4.2

Dan Rothwell

Communication - Cabrillo College

4.2
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
88
Reviews
4.2
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.3
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

57

4

16

3

7

2

3

1

5

What Students Say

Taking this course was a chore

COMM10 - 3.0 rating

I kinda wish he was my dad :)

82789 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
A- (2)
Not_Sure_Yet (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 6 reported grades
A: 2
A-: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
A+: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.08 avg change
Feb
Apr
Jul
Dec
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

80658

5.0

(1)

82789

5.0

(1)

SPEECH

5.0

(1)

COMM210

5.0

(1)

COM2

5.0

(3)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GROUPCOMM

5.0

ARGUE692

5.0

COMMU1228

5.0

COMM210

4.0

COM

4.0

Reviews (88)
5.0
3.0
SPEECH
Aug 13, 2003

Dan is a great communications professor! The class is FUN! Also, he keeps you interested and you a guaranteed at least 5 laughs during each class. He weote a book on the subject, of course he rocks!!

4.0
2.0
SPCOMM10
Sep 2, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
COMM
Oct 4, 2003

No Comments

3.0
3.0
COMGROUP
Nov 14, 2003

Difficult individual test but my group always helped my grade. (he averaged the 2). would have flunked if he didnt. hard material i thought probably cuz i thought i knew everything about how groups work & didnt spend enough time reading his book! (cost $)

5.0
4.0
COMM210
Dec 16, 2003

Dr. Rothwell is a brilliant Professor. He teaches from books he has written and is extremely knowledgeable about his field. His tests are difficult but are presented in a achieveable format. (Group test followed by individual test for accountability.)

3.0
3.0
COM10
Dec 18, 2003

I think he's tough, but by taking this class as my first university-level course, it might just be me.

1.0
4.0
COM10
Dec 23, 2003

I'm a suprised by the comments other "students" are making. He should be a graduate teacher, he can't seem to understand Jr. College students need clairity and support. Half of our class dropped in frustration, he seemed to expect this.

2.0
4.0
COMM1
Mar 1, 2004

Tries to boost enrollment in the companion class (Comm 8) by threats - "no one in my class has gotten more than a C without Comm 8". Baloney

5.0
4.0
COM2
Mar 18, 2004

great class

1.0
5.0
GROUPCOMM
Mar 23, 2004

Very unclear, questions on test are tricky and wordy. Too much information about himself and not enough on the subject. Views are narrow and does not encourage class participation during class time. Very into himself. Would not take again.

5.0
2.0
GROUPCOM
May 4, 2004

I don't know where all the negative comments are coming from, Dan is the best teacher i've ever had. Comm is not a fun subject for me, but he makes it fun, clear and easy. I don't study much or know much, but i go to class and therefore do well.

3.0
3.0
COMM1
May 7, 2004

Not a cool guy - tries to manipulate by intimidation. Thinks he's cool cuz he cusses - NOT.

1.0
5.0
GROUPCOMM
May 13, 2004

I am a Communication Major and blah no good. Pass it up find another Prof. If anyone liked him they are as full of themself as he is and as boring. He is not affective or clear.

5.0
4.0
COMM10
May 19, 2004

Might the negative student comments below be from those who received low grades from laziness? Rothwell's tough, but fair. He's also kind and very helpful when you seek his assistance. Great teacher; funny, dynamic, and very caring.

4.0
4.0
COMM10
May 25, 2004

I liked this class. He talks about many interesting things and I learned a lot. The class isn't too hard if you read the book.

2.0
3.0
COMM10
May 27, 2004

he was an okay teacher but he read from his own book, answered q's in a circle, and had no support for half of his arguments. 3 people walked out halfway through the sem. because his argument was so biased and b.s.

4.0
3.0
COMM10
May 28, 2004

Eh, he's okay. The class in itself wasn't too interesting. I agree with those who say he's kind of full of himself- I thought it was just me who thought that. Anyway, the tests are tricky, you can't guess your way through them.

1.0
4.0
COMM10
Jun 8, 2004

No Comments

5.0
4.0
COMM1
Jun 9, 2004

This was an amazing class for me. Dan has very clear handouts and very clear expectations. When I had questions, he took the time to explain. Years later, I frequently recall lessons I've learned from this class.

5.0
2.0
COMM10
Jun 10, 2004

Loved the the student who said Rothwell wasn't "affective". Go to school dumbass, and learn to spell! Clearly this highly Effective professor's amazing teaching was lost on this idiot. For those who truly want to learn and be challenged, Dan is

5.0
4.0
COM10
Jun 11, 2004

Not for Slackers, which must be where some of the ratings are coming from. Idiots need not apply. He makes you use your brain, and then back it up with facts. Totally unbias! If you want to **** yourself through class, go elsewhere!

