I feel bad that I don't know what Sommers's first name is, but he never uses it. He's great! Sommers may be crazy, but you will never be bored, you will never look at kids books the same and he is actually helpful (and sweet). He has a remarkably cute baby and he will let you know about that alot. thats not a bad thing either.

I took him during the summer and he was absolutely amazing. He is real down to earth and very knowledgeable. My favorite English prof yet!

Sommer's is an awesome professor! He makes the class interesting and does his best to make the assignments clear so you get the best grade possible. Attendance isnt required but there are random quizzes that have extra credit on them as well. Two papers and a group project. Super easy and interesting, highly reccomended.

Awesome guy, do the assignments, put some thought into them, and you will do well. Doesn't waste your time. Take classes with him!

I dont know about easy but he is alot of fun. And knowledgeable, the class is just a really good time and you learn alot. He's a good guy.

I took Som for Fantasy: Best. Class. Ever. I'm taking him again in the Spring. And his little girl IS adorable.

Super nice guy. Has high expectations of his students, which is a good thing.

Dr. Sommers is a ninja.

Very few instructors inspire me to take time out of my day to "rate" them. This one does, very knowledgable...and not just in English. Challenges you to do the best work you possibly can. He was very willing to help and made class a lot of fun.

sommers is awesome I would take all of his classes if I could. I always wanted to go to his class. He can be crazy but he keeps class fun and is a very interesting guy. sometimes gets off topic but finds unique view points in describing different aspect of books. he picks good books to teach so read them. he will do anything to help a student out.

If Dr. Sommers was attacked by bear ninjas from outer space, I'd sacrifice myself so that he may live on and continue teaching.

I could not agree less with the last set of remarks. That class was about as fine an English course as I have ever taken. And he is about as much fun as an English Prof gets.

Yea, I don't get that hater comment either. The class is about race and culture. Uhhhh, you don't think there's going to be offensive material in there? He even has it all over his syllabus that there's possibly offend able stuff in the class. What do you want of the guy, he handles difficult subjects with us like adults not babies. Love him!

He's the David Lee Roth of English.

I cry BS on that last rating. And ratemyprofessiors won't let me report it. There's a difference between showing books that represented women harshly and being misogynist. He never spoke poorly of women. Half the time he talked about his daughter for better or worse. He may be a lot of things but he was not inappropriate to women. Thumbs up!

What do you get when you cross Dolemite, Dexter (from Dexter's Laboratory), Noel Polk, and T.S. Elliot? You get a creature that would still bow down to Joe Sommers. By far, the most intelligent, creative, energetic, and real professor and scholar I've had the pleasure to study under. A true gem. Central Michigan is very lucky to have him.

Sommers is easily the best professor I've ever had! He keeps his class fun, engaging, and interesting while teaching the material. I've never laughed so much in a class while learning so much!

This class was super easy, but I felt like it was more important that I liked him than if I learned anything. The course material easy, and all you need to do to get an A is joke around with the teacher. Which is fine if you don't actually care about learning stuff.

My very favorite professor! He is enthusiastic and crazy, but in a good way! He relates the material to real life situations, which makes class fun. He likes to bake cookies for class too :)Overall, the class was good. Just read the books, participate in class, and don't procrastinate on the papers!

Ok-- I'm writing this because ratemy won't let me correct the other rating: Sommers hasn't taught 381 in like a year. These 381 claims are totally bogus. He only taught 482. It's bull and we're all suck of the people who try and degrade him at the end of the semester!

So, I don't know why my rating got pulled down, but I want it back. He's a great professor and made 201 challenging and fun too. My friends complained about there's but this one was incredible. And this is the same guy who does children's literature. He does both. And I would like my old rating reinstated. You kick ass, Sommers!

He dresses like Nine, but he acts like Ten. Except I don't think either curse near as much. And he has both screwdrivers in his office. And Captain Americas shield. That pretty much sums him up.

