4.2
Quality3.8
Difficulty89%
Would Retake187
Reviews89%
Would Retake
187
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
97
4
69
3
10
2
9
1
2
What Students Say
“Rann is a great professor and person”
105L - 5.0 rating“He can be a bit rude when you get questions wrong in class which can be frustrating and discouraging”
105L - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
44%
Textbook Required
38%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.23 avg changeRatings by Course
31L
5.0
(1)MATH2
5.0
(1)MATH02
5.0
(1)MATH3367
5.0
(1)MATH01
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MATH26
4.6
MATH41
4.5
MATH25L
4.5
MATH105106
4.5
MATH32L
4.1
Reviews (187)
No Comments
No Comments
No Comments
Unless you have a really strong background in Calculus and you don't need a lot of explanation, don't take this class from him.
No Comments
I think he's great as a person, but he needs to learn different ways of explaining one idea to different people who have different learning styles. His handwriting (I know this sounds anal) isat times very difficult to decipher (yes, DECIPHER)and one minor detail in the notes makes a big difference, and any error can throw people off.
he is a great guy and is really funny...his tests are considerably harder than the other teachers but our class in general did a lot better on the final exam. his teaching style takes a little while to get used to but he's readily available during his office hours. If your willing to put in some work he is a great teacher and you will benefit
teaches very conceptually... and you definitely need to go to class to get good grades on his tests (which are not often based off problems like the ones in the book)... very helpful when asked, and flexible about homework...
for most of the class, as long as i did the homeworks and went to office hours before the tests i was fine. he's a really energetic guy and is passionate about teaching math. has a lot of interesting stuff to say besides math as well.
He's a really nice guy but he needs to be clearer when he's teaching. Very accessible outside class.
He was a nice guy but was not good at teaching. The class was more of an independant study to me. When he taught something new he just did an example but didn't explain the steps he was following clearly and didn't do enough repetitions of problems. Class time was not used efficiently and thus I had to spend a ton of time on homework.
He's a nice guy. He's really helpful, and he tries really hard to be a good teacher. I think he'd be better suited teaching a higher level math though. His teaching style isn't good for transitioning between high school math and college math.
He's a really nice teacher who was very enthusiastic about what he taught. Although he teaches very conceptually, which is sometimes really hard to follow, he is always very accessible for extra help and explanations outside class. You definitely need to come to class and do the worksheets and homework to do well on the tests.
He's extremely enthusiastic and helpful. Definitely go to office hours if you have any trouble or aren't sure about certain concepts.
Rann is a cool guy who is definitely willing to help. However, his teaching style is very disorganized. He frequently makes mistakes while lecturing, leading to confusion. Make sure you're constantly on top of what he's writing so that you don't spend 3 hours trying to decipher a concept and then realize that he made a mistake in the notes.
Rann is a very enthusiastic teacher who is VERY willing to help students. His tests are a little difficult but pretty straightforward in content. He does tend to get muddled while he teaches, so you have to ask questions so that he'll stop and clarify. Still, I didn't like math before I took this class, but his enthusiasm made me change my mind!
Everything about him is unconventional, from his appearance to his teaching style, which proves to make class very awesome. He is extremely enthusiastic, helpful, and well-knowledged while not often being disorganized. Tests are freaking hard. He is a super-picky grader. He will cover your paper in marks, guaranteed.
good teaching, enthusiastic, sometimes difficult to understand so make sure you ask questions and he is more than happy to clarify
very into conceptual math... very difficult tests and exams
Rann was an awesome teacher! Always enthusiastic and very willing to help, he'd stay after class to ensure you understood the material. He pushes you to think, not just number crunch, unlike a lot of professors. Don't be deterred by his tough tests/grading because it pays off. You come out of the class feeling like you've accomplished something.
Rann is a good teacher. He writes difficult tests though.
