4.1
Quality2.9
Difficulty77%
Would Retake101
Reviews77%
Would Retake
101
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
55
4
22
3
13
2
5
1
6
What Students Say
“He is extremely opinionated, condescending, and makes you feel stupid for asking questions (which he NEVER answers but rather talks in circles mumbling until he thinks he's avoided it) But the worst of all he picks favorites”
ENGL103H - 1.0 rating“Ison is doing his job”
ENG100 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.46 avg changeRatings by Course
ENGLISH
5.0
(2)ENGLISH104
5.0
(2)ENGLISH100
5.0
(1)ENG206299
5.0
(2)ENGLIENG
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG221
4.3
ENGLISH103H
4.0
ENGLISH100H
4.0
ENGL103H
4.0
ENG103H
4.0
Reviews (101)
3 essays, 3 books, a final group project, plus journal entries due daily. Very difficult to keep up in this class. He was a friendly guy, but his instructions were extremely unclear and sometimes he even chose essay topics FOR you. I heard MANY complaints from my peers regarding this instructor.
Also had him two other classes. Fantastic professor. Learned a LOT from him, and his class wasn't hard at all. Likes to assign essays, but it's an ENGLISH class, so expect it. He's always willing to help you, loves to teach, and his classes = the best I ever took at Fullerton college. He's also HOT!
A Great teacher! Made everything clear and understandable. Nothing seemed impossible. There were a total of 3 essays, 5 shorts papers, quizzes, and a presentation, but they were all managable. It was easy but you really learn a lot!
Took the English version of the film class and it was brilliant. Ison lead fantastic lectures, and was very entertaining. You have to write a few papers, but it's expected in an english class. Take him-- you won't regret it!
I expected his class to be hard, but it ended up being one of my easiest classes...maybe because he had some problems, but the class benefited from them. didn't have to take a final. didn't have to do the presentation either. im taking him again next semester!
I personally wouldn't advise anyone to take his class. He is weird and has these weird weekly discussions that really don't help you at all. He is willing to help, and for the most part, nice, but he does not have the right personality to be a honors teacher.
Very nice guy. scares you on the first couple weeks mainly to keep his class small. once your in he's a fairly easy grader. very helpful very smart. you could learn a lot from him or you could just do your work and still pass. Very wierd yet entertaining guy.
DONT TAKE HIM!!!
some people may think this teacher odd, but he is just an entertaining guy. there isnt too much work and you dont really even have to participate that often. just write your papers, pay attention, dont drop within the first two weeks, and come to class and you will do fine
If you do not succeed in one of John's classes then it is purely because you didn't want to. He is incredibly caring and will go above and beyond for you. He is very honest and his approach to teaching differs to suite each particular class he has. I Absol
This is my third semester with Dr. Ison; sometimes I feel like a big fish and he knows to challenge me and take me down a notch. He was the first professsor to drag me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to apply to the UCs rather than just CSUF. I owe everything to this professor--he's my favorite teacher and a great mentor.
Ison is vague, condescending, contentious and VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. He called fellow classmates names in front of other students, and wrote comments that had nothing to due with the writing prompt, that could be interpted as insulting. What lessons I and my classmates learned from this semester was dispite Ison and not because of him.
I love Jon Ison. He made me feel so good about my writing. He was so helpful with topics, ideas, and he is so thoughtful and shockingly funny. I enjoyed this class immensely. If you are an English major, you will love this class and Jon. His feedback si amazing. AMAZING. I can't wait to take him again.
You wanna talk about a guy that'll expand your mind, this is the guy to take. I never thought I'd take a professor twice in a row, but he was just that good. If you're into english and writing papers you won't regret taking Ison. Funny as hell too. Never had a proffesor that seemed to care as much as Ison.
