2.8
Quality3.0
Difficulty30%
Would Retake84
Reviews30%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
11
4
15
3
22
2
27
1
9
What Students Say
“Those are easy points”
ENGL423 - 4.0 rating“He would be a good teacher but he does way too much”
ENGLISH312 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
38%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.50 avg changeRatings by Course
ENG090365
5.0
(1)ENGL90365
5.0
(1)ENGLANDHUMN
5.0
(1)ENGL360
5.0
(1)ENGL204
4.2
(5)Difficulty by Course
HUMN101
5.0
ENGLL090
5.0
ENGL201
5.0
HUMN300
4.5
312
4.0
Reviews (84)
Do not take Ferstel for ANY English classes!! This man is the rudest, meanest person that I've ever met. Save yourself! He does not answer questions that you ask, and if you do ask him a question and he decides to answer it, he will make you feel like an idiot. Do not take him! He should be fired!
Rude. Comes to class 6-7 minutes late everday. But if he's early and you're late, he gets MAD. If you ask him a question, be prepared to feel like an idiot. I did not enjoy this class at all.
I couldn't write when I came here. He helped me and taught me, and then I took him later for 365. He is a good teacher.
Goes over what he wants to see on each of the assignments. Very clear on all assignments. Grades fairly.
VERY RUDE. He couldn't control his class. I didn't learn anything. He speaks the truth even if it's mean and will hurt your feelings. If you ask a question, prepare to feel like an ass.
My best bit of advice. Pretend you're stupid. The second he finds out that you know more than him (which isn't hard), he will try to make you look stupid any chance he gets. Although, all he seems to do is make himself look worse.
He's a jerk. If he finds out you know more than him, he'll constantly try to make you look stupid in front of everyone. Hint: When you talk to him, look him straight in the eyes. It makes him very uncomfortable.
No Comments
What a nut. He looks at the wall when he lectures, and never looks anyone in the eye. His technical writing class is moreso an HTML class. He also has something against electrical engineering students. I would not take him again.
Mr. Ferstel is not a jerk, he is an instructor who believes in success and is a wonderful role model for disabled students because he makes you believe in yourself and if he was my boss, I would like to work for him!
Avoid his classes if you get a chance; He loves to hear his own voice and gets off topic easily.
I would avoid him if possible. He's nice at first, but he loses his tolerance quickly and basically acts like a little brat. Even if you can Logically explain your answer, he will tell you that you're wrong because it's not what HE thinks the answer should be. He needs to retire.
It really bothers me that Mr. Ferstel is getting a bum rap here because you have bad attitudes and he has every right to be ticked off at you because of that and to quote Zig Ziglar: "Attitude, not Altitude determines your success"!
I would not recommend him to EE's. He has a certain hatred for electrical engineering majors. The class was supposed to be technical writing, and we ended up doing webpage design half the time. He pretends to be smarter than you, and gets fussy if you correct him. His class is easy though, you just have to put up with his childish attitude.
He's very knowledgable. Perhaps too much. Had a tendency to disagree with the text on more than one occasion. Not always clear in his explanations, leaving the class confused and cautious to approach him based on his sometimes snappy remarks. He's not out to fail you. Gives enough work where you can mess up and still pass. Attendance is a must.
He was not that bad of a teacher
For a one credit class he requires WAY too much! He's not hard but its alot of busy work!
Engl 365 is a super easy class. Frestel just cares a little bit to much about the subject. Just go to class and do everything he tells you word for word and its an easy A. Barely trying will get you a B.
I had him for two different classes and I actually enjoyed him. He means what he means and that is fair, considering that this is College!! As for his hate of EE students, I think that its not true. Mr. Ferstel just doesn't give them the extra credit that they beg for, and won't bow down to them. English is after all Liberal Arts and not Science.
good teacher but likes too talk a little too much. gets off topic alot. is nice most of the time but gets sarcastic if you ask questions or dont understand something, needs a little more patience.
He makes you feel stupid for asking questions. He snaps at his students for no reason. He is smart, but not a very good teacher. Any teacher that embarrasses you for asking a question is not good at his job.
mr. ferstel is okay when its one on one, or if he decides early on that he likes you. If not, he is rude and not very patient with you. he interrupted our group project to make one of the members look like an ass in front of the class. you dont do things like that! i wouldnt take him again.