Really hard tests. Don't think that if you liked math in high school you will be good in his class
At the beginning of his class, I was not used to the conceptual style of his teaching and his tests. However, he makes an effort to make sure you understand if you decide to take the initiative to ask him. He can be intimidating if no one speaks up in class, but it's apparent that that's only because he wants his students to engage in math.
Attendance is not "mandatory", but he gives out printouts with blanks you'd like to fill in through the lectures, which are pretty much all the study sources you have for exams. ASK him if you have anything unclear, and he'll give his best to help you. The tests are tricky, but then again, Math 32L tests in general are supposed to be hard.
I love the way he teaches. He makes you understand the math instead of just memorize it. Homework is not mandatory, and never collected, so you don't have to do it if you're comfortable with the material. His tests are hard, and even though he grades on a curve, it is not easy to get an A on a test.
Rann is extremely helpful if you take the time to ask for it. He's quick to respond to his emails and will make time in his schedule for private tutoring if possible (but only if you ask). My only caveat is that his tests are generally pretty tough; however this usually leads to his students doing better on the block final than other classes.
While his tests may not be the easiest, he's fair and is helpful outside of class. He doesn't want you to memorize formulas but rather to understand the concepts. Although not mandatory, attendance and homework are crucial to doing well in his class.
Definitely the hardest 25/26 teacher (heard he was tough for 32 too). He doesn't like to answer questions in class though, so don't ask any. Definitely go in to class early though if you're confused, he's really nice and helpful then.
Rann is a very nice guy. He'll definitely do what he can to help you out. The class was not incredibly easy, but curved. And the final was pretty hard.
Rann's class is difficult. Easy B- at best. But, he works very hard to be available and assist students when they ask. I took Calculus in high school, but this course was still hard. Rann tries to explain the topic thoroughly (GO TO CLASS), but to really undertand the material, you must really do the homeowrk and take time outside of class.
He's awesome! Hard tests, but wonderful professor that's more than willing to work with you on problems!
I was too scared to answer questions in class, which led me to fall way behind. He definitely made the class a bazillion times harder than necessary.
Best math teacher I have ever had.
Prof very willing to work with you outside of class, to go over material, tests, etc. He moves pretty quickly but explains things clearly. Really nice guy.
I took Rann two semesters in a row and really enjoyed him. he was very knowledgeable and helpful with the material.
Rann is a very cool person and a great teacher. He wants his students to do well and will take the time to help students. He gives you notes which is really nice and are great for studying. One thing is that his tests are super hard, although I found that they prepared me for the pretty well.
Rann has very difficult tests and curves the class average to a C+. However, he is a great teacher who helps his students understand the process of solving an equation rather than just memorizing it. Rann is my favorite professor from Freshman because he has a good heart and he genuinely cares about his students.
really good. very clear. liked him a lot. may be hard, but its better to have a hard teacher that you can learn a lot from than a crappy teacher where you learn nothing and are confused all the time (aka my 31L experience).
Test are hard, but Professor Bar-On cares clearly is passionate about the topic and cares a lot about his students. He's super laid back; also very direct. Cuts the crap and gets straight to teaching. Nice guy. Young too - somewhere in early thirties probably.
Rann is a great guy, really helpful and energetic in class, and great at explaining this. The class itself is very demanding, and he knows how to write a difficult test, but it was a good experience. If you need to take 32 I would recommend him.
Great Notes! Should attend class regularly.
Very helpful teacher who is glad to help you outside of class. He really wants the students to understand the topic. Tests are pretty difficult though. Need to put in a lot of time to make a good grade.
Rann is the man. While the tests are pretty hard, the worksheets Rann uses to teach class everyday are much better than what the other teachers at this level offer, I know this from studying with friends who had different professors. The class is not overly easy but with the right amount of effort (not even that much) it is easy to do well
Rann is an extremely difficult teacher. Tests are very hard/demoralizing. Worked extremely hard in both his 25L and 26L classes and still got poor grades. Would avoid taking any math with Rann unless you enjoy hating life.