5.0
2.0
COMM10
Jun 11, 2004

I thought this was a really valuable class. I learned a lot and found the information useful. Rothwell gives hard tests, but if you study, you'll get a good grade. Really interesting lectures, very lively discussions and all-around great class!

5.0
3.0
COMM2
Jun 16, 2004

Dan wrote the book on this subject (literally), so he obviously knows his stuff. He's smart, funny, and energetic. I learned a lot.

5.0
4.0
COMM10
Jun 23, 2004

Stop the whining, folks. Just cuz Rothwell didn't support your opinions doesn't mean he is biased or has no support for his arguments. He is the best teacher I've had. But then again, I wanted to be challenged and to learn. I was and I did. Great Job, Dan

5.0
3.0
COMM2
Jun 23, 2004

Being intelligent is not being full of oneself. I was amazed at Dan's breadth of knowledge and his ability to convey it in dynamic and relevant ways. Opened my eyes to the importance of learning about human communication.

5.0
4.0
COMM10
Jun 28, 2004

Rothwell is a Great teacher, pure and simple! I've had him for three classes and Have learned more in each class than all other college classes combined. Keep up the good work.

5.0
2.0
COM10
Jul 3, 2004

The best college professor I have ever had. Intelligent, funny, thought provoking and stimulating. Not for the faint of heart or lazy. Dr. Rothwell--I will always remember you. Sorry about the few idiots that you had to deal with in class. You rock.

5.0
4.0
COMM2
Jul 21, 2004

One of the best classes I've had in a long time. Dan knows his stuff.

5.0
4.0
COMM2
Sep 1, 2004

Great teacher

5.0
4.0
COMM10
Sep 21, 2004

Great Teacher. Really knows the topic and provides useful life information. Could stand to balance his examples a bit to cross political spectrum.

5.0
2.0
COMM
Oct 4, 2004

AWESOME class! Highly recomended esp. if taken in the communication/psych block. Group tests, i dont recall any homework, its pretty easy, but SUPER fun and interesting.

1.0
3.0
COMM
Feb 6, 2005

stay away

5.0
3.0
COM2
Feb 9, 2005

Best teacher EVER! He wants students to learn.

4.0
2.0
COMM10
Apr 12, 2005

Excellent class. Rothwell is entertaining and gives great class presentations. He has excellent visuals and class exercises as well. Don't cross him though---he will always win an argument with biting sarcasm. Stay on his good side.

5.0
3.0
COMM10
May 12, 2005

FANTASTIC TEACHER. Extremely entertaining and stimulating. Take this guy. He rocks!!!!

5.0
3.0
COMM1
May 17, 2005

Very nice and a fun teacher to have. Knows alot about speeches, his written text books!!

5.0
2.0
COMM10
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Aug 21, 2005

Best class ever. Best teacher!

5.0
5.0
COMM10
Sep 16, 2005

Rothwell rocks!! Funny man!!!

5.0
1.0
COMM10
Sep 26, 2005

DAN IS THE MAN! Awesome class!

4.0
3.0
COMM2
Oct 5, 2005

Fun Class!!! I like the examples used in class!!!

5.0
1.0
COMM10
Oct 12, 2005

awesome.

3.0
3.0
COMM2
Oct 20, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
COMM2
Oct 29, 2005

I thought this was an AMAZING class. I would highly recommend this class, especially with Rothwell as the teacher

5.0
3.0
COMM2
Grade: A+
Dec 2, 2005

The class is really FUN. He uses a lot of object lessons that really get the message across, you'll drop stuff off buildings, build things, arm wrestle etc. there are two group projects that require a lot of work outside class and there are just 2 four minute speeches but as long as you come to class and READ the book it's easy

5.0
3.0
COM2
Dec 12, 2005

Yes, LOL. Great clas. Funny teacher.

5.0
3.0
COMM10
Jan 22, 2006

Best ever class and teacher. Definitiely LOL.

5.0
3.0
COMM10
Jan 30, 2006

Great course, class topics extremely pertinent and useful for personal relationships. Professor Rothwell is enthusiastic, fair, and lots of fun.

5.0
4.0
COM
Feb 28, 2006

super class and teacher

5.0
3.0
COMM6
Mar 30, 2006

No Comments

4.0
3.0
COMM10
Sep 27, 2006

Great class, interesting, funny, a little full of himself, pretty high standards but still within reason.

4.0
3.0
COMMGROU
May 17, 2007

He knows what he's talking about, very experienced, a little full of himself, but keeps things interesting with group work. Just read the book and pay attention and show up and your good..

5.0
1.0
COMM10
May 21, 2007

He's a great teacher. Very interesting. he tells wierd stories. some about smoking pot "back in the day". His class is so easy it would be stupid NOT to take it. he does Group tests. yes, that means you take the test in group. so make sure you get in with the smart kids.

