2.4

Ishwar Rattan

Computer Science - Central Michigan University

2.4
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
35%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
2.4
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.3
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

35%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

15

4

6

3

14

2

14

1

35

What Students Say

Homework is hard and at times seemed pointless to the overall objective of the class

CPS542 - 1.0 rating

That is the basic idea

CPS360 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

53%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 21 grades
Most common grades:
B (5)
A+ (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(7)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 25 reported grades
B: 5
A+: 4
Not sure yet: 4
C-: 3
Common Tags
Tough Grader (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Tough grader (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Lecture heavy (5)
Amazing lectures (3)
Inspirational (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.41 avg change
Apr
May
Dec
May
Sep
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

470565

5.0

(1)

CPS600

5.0

(1)

CPS565

4.3

(4)

ALL

4.0

(3)

CPS670

3.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANY

5.0

CPS000

5.0

CPSSECT

5.0

CPS600

5.0

CPS568

5.0

Reviews (84)
1.0
5.0
CPS210
Oct 14, 2002

Ishwar Rattan could care less about you as a student, just his paycheck

1.0
5.0
CPS470
Oct 16, 2002

No Comments

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Oct 22, 2002

Hates your for not knowing the class material before he even teaches it

3.0
4.0
CPS210
Nov 2, 2002

Knows his stuff. Jokes around. Have a lot of respect for him.

4.0
3.0
CPS565
Nov 29, 2002

He is very knowledgeable and can make you a good programmer.

4.0
4.0
CPS470
Dec 13, 2002

Don't be put off by his harshness. He is the most effective CPS at CMU. period.

1.0
3.0
CPS210
Dec 19, 2002

If Rattan is so good, why isn't he in the real world? Same reason Singh isn'

5.0
1.0
CPS565
Dec 22, 2002

the best.

5.0
1.0
CPS470
Jan 9, 2003

he is a good guy. you will learn a lot by taking his classes.

5.0
3.0
CPS210
Jan 25, 2003

he seems harsh, but you will learn in his class

5.0
3.0
CPS210
Feb 5, 2003

He IS helpful. He WILL answer questions, BUT, he won't breast feed you.

1.0
5.0
ANY
Feb 19, 2003

May be he is a sincere teacher, BUT WHAT IS THE POINT IF HE IS A NASTY MAN?&

5.0
1.0
CPS470
Feb 24, 2003

this is a great class, and is taught very well.

2.0
5.0
CPS470
Mar 14, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CPS670
Mar 29, 2003

Best CPS professor in CMU. Quality teaching with immense knowledge of different aspects of computer science. Give him a pay raise, he deserves more!

2.0
4.0
CPS470
Apr 24, 2003

I repeatedly asked him for help and he refused. I wasn't asking for the answers, just for help. He showed little respect for many students. Towards the end of the course, I pleaded for him to offer me some guidance, and he flat out denied me any time.

2.0
5.0
CPS470
May 14, 2003

I read somebody wrote here that he will answer questions asked.. I ask that rater what drug are you on?? even Rattan will have a heartattack reading that he helps student by answering questions.

5.0
1.0
470565
Jul 11, 2003

Ish is a very cool professor. Unfortunately for students at CMU, he wants people to have to think through problems to develop a solution. :)

1.0
4.0
CPS210
Aug 22, 2003

No Comments

1.0
4.0
CPS670
Nov 19, 2003

He mumbles and you can't understand him. He won't help you if you ask a question and dosen't care whether you understand or not

5.0
1.0
ALL
Nov 25, 2003

Ish is a really good guy. All he asks is that people actually think about some questions they ask him (same goes for problems they complaina about as well).

3.0
5.0
CPS210
Mar 30, 2004

Dismal. Computer science students cringe at the thought of having this professor. He is ill-tempered and likes to "shake the tree" of the department... looking for the bad apples to fall.

4.0
4.0
ALL
Aug 13, 2004

Great teacher, great courses. Raises the level of the department.

3.0
3.0
CPS565
Aug 24, 2004

He's cool if you get to understand him, he's got lot of stuff, worth taking his course, he's tough at grades, but thats the way it is with grad courses. There are a very few in Computer's Dept whose classes are worth taking and confidantly i say he's one.