Rann is a great professor. He is very hard, his tests are difficult and homework quiz so depressing. However, if you go to class and study everyday in the end the class is extremely rewarding. He is always willing to help and his notes are very useful. If you have to take math 25, take it with him!
Rann is probably the best math lecturer I've had; he's really clear, enthusiastic in class, and knows his stuff. He is reasonable and approachable outside of class. His only con is that he writes really hard tests. Although you will probably be better prepared for the final, your grade going into it might be low.
Rann is a great teacher. He is really helpful and will not move on unless you understand the material. As the others who have reviewed him have said, his tests can be pretty brutal at times, but they make you prepared for the final and a better math student. You may get frustrated with him at times, but his enthusiasm makes the course worth taking
Rann is honestly one of the nicest professors you will ever have. He truly cares about each of his students and wants them to do well. However, as others before me have mentioned his tests are hard because they are unlike any of the homework problems in terms of difficulty. Overall he is enthusiastic and a great guy. Participate in class, it helps!
Rann was very helpful. Make sure you are clear when you ask questions, though. Take advantage of office hours and outside help from him; he really wants to help each student. The tests and quizzes are tough.
Rann is a great teacher. His tests were not as difficult as I expected going into the class, but his clarity with the material surprised me. Participation in class is encouraged and he will not move on unless he knows that you understand the material. Great teacher overall. He really helped me understand the difficult concepts.
Rann is a great guy who is willing to help if you're having any trouble. The class is not easy, but if you keep up with the handouts the course is managable.
Rann was an interesting teacher. He would sometimes get frustrated when you did not understand a concept, making it difficult and often embarrassing to ask questions in class. But we was approachable before/after class. His tests weren't that hard. But you definitely need to pay attention in class and to the worksheets!
He is amaazing!I had him for 24L also. He is a specific grader so don't expect slack. People say his class is tough, but they forget it is college calculus. Go to his office hours because he loves it and you will too. He genuinely wants all his students to succeed.
Rann is a great professor! He challenges you to think through problems and he makes himself very available if you need more help. I highly recommend him.
I really enjoyed being in Rann's class and plan to take him again next semester. I learned a lot and really feel like he was consistently pushing me to be my best.
Hard class, harder exams. In class he goes through material way too quickly, but Rann is very interested in every one of his students to fare well in his class, so he is always interested in helping you and will go out of his way to do so. However, he expects the same amount of effort from your part. In the end, you will learn a lot.
Amazing professor! Very helpful, willing to spend time with you to make sure you understand. His midterms are hard but you will definitely be well prepared for the final!
Rann is very helpful and his lectures are easy to follow. The workload isn't too heavy (no hw due), but expect to do it anyway. The tests are difficult but the practice tests he gave us were great practice. Very easygoing and relatable. I recommend this class to anyone who wants a stronger grasp of basic calculus and is willing to put in the work
Rann is a brilliant professor and a great guy. His class is difficult, but if you are willing to work he is always there to help. Keep up with your lecture notes they can be very useful for exam preparation.
Rann is absolutely fantastic. Passionate and energetic in his teaching, and cares a lot about making sure his students understand the material. Extremely helpful and accessible; always happy to answer questions. The class isn't necessarily easy, and the exams can be tricky, but it is definitely worth your while to take it with Rann.
Rann is by far the best math professor I've had. He is very helpful and makes a lot of time answer questions or explain concepts. His tests can be a little hard, but they definitely prepare you well for the final. He is also very funny, I really enjoyed being in his class for 2 semesters.
Rann is energetic and dedicated. I would recommend him over taking this class with a grad student. Exams are challenging but studying hard is rewarded.
The class is very hard and requires a lot of work to do well. However, you learn A LOT, even when you think you aren't. I walked into the final with a C minus and walked out with a B minus in the class. Couldn't have done it without the difficulty and effort Rann demanded of us.
Might seem intimidating at first when you see him but he is a really great professor once you get to know him.
