3.1
Quality4.0
Difficulty18%
Would Retake94
Reviews18%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
30
4
20
3
8
2
15
1
21
What Students Say
“Thompson makes you waste three hours a week watching things you could've done at home, plus his pompous and condescending nature makes it the worst three hours of your week”
TRF340 - 1.0 rating“If you're TRF, you gotta sit through it”
TRF340 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.26 avg changeRatings by Course
1998
5.0
(2)CRITPERSP
5.0
(1)TRFCRITICISM
5.0
(1)IRE2001
5.0
(1)TRF636
4.7
(7)Difficulty by Course
COM245
5.0
TRF500
5.0
TRF695
5.0
TRF600
5.0
COM
5.0
Reviews (94)
Entertaining as all get-out. Tests aren't as bad as legend claims.
No Comments
The man speaks in only sound bites.
No Comments
Amazing lecturer...He knows everything about TV and I learned a lot.
No Comments
No Comments
Amazing, engaging, funny, smart and extremely handsome -- I
Very intelligent, unapproachable, sometimes condescending, great material
No Comments
Ye Olde Harbinger of Doom- TRF 345. Thompson is a very fine lecturer. I was never bored in the class, however, see those books you ? The ones hiding in the closet? Get them and read! And read again. Then take notes on what you read. AND STU
Thompson's a great lecturer and knows everything about television. His class is insightful and intelligent. Just memorize every single word in those books he makes you buy. His tests are very difficult and there's only two of them so study your ass off!
Waste of a class! He spends the first two lectures describing why he is important. If he actually was, one would think he woudln't have to do that! Everything he says is subjective and completely useless.
Excellent lecturer, lots of interesting material. His tests are extremely difficult (hint: memorize the book.. that's pretty much the minimum requirement). If you don't mind the work, you won't get a better lecturer on pop culture.
The best professor I've ever had...His lecture style is so interesting and conversational you'd think his exams would be the same. But don't be fooled MEMORIZE the Textbook and the LECTURES. Nevertheless, my most inspirational professor.
An amazing speaker. This man has so much knowledge it makes me sick. Make sure you know every producer/director/writer ever cause it's on the test. We had a term paper option and that's what saved me.
Obviously, people have mixed feelings about him. Yes, he is arrogant and his class structure could use some work (ie-make the tests more about the class and less about the book). But I can't deny that I learned A LOT in that class.
Ask questions, don't complain, don't rely on old tests - just read, take lots of notes (books and lecture) and study. And not all the night before, try gradually over a week or two. The man knows his stuff, but he knows he knows his stuff so be prepared
He was very subjective and didn't give weight to anyone's opinion but his own. I'll never forget him telling us that "Seinfeld" would fail as a television program. Yeah, right!
Robert Thompson knows his stuff. But he's also one of the most arrogant professors at Newhouse, and couldn't care less about students, since he has a cushy tenured job. Good luck catching him during office hours; he's never in.
I'm convinced this guy will say anything, just to sound important.
His lectures are extremely entertaining.
Hi is the most arrogant man in higher education. His classes are interesting and I can't believe how much I learned in a short amount of time. He thinks that his students are all idiots.
What a jackass. This guy is so full of himself, to the point that his OWN book is the required text for class. Granted, he is a big authority on TV pop culture, but he treats what he says as if it was written in the Bible. He has no interest in his students either. Why is he even teaching?!?
Best teacher I had in college. He was my advisor and continues to help me with career advice. I never found him arrogant or inaccessible. His classes were hard but enjoyable and educational. I find that I go back to his lectures more than any other teacher
Do not take any class with Robert Thompson. This guy is an egomaniac who has no interest in his students. Seriously, he is never in his office during his POSTED office hours. The one time I did catch him in his office, he was too busy doing interviews with reporters to answer my question.
I've never seen a professor who was less interested in his students than Thompson.
This guy sucks... that's all
he's a good man with a good heart
Bob Thompson is an amazing professor. You have to do a lot of work buy it is worth it because you leave a ton. He is an expert of the subject, and his classes are amazing.
He's a busy man and is hard to approach, and his tests are tough to study for, but he is very interesting and humorous. We still quote his class, and we think about TV in a whole new light now. Bobby T is the man!
this guy... taking a class with Thompson is like going to a Gallagher concert once a week. perfect blend of commentary and comedy. His stage presence and comic timing rivals that of most professional comedians. I love Edward R. Murrow
he is far too busy doing interviews every time some dopey thing happens on TV to take an interest in his students.
His class is VERY interesting and entertaining. That said, it is also very difficult because Bob Thompson is extremely egotistical, self-absorbed, doesn't care about his students, and subjective. He is very knowledgable in the subject. But he is just too wrapped up in himself.
