NOT BE TARDY FOR HIS CLASS!!!!!!!!!

2.0
4.0
EH
Apr 8, 2006

Not helpful!

5.0
3.0
EH225
Jun 7, 2006

I'm an older student and I really appreciate Dr. Nowlin's gift for teaching. Take his Friday night class if you can get in.

1.0
4.0
EH102
Oct 19, 2006

he is a **** and i hate him. he does not like good ol' country people and never approves topics. he tells us to come up with stuff we like to write on then tells us it sucks.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Oct 24, 2006

Absolutely horrible do not take him

1.0
4.0
BRITL101
Nov 28, 2006

Horrid

4.0
2.0
EH215
Dec 18, 2006

I think Dr Nowlin was a very good professor. However, he isn't somebody to take if you don't care or come to class because that will hurt your grade. He is very interesting and I never had a difficult time paying attention. He goes over the material several times so I didn't have to study alot. I would defintitely take him again!!!

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Mar 28, 2007

Dr. Nowlin is very argumentative and he is a pompous jack *** I dropped his class and I had a B in his class when I dropped it. I would never take him again.

4.0
2.0
EH215
Apr 25, 2007

I really enjoyed his class!! He is very funny,to me,and kept me interested.I took the 8:00 a.m.class and I actually enjoyed getting up to go (almost) everyday. People who say they don't like him are obviously not mature enough to be in college.Just because he dosen't baby us dosen't make him a bad professor!!I would highly recommend taking him!

4.0
4.0
EH101
Apr 28, 2007

Mr Nowlin was a great teacher. I took him like 4 times and I am taking him again in the summer. Yes, he is somewhat arrogant, but it works wll on some people.

5.0
3.0
EH215
Apr 29, 2007

ONe of the best prof I have ever had--he really cares for his students

3.0
4.0
ENG215
Sep 23, 2007

This professor is a completely arrogant individual. I will never take him again!!

4.0
3.0
EH102
Oct 17, 2007

Do not take this class at 8 in the morning. You will hate it! He is a great instructor. He grades very hard but if he sees that you are improving, he will lighten up on you. He's extremely arrogant! But overall it was a good class.

4.0
5.0
EH225
Oct 19, 2007

This is a hard but enjoyable class. You have to do your readings and homework. He is arragont, knows it, and he doesn't care. He cares about the student getting something out of his class. He knows the class is long and tries to make it interesting and keeps a pot of coffee on the go, just in case you need it. It's a lot of work but worth it.

5.0
3.0
EH215
Oct 23, 2007

Great teacher

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Nov 4, 2007

Wow...just wow.

4.0
4.0
EH102
Nov 12, 2007

While Dr. Nowlin is extremely tough as far as grading goes, once you figure out what he looks for you can play to it. First 3 papers I got B's then on my 4th I finally got an A. He is a die-hard republican, and is not afraid to voice his opinions.

3.0
3.0
ENG102
Nov 24, 2007

Dr.Nowlin is tough and he does act like his class is the only one that matters. Overall I did learn a lot from his class. Attendance policy is so unfair. If you don't like to come to class don't take him.

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Dec 7, 2007

After telling us he "made a C in English 102" he commenced into contradictory mode by saying one thing at the beginning of the semester, rambling throughout the middle, than by the end took back all he had said. S

5.0
2.0
EH102
Dec 19, 2007

I'm an older student and really appreciate Dr. Nowlins attempt to teach writing. Great teacher

4.0
3.0
EN215
Jan 8, 2008

I thought he was great! I learned alot and there wasnt alot of work outside of class, just reading, and no papers!! hes really nice too, just get to class on time

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Jan 9, 2008

Do NOT take his class. There are many other alternative professors on campus who make this class highly more enjoyable.

5.0
1.0
ENG102
Jan 9, 2008

This guy is gorgeous--I must have an infautation with sexy voices, and his is one of them! His class is easy, and he's really friendly ;) I will definitely use him as a reference.

5.0
1.0
ENG102
Jan 9, 2008

He's a fantastic teacher--enough said.

5.0
1.0
EH102
Feb 4, 2008

Dr. Nowlin is an amazing teacher. He is very friendly and very helpful. Eventhough some of his critiques may anger a few people, it's just constructive criticism and he does it to better the student.I would advise anyone looking for an English class to take one of his.

4.0
4.0
EH215
Feb 7, 2008

I took both 215 and 216 with him. He is a great instructor. He is hard on grading but if he sees that you put in the effort he will lighten up. I would definitly take him again if I needed another EH class. Hate reading and writing but he kept the class interesting. Yes he is somewhat arrogant but in a sexy way :-)

2.0
4.0
EH225
Jun 4, 2008

His historical facts he uses fo context are often incorrect. He advocates his own personal beliefs and should be behind a church pulpit not a classroom podium. He is a pontificating egoist and should be not allowed in front of an impressionable audience. He is the most unscholarly professor I have ever met. Avoid his classes! I wish I had!

