Casper is a great teacher. He's fun and energetic and he is an overall good teac

Great professor

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we all love Casper- get to know him and he'll pick on you but love you all year!

one strange dude

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Like Simon very American Idol? Hmm... separated at birth? Fun class.

He knows so much about film and is a fun lecturer. Though, it is really scary when he walks down the rows and randomly calls on you. Otherwise, he's very entertaining.

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Inspired! I wish all my teachers had his enthusiasm!

I thought some of his ideas were crazy, but now that I'm also teaching cinema I realize he's right most of the time.

one of my most inspirational teachers. I miss him!

The passion he has for his topic is amazing. Thanks to him I have learned to like several different genres of film I had not ever watched.

Outstanding teacher, but his classes are not easy.

Prof. Casper is insane, but that's what makes the class fun. His energy and passion will keep you entertained. Exams can be difficult because it's hard to know what he expects. Papers are at your TA's discretion.

In the movie version, he should be played by William Sadler. Intense and charismatic. I often disagreed with some of his readings of films, but he was never dull. If he knows your name, he WILL call on you; stay alert. Gotta admire that level of passion

A great lecturer.

Amazing...the man is an inspiration.

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Casper is the greatest. IF you LISTEN and take good notes, you will pass. If you don't.. then you're gonna fail!

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Casper is great.

Casper Rocks

Two parts Christopher Walken, one part Richard Simmons. You could almost always count on a song.

Casper is FABULOUS. Love him or hate him, you will never forget him.

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He's scary in class but talk to him at office hours and he's awesome.

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'an experience'

Casper is fun and interesting!

Also Hitchcock Course. I think this professor is extremely entertaining. Especially if you would like to see an ex-priest tell you the sins and evils about film production in a VERY flambouant manner.

This class is awesome! Dr. Drew is quite a performer and definitely keeps the whole thing fun, even though he does expect a lot from you. The tests seem hard, but that gets you to work hard (and then in retrospect they seem easy). Many people get intimi

Listen, if you want and easy class in film this is not the guy for you. Yes, he does dramatize the entire course but it make you remember him. It is a film class after all and not calculus. He is strong in his positions whether you agree with them or not

Drew Casper rocks despite the fact he thinks there have been no decent film since Doris Day and "Pillow Talk" .... I'd go back and take his classes any day!!

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Truely the best professor I've ever had. You don't find too many professors like this.

This guy is pure awesomeness!! The class obviously extends for too long, but he is so passionate of wut he's teaching that the hours just fly.. hope he has a better selection of films on his other classes for i do not like old movies... i fall asleep for the first part of casablanca!!

He's incredibly passionate and informative about what he is teaching. It's like he has too much information and can never get all of it out. Your pen will be smoking by the end of class but you learn SOOOO much.

Fantastic, passionate, engaging. One of my favorite classes at USC.

He cracks me up!

Drew not only inspired and challenged me to be passionate about cinema and the socio-historic important it plays amongst us, he became a true mentor and friend to me. To this day, Drew remains one of my greatest influences and I have nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for this incredible professor and mentor.

The fact that this man has so many ratings must say something about him. Whether you love him or hate him, his teaching style is one which commands attention. I have found myself listening to about 85 to 90 percent of his 1.5 hour lecture which is much more than I can say for most of my proffesors. Take 190 with Casper, its an experience.

very funny

drew's lectures are spectacular!

Brilliant and enthusiuastic orator

Casper is quite a character. You'll either love him or hate him. His tests are brutal, because the material is so extensive and the tests can cover pretty much any arbitrary thing he brought up in class. Pay very close attention, and always go to lecture! He is very funny, and he loves to make fun of students. Don't take him too seriously.

This guy is a riot, very entertaining. I still have his notes - his classes were tough but overall very enjoyable.

As you can see by all the comments, Casper inspires people to love or hate him. I personally think he tries to cover too much material in the class which makes his exams brutal. His lectures are entertaining and very funny...as long as you're not the student being made fun of.

We love films, he loves films-- end of story!

Took Casper for 503 and 469. Loved his class. I learned a lot from him - he is entertaining and delivers his material with passion and enthusiasm. Some of the lectures had too many facts from IMDB, but he balances it with discussions of thematics. Although I had lots of absences, I worked hard on the papers and got an A in both classes.

Very entertaining and interesting. Very hard to get a good grade. TA's are snobs.

Every lecture is a performance! Dr. Casper is a genuine treasure, and few (if any) people know more about post-world-war-II film.