1.0
5.0
CPS470
Aug 31, 2004

No Comments

2.0
4.0
CPS470
Sep 17, 2004

No Comments

3.0
3.0
ALL
May 6, 2005

One of the best profs in CPS. Take his courses only if your really interested in programming and willing to work sincerely. Never give up :)

5.0
3.0
CPS565
Oct 11, 2005

Good Professor to get your fundamentals cleared for a specific topic. He really knows Stuff.

2.0
4.0
CPS470
Grade: B
Oct 15, 2005

He knows the stuff he's teaching incredibly well. He'll form an opinion of you within the first five minutes of the first class, and usually it's not a good opinion. He's a stereotypical bitter and brilliant professor. Be prepared to work a lot.

2.0
5.0
CPS210
Oct 18, 2005

He knows his stuff really well, but can't teach at all! Always seems like he's down and whispers and mumbles in class. He even uses a microphone for a 25 student class and we still can't hear him sitting in the 1st row. Don't understand why. Basically, in my three years at college so far i have never gotten below a B- and I have a D in his class.

1.0
4.0
CPS210
Dec 11, 2005

The class is very difficult, but not impossible as long as you know the subject. What really makes the class so awful though, is the fact that Rattan is an a** about everything. He tells stories about failing his students like they're amusing. He thinks giving bad grades is actually funny. Avoid him!

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Jan 5, 2006

This guy was a total jerk. I went to his office once to ask a question, he told me to get the hell out! He loves failing students. The people who say they like his are just the two people a year he singles out to treat like human beings. He isn't that bright and has no grasp of moderm programming methods. Enjoy!

3.0
5.0
CPS210
Jan 11, 2006

HARD. The homework is unbelievably lengthy, and he won't give you any real answers if you come to his office, but he will tell you how to go about finding them for yourself. Hilarious and interesting in his own right if you can get past the fact that everything he says is in monotone mumblings. Don't expect anything A ranged, and Bs/Cs aren't free.

3.0
5.0
CPS210
Feb 16, 2006

the class itself is quite difficult. he seems to know a lot of stuff, but you can never hear what he is saying in class, cause he talks so quietly. With this prof, you'll have to work really hard in order to get a moderate grade

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Aug 29, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
CPS000
Oct 19, 2006

Wow, does not care about his students. One of those profs who is tenured and that is the only reason he is still here. Should be fired.

1.0
5.0
CPSSECT
Oct 25, 2006

No teaching skills + lack of care for students + bad attitute = class from hell. Avoid him if at all possible!

1.0
5.0
CPSSECT
Feb 22, 2007

Cannot Teach, Will not help you out, has never programmed. More will to help you if you are his ethnicity.

2.0
4.0
CPS210
Oct 16, 2008

Has no respect for anyone except the two students per a class he randomly chooses. He bashes students' questions, other CMU professors, and any programming language he does not know. Do not expect help - there is none and do not expect partial credit on tests - one line is wrong all your points are gone. There is no book so learn to love Google...

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Nov 4, 2008

What a terrible class. Here's a thought. Maybe and just maybe if a teacher was interested in teaching and helping students they would learn more than throwing nasty remarks towards them. Stickler for commenting your code so here are my comments in as many forms. /* I hate 210 */ //I hate 210 ;I hate 210 #pragma comment I hate 210 Hope this helps

3.0
4.0
CPS210
Dec 8, 2008

I have heard some horror stories about this professor, not all of them unfounded. BUT, In the grand scheme of things, he just wants you to do your best and expects nothing less. I would imagine by the time one reaches this level of education they could handle it! So put your nose to the grindstone and you will be fine.

5.0
5.0
CPS600
Jan 30, 2009

Tough teacher, but one of my best teacher's ever. He made us run, made us thirsty. Then he'd be there with the water. These ratings are lame. He was tough, mean, and a little scary at first, but his heart has always been in the right place and his interest focused outward.