4.0
2.0
COMM10
Dec 11, 2007

I loved this class. Stories were good, tests were easy, and homework was minimal. I looked forward to it every TTH. I'm taking another class from him cause I like him so much.

5.0
3.0
COMM4N10
May 30, 2008

changed my life

5.0
3.0
COMM4
Jun 7, 2008

Rothwell may seem intimidating at first, but he really knows his stuff! He's one of the best and most interesting instructors I've had! COMM 4 is harder than it seems, but it's mostly group work (Mock Trial, "People's Court", stuff like that), which can make it really fun! There's also NO textbook and Rothwell always uses interesting examples.

5.0
3.0
COMM2
Aug 18, 2008

Three years at Cabrillo, first class ever passed

5.0
1.0
COMM5813
Dec 8, 2008

He was such a good teacher. His class was funny and interesting and totally worth my time! I would deff. take his class again! Hes a very nice guy!

5.0
1.0
COMM4
Jan 24, 2009

Awesome teacher. Those saying negative things must have failed the class or something. Quit whining.

5.0
1.0
COMM10
Jan 24, 2009

Great teacher! Mr. Rothwell explains concepts really well and always has interesting stories and illustrations. His class is easy and applicable to every-day life.

5.0
2.0
COMM4
Apr 12, 2009

Rothwell is a good professor. One of the few at cabrillo that will actually help you if you email or show up at his office. The class was a lot harder than I thought but participation was the key to pulling a decent grade. If you dont plan on going to class dont take him.

4.0
4.0
COMM4
May 5, 2009

A really fantastic teacher, I plan to take another class with him next semester. We didn't buy a textbook, he printed out hand outs of various textbooks he wrote. It's almost impossible to do well in this class with sketchy attendance and he has pretty high expectations but he's very helpful and presents interesting material.

5.0
5.0
ARGUE692
Dec 7, 2009

He is hard. He grades hard but if you work hard youll do fine in his class. He makes you REALLY earn your A's and I only expected to get B's on my work in his class by the end. He is nice, great stories he shares, and puts on good video clips. His lectures are always interesting just study the material and youll be good.

4.0
2.0
COMM10
Dec 19, 2009

Dan is an excellent teacher! He knows his stuff. He gives TONS of very interesting and fun examples about what he teaches. The book is exactly like the lectures, just more informative if u get lost in the lectures. I recommend not to miss any classes if u can, but if u do have to only miss at most 2. Tests are group tests, get a good group.

4.0
5.0
COMM2
May 11, 2010

He's a hard teacher! The tests are horrible. You have to read the book so you can pass that class. But the tests are deadly! Don't get me wrong , he's a comedian ! Always cracking jokes , and loves to talk , but the stories he tells are always interesting and he's nice!

5.0
4.0
COMM4
Jun 10, 2010

There is no reason you shouldn't be able to get a B or higher in this class, all you have to do is take it seriously. This class teaches you vital info. for the real world so pay attention, do your work and you will do well. Dan is the man! Got teacher of the year award and deserves it. I took 2 classes with him & will get the comm. certificate! =)

5.0
3.0
COMM4
Aug 18, 2010

Dan is the man. Best teacher I had in the 4 years I was at Cabrillo. Easily one of the smartest guys I've ever met. Make sure you take notes

5.0
1.0
COMM4
Dec 4, 2010

Best class I've ever taken. Dan is an amazing teacher!!! The text is basic and his lectures are amusing and engaging. Everyone should take a communications class from this man; super fun and interesting human being with lots of knowledge on the subject!

4.0
4.0
COMM10
Dec 24, 2010

This class seems like it would be easy, but his tests are very tricky! It's easy to second guess yourself on his tests, so just be very prepared and study a lot. He uses a lot of films/tv clips as examples in class which keeps things interesting. Although he's a little intimidating he seems like a nice person in general.

4.0
3.0
COMM02
Jan 31, 2011

If you're outspoken, avoid him! If you're words don't interest him, he won't care and will make you look like a loser in class! I mean okay, he seems alright but his attitude is annoying. His test are hard too.

5.0
3.0
COMM10
May 8, 2011

The tests are harder then you would expect(tricky wording), but extremely fair. There is a website full of practice quizzes to help prepare you, take advantage of this! His lecture flows with his textbook (he wrote it). Class is fun and he showes many movie clips to clarify and add to an explanation. Overall a fun class. I learned a lot! :)

4.0
4.0
COMM4
May 12, 2011

Rothwell is an awesome teacher. from the comments ive read people just dont put forth the effort. he makes u look at different p.o.v's and keeps the class entertained with outlandish examples that makes you grasp the material. study for the tests and dont second guess ur answers! overall probably the best teacher i've encountered at Cabrillo

4.0
2.0
COMM10
Dec 19, 2011

At first i was a little skeptical and thought he was cocky (since he wrote the text book and all) But he definitely grew on me. He knows his stuff and class is entertaining. I found myself cracking up at most lectures. The only thing is his notes are not the best so you actually do have to at least skim the text book but overall great class/teacher

5.0
5.0
COMMU1228
Jan 10, 2012

Bring your A game. Published, solid prof. A must for any cc student serious about thinking critically. Be engaged, attend class and be enriched.