Casper is extremely animated, so his lectures are inferesting. You don't need to go to class, since there is an outline of what he says in the book, but if you go to the lectures and take notes you should be able to get a B or A easily. Don't buy both books, you only need the reader, although the other one is helpful. Grading is done only by TAs

Entertaining and informative but do NOT take this class if you aren't a cinema major. I know several people who dropped the class.. Many of the TAs are unfair, and as someone else posted, snobs.

While it may take some getting used to when you first enter one of his courses, Casper is intensely passionate not only about film but also about his students. Even in a lecture of 300+, he makes an effort to learn names and get students involved. Don't take his class for an easy A; take it to get a professor who really loves what's he's doing.

He is an incredible teacher, a bit on the eccentric side, but he draws you in with every word in each of his lectures. His class is a lot of work but it is definately worth it in the end. He creates the ultimate world of cinema with his lectures.

A truly, truly fantastic teacher and mentor. Don't listen to the comments saying he is hateful. Listen to him, you will realize he loves what he teaches more than anything. He's also kind of crazy, which makes class very interesting.

Either you love Casper or you hate him. Unless you know the answer, don't raise your hand cause he WILL pick on you. But the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable cinema prof at SC, and classes were never boring. Quite a performer. I learned so much!

I liked him but others don't. At the very least he's an entertainer

He is one of the most entertaining profs. Dumb critical studies student hate him but production students love him.

His classes are definitely a performance, and watching a movie after every lecture is fun. You only need the blue course reader for CTCS 190, don't bother with the Film Art book. Some say that the TA's are snobbish, but I thought they graded pretty lightly. Just don't answer any of his questions during lectures unless you're sure the answer's right.

If you like eccentric entertainment while learning at the same time, Casper is for you! But DON'T raise your hand unless you're ready to be GRILLED, or unless you're not phased being picked on in a theater full of students. You learn a lot and get plenty of amusement. Recommended to any SC student.

Things you will learn from Casper may only make sense years later. I gained life and self knowledge through film which will stay with me for a long time.

I really loved this class; Caper an Icon; and shares a wealth of knowledge about the art of filmmaking and the history of film. I will take other courses that he teaches for sure. I am a freshman right now.

Brilliant.

Having had him for 3 semesters in a row, I can say that he is, if nothing else, interesting. I enjoy his classes, and find his charisma entertaining. Just don't blindly agree with his opinions, you can disagree with his bias and still like him as a professor.

Casper is fantastic. You won't always agree with him, but you've got to give him credit for knowing his field well and putting on a thrilling (and often funny) lecture. However, the TAs and their varied expectations can really make or break your experience. Some of them are needlessly picky about details and don't know how to write well.

There's a lot of hate for Casper on this site, and yes, some of his lectures are hard to follow/pick up on terms. However, he is easily the most entertaining/captivating/well-versed professor in the film school. I loved his class and look forward to taking many more with him. Life-changingly good professor.

Challenging midterm & final, 2 papers graded by TA. Use lecture outlines in reader for note-taking. While Casper is intimidating, I learned an immense amount about cinema--academically & philosophically. His lectures are performance-like, often hilarious. I'd call him playfully abrasive. Loved 190, hope to take another class with him in the future.

i hear this class is really what determines the film students from those taking it as an elective - and i would agree. it's hard to get an A, so if you are looking for an elective, take an upper division ctcs course instead. casper is really charismatic and theatrical in all his lectures.

Casper is really passionate and has entertaining lectures. The way the class is graded doesn't do justice to whether you actually really understand the material. Worth taking if you enjoy film.

Casper is really passionate and his lectures are entertaining, but the way the class is graded doesn't really correspond with how much material you understand. Of course, all the actual grading and assignments are done by TAs. Worth taking if you enjoy film.

This class is definitely challenging if you want to get an A. However, Casper is incredibly entertaining and the work isn't too heavy. 2 papers, a midterm and a final.

Scorsese course, most of the midterm was from book rather than lecture, 2 papers and midterm and final. Great lectures and screenings. No discussion class. Not too hard if you read and go to class. Casper is enjoyable as always

Casper is extremely intimidating and brilliant, however his humor is simply playful and he has a big heart. His lectures are one of a kind and are so entertaining. Papers and exams were not easy. Not the best TA's and very picky graders. Still, the class was so interesting, and I can't watch a movie the same way again.

Scorsese was a good class. A little harder than the 300 level Crit. Studies courses because there is no discussion. Very independent with 25% devoted to everything. Didn't need to read books to answer test questions. Tests differed from 190 because you couldn't drop a question. Overall, great course. Could be challenging if you're not in SCA.

He performs his lecture as a character, so he's never boring! Really interesting class with great films. It's tough, but interesting. Reading is largely unnecessary, but DEFINITELY take film notes and go over the course reader for the exams. Hard to get an A, but definitely possible.