We're only halfway through the semester, and the class has already changed my life. He took us to England for a week and the trip changed everything for me. I am so greatful, and I want to do it again!

He's my superhero!!

He's hard. He's really hard, but this is a six week Summer course. Like everyone says, he's great tho. He must have taken that accountability slam to heart--he was on us at every second, but never in a mean way. And: he brought us doughnuts!!!

Sommers is one of the greatest professors I have ever had. No, he doesn't hand out easy A's or give open note tests. He just flat-out cares about his students, and it's obvious that he loves what he does. HE WANTS YOU TO LEARN & HE WANTS YOU TO DO WELL. From his laid back attitude to his quirky lingo, he is a wonderful human being. TAKE HIS CLASS.

Dr. Sommers has been an absolute inspiration to me as an English major and the highlight of my senior year. He is quirky but listen to him! He is an intelligent man with a wonderful sense of humor. If you follow his grading criteria you will nail the course with an A. Such a delight compared to other English professors because of his open-mind.

He's the Best in the World! He actually won professor of the year this year, and he deserved it!!! He took us to England to learn Harry Potter. How do you top that? You go Sommers--you ARE the best!

He took me to Hogwarts (The U.K). Enough said.

He gave me assignment extensions after my car wreck and he let me leave class when I needed to go to the counseling center without deduction my attendance. He understands when a person just can't function for class that day or they just can't do their homework. He is an amazing person and I would suggest to anyone to take him.

No. I'm in the 482 too. He spent an entire class showing us how to write that paper and made sure we had no questions before we left! I'm sorry but I have taken him before, and he never leaves a student hanging. He IS fun, and he IS hard because he expects a lot out of COLLEGE students. That DOES NOT make him poor!!

Sommers is a very eclectic, untraditional professor. The way he presents lecture is great because it's almost entirely discussion based. The one criticism I would point out is that he tends to get off subject easily and for extended periods of time.

I don't understand the clarity thing. Sommers's in his office hours all the time and he helps me figure out the wording of my paper. Yah, he gets off-topic but he makes class fun and he cares. I don't know what more you could want.

He's Yoda. There's the Sci-fi class rating for you. Yoda. May the Force be with you, Sommers.

He was my favorite professor this semester. There was a lot of reading, but his lectures were so interesting. I barely took notes, and there was no PowerPoint or anything, but I learned more about life and myself in this class than I have my whole college career. Seriously, take a class with him!

I'll say this, he really wants his students to lvoe him. But maybe it's not all about being the "coolest" professor. A little more focus in the lectures and actual deep discussion of the books would be good, too.

I don't think he wants students to love him, I think he just cares. He took the class at the last minute and he did a good job with it-I'd like to take him with one of his regular classes.

He was there for me when I needed him.

Sommers is the best professor I have ever had in my entire academic life. The books we read were terrific fantasy, but I really liked the science fiction. He spoke on the philosophy and he spoke on the science. I don't know what more you could ask. The class was amazing!

That 323 convinced me to be an English major. Sommers made me love it. I don't know who couldn't want to take a class from him.

To sum up Sommers in words is impossible. Never before in my life have a met a man more dedicated to his students and his discipline. If you're looking for a professor who genuinely cares about his students, you've found him. While the ride might be crazy at times, you'll always find yourself looking forward to his classes. Best prof I've ever had

He was good.

The comics class was amazing. I'm jealous that I didn't wait for spring has its looking at the 2016 comics movies. That's gonna be awesome!

Sommers, he's the best. No contest. I've taken him several times and each time I've walked away with a valuable experience. I mean. He even took me to Hogwarts. His comics class was great. It allowed for veterans and newcomers to the genre to really explore and discover what makes comics and graphic novel great. Pro-Tip, He wants to help you.

Forgot to rate Sommers until he came to guest teach! He is AMAZING. Don't take him if you're expecting a BS class. He's the most captivating prof I've ever had, and I actually looked forward to going to his classes because he's so funny and unpredictable. Essays were a pain, but survivable. He'll call you by your last name if it's cool. Take him!!