Bob Thompson is a genius. Sure, his tests are hard and he's quite famous so he's rarely around, but the amount of fascinating information you can learn from one lecture is astounding. I was never bored during any of his lectures.
The semester isn't over yet, and I'm already sick of this guy. As others have said, he knows his stuff about television, and you'll learn interesting things. But don't expect him to help you outside of class, as he's just not interested in his students. Were it not for his fame, I'm sure SU would have canned Thompson a long time ago.
No Comments
Bob Thompson is one of the most amazing professors! He's interesting, cares about what he teaches, and actually knows the subject he teaches. You will learn a lot from this man! I would love to be able to take another class with him.
Prof. Thompson is perhaps the most important prof on campus. He also happens to give the most entertaining lectures. If you are one of the ones that are falling asleep in his class, you should reconsider your major.
Pure genius.
He's pretty tough, but he was easily the best professor I had in college, in terms of teaching me the most. I even wrote a song about him: http://cdbaby.com/cd/jongorey (click on "Ambush") ...it's about how he pretty much blew my mind!
Good teach, not too shabby. I came close to failing his class, got 60s on both his tests, but because I showed up to the discussions and sat in the front every class, I got a B+. His class is interesting, though he runs it pretty strictly. Many people find him to be a pompous ass. He is, but has some interesting things to say.
All the myths are completly untrue. Do the reading, go to his office, you're pretty much gaurenteed an A. He's awesome, funny, listen to what he has to say. if your class is super nice he'll curve your grade..that means an 80% is an A people! my fave class at SU. just be nice and he'll be nice back
Bob, I know you read what we write on here 'cause you say so in class all the time. You're a nice guy and decent grader, but you do come off as self-absorbed, mostly since the whole class is memorizing your ideas rather than student discussions. But if it makes you feel better, I DID enjoy your class. It was like an episode of The White Shadow.
Best Prof. at Newhouse. If you work hard, and I've never worked so hard in a class as I did in this one, you will get an A. o Class is awsome, I enjoyed every one. This is one of those rare classes where you actually learn a lot.
Bob is a smart man. And he's also the typical arrogant tenured professor who is too busy to help students. If it wasn't for the TA, I'd have floundered in his class. Stay away from Thompson's classes.
Laughingly overrated. After reading the comments, I'm wondering where all the suckups are hiding during class. Everyone I've talked to can't stand the guy. If he's not spending class time by telling you how great and important he is, he's showing you a video of himself on some news program from a decade ago. If he could marry himself, he would.
You either love him or hate him. You'll love him if you actually want to learn something, read the book and listen in class. His classes really aren't difficult, he's hilarious and extremely helpful if you actually go to his office hours BEFORE the test. You'll hate him if you're immature, stupid and taking the class becuase you think it'll be easy
BOBBY T ROCKS!
Bob T = hilarious and smart. Class = interesting and entertaining. Tests = HARD.
Hes a great interesting teacher but he looses people sometimes
Wow. What a ****. Honestly you will only like this guy if you're the kid who sucks up to teachers, laughs at anything and loves doing a lot of stupid, tedious work. His tests are on mundane things that you wouldn't normally take notes on in class (McDonald's french fries) and obscure definitions from long, hard readings (define Bricolage). Terrib
Bases his final grades on whether or not he liked your class as a whole. If a lot of people got up to pee during class time, you're doomed. MUST read the textbook chapters, that's what he tests from. I found him to be completely overrated. I read the chapters, studied, and did okay on the exams, and still ended up with a C+. Arrogant and tenured.
If you think you will be successful in any TRF field and you didn't enjoy this class, you are kidding yourself. TRF 345 provides an excellent foundation for all the other classes in the department.
Professor Thompson is HARD. He doesn't sugar coat anything, and he grades based on two tests worth 50 points only (midterm and final). His classes have easy-sounding names ('history of TV') but they are VERY difficult and detailed oriented. I loved his class and method, but a lot of people whine about his style. Get over it!
The class is difficult but survivable, but Thompson is one of the most frustrating teachers I've ever had. He's arrogant and self-obsessed. On at least three different occasions he used news clips of himself being interviewed. He treats his opinions as gospel, and his tests are on stupid, minute details. AVOID HIS CLASS AT ALL COSTS!!!
Professor Thompson is undeniably difficult. His lectures persist all three and a half hours. He has an astringent attitude against electronics and sleeping. Yet, I must inform you that he is brilliant and you will learn a lot. If you study and focus hard, you will realize how grateful you are for having been in this class.