5.0
3.0
COMM4
May 29, 2012

If you want a teacher who knows what the hell he's talking about and can teach it well, TAKE ROTHWELL! he writes his own text, and provides a lot of examples making everything crystal clear. he may seem intimidating, but he's reasonable if he knows you care about the class. his tests are tricky, but take the time to LEARN not MEMORIZE & you'll pass

5.0
4.0
COM10
Jun 2, 2012

You will never win in an argument. Although, it is very funny to watch people try. Very fun class, but I often felt like I was back in high school because of all the rules. I would not take his class again nor recommend it.

3.0
2.0
COMM10
Dec 11, 2012

He is a very smart and prepared to teach. you will learn a lot from him, but he has the class split into groups to take the test and gives each group a study guide with MANY questions to answer on it. Due to the social loafing of the group it is easy to get a bad grade unless you pick up the slack of your group members. i would avoid his class

5.0
2.0
COMM4
Dec 19, 2012

Take this course with Rothwell. He is punctual, clear, funny, and exams are not dificult attend every class and pay close attention. Everything he talks about in class is exactly on the exam. The final is the funnest part of the class. Join a well organized group and you will be fine.. He knows his stuff and you will not leave his class with a coma

5.0
3.0
COMM10
May 13, 2013

Rothwell is a great teacher, be prepared for an intriguing argument if you say the wrong thing. He makes u question your thinking. His exams can be tricky but if u read the book and take class notes, you should get a good grade. Make sure you pick a good group and not a bunch of slackers since all the tests are taking in a group!just dont slack off

3.0
2.0
COMM10
Jun 1, 2013

Taking this course was a chore. While attendance is a huge chunk of your grade, he does not cover any material that is not in his book. You could literally read the book instead of showing up to class, but you'll be penalized for doing so. Exam grades emphasize memorizing literally hundreds of terms, none of which are useful outside the classroom.

5.0
1.0
COMM4
Jun 9, 2013

Dans class was awesome. The class teaches how to build and analyze an argument and persuasion techniques. He scared me the first day of class when he said "this will be one of the most difficult classes you'll ever take." Not sure where that came from this was my easiest class this semester. Close to no HW, ALL PRESENTATIONS ARE GROUP PRESENTATIONS

5.0
2.0
COM4
Dec 3, 2013

Good teacher ! His class changed my Life!

5.0
3.0
80658
Feb 20, 2014

Great lectures. Fun and challenging.

5.0
3.0
82789
Feb 20, 2014

Dan is funny, passionate, very clear, and challenges you in a way that locks in subject matter. I kinda wish he was my dad :)

5.0
3.0
COMM10
Apr 30, 2014

Dan is a very interesting teacher. I feel like he psyched us out the first day of class by boasting about how hard his tests are. They're not that hard as long as you pay attention and read the book. Don't be lazy. Loved his class and learned quite a bit.

5.0
2.0
COMM10
Grade: A
Jul 22, 2014

Took several of his classes and was never disappointed. Great lectures, although sometimes a bit dated. Knows what he's talking about and how to teach it. Very interesting group testing style that can either help you get an easy A or hurt you if you don't carry your weight and properly prepare.

3.0
3.0
COMM4
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2014

Biggest note: you have a TON of group projects where you will have to meet outside of class if you want to do well. I believe there were 5 group speeches and you take 2 Tests as a group! So scope out the class and make sure you get a good one! I would have gotten a much lower grade if not for working well with my group.

2.0
4.0
COM4
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2015

Entertains but does not teach. Exams are rote memorization from text. Teacher photocopies chapters from textbook he wrote; no need to buy textbook. Group tests-fine. Group projects- don't pick procrastinators. - you dont need to have a good argument just a plethora of facts and statistics from credible sources; list the sources qualifications.

4.0
3.0
COM10
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2016

Dan was one of my favorite teachers at Cabrillo. Any teacher that plays Meg Ryan films and has a love of beer is great in my book. Tests are tough with trick questions, so make sure you study! Be mindful of the group you pick, it will make or break your grade.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
A- (2)
Not_Sure_Yet (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 6 reported grades
A: 2
A-: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
A+: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.08 avg change
Feb
Apr
Jul
Dec
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

80658

5.0

(1)

82789

5.0

(1)

SPEECH

5.0

(1)

COMM210

5.0

(1)

COM2

5.0

(3)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GROUPCOMM

5.0

ARGUE692

5.0

COMMU1228

5.0

COMM210

4.0

COM

4.0

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