easy going class.

Tough class, a lot of work. Wants you to write for yourself (and not him), so can sometimes be vague on what the assignment needs to be like. However, very hlpful. His door is always open, and really does want to you to succeed.

This was an awesome class. Though the material was rather difficult, I can't lie here, and the analysis sometimes frustrating, I can honestly say that I took a lot out of his class. He was always prepared and willing to help. Kept in constant email contact with every student and desperately wanted success in every person...

I honestly enjoyed this class, Bell's personal touch made it alot less boring than other droning lectures, he makes an honest effort to connect with his students and is invested in our success.Be willing to push yourself and not sit on your ass.

This guy rocks! A lot of writing but, hey, it's a WRITING class.Wants every student to be a better writer, but use their own ideas, interpretations of texts.Classes are fun, engaging & he chooses great texts. He's extremely helpful to ALL students; encourages to rewrite anything for a better grade.And I'm not an English major. I took it as a GUR.

My new favorite college professor. He must work in excess of 60 hours per week. He puts so much work into his class. I had to buy 6 different books, but they were all great. I'm not selling them back. Always there for students. More work than my other two classes combined, but I learned a lot more too. Lets you rewrite to get a better grade.

Despite what others say, this wonderful man changed my life! He made me the best writer I could possibly be. You all will forever be in debt to Michael! Take his class; you will never regret it. Favorite and most life changing professor by far! His personal style is the best! Be prepared to work hard to get the most out of the class!

I would recommend his class. I found it to be enjoyable and interesting. He really pushes you to be a better reader and a better writer. He doesn't want ****. He is a very kooky guy, but you learn to enjoy it.

He was absolutely my favorite professor at WWU so far. He's so helpful and even though it was the most frustrating writing class I have ever taken I am a better writer for it. He helped me find my voice and I recommend this class to everyone.

Awesome professor, really wants his students to become better writers. An A in the class is completely possible with hard work, you can rewrite papers as many times as you want for a better grade!

It's amazing how passionate this man is about English. Because he loves it, he takes an immense amount of time helping his students excel. The class is very work intensive, and he wants quality work, not BS. This is not an easy course, but if you are struggling in any way, he will never give up on you.

Michael puts so much work and time into this class that he basically lives in his office. This is a difficult class but if you're willing to work hard, you can learn so much from him. He's kind of an odd guy but he makes class fun.

Michael is devoted to his students passing his class. He has a lot of reading, a lot of writing, but all of it is geared toward your desire to pass his class. If you want an A, he makes it so all of your papers can be rewritten until you get the grade you want. He lets you express your creativity in everything you write. He's Super helpful!

Favorite prof! If you're interested in becoming a better writer, you can't do better than Michael's class. He challenged me big-time, but I emerged far more prepared for my upper level ENG courses. Also, a nice, laidback, very personable guy, lets you re-write for a better grade. Passionate about his students. Can't recommend him highly enough.

Surprised by the comment saying we wrote 11 essays in 10 weeks, and that Michael intentionally chose books to offend people. We had casual writing assignments weekly, different than our 2 ESSAYS. Michael was very sensitive toward students' views and communicated that his intent wasn't to offend. Great class, unless you're not there to learn.

Take a light course load with this class, or you'll get burned out. Intense work load. Michael is nonpareil for his insights and boyish oddness. Be prepared to loath/be fascinated by him in turns. If you need practice writing, this is it. Personally, I came in a strong writer, and came out changing my major & vowing never to take another Eng class.

there are a freaking lot of assignments, and you have to re-do most of them. he tends to teach very liberal contemporary books and will aggressively push his agenda. the class discussions are usually fun and interesting, lots of tangents. lots of small group time, creates a good community. but this class took up all my time.

TEH WIN

I had Michael last quarter, and while I came out of the class seething at how much work I had to do for the grade (and at how many times I had to re-do it), I realize in retrospect that i learned a lot. It's a tough class for sure, and it might take a toll on you, but it's cool to have made it through, and he's a cool guy to know after the fact.

Michael will make you work, that is the truth. Though no more than any other professor who actually wants to TEACH you their subject. But meet with him and you will do well, he WILL improve your writing, even if your grade isn't as perfect as you would like. IF YOU FEEL LIKE LEARNING SOMETHING, take his class. If not there are other GURs for you.

