fantastic !!!

very tough class... midterms ranged in difficulty..

more than willing to help if you ask, very easy if you go to class ;)

He's a good teacher, late all the time, not to much homework, makes enteresting.

One thing...practice tests are fully explained and are VERY similar to real test

thought he was good/ helpful in office hrs/ he's cynical towards lazy students

Cool guy. If you want to understand and not memorize, he's the man.

Good teacher, tough tests...

someone said it best. Understand the coursework over memorizing it! Very Lenient on Grading, but difficult. Will give you stress! Interesting guy though! meet him during Off. Hrs if Poss!

One of the easiest classes ever taken at state with Bill Root. He's very chill and doesn't assign homework. Very easy to get an A in this class.

Go to his office hours, he is a cool guy. Don't worry if you mess up on his first test, if you go to his office you will have the chance to get a better grade, just know how to do the problems you messed up on.

Root is famous for being late, its cool not one day did he come to class on time. Jokes around and makes the class fun. He's clear when teaching but he's not easy!

Great prof, really knows his material. Sometimes slows down too much for the stupider students, but other than that his style is great. UNDERSTAND the material, don't MEMORIZE it.

Combinatorics is tough stuff. Root makes it as easy as possible, without doing it for you. Course was a bit disorganized, but he's got a great sense of humor, and a relaxed attitude. Knows his stuff, but more importantly: he wants you to know it too.

he is a good teacher. He does as much as he can for you without actually doing the work. there is no book and you have weeks to do the homework. this isnt normal math its better. go for it!

He's so awsome! I hate math, but I liked this class because he's so cool. He's funny and always makes sure you understand the material. If you don't like math, this is the perfect class for you.

Not the typical math class. You learn about things like cow nose prints and submarines. The subjects he covers can be confusing, but he does not test you on everything. The last test and final were open note. If you ask he will make practice tests. Ask questions DURING class!

Super easy class with an easy going teacher. Lots of guest speakers, a quiz for each chapter and a take home final. He is a little disorganized though and is late all the time.

Bill is late most of the time but does show up and is easily one of the best lecturers i have had. He explains everything clealry and encourages the class to ask questions. And he definitely looks like santa claus :)

This class is INSANELY EASY. I went four or five times max. I turned in the Essay and the take home final, but I skipped every quiz and I ended up with an A-. The guy is very interesting, and isn't afraid to speak his mind or to pummel you for saying something lame. Highly reccomended.

he's a nice guy...probably one of the easiest teachers ive had in a long time

the final was so damn easy. one quest'n looked so hard, but if u read carefully, it gave the answers... i.e. "the answer to this quest'n is FALSE"...take this guy!!! his class makes u look at math differently.

Dr. Root is a relatively hard professor, but if you work hard in the class, you will get a good grade. He makes you try to figure out problems your self before leading you through to the solution.

.......late and he skipped me on a read around. boo hoo. disorganized... syllabus? what syllabus? the 1 given during half semester. ah i remember now.

Great teacher, when he is teaching not a TA

EASIEST CLASS EVER. EASY A IF U DO GOOD ON THE OPEN NOTES TESTS.

root is a great professor. he looks like santa claus. his assignments are easy, tests aren't too bad, and he makes the final SUPER easy. just pay attention and put some effort toward it. this is a class you gotta show up for or else you might get lost. you don't need a book either.

Easy A

Great GPA Booster. The paper was a little challenging but other than that, the tests were very easy. He handed out a practice exam that was almost entirely the same as the actual test. I heard he is much harder for other classes. Final was open book for us.

Very helpful professor and teaches very well...good sense of humour keeps the otherwise boring class interesting. 10/10

He is very nice person....U know while i am hearing the class i saw my grandfather in him. That much he is cool...I very happy to hear his class...i don't know what type of grade i got in thw end of semister.......but i am happy with what he give to me.......such a nice person..keep it up .......

This guy is really smart. He makes class interesting and puts LEARNING over grades. One of the best CS teachers at the school, up there with Riggins and Leonard. Take any classes you can with him... unless you are a business student, he hates you-- hehehehheehehehehe.

he is humorous sometimes and makes class interesting for students to learn. He regards learning is more important than grades, so he wants students to learn without worrying about grades.However, he never replies students email and is often absent during his office hours. if u wanna find him, only in class.

honestly the best teacher i have ever had. everything u can apply to real life. no book to buy. he is very helpful with anything. looks like santa and just a really nice guy!!! even if this class is at 8 am, i highly highly recommend taking him. easiest A i have ever got and i didnt even have to try. all the tests are the same as classwork

I am writing this just as a general statement from a MS Comp Sci alum. Bill was one of two GREAT SDSU Comp Sci professors. We tend to remember those who care and inspire. That said, he and his classes (regardless of topic- he can do many well) come with my recommendation.

reviews material if students arent comfortable with it, very approachable and friendly

TAKE THIS CLASS BEST MATH TEACHER IVE EVER HAD!!! everything he explains is completely clear, if not, he'll go over it until everyone understands. he makes it sooo easy! gives practice exams which help tremendously-we go over them in class, the tests are replicas of the practice exams. he wants to make sure you learn...and you do!!! amazing topics