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Sep 17, 2008

No Comments

3.0
4.0
EH225
Oct 4, 2008

Nowlin is arrogant and tough. Nowlin's class is very interesting. He focuses on the history surrounding the works. In the Evening class and he brews coffee and allows us to bring dinner along to stay awake. His tests are T/F, Short Answer, Spot Quotes, and Essay. Sometimes he will make the essay an out of class assign due the next class period.

1.0
5.0
EN102
Oct 14, 2008

This dude's a piece of work, entertaining sure, but a good teacher? hell no. Look up his name before choosing an english class. wish I did

4.0
2.0
EN215
Nov 6, 2008

Doc Nowlin is a great instructor. Most of the class time is spent discussing the material. The majority of your grade comes from five of the seven quizzes he offers, usually two to three tests, and participation. For those who like to sleep through class or have a reclusive personality (you sit in the back of the room), be warned.

3.0
4.0
EH215
Dec 8, 2008

Nowlin is very "meh." He is a nice guy and cracks a joke here and there, but the test are extremely hard. The class is basically discussion of the material all class period. No outside work except reading. Cool guy, just a bad class.

3.0
3.0
EH215
Dec 14, 2008

Class is interesting....but only because it's a big discussion.The only problem is it's not about the literature.It usually does start with the literary works but gets way,way,way off track!Fun,but does not help with the tests.Usually good about study guides and giving essays ahead of time, but for my section he did not review anything for final!

2.0
5.0
ENG102
Dec 24, 2008

Nowlin is a horrible teacher. I visited him during his office hours(which he never posts)and tried to receive help but he would not help me outside class(much less in class). Nowlin counted two of my papers as zeros(although I had turned them in on time)just because I didn't turn in a revision.I would Recommend you DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Apr 20, 2009

Horrible...just plain horrible...

4.0
4.0
EH102
May 21, 2009

He's a very unique teacher. He strays away from the topic on a regular basis but is helpful in class when asked questions about the material. He gives plenty of notice for tests and quizzes and will cover what will be on them.

4.0
2.0
EH215
Jun 8, 2009

Brit. Lit. always interested me so I came in with a decent attitude. I liked him because commonly, in the Eng. dept. you're likely to get a flaming liberal as a prof. and Nowlin's not a pinko, which was nice for a change. You will read lots of things, but good stuff. Not much on the lecture. You read, then discuss. Tests fairly easy. Take him.

1.0
5.0
ENG102
Jul 11, 2009

Horrible teacher who is more concerned with teaching his beliefs than staying on task.

3.0
3.0
EH102
Aug 6, 2009

I do not recommend this professor. His tests are made up to confuse you. If given a True/False answer...best bet would be False. I loved his lectures but HATED....may I repeat HATED his tests.

2.0
5.0
EH215
Sep 17, 2009

Do not take him!!

5.0
3.0
AIS301
Dec 11, 2009

Make no mistake; this is a difficult class with several in depth writing assignments, comprehensive chapter exams, oral presentations & a cumulative final. Show up to class, study for the quizzes & do your assignments on time & you will do just fine. His expectations are high but reasonable and extra credit is available if needed.

2.0
2.0
EH215
Dec 19, 2009

gets off track. Attendance is mandatory. Do well on the quizzes. Read the material online for explanations(sparknotes.com helped alot). Test are wrtten quotes, essay. he just wants to see you know the material.Is kinda funny.Easy class as long as you read the material. Dont expect him to help outside of class

5.0
1.0
AIS301
Mar 3, 2010

Some of my classmates are lazy. Nowlin is interested in students and helping them. I highly recommend his class

1.0
4.0
AIS301
Oct 27, 2010

Dr. Nowlin is the worst professor I've ever had in my whole college career. He make easy assignments more difficult than it should be. He thinks is he is funny, of course he is not. On top of all that he doesn't take time out to help his students. Don't rely on the syllabus because his unorganized. The quizzes are setup like a final exam ridiculous

1.0
5.0
EH225
Jul 27, 2011

This guy is a joke. Take another class instead of his.

3.0
4.0
ENG225
Jul 29, 2011

he makes you think outside the box...not ordinary lit class..you have to read...kind of alot of reading but test and quzzes especially come from the detailed readings...but overall a good experience...you'll learn and it'll open up your world view...good teacher

5.0
3.0
EH225
Aug 18, 2011

If you appreciate the material being taught, you will appreciate this class. Dr. Nolan does a great job teaching Amer. Lit. He engages the class to think and gives real college tests; not high school cop-out tests. I imagine his "low" rating is due to students who haven't picked up a book in their lifetime. There were plenty in my class.