When I first entered Casper's class I was shocked by how he teaches his class, but further on in the course I realized that he is extremely passionate about what he is teaching and uses his methods to keep us students entertained and engaged with his lectures. Take CTCS 190 for yourself, but I thought Casper was a great professor!

One of the best professors I have ever had at USC. You cannot graduate without taking a class from Casper. As one of the highest paid professors at USC, he is a book of knowledge and knows absolutely everything about film. He motivated me to go to class everyday; I have never been so excited to go to a lecture and learn.

Casper is my absolute favorite professor at USC. He is dynamic and gets the class involved. Even though attendance isn't mandatory, GO--it's the only way to successfully get an A, and you don't have to work that hard! If you aren't interested in cinema, you must take one of his classes. You cannot go to USC and not have Casper.

If you care about film and don't assume you know all the answers, allow this crazy passionate man to impart his knowledge onto you. Really brilliant readings of Hitchcock and cinema in general. He cares about quality and it shows in his lectures. Intimidating but only because film is his world. Excellent prof

Don't let people talk you out of taking a Casper class because he makes up his own terms - they're choosing not to focus on all the good things. You have to accept that Casper is eccentric and then allow yourself to enjoy his interesting and brilliant teaching style. Take him to lunch, I respected and liked him so much more afterwards.

absolutely loved this class. Not a cinema major but thoroughly enjoyed going to class. If you have a good TA you'll be fine. Go to every lecture because they are EXTREMELY important. The class is super entertaining and fun. I would recommend it to everybody. Everyone should experience Casper's craziness. He's scary at first, don't raise your hand

Not as bad as people make it out to be. Casper is a trip, but it's just an act. I'd rather have him teach me film than some monotone professor, especially for the price of this school, he makes your money's worth. It ultimately comes down to the TAs. My TA sucked really bad. But it's possible to still get an A.

Casper is awesome. I really enjoyed 190 and learned a lot. I'm also a film major, so did have a prior interest. Make sure to take good notes! This is very important.He can be unnecessary mean to people that don't answer the questions the way he wants. But if you want to learn he's genius at what he knows. Favorite class at USC thus far.

There's a joke on campus that half of hollywood has taken Drew' classes, and there's a reason for it. If you're going to try to work in a business as competitive as film and TV you need teachers like Drew to prepare you for the hard realities of the industry. Taking Drew's class was invaluable

Casper is incredibly passionate about film, has an incredible resume (including many DVD commentaries on Hitchcock's famous films) and is an all-around amazing teacher. Yes he is about performance, that's how he teaches. But if you take this class, you will learn more about film than you ever thought could be. Do not miss out.

You won't find a more polarizing teacher. Casper loves performing for his classes and can be quite harsh but love/hate him, he knows more than anybody about movies and you'll learn so much in this class. don't rasie your hand unless you're totally confident in your answer, he'll tear you apart but it's not personal and he remembers everybody.

Spielberg semester. Casper was great as usual. He is very opinionated but that's inevitable with an interpretative subject like film. Listen to what he has to say, because he really is very brilliant and provides a different perspective on a lot of things. Of course Spielberg's visit to class is a riot as well.

Interesting class and a wonderful introduction to film. People will complain about him and blow it out of proportion, mostly because the class is composed of freshmen freaking out about their first lecture-style class. You just have to take notes during the lectures, watch the films, and go to discussion. Not that hard if you like film.

Casper is definitely my favorite professor in SCA. His lectures were very informative. If you really want to learn something rather than just passing a class, you should definitely take his classes. After taking probably more than ten of his classes, you will really find yourself knowledgeable about movie culture and history.

To any two people, he is either passionate, charismatic, and engaging or crazy, vain, and off-putting. I am under the former school. Class mostly revolves around lecture notes, so please for the love of God get help from your TA if you are confused. His lectures, however, are spot on and unique to both him and USC. The most polarizing class at SC.

Overall really great professor! He loves his job and is super enthusiastic and makes the lectures entertaining. Most of the movies for the class were really good too. The grade is based on 2 essays, a midterm, final, and participation.

He's absolutely amazing. If you don't agree with him, then so be it. But he is so experienced and knowledgable about his craft. Lectures are fun and movies watched are awesome. TAKE THIS COURSE

My favorite teacher I have had so far in my college career. The most enthusiastic teacher I have eve heard lecture. He loves to call people out in front of the class, and loves walking throw the rows. You can tell his passion for film, and his lectures definitely show. Sometimes it is hard to take notes, due to his unique style of lecturing.