Sommer's is a great guy. A hilarious, weird, nerdy guy! The class is a discussion of multiple graphic novels & comic books. I borrowed all of the books through the lib (the MelCat thing) since I'm not a big comic book reader. There is a discussion post almost every weekend and 2 big papers. Class is pretty interesting and easy.

It's appropriate that Sommers be seen for what he is: entertaining, funny, real but he's really an excellent teacher too. I never took an online course before, and he made it super comfortable for me. That's just me, but I'd take another with him.

I don't know about studly but he's definitely the fairest professor I've ever had. He tries to help us succeed and he's pretty cool to boot. He is funny. Weird, but funny.

Mr. Sommers is unique. This class was very easy; we had discussion board postings, some reading of children's books (easy), 1 easy group project and 2 papers. Paper topic can be unclear but he is willing to work you and help (re-write on first paper). You don't have to be at every class, but they sure can be entertaining. Would highly recommend.

I loved this professor. His lecture style is amazing. He doesn't just stand and lecture for the entire time. He adds stories and other anecdotes that relate to spice things up. The readings can be a bit much. BUUT there's only 2 papers in the entire class. TAKE HIM IF YOU CAN!

The biggest reason I'd suggest taking him is because he cares enough to make sure you do well. He'll do everything he can to help you succeed.

This class was the first online class I'd ever taken and Sommers did not disappoint. 3 papers the entire course and weekly discussion boards. Easy to get away with not doing the readings in this online course. He gives a lot of extra points on various DB's and papers. Great professor and highly recommend!!

He says a lot on day one, but the most important thing is that he will not let the class hurt you. And he repeats it all the time to lower anxiety. Hes not kidding. He build the class so no one thing will kill your grade and he rewards taking risks. Hes fun and hes fair.

Sommers is a good man but also an enigma of one as well. He is one of the strangest professors I've ever had my entire time here and he was great. Half of the class was talking about the most random things but relating it back to the books we would read. Also if you love reading this class is for you, if not then don't register for this class.

OMG. The class is fantastic, but lets talk about him interacting with his kids (who are adorable). Lets talk about him forgetting himself and singing Queen songs to us. Hes some kind of imaginary Harry Potter professor that really exists. Hes amazing.

I have mixed feelings about Sommers but I overall had a good experience in this class. The class is graded by two papers, discussion board posts, and a group project. The paper guidelines were very confusing, however, don't hurt your grade if you do poorly on them. Lectures always got off topic, but he is a very smart, caring individual.

He cares so much and he does get off topic, but you learn a lot as well. You should just prepare for a really different kind of professor and thats not a bad thing. And like the other comments say, his papers are hard, but he arranges the grading so it wont hurt you.

Sommers is an awesome prof! I took this class online, and it was one of the best experiences I've had in an online class. He really cares about his students. Always gives out extra credit for DBs. He gives great feedback, and you can tell he reads through each individual post and paper thoroughly. Easy A

Hes fantastic. He cares so much about us and he demands a lot, maybe too much but hes the first professor here to teach me how to really write. It was a little painful, but it was so worth it.

Good guy. Good class.

Sommers is the best. You can tell he is really invested in the choices he makes in the books discussed in class. Although he gets off topic quite a bit, he definitely cares about his students and class is always something new and exciting. Sometimes his directions/expectations are unclear, but if you ask him questions, he will always answer!

So, that 201 review might be trolling. There have been no papers due yet, theres no mandatory attendance, and hes REALLY willing to help in an online classroom. (Were all online.) I dont know whats up, but its a solid class.

Hes so caring and considerate. Just one of the nicest professors Ive ever met.

He doesnt get political in class, he has us read books that have content which is political. Theres a difference. Also I dont get the comment about the papers, he spent a solid 15 minutes talking about the second paper when someone asked if we could look at it early. What else do you want from the guy?

He is a very caring and concerned guy. And he is flexible which is nice.