John is such a sweetheart! He's caring, funny and wants everyone to do well. We used the book a lot---SO BUY IT! I enjoyed his class so much that I am actually taking another class with him in the spring. Everyone should have a professor like John Ison!!!
funny guy. mostly interesting to watch when he asks out a play. lmao! but i think he's worth it if u take his class. unless ur really really bad in english. im pretty bad myself but i passed so... great class i'd say.
Great teacger very funny! pay attention! show up and bring your book! he is always willing to help and he wants everyone to do good! take him!!!!
what is the presentation about? does he call on people randomly?
you have 5 total essays. you do a lot of work in class but with groups and you can B.S.it. umm he can be a hard grader but you can rewrite your essay for credit.yes, you do use the book.It helps to attend class.
He is a very good teacher. I enjoyed him and am taking 103 with him next semester. We read two novels and have four discussion papers and essays. We also used to textbook a lot so be sure to get it. There are also in class discussion which are a lot of points. Test every class meeting on what you read so be there.
I think he is horribly rude. He thinks that he is better than his students. Every day you have a quiz on the reading worth 3 points. He is a hard grader and picks favorites. The book he used is really boring. Over all I would suggest to take someone else.
He is an extremely well organized teacher, very helpful, always answers emails quickly and is always available if students need help. I took him for 100 and 103 honors and he really helped improve my writing. Take him! you will not regret it as long as you are willing to make an effort, which is easy since his topics are fun and interesting.
this class is alright. its kinda boring. the topics we talk about are pretty interesting, but i didnt really learn all that much. he is really helpful tho, but is really picky about essays and stuff. go to his office hours-he'll help you with your roughdrafts!!
HE was so much fun and always brought a lot of energy to class. As long as everyone participates and has a good time, you ill pass with flying colors. He is a wonderful teacher and good person all around.
I thought he was a wonderful teacher as well as a person. Very helpful and caring. As long texts are read and papers are written, the class should be a pleasure to be in.
good teacher
One of the poorest teacher I have ever taken. I am a hard working student and arrived to class feeling pathetic. Lectures had little to do with class, essay's topics were vague, and grading scale is ridiculous. He is there to help students but does not provide any useless information or tools. Worst experience ever
He is a poor teacher, and cannot stay on topic. He isnt very clear on what he wants done, or how he wants it done. As a teacher, he is rude, not considerate of students and well make it known if you have a wrong answer. He also takes advantage of his power as a teacher and comes off controlling and neurotic.
One of my more challenging professors. Evident that he cares about learning more than awarding undeserved high grades. If you are looking for an easy A, Dr. Ison is not for you. You will leave his class as a better writer than when you entered. His evaluations are fair and won't let mediocre work become the norm. He favors the above average student
DO NOT TAKE HIM!!! hes a horrible grader and makes no sense when you ask him questions he never answers he talks around it...you take quizes every morning and they add up!!! TAKE SOMEONE ELSE
I was surprised when I read all of Doctor Ison's negative comments... I had him bright and early at 7 AM, and while I didn't enjoy his nonsense chitchat, I learned a lot and had fun in his class. He is a great teacher: TAKE HIM!!!!
Ison was awesome! He's a great teacher who grades very well. Though you have a reading quiz every time you attend class, they're very easy as long as you read the material. You could probably skim it. A lot of people in my class complained about how hard he was but after class, they would say how much much they would BS their essays. Karma got them
Awesome teacher!
very unclear,repeating, didn't learn anything new everything i already knew' mumbles to himself doesn't explain anything always refers us to the syllabus,i do not recommended him to anybody unless you like to just go to class to do unnecessary group work and reading quizzes that have nothing to do with the reading,hes not involved with the class
strict but fair
This class is very structured. If you do the reading (there is a reading exam every morning) then that is a good start. Work hard and go to class and you will do fine. John is a good teacher, a little corky a sometimes but good nonetheless.
Worst professor EVER!The work was not the problem, his attutude stunk.Exam b4 each class,extremely rude to select students, plays favorites, know-it all attitude with no patience for those he chooses to dislike, don't bother asking a question, assumes you should know. DO NOT take him! You have only yourself to blame after reading this if you do!