Tough but fair. He is fine as long as you pay attention and go on the journey through pop culture with him. He is an eccentric genius.
Listen, I'm sitting here studying for his final exam, and it's a lot of material and I don't know how well I'm going to do, but I have learned so much about entertainment in America that I don't regret taking this class for a second. Bob Thompson knows his stuff. It's a long lecture and a lot of material, but he knows how to keep you interested.
There are only 2 exams and the questions aren't very relevant to the purpose of the course. Thompson is condescending and pompous. He constantly humiliates his students. The exams are just 12 "gotcha" questions about random parts of the course. Half the questions could be anything from a 40 chapter textbook that he never discusses in class.
DO NOT PRE-JUDGE THIS GUY. He will like you and your class if you don't do the following: use electronics what so ever, leave for the bathroom, fall asleep. But DO: ask questions, laugh at his jokes, and pay attention. He will treat you and your class according to how well you follow directions! He's awesome. Appreciate his knowledge.
Professor Thompson class is awesome. You learn so much of what goes into television and film. You leave the class having a different perspective of society, especially in film and television. I can honestly say if you do the readings,pay attention in class, don't have any electronic devices out/on in class you will do well.
Professor Thompson is fabulous and extremely knowledgeable. Every day in class was an eyeopening experience. If you ask questions, pay attention, engage him and don't use electronics, you should have a great experience in his class. Don't misunderstand his intelligence and passion as arrogance. He genuinely cares about his students.
Just let it be known that Bob Thompson is great and he really knows his film and TV history and criticism. This class really opened my eyes to different types of film & TV criticism and I learned so much. DO NOT PRE-JUDGE! He truly is a remarkable professor, just strict about his NO ELECTRONICS policy. Really entertaining. Get on his good side.
An amazing teacher!! He is knowledgeable, hilarious and absolutely loves what he does. take his classes whether you want to study films OR make them. PS. thank god for the TA. It was the only reason why I could make it through some of the readings
I Graduated from Syracuse 18 years ago and this is the one class/Professor I still remember vividly. Worth every penny. Not to be missed. Take one of his classes.
If you are a TRF major and want to go into television, and don't enjoy this course than you must change your major. By far best TRFNewhouse class I've taken so far because Prof. Thompson is a great lecturer and teacher. He's tough on students if he catches you sleepingtexting. Textbook is required but also very interesting.
Great professor, I really have learned a lot and highly enjoyed the class, but he is a tough grader and is very strict about leaving lecture, being late, using a phone, or sleeping. He wont hesitate to take 10% off your grade for breaking one of these rules. only 2 tests, one is take home, but they are pretty much all that makes up the grade.
Thompson is a highly pretentious and revels in hearing his own voice. That being said, once in while, he will make an interesting point. If you're TRF, you gotta sit through it. Just go to class high every time, like I did.
Two exams: 1 take home midterm and 1 in-class final. That's it for the grading. Extremely brilliant man, one of my favorite Newhouse professors yet. If you are a TRF major and want to go into the TV business, you will enjoy this class. If you don't like it, TRF probably isn't for you. Highly recommend this course and Prof. Thompson.
Legitimately a genius. It was a joy to be in his class. Be respectful while in class, no cellphones, sleeping or much talking. The lectures can get long, make sure to bring a snack. The fact that basically only 2 tests make up your grade can be difficult, but as long as you go to class and pay attention you should be fine. Wow Bob Wow.
Best prof ever!
Mandatory class for TRF makes you take it, but don't expect a pleasant experience. Thompson makes you waste three hours a week watching things you could've done at home, plus his pompous and condescending nature makes it the worst three hours of your week. Likes to hear himself talk wayyyy too much.
Professor Thompson is an incredibly intelligent Television Historian; however, he is the same kind of professor that could look at a blank canvas and create a 3-hour lecture about how meaningful the emptiness is.
Whoever is a TRF major, I feel real bad for you. His lectures are extremely long and boring. In addition, he makes you watch these black and white clips from the 40s. His class is probably the worst requirement you will ever take in the history of Cuse. 2 exams and a living hell of being in his lectures. Good luck to TRF majors. Hard pass.
I have this class on Zoom because of the current pandemic. He's honestly not as bad as the TA who interrupts the lecture every 10 minutes to bring up something irrelevant. If you leave the screen for a second, you're marked as absent. That's so ridiculous for a 3-hour class. If only it wasn't mandatory :(
Worst required class ever. There are so many more productive things I could he doing in the three hours this class lasts. And youre trapped in class for 3 hourscant even leave to use the bathroom. R.I.P TRF majors
You really have to experience this class to find out how bad it is. Luckily, if you're TRF, you will because its required. The class is graded on only two tests. These tests will ask the most specific and irrelevant questions from over hours of lectures and 40+ chapters of reading. Professor Thompson gives no help at all, and you have to attend lec
One of the worst classes I have ever taken and I love TRF. The class is made up of two exams a midterm and a final both worth 50% of your grade. The only other thing factored into your grade is being penalized for turning off your camera or leaving the room for a minute during a three-hour lecture. Purely awful but you get through it.