The best professor I've ever had at CMU. Lectures can get off topic at times, but such a genuinely funny and caring man. I would take every class with him if I could. Offers TONS of extra credit opportunities & even though the 2 papers for the class are kind of difficult, if you meet with him he is so helpful! Goes above and beyond for students.

The class is my world every week. The discussions are so entertaining and provocative. And he is a very kind man who expresses genuine concern for us.

You know, he was sick today so he went out and got the author of the book we were reading to talk to us! And she did! It was amazing!!! 10/10 would recommend!

He was a great and kind teacher. Super funny and can relate to students. Would for sure take again!!

Dr. Sommers cares so much about our well-being and has so much passion. I din't find this class too strenuous, however the papers were a bit demanding- but he offers so much help to help us become better writers, and he also adapts our class schedule to better suit us when he can tell that we are too stressed. Great guy, fun class.

Mans was fair. I forgot to check my grades and he really did me a solid on effort. Class sesh were ill attended but they were critical for paper success. he told us what to do do and if you tried he did not fail you. Funny and kinf.

10/10 professor. Do the work and you'll get an A.

He was great to me and worked with me on my writing every time I asked. He does want a lot of writing but he is really fair about the gradeing. Good guy.

Amazing professor!

Really great professor who is hilarious! Show up, do the work, and you will be fine!

There were a lot of new children's books required for this book, so make sure you can afford it. There are two papers (5+ and 7+ pages) that you have plenty of time to work on. There are also discussion boards for each book. Sometimes he would go on random rants during class, some related some not. He's a nice guy who is super flexible!

Dr. Sommers was a good professor, but he would often get off-topic or make analogies that were hard to follow. He taught us a lot about the narrative components of children's books. His expectations on papers weren't always totally clear, but he was an easy enough grader and gave lots of extra credit, so that was rarely a concern.

Sommers was one of the best professors I've ever had. In class discussions were always super fun and he makes you want to come to class. Expect to do a lot of reading, but actual assignments aren't hard. As long as you put actual effort in you'll probably get a good grade.

Sommer's class will be your absolute favorite. He is different than other English professors; he is engaging. Loved 580. TAKE HIM, you won't regret it.

Dr. Sommers was extremely engaging and showed care from the very beginning of class. Sometimes his excitement can lead to him going off topic but, he means well. I think he does drugs but, it doesn't take away from his skill as a teacher. He grades just as much for effort as he does correctness.

I personally had a great experience in this class. I would definitely recommend this class or Professor Sommers for any potential course. I think this class was not only great academically, but in terms of growing individually as well. Not an overload of work which is so helpful! He gives great feedback and will work with you on almost any issue !

Discussion board prompts were confusing but other than that it wasn't too bad.

Dude is Charles Boyle.

He's Leonard from Big Bang Theory! He doesn't just look like him, he acts like him. Nerdy, funny, short. (Sorry, Sommers!) He's great. He talks a ton and really fast but he's great.

Great class. It's online asynchronous so there's no lectures, but he supplements the comics with readings instead. I didn't read them at first and things didn't make sense—and then he told me to give it a try and what's funny is that articles about comics are not hard and they're kind of fun. The class is fun its comics so go figure.

All I can say is that Sommers is goated.. take him if you can, then take him again. He will be a highlight in your college academic memories.

Sommers is goated; he's super understanding of situations PLUS there's no actual due dates (his philosophy being "i'd rather get it late and good than on time and rushed"). He yaps a LOT but he's super fun. If you need an English credit, seek out this guy.

For a teacher, Mr. Sommers is an impressive cartoon rabbit. He's cool and the class is a lot of fun, but nobody ever mentions that it s ALOT of reading for 100 level course. It's comics but it's ALOT of comics! Just be ready.

Loved having Professor Sommers! I took this class because it seemed like a pretty easy WI and it was. There was 1 discussion post every week and only 3 papers. The class was comics and graphic novels which I am not very interested and there was a lot of reading. However, there were also a couple extra credit opportunities.