He is the most repscted prof , his anologies while taching are perfect, his stories are retaed to what he teaches , so easy to remeber concepts, If you want to learn something take his classes , CS 660 662 are roayal courses which build basic instinct in you which is more useful than leraning merly syntax ,596 courses for exploring new world

Perfection can not be improved , he is perfect

Pretty easy class, but got hectic at the end of the semester when we didnt get to go over everything. Always has interesting stories and is very bright. A few times he didnt show up to class and was late almost every class. A great guy nonetheless

This class with Prof Root was definitely more interesting than I thought it would be. Not a typical math class. Topics relevant to various fields of study and some lines of work. Funny stories provide a bit of a reprieve. However, not having a textbook can sometimes make things rough (so attendance is mandatory!), and he is often late to class.

I would have to agree with the students, and say that he is a bit disorganized. Though once you look past that, he is by far a VERY awesome teacher. This class was interesting and fun, by for some people might be "too opinionated" .

Disorganized but interesting. Tells many relevant stories which are very interesting. Guest speakers come in to the class, including the FBI. Grades are curved which really helps.

Well to me he was alright. Mostly didn't show up on time because of his meetings (hope for it when you take his class!!!!!) and well he was an easy grader. Some of the topics can be confusing but still he tries to do his best. Take notes and don't really NEED to study cause it's open book and notes. Easy A for me that's all I can say!

WOW!! I had no interest in the class at the start of the semester, but he explains things in ways non-computer people can understand! He's fair in his grading, and although he's usually late and doesn't give tests back on time the open note tests sure help! His passion for teaching and willingness to help is enough to get ANY AVERAGE student an A.

Decent. Don't have to go to class, but it helps cuz he does problems that you are responsible for.Doesn't always know how to do problems, but he figures them out eventually. Funny. Cares about students/wants them to learn. If you want to be taught and aren't great w/ computers, then take somebody else cuz you have to teach urself mostly with Root.

I thought his class was amazing. It was his first time teaching (he volunteered w/o pay) this class, which was why he didn't know all of the problems initially. Very smart, helpful professor. My background is definitely not math or computers, but he simplified the class to where I was able to understand. I went to class and did the work, got an A.

Hes really a nice guy! the material is extremely hard but he tries to make it as comprehendible as possible and does a good job at it. Attendance isnt mandatory but you will want to go to get notes because all tests are open notes and some may or may not be group depending on how exactly he is feeling that week! if u need this for a GE take it!

No book or homework for the class, which means attending is very important. He's a very friendly, funny guy, eager to share his stories. He makes hand outs of notes, so it's easier for you to follow along. Not a normal math class, very interesting. I really love the teacher and the class and would suggest it. Take this if you need GE but hate math.

perfect professor ever

Awesome professor. Nice with every single student in class. Though the course was very hard, he made it very easy. Always narrate some stories in class which are which are interesting.

Terrific professor and more importantly a great person, makes the class fun and relaxing. Sometimes he gets sidetracked but at least he tells us fun stories that makes everyone laugh. Tests are so easy that an A in the class is almost guaranteed with little effort. One of the better professors in the CS department, highly recommended.

This class will probably be the HARDEST you ever take BUT the best chance to pass it is with Root. Even though tests had no partial credit, he offered multiple chances for everyone to raise their grade up through retakes and optional programs. 1 group project, 4 exams & 1 final(drops the lowest). Don't let the grades discourage you, he will curve.

Algorithms is a difficult subject in a difficult major. If you're deficient in your math preparation you are going to struggle. That said - Root is one of the best professors at SDSU. He knows the subject and keeps his course relevant and entertaining throughout. Expect to spend lots of time in the library and take this course with Root.

He is awesome. His class is easy. He explains the topic which relates to the books. He also tell funny story. The tests always come from the book, and some from study guides and practice exams.

I am horrible at math and I didn't study so I got a C, but that was mostly my fault. Root is such a genuinely cool and funny guy and also a great teacher. if you pay attention and take notes then I think you'll do ok. He doesn't take attendance @ the lectures and sometimes he lets you out early. The content we learned was SO useless though...

I hated taking Math 118, but Root was a very sweet and funny old man. Love his sense of humor. Even though I hated the Topics Math class, he is understanding and helps when you ask. I passed with a C because of how how it was.

He is a great teacher. he cares about the students,he's funny, and he makes a very dull subject exciting. His tests are the exact same as the review with just different numbers. If you know how to do the review your good to go.

Fun and easy CS elective. Root teaches you all there is to know about software internationalization with such clear examples. I loved this class.

This class was a complete joke, the material is completely useless. He does not cover the material very well, very basic concepts and you basically just have to plug it into a formula. There are 5 tests and he only takes the 4 highest. The Final is VERY difficult, everyone has different tests to avert cheaters. Go to class or you'll get lost easily

I took a bunch of classes with Bill back in he early eighties(yes, the man has been around!)At the time he kept me very interested in the subject to the point I became obsessed with it(Pizza contests helped too).After twenty some years of using what he thought me now I understand how awesome he was as a teacher. Thank you Bill,live long and prosper

Amazing Professor! Laid back, fair exams and keeps the class interesting by playing Devils advocate. Highly recommended!