4.0
5.0
CPS210
Apr 9, 2009

You really need to come to every class and I recommend a tape recorder or something since his accent can be a tad thick at times. It's a hard class and he's a hard teacher, but even though I am failing I have learned a lot.

4.0
5.0
CPS470
May 14, 2009

This class is hard, requires independent thought and Dr. Rattan expects you to work. That being said, he is the best professor in the department. If you're a slacker, you will be treated as such as well you should. The bad reviews on his profile are from slackers, those that work appreciate him, his work, and his humor.

2.0
4.0
CPS210
Jun 12, 2009

Whole reason the "tenure" idea needs to be rethought. Doesn't care about his students. Doesn't teach worth crap. Doesn't want to help anyone. Well, unless you're from India. Then you get his good side. Don't ask questions as he will only insult you. Don't miss any classes as he will fail you. Avoid if at all possible!

1.0
3.0
CPS210
Sep 9, 2009

What a useless professor. If you have any problem that needs fixing or help, he tells you "if you can't handle this, consider other courses" instead of assisting. Can't understand half of what he says. He grunts at the class. He says you must learn to be professional, but he's obviously never considered it himelf. He shouldn't qualify as a teacher.

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Apr 28, 2010

Mumbles a**** load. Makes weird grunting noises, cant write english or speak it. Calls kids out infront of class and writes fool on your assignments. Do not take this class recommend itc so you don't have to take it. This guy is an **** basically sums it up. By the way he shows up late to class everyday.

1.0
5.0
CPS568
May 8, 2010

I passed both 210 and 568, through teaching myself. I can validate the negative reviews posted here. Rattan thinks belligerence and arrogance will cover the fact he's totally inept. Rattan shows up provides nothing in regards to his job and scams a paycheck. I will disagree with one poster, Rattan is not an embarrassment but a distinct liability.

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Sep 14, 2010

Absolutely impossible to understand. mumbles a lot, and then yells at any student that asks for him to repeat anything. disrespectful and rude. Be ready to teach yourself through the classes. he will expect you to know the content right from day one.

3.0
5.0
CPS470
Apr 20, 2011

Holy cow is he hard....but seriously, I learned more in this class than in anything else at CMU. Haters gonna hate, but this man knows his stuff....he just kinda expects you to as well. Bitter, but I like him anyways. Prepare to be surprised in every way when he jokes in class.

3.0
5.0
CPS210
Mar 18, 2012

He separates the wheat from the chaff. He doesn't feel that it is his job to make certain that his students pass his class - he feels that it is his job to make certain that only the students who are ready will pass his class. Be warned, he will not give you any answers and has ZERO tolerance from laziness and students who don't take it seriously

2.0
5.0
CPS470
Apr 24, 2013

Try to get away from him as possible as you can!!!Do not ever explain anything to him!!!Anyway,I didn't expect grade over than C.

3.0
5.0
CPS470
May 1, 2013

If you're not willing to put in 110%, don't take any course he teaches. He expects everyone to be up on the material from day one. He does give hints throughout the semester as to what will be on the exams, so pay attention. All in all just do all the assignments and try your best on the exams. The worst you'll get is a C.

1.0
5.0
CPS210
Jul 11, 2013

Completely rude and inconsiderate. I dropped after the first week. I was late the second day of class because of an advising appointment and he called me out in front of the class. Worst professor I have ever encountered.

2.0
4.0
CPS210
Grade: A
Sep 29, 2013

The most disrespectful person I have ever had the displeasure to meet. Be prepared to be treated like an idiot for asking any questions at all, whether in class or during office hours. He assumes that everyone should know everything before coming to class and that the class is simply a formality to ensure you actually do know the material.

2.0
5.0
CPS470
Oct 7, 2013

Even though he is mean to us, I still have to say that he has brilliant mind.If you are capable of handling heavy work, his class is not a bad option

3.0
3.0
ITC190
Oct 25, 2014

READ YOUR SYLLABUS. He expects you to have read it and know what you should and shouldn't do. I did something against his rules once and got called out on it. I was respectful and apologized, and he has no issues with me. Be respectful and own up to mistakes, and you will not have any issues.