I've completed with a B but I'm happy considering I did bad on first 2 essays (score of 1 and 2) but as you understand the methods in his class, you will improve, overall he's great!!!! take it from my experience :)
Great teacher, this is my 2nd semester taking a different class that he teaches. He does not play favorites or seems like a know-it-all. To those that have questions and he lets them ask, Dr. Ison gives them recognition for asking a question. Overall he's a great professor and sucks he doesnt carry a ring, gives us women doubts of his status.
Not dropping this class was one of the worst decisions I've ever made. I have never had a teacher that frustrated me more. He is extremely opinionated, condescending, and makes you feel stupid for asking questions (which he NEVER answers but rather talks in circles mumbling until he thinks he's avoided it) But the worst of all he picks favorites.
Professor Ison was a good teacher. The class isn't easy by any means but if you show up, put in some effort and do the reading you will do well and learn a lot. There is a quiz before each class on the previous night's reading assignment. He's tough but really fair and helpful if you take the time to ask for help after class or during office hours.
Must read 10 minute (on average)assignments daily because readings Quizzes, discussion, and classwork will generally be about the previous reading. Essays free of grammar and spelling errors, with a clear position will certainly get at least a B. Essays are very short (4 pages) and easy to write for this class. Does direct class his way a bit.
great teacher, for the many papers that we have to write,they are not that hard but he is a tough grader just because its a higher division course. is very funny and can tell he really enjoys what hes doing. i definitely recommend his class.
Cool teacher. Give him a chance and it can be a very good class. Pretty easy, Quizzes in begining of class(1-2 questions bases on the reading assigned), 4 essays and 1 Essay Final.
Horrible. Gave me a horrible grade on every essay I created. I made it perfectly clear that I was willing to try my hardest. I turned a paper in thinking it was the best thing I have ever written and it recieved an F. Tons of class work and none of it relates to anything we typed. I used to consider myself a creative writer, not now. Thanks Ison
I couldnt of asked for a better professor. Iv always been kinda a horrible writer and he worked with me and i ended up getting an A in the class.Every English teacher iv had has been cool but he was by far the best and funny and hes also a caring individual.I had alot going on with some other issues outside of class and he helped me.I love this guy
I really enjoyed Dr. Ison's class. He is very organized, returns work quickly, and gives good feedback. He genuinely wants to help students-just show that you are making an effort. Lots of group work and make sure you do the readings (they are not too long).
For an English 103 class, he doesn't assign too much writing to do compared to the other classes I've heard about. The readings are a must-do. He gives great feedback, is organized, and is extremely helpful if you go talk to him for help. I'd recommend him.
Awesome teacher. Never considered myself a good writer but her really helps you out through multiple revision steps. Great guy willing to help any student. Show up to class, participate, do every step of his assignments, and should not have a problem getting an A. Definitely one of my favorite teachers
Nice teacher, Funny and if you do your work you'll be fine!
Great teacher, Eng 100 class was composed of 4 essays, 2 exams based on MLA format, 2 group presentations, and daily reading quizzes. If you stick with the work you will have no trouble passing this class at all. :)
His 100 class was SO redundant, but SO easy. He assigns small articles to read and has daily quizzes on them, they're only worth 2 pts but if you do all of them AND the classwork you'll notice in your final grade. Meet his easy deadlines and go to his office hours for help! He'll definitely give you a better grade if you show interest.
Overall a great person to have as an instructor. He was always prepared with his presentations and his lecture. He expects all reading and homework to be completed on due dates. Not flexible with that. His essays were not hard at all and his grading was also flexible. Though you do need to make sure you have basic knowledge of grammar and spelling
Dr. John Ison is a phenomenal professor. Not only is he fair, but he care's for his students. On the other hand, if you get late to class, he will lock you out. Meanwhile, everyone else will be taking their daily quiz. Quizzes are SUPER easy. Do your work, try your best, and you'll do great!. FYI: offers letters of recommendation. Good luck!