Extremely easy. You read different short stories and novels, attendance is a must due to the simple quizzes he gives. Puts you into groups where you discuss. No comprehensive final. You do like 4 papers throughout the whole semester but they are SO easy. Just read the material he assigns and you are sure to finish with an A. PS Don't argue with him
I think he was a nice man. I had him for a nice class though, and it kind of dragged on. Also, his selection of short fiction was someting you'd expect an old man to pick out, but the books turned out to be interesting after all! As for essays, he basically tells you what to write and in what format. a lot of reading, but an easy class.
Genreally good teacher. Takes time to explain. Favors the "older" student. Very fair and helpful
you write alot of papers this man is so boring you really have to pay attention
Mr. Ferstel is pretty boring but his class is reall easy. You just have to read all the novels.
Extemely boring! He makes you want to fall asleep on a daily basis. Very easy to make an A though. Grades essays fairly easy and gives very easy quizes on the novels and he drops the lowest two. Reading is a MUST! You will fall way behind if you skip reading assignments. He is worth taking.
I took only one class with him, but it was one of my favorite classes at UL. He knows his stuff and how to impart it to his students. He doesn't put up with bs or slackers; definitely not for those looking for an easy A.
Spent entire semester learning how to build a Tripod website, something that takes 30 minutes to learn. Example: Spent an hour showing us how to google clip art. Learned almost two things on technical writing. He gives quizzes on readings that he obviously didn't read himself. I will never take a class taught by him again.
Managed to be both unspecific and too detailed in his expectations of the information students were to take from the texts. Classes dragged on and on. Would not take again.
he is not that into out of state people
He would ramble on for 30 minutes about something that had nothing to do with the topic we were suppose to be learning about. I thought I had signed up for a Technical Writing class but instead spent most of the semester learning how to build a Tripod website. He does not give your work back in a timely manner, so you never really know what your
I would avoid this class! He would ramble on for 30 min about something that had nothing to do with the topic we were suppose to be learning about. He doesnt give ur work back in a timely manner, so you never really know what your grade is in the class. Be warned: if you ask a question, u are probably going to get some smart ass answer from him.
Heaven forbid you ask this guy a question about what we are suposed to be doing in class, he will get mad, not answer your question, then start talking about himself
He is a great teacher! If you are having trouble just stay after and ask for help. Plus, that way he knows you are trying. He grades VERY FAIR -- on form, not content. I'd recommend him to everyone!!
he was fantastic! To whoever said he doesn't like out-of-state people... he's from Chicago! That doesn't even make sense. He DOES ramble, but that only makes the class easier... I would just do homework or study for another class when he would start storytelling. I would definitely recommend him for ENG 204.
A LOT of reading!!! Weekly quizzes are easy if you pay attention to what you're reading. Papers aren't difficult either.
English 204- if you do the readings, you'll do fine. 1/5 of grade is participation which helps. I missed 2 classes and got a 96 in participation. Papers are short and easy. 500-600 words and he gives a great outline which is the most important. If you like to read novels its a breeze. Slacker/loser/class slippers stay out
All you have to do is have the assigned pages read for class. But I also suggest taking notes on what you read and glancing over them before class. He gives quizes in class and the questions are on easy stuff, but hard to remember, like unimportant names/nicknames, dates, places, etc. Overall, the class was more like an early highschool class.
Not a particularly hard class, but Ferstel is kind of difficult...he rambles on and on for hours. Does not stop talking! Be careful asking questions--he is condescending about everything. Fancies himself a Ph.D. when he isn't. Memorize EVERYTHING for quizzes; questions are random fill in the blank. He is okay, but take someone else if possible.
Extremely boring! If you ask a question because you dont understand he makes you feel completely stupid. You basically have to teach yourself from the book or get someone in class to help you. If you practice all the homework and work a lot outside of class to teach yourself you will do ok. He gives partial credit.
He can be boring at times but he is by far one of the most helpful professors in the English department. As long as you turn in all assignments and attend class regularly, you should make an A or B.
He isn;t the nicest or most easy going teacher. He rambles and does not speak clearly. You can't read his hand writing. I would NOT recommend him to anyone. It's in your GPA's best interest to get out of his class and take another teacher. I usually make A's in his class and struggled to make my low C.
Tends to arrive late and keep class overtime. Ignores his own late partial-credit policy. Lost a paper emailed to him and refused to give full credit even when shown the timestamped email of when the assignment was sent. Do not take.
Not a hard class, but I did have to teach myself. He doesn't explain things well and is not a very nice person. Didn't like to answer questions, so he would either snap at you and circle around it, never really answering it. Easy class, just have to go to class and practice in the book.