3.0
4.0
CPS542
Nov 25, 2014

He's a very tough professor. The grades you earn and the one you get at the end of the class aren't similar; you will feel like you're failing the whole time and come out with a C.

1.0
5.0
CPS542
Dec 28, 2014

Not willing to provide any guidance to students and thinks he's the "bright light" of the department. Homework is hard and at times seemed pointless to the overall objective of the class.

2.0
4.0
ITC190
May 27, 2015

Dr. Rattan is pretty knowledgeable on his subjects, and expects you to be too. He wants you to know material before you get to class, but he expects you to get most from the book. If you respect him, he'll respect you. He does mumble, and has sloppy handwriting, but he definitely knows what he's saying, so listen, and listen hard, you'll learn lots

1.0
4.0
CPS470
Grade: C-
Dec 19, 2015

Rattan is a terrible, condescending professor with bad moral towards his peers. He complains more than he teaches. In class you learn things more pertaining to IT, but the homework is all C, so you have to learn by yourself. To top it off he talked about ak47s in class and tells us we are stupid, or special, and will never amount to anything. Avoid

4.0
5.0
CPS340
Grade: B
Jun 16, 2016
Would take again

Ishwarr is difficult. BUT, you will learn an incredible amount. The sad thing is he is so dejected and condescending to students (he's been teaching a lot ya know). BUT, if you can get past that you will learn a LOT. I should have failed, but I think he curves grades near the end so "everyone" got a B in the end. I even missed half the homework so.

1.0
5.0
CPS470
Grade: C-
Sep 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Rattan is the worst professor I have ever had. He spends all of his lectures yelling at his students calling them stupid and steers them away from the computer science degree. Don't even try to ask questions he will just make you feel stupid in front of the whole class and never even answer the question.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
5.0
CPS210
Grade: B+
Nov 20, 2016
Would take again

You will learn, and it will require work. But the lessons he teaches in Computer Science will be invaluable, especially if you take what he says seriously and think about it. Is everything he lectures about gold? No. Is he THE BEST in the world? Of course not. But he has plenty of wisdom. Also, he's a tough tough grader, be prepared.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
ITC190
Grade: B+
Nov 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Rattan, is a dry lecturer and grades tough. He is very smart but teaches like he is grid-locked in the late 1990s with his content, and doesn't keep up to speed with modern technology. The content is based on whatever he thinks is right, not the class content, references, or content. But, I guess that's the basic idea, Right?

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ITC510
Grade: B-
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

No Clear Syllabi and cannot use a text book. Exams not related to what taught in class or not covering all topics covered in class.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
2.0
ITC190
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely garbage professor, has no business being in a classroom. He does not care about the material, he does not care about his students, and he won't care about you. Lectures are unbelievably dry, all the work is done straight out of a workbook, Rattan might as well not exist for all the good he does. Avoid if at all possible. abuse of tenure.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
ITC190
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Rattan is not a professor you want to take a higher level course with. The content is whatever rattan thinks is right. Not your references. However, his study guides for the tests are clear & easy. Pay attention in lectures and get around his off-topic tangents about him helping Trump build the border wall, and you should be fine. Easy C-B.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
ITC190ITC191
Grade: B+
Dec 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Rattan does not care about you and your grades. He literally says in class that he's only still teaching because he likes money. He also brags about the amount of students he fails. If you are an IT major and know anything about computers, you'll pass these classes with at least a B-, but expect no help from him. Very disrespectful.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
CPS360
Grade: A+
Jan 27, 2018
Would take again

Rattan is the most understanding professor in the Computer Science department. Grades super easy, homework instructions are clear and easy to understand, so kind to students, even those that he knows doesn't get it. What a great man, I hope he never retires, we definitely need more like him. A must take :)

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
5.0
1.0
CPS470
Grade: A+
Mar 22, 2018
Would take again

Rattan is a beautiful person, a wonderful human being, and an awesome teacher. Never once did he raise his voice to a good student. Always eager to answer any questions we had, his class is a blast! I love every moment of it!