I enjoyed the professor’s humor and breadth of knowledge of math and CS, but he showed up 10 min late about 30% of the time, never posted the review materials, and lectures were short and went way over the caliber of our skill level. The text was phenomenal, but the reality is that most of my learning did not come from the class but from the text.

Take this guy for discrete is you wanna pass. His thinking is geared toward CS majors but he is still brilliant. His tardiness is made up by that awesome curve. God bless you Mr. Bill, you are a great man. CS 440 was alittle tough, but still passable.

Super easy class. Read the books and your are fine. Show up because he gives participation points when a lot of people do not show up.

If you go to class, the things he is talking about make sense, they're really easy. He tends to go on a tangent at times, but to get to the overall topic of the day.

Honestly, the class is easy but it's also hard at the same time. It's not like normal Math so it's a bit confusing. You really need to go to class or you won't understand anything. Just accept the fact that you won't understand the lessons until right before the test. There are 5 tests including the final and he drops your lowest score.

No textbook and no homework, which is nice but it makes it harder to study for the tests. Do the practice exams, they're a pretty good representation of what will be on the tests. Attendance isn't required but the class will be a lot harder if you don't show up at least a good part of the time.

Fun class, like nothing you've seen before in your CS career. It is challenging since reading the books is very important since test questions will be based on details from those books. Participation is important, too.

Very interesting class. It's a combination of MATLAB and brain anatomy combined. Tests are tough, but you will learn a lot. There is also a semester project worth 50% of your final grade, so don't slack off.

Bill is chill and a good teacher. This class is easy if you actually go to class. It's hard to find the motivation to go to class and pay attention because class isn't mandatory and it's so boring. Since there is no textbook you need to go to class to understand. Go to class, take notes, do the practice exams, and it should be an easy A.

EASY EASY EASY!!

Bill is bae. He's funny and keeps you engaged. Make sure you go to class and take notes and go to review classes before the tests; they're super helpful. He drops the lowest test score and there's hardly ever homework.

This class is extremely easy. He goes really slow and explains everything more than needed, so theres no way you won't get it. He also looks like Santa Claus, so thats a plus.

He's a nice guy and you'll probably pass, as long as you're ahead of the bell curve. I always felt like I had no clue as to what was going on, but I walked away with an A. He teaches the class as if everyone is a computer science major, so I didn't know what he was talking about some of the time. His tests are exactly like his reviews.

The professor was very cool and has been the best math teacher yet. Sometimes I would get confused when he did proofs but other than that I don't think this class was that hard. He really cares about attendance and appreciates the students who attend class every day. The book is easy to understand, it helped reading before a lecture & even after.

It was an honor to learn from this professor. He made a daunting subject exciting and every lecture was enjoyable.

Such an easy class! Just make sure that you show up because there is no textbook so he teaches everything in class. Take good notes!! He allows you to use your notes on the exams so it's very easy to get an A on them. The final is tough but open note. He teaches concepts very clearly and is always willing to help. Take him!

He was very clear when he went over material in class. When we took the midterm though, minus 2-3 people, everyone pretty much failed. It was known that we didn't learn how to approach the problem cause he goes straight for it. We just never knew how to apply it ourselves. He gave us a chance to redeem ourselves and I'm pretty sure everyone passed.

You don't necessarily show up to class but the guy respects you more when you do. Study guides given for each and every test. I easily passed an A with minimal studying and going to class.

Very easy math class if you show up to class and do the study guides before the test. All tests are open notes so its important to have at least the study guide as your "notes." He has study sessions during his office hours where he goes over test questions and it's really helpful. 4 tests with lowest score dropped. No homework. Easy class to take.

BILL IS GREAT! I absolutely HATE math and he makes it enjoyable! Although class is not mandatory, you should go so you know how to do the material. The whole class is based off of 4 tests. Your lowest midterm is dropped. Every test is open note and he gives practice exams before each test! Take THIS CLASS if you need to clear your math GE.

Hands down the best professor I've had in this department. Will definitely come off as intimidating in class but go to office hours. He will walk you through every single step of a problem and answer every question. Go early in the semester, be consistent all the way through, and you'll crush the class. Tests are hard.

The topics you learn about in this course are very unique and mostly things you probably havent seen, which is why it is so important to go to class and take notes. No textbook, no homework, so theres really no outside help for this. Tests are open book, open note, but he makes them more difficult because of it. Really funny and likeable guy!

While the subject material was difficult at times, Root really is a great, caring professor. The class is based on four tests and nothing else (he gave a 100pt extra credit question to reward one Friday class for showing up). While attendance is NOT mandatory, the only way to get a decent grade is to show up to class. A great class to clear MathGE.

560 is a tough class and root makes it so much more bearable. Grade is made up of 4 tests and the final (made the last two tests take home since everyone was doing bad) and one group project. Fair warning: No partial credit on anything, including the project. However, he's straightforward with everything. Highly recommend.