4.0
3.0
EH225
Aug 23, 2011

Interesting class. Dr. Nowlin does a good job of making the material relevant. He expects you to read the material and participate in class. His tests are challenging as they should be in a college course. If you want an easy A, look elsewhere. If you want to learn the material, this is a great course.

1.0
5.0
EH215
Nov 13, 2011

I am an English major, and I do love literature. That being said, Nowlin is absolutely the worst English professor I had ever had in my career at USA. He has a huge ego and is not afraid to humiliate a student for disagreeing with him.

4.0
4.0
EH102
Dec 8, 2011

You will get mixed reviews about Dr. Nowlin from everyone who has had him. I enjoyed his class, but he is a very tough grader. Attendance is mandatory and is counted into your grade, so show up for class! He's funny sometimes and interesting to listen to.

3.0
3.0
EH110
Feb 13, 2012

He is easily distracted as a professor and seems to enjoy calling out male students for mistakes. Even though I have received good marks on essays, I still find his lack of focus to be distracting and it deteriorates the quality of the lecture.

4.0
3.0
EH226
Jun 15, 2012

I enjoyed his class a lot. He's funny, very knowledgeable, and makes the class interesting. I would suggest taking him.

5.0
3.0
EH102
Oct 17, 2012

He is by far my favorite professor at the university. He's sarcastic humor is hilarious. He will call out the students who aren't paying attention or trying. It may not be pleasant for them but it is hilarious for the rest of us. He is helpful to everyone and will actually takes an interest in your life.

5.0
4.0
EH215106
May 16, 2013

He's a really good teacher. Not only knows the material himself but he also communicates it in an interesting and engaging way. He relates it to our lives today. He's brilliant and HOT. Oh- but don't be late to class and READ READ READ the material.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Grade: C+
Aug 22, 2013

Not Hot. You'd be better off looking for another professor teaching the exact same class. You'll enjoy your college years more that way.

1.0
5.0
EH101
Aug 22, 2013

He made me change my major...he's that bad at instilling any interest in the English Language.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Grade: A+
Aug 22, 2013

Full of himself but has very little knowledge to share. You could easily read the textbook yourself and save yourself the pain from having to be in the same room as him.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Dec 21, 2013

Do not take this class. Harsh grading, harsher words. Wanted to be an english teacher going into this class, and came out feeling less than adequate. You write five identical papers, just different topics and more words. He considers a C an average grade. He talks about the same 2 or 3 ideas all semester long. If you end up with him, be prepared.

4.0
3.0
EH102
Jan 11, 2014

Don't take Dr. Nowlin's class if you aren't willing to work. This class, as he will tell you, is time consuming. He is not unreasonable in his demands, however, and rewards effort when he sees it being put forth. Do take this class if you want to become a better writer. Also, he is politically conservative and down-to-earth. Hard to find.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Jan 29, 2014

Do not take this professor at all. He is very tough. He is not helpful. He always threatens his students in punishment. He is the worst instructor I have ever had. All instructors help their students and deal with them as friends except for him. Most students hate him like me.

5.0
3.0
EH215
Apr 7, 2014

Dr. Nowlin is an awesome professor. He is very knowledgeable and he gives you EVERYTHING you need for the tests ahead of time. He keeps your attention in class and wants you to sctually think. So if you're lazy, don't take him.

3.0
3.0
102
Grade: Incomplete
Jul 19, 2014

Very harsh grading. Full of himself.

5.0
3.0
EH102
Grade: A-
Oct 11, 2014

I had Dr. Nowlin 3 semesters ago and his class helped me so much I decided to come back and rate him. Papers matter, it's college and at the end of his class you'll know how to write them. Ask for his help and HE WILL help you. Also if you're paper is for a cause and you try to create change he will give you extra credit. Ask him about it.

1.0
5.0
EH102
Grade: C
Oct 22, 2014

Do NOT take him; he's the worst ever. Tough grading. Always try to make fun of students' poor work. Pick you based on your eyeballs. If he feels some student doesn't understand, he picks him to embarrass him. He barely likes and approves your topic. He doesn't treat you as a friend or son as other Drs. do. You need peer review of ur paper. Got C.

5.0
2.0
EH102
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2015

We had 5 papers and 3 quizzes. He gave ample time to work on papers. He lets you pick your own topics, but he has to approve them. Go to class everyday and he will give you extra credit. The extra credit bumped my grade up to an A. I highly recommend Dr. Nowlin. He is a nice man and he will help you any way he can.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
A- (2)
A+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(0)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 11 reported grades
A: 3
A-: 2
A+: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.52 avg change
Dec
Jan
Apr
Jul
Oct
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

226

5.0

(1)

EH215216

5.0

(1)

EH224225

5.0

(1)

EN225

5.0

(1)

EH225225

5.0

(1)
+25 more courses
Difficulty by Course

EH121

5.0

EH215216

5.0

EH224225

5.0

EN225

5.0

EN102

5.0

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