Gives good feedback
Respected
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
CPS360
Grade: B-
Mar 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Constantly told class they were useless and would never get a job. Would assign programs despite never showing how to program the way he wants us to. Ask a question? "Don't ask me questions, ask yourself questions!" If you're not fluent in everything C can do, then expect to struggle.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
GROUP PROJECTS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
CPS470
Grade: A+
Jun 26, 2018
Would take again

A beautiful human being.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
CPS470
Grade: A+
Jul 1, 2018
Would take again

Rattan is a fabulous teacher who will have you laughing through the entire class. His assignments are so easy any GOOD student would be able to complete them in a matter of hours. I enjoyed every moment, I almost wish I didn't graduate just so that I could have the opportunity to take his class again. What a wonderful man.

Amazing lectures
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
CPS360
Grade: C-
Oct 3, 2018
Would take again

You will want to cry. That is the basic idea

Tough Grader
Inspirational
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
CPS280
Grade: B
Apr 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Rattan is not someone who should be teaching others. He is a very smart man that knows what he is talking about but he is not good at teaching. He will make you feel stupid for asking questions. he ignores people trying to interact in class then yells at the class for not interacting. Lectures are stupendously dry. Thats the basic idea.

Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
1.0
CPS360
May 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Gets upset when you don't know an answer, but also gets upset when you ask questions to try and understand. Homework instructions are far from clear. Every little detail is on an exam. Calls you stupid, but also doesn't care to teach/help you understand. Genuinely one of the worst profs at CMU. Department could not care less. That's the basic idea.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CPS470
Grade: A
May 9, 2019
Would take again

Rattan doesn't give direct answers because he's one of the few professors in the department who wants you to learn rather than regurgitate answers when it comes to test time. He's tough but if you listen carefully and work hard, you'll learn a ton. Dig deep; study assignments/notes. Don't wait until the last minute to do assignments.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CPS360
Grade: A-
May 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I've ever had. I don't mind that he's a hard grader, it's just that he provided no useful feedback. Actively discourages asking questions. Does not treat students with respect. Flat out told us that he was no interested in being our mentor. Does not answer emails in any useful way and is broken English. Avoid him at all costs.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CPS360
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Actually the worst professor Ive ever encountered. Zero respect for students and completely unwilling to help. He called me stupid to my face during office hours. After never receiving less than an A- in any CPS or ITC course at CMU, I may actually fail his class. Since he is tenured, the department does not care at all. Really unfortunate.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
CPS340
Grade: A-
May 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Rattan is an absolute gem to the university. Very hard to understand. Hand writing on the board is terrible. Often loses track of his current problem. One thing I did enjoy about the class is the exams are based a lot on the homework... if done correctly.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
CPS360
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

A rude person and incompetent teacher. The few examples of assignment-relevant material will be contrived nonsense. Many will show a lack of understanding for C's core functionality. If you make a mistake he will degrade you as a person, and if you don't make a mistake, he will create one with asinine and ill-conceived requirements.

1.0
5.0
CPS470
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor ignores the planned content of the course, and instead just teaches what he decides is relevant. Has a horrible grasp of the English language, doesn't listen offer any description of the assignments he gives and berates students for asking for help or clarification when they don't understand something. That's uh... The basic idea.

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CPS470
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Rattan is easily the worst professor at CMU without question. This "man" truly does not have his student's interests at heart. He assigns assignments with unclear instructions. He does not even pretend to know how to code or to help students with their assignments. He creates a toxic learning environment. Waste of my money. Never take his classes!

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

53%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 21 grades
Most common grades:
B (5)
A+ (4)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(7)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 25 reported grades
B: 5
A+: 4
Not sure yet: 4
C-: 3
Common Tags
Tough Grader (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Tough grader (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Lecture heavy (5)
Amazing lectures (3)
Inspirational (3)
Lots of homework (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.41 avg change
Apr
May
Dec
May
Sep
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

470565

5.0

(1)

CPS600

5.0

(1)

CPS565

4.3

(4)

ALL

4.0

(3)

CPS670

3.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANY

5.0

CPS000

5.0

CPSSECT

5.0

CPS600

5.0

CPS568

5.0

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