He's not hard, but he's really petty. You don't have tests in the class, but you have about 12 quizzes(all which come from our reading texts and all which he knitpicks at to find questions).Take home final is a paper, just like one we already did. If you're looking for an easy A bc this is your last english course, jack's not for you.
Very quick to snap at students. Boring class. Class was easy though. Had many quizzes be prepared.
He's an okay teacher. Not the nicest and quick to snap at you. If you answer a question he never will admit you're right, just circle around it. You can tell he's all about English, 24-7/365 but for the most part if you do your homework and study a little bit for the tests you'll pass.
Medium - Heavy workload, read the book/watch posted recordings, form a study group, and (yes...I know) use Sparknotes - No Fear Shakespeare. That last piece may be the only reason I passed. Very un-organized, but this was his first online course. A lot of information involved, and I think I would have done better, had I taken it on campus.
Mr. Ferstel comes off a little harsh in the beginning but if you stay on top of your work and read like he assigns, you shouldn't have any issues. He is incredibly helpful and will visit with you any time you need. ALSO! Read your handouts, follow directions directly and do your forum work. Those are easy points.
Did not grade tests in sufficient amount of time
This class was very disorganized. Grades were not posted in a timely manner. Due dates for assignments changed every week, was very confusing. I have taken plenty online classes at ULL this was the worst. Easy class material just unorganized. Tests are very challenging. Had to go to campus on Fri. or Sat. to take tests or pay for ProctorU
This is a really difficult course. Do not take this class unless you are really good at english; otherwise you will not pass...
Stay on top of your homeworkgrades. He doesn't tolerate late assignments, regardless of computer issues. He's really nice if you email him about a questionquestions WAY ahead of time. He's disorganized but just follow your syllabus and you'll be fine. Don't expect the grade back after you complete an assignment. You'll know if you aren't passing.
Assigned a lot of work: 4 novels, several pop quizzes, a mid term (everyone got an A), Moodle article readings, two short papers and one long paper plus a group project. He is nice and tells jokes but is misunderstood by students. Can be a bit boring. This particular class was not my cup of tea. Satiric material.
I was so upset once I got my final grade back that I almost reported him to the dean. He does not grade the material in a timely manner and the grades that were posted to moodle were not correct. Luckily I found all the answers to the final exam on quizlet and I was able to pass with a C
Overall, the class isn't that hard, there is just a lot of homework. You have to stay on top of everything. He does not give grades back, so i had no clue where I stood. The tests are really hard. I made a D on all 3 of them, but with all the quizzes papers, and forums, I was able to pass with a B. Don't take the class if you don't have time for it
Jack Ferstel is a great teacher.
Prof. Ferstel is extremely monotone and boring. He does not know, nor does he care, about his students' activities in the classroom. He'll just ramble on about some non-important subject for 30 min. He wants his students to participate in class, but none of them want to speak up. I sure didn't! The literature we read was great! But the class, no.
Many students complain about him, but he was actually really awesome! I made an A in his class and literally studied right before class for his mini quizzes. He gives mini quizzes, quizzes, and tests. All very easy if you study, pay attention in class, and do your homework. He is very nice!
He is a very caring, neat professor. He was extremely understanding, you just have to reach out to him. Looks out for students who try. With writing assignments he does not expect long wording, just quick and simple. Recommend him!
most boring man I've ever listened to. a lot of times can talk about things that are irrelevant. kimd of smart ellic when you ask him to repeat something for you. be sure to read everything just in case. and basically what everyone else has said repeatedly in other ratings. wouldnt recommend him.
I took his online Shakespeare, it was horrible. So much busy work and you have to come to class on the weekend to take the tests. He is very meticulous and micromanages everything.
He would be a good teacher but he does way too much. He teaches almost twice as many classes as most professors and is definitely overworked. I like him as a teacher but I don't think it's possible for him to really keep up with everything he does.
Fair warning - Mr. Fertsel has little patience for people who don't read the material. With that being said, he's always willing to help if you go to him during office hours. He also is very clear about what he wants on assignments and papers.
Definitely a tough professor, but not a terrible experience. You will read a ton with him. Some of the material is enjoyable; others are forgettable. Read anyway because pop quizzes happen every week. Just do your work and participate in class and you will be fine.