Dr. Ison was great. Very interesting class. Enjoyed all the class discussions and topics. He really made the class enjoyable and I would recommend him to all. Don't let the word count for the essays scare you. I promise it was not difficult. Just show up on time and do your homework which is reading a essay or two at home and you will pass!
He is well worth taking! He might seem intimidating at first but this class is super easy! And you actually learn, too. His essays are easy to pass, mostly A's for me. His readings are very interesting and there are small quizzes on the readings which are only a few questions. He is a great professor and is very helpful when you need him. Take him!
This class was fun and easy as long as you attended and completed the work expected. Dr. Ison's syllabus is very thorough and he is easy to work with as long as you communicate. Lots of quizzes, however if you do the reading, pay attention to the films viewed, and participate - an "A" is not hard.
I feel well prepared to go on to the next level of this class, so in that regard I would say that Dr. Ison is doing his job. However, his method of conveying his thoughts is quite disrespectful and belittling. I heard him make many comments that were cruel and uncalled for. He doesn't seem to realize that he's a lawsuit waiting to happen.
Dr. Ison is a very smart man. He loves what he does and it shows. He is a clear grader. His essays are fairly easy. Be prepare to write. There was about 5 essays total. He is very helpful and will help you become a better writer. I learned a lot in his class. Definitely recommend. Also, don't come late. you will miss the quizzes.
Great class, loved the topics he gave us for papers. Took him last year and enjoyed his class. Be to class on time and participate.
He's super nice. His class does require you to participate, and his essays were always a pain for me to do. I hate writing so I was never looking forward to this class or any other english classes. However, he's a fair grader and you will get what you write. took this class once a week so it was a bit intense.
Ison has got to be one of my favorite professors! When I first read his syllabus, I was really scared but he's honestly AMAZING! He's a very fair&easy grader. And he's really nice!! I took his class Thursday nights from like 5-9:20 but it wasnt that bad because I enjoyed his class! I definitely recommend him! Easy A if you're not lazy though lol
You have to bear certain things to survive in his BORING class: 1)listen to his lecture which was just the reading from the night before aka WASTE OF MY TIME. 2)REALLY proud of his title, lol if you don't put it on your heading, he will cross it out. 3)gets offended when students leave early 4)dry jokes5)you can only pic 1 topic for a semester
I admit, at first, he wasn't really the ideal instructor. We have so much group projects(only 3 formals but the rest are in every class session), he's not the funniest person, lots of work assigned in between essays. However, I have grown to like him. He's caring and helpful. Plus, I'm more comfortable with public speaking now.
He knows what he's talking about. He's super funny, easy to get along with, and he's always able to help out, or answer any questions you have for him. Don't be shy! Ask questions! Participate in the group discussions we have- which btw, are my favorite. Don't slack. Actually get your essay drafts done, your readings done, and you'll do great!
I took Dr Ison for ENG100 and ENG 103, and if you're an English major, I highly recommend him. He is an excellent instructor, and his assignments really make you think critically. Overall, he will make you a better writer. Make sure to keep up on your readings and essay drafts. He will help you if you ask him, and he cares about his students.
I took Dr. Ison's ENG 100F and ENG 103F. I got A's in both semesters. Even though I am not going to be an English teacher, I love English and writing. So this class came easy to me. But his stuff is really easy, both classes are structured the same way, but 103 has a deadline every week. He will make you a better writer if you are willing to work.
Dr. Ison is one of the best professors I have taken. He gives you feedback for every essay and gives clear instructions on how he wants them written. You do group work every class and take a reading quiz about the material you need to read before you come into class. Try not to miss class because the group work and quizzes tend to add up.
I'll start off by saying that Ison does have favorites. However, it's exactly as you'd expect it to go. The students that don't just word vomit everyone else's ideas are way more likely to be on good terms with him. He can be a bit brash at times, but it's only because he's slightly awkward and his humor is extremely dry.