To get full credit on exams, you need to quote his own lecture words AND read his mind. He is passionate in the subject, yet unfortunately this passion has developed an ego where only his perspective is correct. Even if you talk to him privatly to better understand, it's useless. No doubt, the TA would fail his exam...
Claims he wants u to "think critically", when in reality he expects u to memorize HIS perspective for exam answers. There is no room for opinions (he has an ego about tv history). There are a handful of alternative answers for exam questions that are equally pertinent to his perspective, but he will not give you any credit for that.
Just read the questions for the midterm. Holy ****. I wouldn't be surprised if the final is on what color the carpet was. The questions are so unrelated to the themes of the course and are instead on the most minute details. I wish I would've known this ahead of time. I can already envision him reading this comment and laughing diabolically.
I unironically like this professor, and I cannot wait for this post to get downvotes lol. This is my 2nd semester that I have Bob, since I am retaking 340 for elective credits. His lectures are interesting and he is a fascinating person. I understand why many students dislike his class, and those who do like his class don't want to retake it.
Bob Thompson has been teaching the same class for decades and you can tell. He doesn't use slides or any visual aids for his lectures. He recites the information from memory and expects you to essentially transcribe each class into your notes. Attendance isn't included in your grade, but go to class or else you'll miss half the questions on exams.
This is the worst class I have ever taken at Syracuse. I can't even put it into words. 3 hour lecture with only 2 grades, the final and the midterm. He expects you to remember every single show we watched all semester along with the producers and QUOTES. I would dread this class every week. Good luck to you. Both exams are all open ended.
Bob Thomspon will forever be a name that enrages my soul when I hear it. If I ever win a big award I will thank all my professors, even those who failed me, except Bob Thompson. I even got a good grade and yet I still despise this unfunny narcissist named bob Thompson. He shouldnt be allowed to teach. He teaches you nothing and thinks he's the Goat
I am the same person who wrote the last one but 350 characters simply isn't enough to truly show justice to my hate towards Bob Thomspon. All we do, the entire 3 hour class period, is watch movies and TV shows. He pauses these TV shows to crack jokes. Then the exam questions which are our entire grade are about the most minute details in the show.
LOVED HIM SO SO MUCH HE IS SO NICE AND WELCOMING AND I DO NOT KNOW WHY THE OTHER GUY HERE IS BEING RUDE
Run as far away as possible from Bob Thompson. He is a really mean professor who lacks empathy and does not teach beneficially. I learned nothing, and every day was so difficult. DO NOT TAKE
If I was a screenwriter and wanted to write in a rude person that nobody likes I would name him Bob Thompson. If I was writing about a professor that didn't know how to teach, his name would be Bob Thompson. If I needed an old guy that lacks the ability to be pleasant, his name would be Bob Thompson. Embarrassing of the uni to hire him.
Class was easy. All you do is watch tv and take notes. The midterm is take home and the final is hard but you'll get an A in the class as long as you do well with the midterm. He is strict with phones so I wouldn't even dare take it out in class. Overall great professor and very knowledgeable.
The pain, the suffering, the anguish. Bob Thompson is the worst professor I have ever had. In high school, my teacher was fired for taking money out of student's wallets. He didn't even speak Spanish. He was a better teacher than Bob Thompson. If I ever win a big award, I will genuinely take the time to thank everyone I've ever met except for him.
Misunderstood. He's devoted his entire professional life to this one course, and he hates students who just want to pass and leave because the subject is his passion. He sadly expresses that quite crudely. But he gives you every reason to find an interest in old TV. And he's a great guy to have a conversation with about literally anything.
I love Bob Thompson, he is literally so sweet. I'm gonna be honest, I don't think he even grades the final. The real important thing is attending class and following his rules. He might come across poorly, but that's because he knows EVERYTHING about TV + he's autistic. Some of you just don't want to put effort in at COLLEGE, which is embarassing.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.26 avg changeRatings by Course
1998
5.0
(2)CRITPERSP
5.0
(1)TRFCRITICISM
5.0
(1)IRE2001
5.0
(1)TRF636
4.7
(7)Difficulty by Course
COM245
5.0
TRF500
5.0
TRF695
5.0
TRF600
5.0
COM
5.0