Awesome

He's incredibly intelligent, energetic, and fun to listen to. He does expect you to show up to class and do the readings. If you can do those two things, you'll make an A in his class. The students who complain about him are usually the lazy ones who are mad that someone actually expects them to work for their grade.

The lectures were fantastic, a bit repetitive but made the course material clear over time.

Most influential teacher I have ever taken, either you love him or he makes you uncomfortable. I love him and his passion for film.

Grading are 100% based on your TAs. Be aware that TAs standards vary quite a lot! So your grades will depend on your TA.

Engaging lecturer, puts students on the spot, fun environment

What can you say about Casper? He's the bomb, especially for cinema majors. Take him out to lunch! He loves Parkside.

The lectures tend to be lengthy but Professor Casper is very engaging. Attending the lectures is useful for passing the midterm and final but you can watch the movies on your own time if you're like me and can't sit still for the four hour long class

This class absolutely changed my life. Drew Casper is brilliant and such a character. He knows so much about film and has so many great anecdotes. The class is whatever you make of it.. If you walk in with a cynical attitude and don't put in some effort you won't enjoy it.

Casper is super interesting for a GE and has genuine passion for the subject, however, he does victimize many of the students in lecture. Only take if you enjoy watching black and white movies from the mid 1900s. I thought I liked movies, but I guess compared to cinema students, i don't at all. They dig really deep into everything. Fun class.

Dr. Casper was a wonderful professor to have. He knows his material really well. He is extremely passionate about his classes, and each lecture is an absolute joy. I was grateful to be able to have him. Just be wary of answering questions in class, he remembers names and will make you sit in the front for the rest of the semester. I recommend him!

Legendary professor at USC. His lectures are great and his movie selections are amazing! You learn a lot about film. Definitely take this class if you have 4 units to spare.

Just learn all the concepts and you'll be fine. Watch the movies, but you don't need to watch them in class. I watched all of them the week of midterm and final and did good. Papers are pretty hard though.

Best professor and class at USC.

Casper is a fun grandpa. Really nice and open outside of class, extremely enthused about film and how it affects and reflects different eras. Everything is graded by a TA, but the TAs are really well respected too. Four hour class, but half is watching a movie. He teaches things he made up himself, but can you blame him? He's a leader in his field.

I absolutely love this man. My favorite professor by far. I had him as a professor my first semester of freshman year and could not imagine a semester without him. His lectures are magical and transportive. He is such an inspirational speaker who has much experience in the cinema world. If you love cinema, you will not regret taking a Casper class.

Grades are very determinant on TAs. Some are tough and have extra assignments but most are fair graders and make the class easier. I recommend TA Anne Kelly. If you like film, you should definitely take the class with friends. Not alot of work is required from students. Casper can be intimidating but his lectures are memorable.

It's interesting to read how much other students seem to have forgotten that this is Rate My PROFESSOR. Dr. Casper can be edgy at times, but there is no doubt in anybody's mind that he loves cinema. His lecture style is inspiring and gives you a phenomenal perspective on new and old films. Also, he does not grade papers in CTCS 190, the TAs do.

He teaches lectures from material he published, which means the textbooks ($200) aren't cheap. But he's a fun grandpa type that just wants all his students to be as inspired by cinema as he was. Essays aren't bad, and you can choose the movies you watch to write them. Beware, he likes gory movies so you'll have to watch them too. Take his class.

Dr. Casper can be very intimidating, so just don't get on his bad side. Only participate if you truly think you know the answer. Generally, just keep your head down and take notes during lecture and you'll be fine. Taking notes so rapidly during class can be stressful, but later you'll realize how much you learned. It's definitely worth it.

This guy is a really good professor. Definitely the most fun and crazy lectures I've ever had. Lots of what he says is practically divine knowledge about cinema. I feel like everyone should take his CTCS 190 course as it gives you a wonderful insight into appreciating film. The tests and papers can be a little work but I think it is worth it.

Casper can be intimidating in lecture but if you talk to him 1-on-1 it's better. If he catches you slippin be prepared to get roasted in front of your 300 classmates. Your grades really depend on your TA

Don't let the negative comments fool you Casper is amazingly knowledgeable about film and you will learn a ton in this class if you have the right attitude. He can definitely be snarky and stubborn, and his showmanship can be a bit much, but overall he provides a great intro to film studies. The assignments aren't too tough, but do expect to work.

Dr. Casper is great and really passionate about the subject. As a film major, this class is very introductory and I learned nothing new. He is so knowledgeable about the subject and has very involved lectures where students are actively participating.

A really fun guy who is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about film. Was clear on all his lecture material, but lectures felt lengthy because he would frequently go on tangents.