Strange experience. He posted the first test and the final on moodle(I don't know if this was on purpose). Tests are hard to find on quizlet but if you do they are very similar. Easy grader for the most part and the test pretty are easy if you read the stories. The subject matter it interesting enough. 1000 pts. 2 test+final+2 papers+22 forums
Everything can be found online, don't get text. Quizzes and test can be found on quiz-let if you look hard enough. Posted some of the exams (probably not on purpose). Pretty easy exams even without. Read the stories and don't just read spark notes. This class is for those who don't like to read. Im not an english major. Class was easy. Easy A or B
This man is so boring to listen to. Tons of quizzes; at least one a week. The entire class was based around group work. Youd get a question about the text that your group would answer in front of the class. Every. Single. Day. Thats all he did. Essays are never over a page. Pretty easy grader. Pop quizzes are tough though, so you have to read.
He's very unorganized doesn't give research papers back quickly. Also he takes a while to put in grades. He gives "pop quizzes" every other class. This is a vey boring class I didn't learn anything.
Very rude. A LOT of work, but practice really helps with this stuff. If you make an A on the midterm and second exam, you are exempt from the final. The material is hard and will be regardless if the teacher. He really wasnt that bad, just didnt like how he spoke to students.
This class is difficult, but not impossible. I think he is the best option for the class but it is not fun and prepare to work your booty off. He checks homework at the midterm and final. There is SOO much homework. More than I've ever had before. That is the worst part of the class, His tests and quizzes are manageable if you try.
fair deal, if you make an A on midterm and Quiz 2, you dont take the final. but you have to tutor those who make a C or lower on Quiz 2 and tells you you cant take the final if you dont attend. Very rude to students in lectures. LOTS of homework and very time consuming & lots of reading. will randomly call on you for answers. run if you can.
DO NOT TAKE!! Its honestly time for this man to retire. Hes extremely rude. Gives way too much homework. The homework is supposed to be done before you learn the material its on.. I love diagramming, but he makes it difficult. Very unorganized, he teaches the same thing over and over. DO NOT TAKE!!!
You can tell he puts in a lot of work for us to be able to have a lot of grades. Simple work but you gotta read. Test was all written, gotta now the terms his gives and the quotes.
While he requires attention when he is speaking, he often leaves the class to its own devices and does not require much participation. Not a relaxed grader, but fair and the quizzes are easy for the most part if you read the material. Often ends class early and chooses good literature for study. Overall a pretty relaxed course.
The guy is awful. Doesn't return forum, test or paper grades. You have to gauge your progress entirely off quiz grades (which make up a small part of your actual grade) until the very end of the semester. Frequently puts the wrong due date on the Moodle page but will still hold you responsible for the "actual" due date that exists in his head. Bad.
He didn't tell us when the quizzes would be/what they would be on until after the third quiz. Doesn't return exam grades promptly. Exams are easy if you do the study guide. Essay prompts aren't too bad. He just doesn't entice excitement about Shakespeare (only maybe 5% of the time) - put in some effort and you'll be fine.
While this course is mostly easy, it is almost unbearable. He constantly forgets what he's already taught and what assignments he's given. He is absolutely not a timely grader. He is also extremely rude to his students and terrible with technology.
SO much busy work. Went into the final without knowing a clue about where i stood in the class. Maybe D maybe B??? He only gave back ONE grade out of like 30 the whole time. It is easy work if you have the patience to write a lot. Tests are easy, but him as a professor is stressful.
Extremely rude to students. I don't know if he is an unintelligent person or if he's just getting up there in years. The course is not the quality you should expect from a university. I felt like I was a three-year-old. Instead of teaching, will show hours of stupid, irrelevant videos.
Terrible. Dont even put this stress on your shoulders. Worst English experience Ive ever had, he assigns a lot a reading and has quizzes weekly but isnt consistent with when theyre assigned. I missed several quizzes because hed assign them during other hours when I have class and they would only be open for 15 minutes or he would post late
I mainly attribute my struggles with this class to the hectic nature of this COVID-19 semester, but given that grammar class hasn't been stressed for me since elementary class, this class was outstandingly difficult. He didn't explain concepts in ways that I could understand, and many of these concepts I had never heard of before this class. Hard.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
65%
Textbook Required
38%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.50 avg changeRatings by Course
ENG090365
5.0
(1)ENGL90365
5.0
(1)ENGLANDHUMN
5.0
(1)ENGL360
5.0
(1)ENGL204
4.2
(5)Difficulty by Course
HUMN101
5.0
ENGLL090
5.0
ENGL201
5.0
HUMN300
4.5
312
4.0