Textbooks were a bit tough to get through, but he adjusted the class to try to help with that. Sometimes his description of the work can be a bit vague, but he allows students to rewrite their paper for a better grade! I went to his office a bunch of times, and he showed me what I needed to do to improve my work for a good grade. Nice guy! :)

Only 6 students out of 25 dropped the class, hardly half. I loved this class and came out a better writer. Only two real "essays" and several informal, fun pieces. Lots of reading, not an "easy A"; but if you want to learn and be a better writer, this is for you.

Michael was the best professor I have ever had at WWU. He is extremely helpful, engaging, and interested in what his students have to say. I am appalled by some of the responses on here. Michael was always eager to help students who were struggling; and when I needed an extension on my paper, he gave it to me. I wish he taught more classes!!

michael is quite hard but i owe a lot to him. by the end of the class i can honestly say i think in a different way...which is good. he is the best prof. ive had so far and i truely believe he is what a professor should be. PS i got an A in his class...just start working and stop complaining and youll do fine

I don't know why everyone is dogging on Michael! Taking his class was the most beneficial/productive thing I could have done to become a better writer and student. Sure, it was by far the HARDEST class I've taken at WWU, but it was well worth it. He lets you revise all of your assignments for higher grades. I've never seen him play favorites.

Michael is hands down the absolute best teacher I've had at Western. Seeing these reviews is upsetting, because they are completely false. Yes, he's hard. Get over your laziness as a student and you'll do fine. Yes, it is so much fun, and so it he. As a senior in the department, I have to say I made it here because of this class.

Michael Bell is the second coming of Jesus Christ!

michael bell was the most amazing prof I've ever had. He took us shooting, made us read amazing books, build forts around campus, all sorts of insanity. He demanded we do our best and that really makes people mad. Some of you aren't english majors and will hate this class. anyone who likes books and writing will love it. <3 michael bell.

It's so obvious this guy *really* cares about his teaching and about his students. Totally recommend taking a class from him. It's also important to go TALK to him when you're frustrated or confused. The people here who have been complaining are the same people who just sit silently in class. :(

Brilliant... Class was a challenge but the man is a genius and really changed the way I write (for the better).

Michael is a great teacher. Yes, the class is hard, but worth it. He will let you revise anything, and really wants to help you write better. I learned so much, and had lots of fun. We even played croquet one day. If you put forth the effort, the class will be very rewarding.

Bell is the most inspirational teacher I have ever had. I worked harder in his class than I have in any other, and it was entirely worth it. His lectures stretch beyond the classroom and into life. Half the class had dropped out by the end of the quarter, but if you can hack it, Bell's classes can actually truly affect your life. Amazing professor.

Amazing teacher. Must be willing to learn and work hard for grade. Office hours are highly encouraged and helpful, not to mention fun.

DO NOT take this class UNLESS you are willing to put in the work (there's a lot of it). NOT AND EASY A. It is a hard class but Michael is super helpful and lets you redo assignments for a better grade. If you love reading and writing then you'll like it. If you're no english hater but you're not super passionate about english, it will be harder.

i recommend him to everyone! kinda hyper but he picks amazing books and leads great discussions. probably will take him again. make sure you do the reading and think about things on a level deeper then the surface. you'll get a lot from the class.

bell is hilarious and very smart. he made me into a better writer, that's for damn sure. great dude.

Bell is an important teacher, he runs his class in a creative and democratic way, taught me to look at books in great new way and the world by extension. A great experience and made me want to change my major to English. Take classes from this man!!!

Hope I can take another class with him, really interesting and untraditional books choices

Mike is a great guy. He's really helpful if you have questions and seems to really care about his classes. He led interesting discussions that were challenging but still felt easy to participate in. I wish he would grade a little faster, but really I have no complaints. He does give good and thoughtful feedback on the papers so it balances out.

really great class and interesting guy

He is a great teacher but be prepared his expectations are high and he is a tough grader. That being said he gives unlimited rewrites and gives out his phone number so you can get ahold of him at any time. 5 essays/projects, 4-6 quizzes, a portfolio, and an in-class presentation based on 5 books.