Dr. Ison is a great English professor. I would definitely take him again because of the easiness of his class and the help he offers to all of his students. If you want to pass, turn in the essays on time and do the readings to prepare for the quizzes.
Dr. Ison is officially on of my fave teachers. The class was heavy with reading, essays & group discussion but this is English so that should be expected. He is a tough grader but that is bcuz he desires that all of his students reach their fullest potential. I loved the group discussion/presentations. I am happy to have taken Dr. Ison, great guy.
Ison is seriously the bomb. He has an incredibly dry sense of humor and really really really wants you to do well. Pet peeve of his is when people don't turn exploration drafts in. They're not based on content. Solely length. If you are struggling, talking to him one on one is the best way to go.
Took him for fall 2015 Monday night (5:30-9:30pm?) The class was awesome, though it felt long at times being 4 hours. Reading quizzes will nickle and dime your grade if you don't master the reading material for each session. He is thorough when he grades your essay, but talk to him one on one to get the feedback you need for your papers.
Ison was a great teacher for english, I feel like he really helped me become a better writer. His dry humor keeps the class interesting. If you can write well get ready to receive 100% on the essays. Taking him again for 103F!
Awesome professor with a really dry sense of humor. Mandatory reading and weekly reading quizzes. A few group projects.
I loved Dr. Ison! He's so helpful and is totally willing to work with his students. There's quizzes everyday, 2 group presentations, 1 individual presentation, and I believe 3 essays. Sounds intimidating but it really isn't. I HATE English but this class was amazing! I'm so glad I enrolled in his class!
Ison is a great teacher, I took him for 100 and really enjoyed the class so I took him again for 103. This course is harder than 100, I easily earned an A for 100 but in 103 had to work harder to get a B. He really pushes your writing limits which I loved and he cares deeply about you succeeding. One of my favorite teachers here.
Dr. Ison is a phenomenal teacher who really cares about his students. The class discussions really make you think. 4-5 at home essays and 2 in-class (midterm and final) and 2 presentations. Readings every night and small short quizzes at the beginning of every class. Great feedback and support on work. Show up and do all the work and you'll pass.
Obviously you are expected to write many essays but these essays are about topics that we face every day. You will gain new idea and thoughts. I loved this class and will be taking his class again!
Definitely my favorite class this semester! Literature class so reading is required, 3 essays, and he gives quizzes beginning of each class (mostly to keep students on time). Group discussion/ work during every class- always very engaging!! VERY supportive professor but he sets pretty firm expectations for the class: be there on time!
My husband and I took both his Eng100 and Eng103. He does give out a lot of work but its all easy if you read and pay attention in class. We loved his class because as parents we could only take one-day classes at night and he was always understanding. He is a great professor.
I liked professor Ison, he is a great teacher & grades equally. He has a lot of extra credit opportunities. At times he can be a little awkward but hes also very chill, he sometimes jokes around or at least tries to. Overall he is a very helpful teacher and will definitely help you pass! :)
Dr. Ison is awesome! The class consists of many different types of assignments (written lectures, watching movies, textbook readings, quizzes, discussions, response papers, essays, peer reviews, presentation, exams) and it does get overwhelming at times, but the work is doable, it's just time-consuming. The class taught me the importance of films!
Dr. Ison's 208 class is my favorite course I have ever taken. Because film and writing are things I genuinely enjoy, his class was almost somewhat of a treat. In this class you further develop your understanding of filmic elements and how they are used in film in order to tell a story. Other than that, the coursework is moderate but doable.
Professor Ison is AWESOME. Its clear hes passionate about writing & film, and he wants you to succeed. If you like movies and writing, take this class. Very thoughtful assignments & encouraging, accepting class environment. It is writing heavy, but only a few (easy) exams, & lots of movies.