Dr. Casper is a legendary figure at USC and one of the most memorable professors. His lectures are eccentric and inspirational, although they can get tedious at times. Overall the class was pretty easy, just 3 papers and 2 tests. This lecture is massive so attendance doesn't matter, but not showing up will hurt your test grades. Would take again!

Casper is not for everyone, his lectures can be engaging and fascinating but sometimes long and repetitive. If you go to each one of his lectures you will be more than prepared for tests. Essay grades are dependent on the TA, but they are very accessible outside of class for help.

Casper danced up and down the aisles of the theatre singing with a random student he plucked out of the crowd the first day of class. This man cannot really be described but I'm pretty sure he's a time traveler from 50's Hollywood. Tests are hard but the material is clear, teaches from his own book so you've got everything on the final from day one

Drew Casper is was one of my favorite professors this year. You get what you give to the class, and while you primarily interface with TAs in the 350 person lecture, you can easily talk to Casper and pick at his insane mind and eye for film. Easily one of my favorite and most engaging classes. Be sure to take up Casper's offer for lunch!

Casper was definitely the most interesting lecturer that I've ever witnessed. He has a lot of energy, and is also a little bit strange, but he is incredibly knowledgable and passionate about cinema. I took this class pass/fail as a GE because I was interested in cinema and really enjoyed it. The four hour lecture went by fast.

Very inspirational. Learned more in this class than any other class I took last semester. Every time I watch a movie or show now, I am able to watch with a more intelligible perspective and critique the movie.

His lectures are interesting, but you never know which part is important and is going to be on your midterm/final. Your grade in this class really depends on which TA you get because they grade your papers. For many people this class was a requirement in their major/minor. But if you have a choice, please avoid.

If you are interested in film studies, I would recommend the course. Definitely not your typical "easy" GE-A, but it's rewarding if you work hard. Casper tends to pick on the same kids, but I successfully hid in the back all semester. Your grade depends on your TA, and Megan Reilly was really nice, helpful, accessible, and clear on expectations.

Good class to take to learn about movies. Bad class to take if you want an easy A for a GE-A. Grades are extremely dependent on your TA, and there isn't much consistency across the board. However, his lectures are entertaining if you aren't scared to be called out on.

He is really experienced and knowledgeable in his fields. He looks strict and chill but is really a nice guy. His lectures are the most interesting lectures I have ever had in my life. The tests and paper prompt sometimes are really tricky and makes people stressed though.

Amazing class

Be prepared for three extensive papers, a midterm, a final, and nothing else. TA's are usually helpful if you ask. The lectures aren't absolutely necessary but I would go just because the guy's a lot of fun and he's specific in a way the textbook/TA discussions aren't

CTCS 190 was not a bad class. Casper is like an old grandpa that pokes fun at people (shouldn't be taken seriously). His class made me appreciate film on a whole another level. TAs do all the grading. 3 papers, 1 midterm, 1 final. Midterm and Final were easy but you have to study! My TA was a harsh grader but still did well.

An institution at the school, and for good reason. Extremely prepared and the lecture is full of information. You definitely get what you pay for. The class is very well organized and not a lot of work at all. Tests are very easy. Don't need to read. You don't even need to show up to the screenings. Films are hollywood but that's what the class is.

I've taken Casper's CTCS 190 course and his CTCS 469 course (Hitchcock), and I absolutely loved him. He is seriously one of my favorite professors I've ever had and I don't think people give him enough credit. He is extremely intelligent and challenges his students. Casper is a legend, and I seriously recommend taking his classes if you love film!!

Drew Casper is one of the most passionate professors at USC and very knowledgeable about cinema. I am so glad I got to take a class with him before he retired. I was planning on taking a class with him next semester that I have now dropped because he won't be teaching it anymore. The class is completely graded by TA's and he has no role in grades.

Casper is an incredible lecturer. He's intense, passionate, and a joy to listen to--the only teacher who can lecture for 2 hours and hold attention. However, this class is NOT easy. Even for a film major like me, it was still challenging. If you have a good TA, just put in the work and it's not impossible to get an A. RIP Casper youll be missed.

This. Man. Is. Amazing. Not everyones taste for sure but he is hilarious and captivating and intriguing with his teaching methods. I am so lucky to have taken his class before he retired, it made me switch to a cinema minor and want to pursue an internship and career in cinema. As an artist, I loved the way he applied cinema to art, culture, & life

He is an entertaining lecturer. Some of the material is very vague, but if you can take notes quickly you should be fine. Depending on your TA reviewing the material is pretty easy in discussion section. Be sure to put in effort for the few essays, they are all graded by the TAs and basically determine your grade. Overall, Prof. Caper was great!