Super engaging discussion based class, you get what you put in. He assigns interesting current novels and doesn't want any of the symbolic bs. It's connecting to the world. The class can be boring if you don't do the reading and don't care. But if you apply yourself, you can have fun and learn a lot.

Michael was a professor I really, really liked. He was engaging, brought up good class discussions and chose interesting books. That being said, he does make you work for your grade. You need to show up to class, read the books he gives you and really take the time writing the essays. He gives really good feedback in his office hours too.

Michael makes you work for your grade, and with that work he makes you a concise and better writer. He is a down-to-earth professor and despite being a tough grader, he is really caring and wants you to succeed in his class. If you are willing to put the effort in or you are considering majoring in English, I strongly recommend 202 with him.

Michael is a cool guy. But he does not use Canvas, so your grade is a mystery for the whole quarter. You do about 5-6 projects, and that is it. You have three free absences, and then after that, your grade depends on how well your tasks are. He also helps a lot when you are confused.

A tough class for sure, the books were a good read tho and he always gives chances to redo papers for a better grade. This class for sure takes up a LOT of time and the classes don't super revolve around writing but rather book discussion. Definitely a creative class that requires lots of effort

The most stressful class I've taken in my 2 years at WWU. HOWEVER - if you want to learn media analysis, like REALLY learn how to understand the significance of what you consume, this is it. Hard as hell, but I came away with interpretation & writing skills like you wouldn't believe. Pick another GUR, but if you like this topic, GO FOR IT.

Michael is the definition of a tough but fair professor. His expecations are very clear, and he is very easy to reach. The reading is heavy but manageable and he has a unique sense of wit and humor and selects very interesting reads that stick with you. Very knowledgeable about a wide variety of things

(201:Writing pop music) Genuinely looked forward to class. It super chills if you in class and participating and doesn't give that much work, it's pretty much discussion/in-class based (do not skip this class). Michael is so chill and def knows what he's talking about. 10/10 experience. Lets you revise everything

ENG 101 with Michael was a fair class. Expectations were handed out on the syllabus the first day, which was useful. Ask him about revisions and he will explain deeper, he truly wants you to succeed. My favorite part of this class was being able to not only receive feedback from my prof but also my classmates.

Bell is great! The course challenged me and elevated my skills in researching, citing, and analyzing. His lectures were captivating and insightful, and talking about music and culture is always a fun time. If you follow the rubric, you'll pass very easily, and Michael provides thoughtful feedback and allows corrections for papers. Loved this class!

DESPITE MY HIGH RATING, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU CAN'T WRITE 20 PAGES ABOUT A GAME YOU MADE UP ENTIRELY BY YOURSELF. Now that that's out of the way, I had a lot of fun making a game in this class, and learned a lot about effective and communicative writing. I was only hampered by unmotivated group partners, never by the assignments. Very cool!

People seem to think his grading is unfair and hard to follow but he literally outlines the requirements for an A in his class. While he does not post the grades until literally the end of the quarter it is super easy to follow along with where your grade is. You are able to do assignments as many times as you'd like to receive the grade you want.

Despite his mixed reviews, I would say he was a very good teacher! He was very engaging and passionate about what he was teaching. His grading is a little odd but you can revise everything! Overall would take again

Professor Bell's ENG202 class is challenging but rewarding. The workload is heavy, but using unstuck ai alongside the free textbook can really help. Attend classes and engage with the material - the effort pays off.

Michael is one of my favorite professors I've taken. This is technical design class not really an English class. If you want an A you need to earn it. The class is not hard but expect to put in the effort and passion into each project. Michael is a great guy to talk to and the class overall is fun, working hard on the projects feels rewarding.

It's confusing to know where you stand grading wise. He is heavy on student lead. Basically, if you want help, you should be seeking him, and he shouldn't have to come around always asking. He is easy to speak with regarding grades. Overall, the class was good, I just don't like design at all and that's basically what the class is.

I took michael's (history of pop music), I genuinely loved that class so much, I basically got to do homework in ranting about my favorite musicians of all eras and genres. His grading technique is confusing and I was lost in what I was earning through assignments but the class is easy and fun, he is very talkative of his own artists as well!!