Professor Ison has been my favorite professor that I have had at this school, he gives great feedback in the form of messages or videos. Im not the best English student but he taught so well and I got an A. He does also really care, Ive never felt as supported as I did when I took this class! Make sure u read the chapters, and put honest effort!
easy class, very helpful professor , just do things on time and youll pass :) he does zoom hours for extra credit and its very helpful towards ones grade , recommend getting him for english 100F!
He is very clear on his clear on his criteria and is good about making accomodations for students that run into problems during the semester. Make sure to visit him during his office hours, you will get way more help than just sending emails back and forth.
I really enjoyed taking his class. The readings he gave were very informative and touched on many important topics. His grading was very fair and he gave good feedback.
He is overall an okay professor. At times he isn't very clear about how he wants an assignment done, and that can be frustrating at times. With that he is a very picky grader. As long as you show up to class though it is a fairly easy class.
Professor Ison isn't the worse person to take he's an okay guy, but he has a very dry sense of humor that comes off as rude at times. He also comes off as he's better than others. He seems like he has your best interest but it just comes off fake. He's a very harsh grader when it comes to essays, he really likes to nitpick everything.
This class is somewhat easy, you'll have a couple essays, some reading papers, two presentations and two in class essays. Other than that most of the work is done in class, so just show up and do your work. Professor Ison is an okay professor, he seems kinda full of himself and makes odd jokes at times but other than that he's tolerable.
Dr. Ison is an Excellent professor. I enjoyed taking the class with him. He gives you a lot of extra time for the assignments and will care for and help you if you don't understand something. He will also reply to your emails very quickly. Strongly recommend him!
Professor Ison is amazing. I loved taking his Eng 221 class. He gives you actual written feedback instead of just a grade, has cool discussion topics and lessons, as well as he is very accessible outside of class. He cares about his students and is very respectful and kind to us. A big plus is also that all materials in his class are free:)
Absolutely horrible and one of the worst teachers I've ever had. I am an English major and EXTREMELY hard-working. He NITPICKS everything and has the worst grading scale I've ever seen. Acts high and mighty and gives rude just because he thinks he can, oooh I'm a big hot shot professor, I'm going to give you a C just because I can. Completely rude.
worst class ever. rude professor who shouldn't have a job. he is completely rude to students and made me feel horrible about my work. never again. avoid at all costs
Prof. Ison is friendly and kind, but was a VERY strict grader. It seems like he loosens up towards the middle and end of the semester, but during the first 7 weeks or so, he was STRICT. Relies on the rubric too much, so you end up with 6/8 points on something because well, you didn't go in depth enough, even though I routinely went very in-depth.
Professor Ison is an okay teacher, though some find his humor a bit off-putting. Workload is manageable with regular attendance and effort. unstuckstudy proved helpful for essay prep alongside the course materials.
Professor John Ison is Amazing and gives relaxed deadlines for assignments (Would recommend for a busy schedule). The class consists of assigned reading, some occasional homework on new material, and of course essays. essay assignments are structured in 3 parts, draft 1, draft 2, and then the final draft. For feedback take advantage of office Hrs.
This professor makes you write an essay almost every week along with 3 other assignments each week. Relies on AI grading tools so even if you write it yourself most likely will write you down as AI based on what the computer told him not actually what he examined. Overall okay professor but wish he'd know we have lives too.
Dr. John Ison is a great professor! He gives such amazing feedback to each student. Sure, there's a lot of assignments but you can tell this professor cares for his students. If you have any issues he's very communicative and thoughtful. I recommend this class to people who enjoy writing and enjoy honest feedback.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.46 avg changeRatings by Course
ENGLISH
5.0
(2)ENGLISH104
5.0
(2)ENGLISH100
5.0
(1)ENG206299
5.0
(2)ENGLIENG
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG221
4.3
ENGLISH103H
4.0
ENGLISH100H
4.0
ENGL103H
4.0
ENG103H
4.0