Rann is great! He is personable, clear and very helpful! A great teacher to have!!
Rann Bar-On was a very good teacher. He has an intense personality that can be intimidating at first, but once I got to know him, I realized I could ask him anything, and that he really wants all of his students to do well on the tests and in the class. He was very understanding and tried his best to meet with students outside of class.
Rann is really brilliant and is very helpful one on one. His lectures may sometimes be a little complicated but hes always willing to help out if you have any questions
Rann always makes time to meet with students outside of class.
Rann is a professor I won't forget after graduating. He was the most helpful, caring and friendly teacher I have ever had. He genuinely cares about his students understanding the material and is always available for extra help. If you plan to take math at Duke, make a huge effort to get Rann! I promise you will not find another teacher like him!
Bar-on's a brilliant, extremely helpful, friendly, nice and caring professor. He's sometimes a little repetitive and slow, and often picky with grading, but the class is definitely well worth taking.
Learned a lot! Grading was a bit hard but extra work can pay off.
Very clear and easy to understand explanation. Appropriately paced, and, he pays attention t all students. I would HIGHLY recommend.
He is an excellent lecturer. He strives to make sure each student understands the topic. It was a privilege to him. Actually, it was because of a visit to his class while I was pfrosh that I chose to come to Duke. You will enjoy him. Just take advantage of all the resources he makes available to you and you will do well.
Rann is a great professor! The class isn't easy, but it's totally worth it! Class is not mandatory, but try to attend as much as possible because it gets very confusing very fast.
Rann brings great energy and motivation to class, something wich I still don't understand given that it's Math.
Professor Baron a a really good professor, the course is very demanding but professor is always accessible to meet with student if they need help. He is very supportive and helpful.
Calc in really tough at Duke, no matter what the level. Do all of the HW and go over the labs even after you have finished them. The class was very interesting and Rann is always willing to meet up if you have any questions. Overall, a tough course with a great professor.
This is my second semester with Rann as my math teacher and if I had to take another Math class, and he taught it, I would be his student again. That is all have to say.
Rann Barron is a homie, hes a great teacher.
Rann Bar-On is the man. He always has chocolate chip cookies before his test. He is intimidating at first because of how brilliant he is, but after some time (about 1-2 weeks), you get used to his remarks and his, at times, scary tone! If you do what is asked and all the optional homework problems, which take about 2 hours a week, you'll get an A-
Rann is a great professor, however, I found his test to be extremely difficult. He is a hard grader as well and will strip your lab reports apart with comments and deductions (which in some regards is not necessarily bad). He is a cool guy overall.
Rann is a really cool guy who's always fun to talk to. That being said, Duke calculus is just plain hard, and he makes it a harder. He's a very hard grader on top of his tests being very difficult. His lectures for this class were difficult to keep up with and he got frustrated often.
Rann is incredible. His emphasis on conceptual understanding and teaching methods gave me a true appreciation for math, and I can't begin to articulate how much I learned. Rann is not an easy professor, but will push you to reach your full potential. He is extremely approachable and really wants to see every student succeed.
Rann was a great teacher, however, the tests were very hard and he is a tough grader. All Duke math courses will be like that so it is not a bad reflection on his teaching.
You really have to show up to class and stay on top of the homework. As long as you don't get behind its not too hard to do well. Tests are tough but they are curved so just do better than most. Rann is really a great guy and super willing to help. He loves math, incredibly smart. If you don't like him, its probably bc you need to study more.
Rann's classes are really good. He's method for teaching is clear and structured. You do have to practice, do homework and prepare for tests. His midterms are a little harder than other teachers', but it is totally worth it. He might get frustrated with you sometimes, but nothing major. I would undoubtedly recommend him.
It is a very hard class, but he is a good teacher
Rann is willing to help clarify any points that are unclear. He isn't the kind of teacher that is going to give you answers but instead works with you until you understand it for yourself. He pushes his students to comprehend the material and is very supportive of each student. He is the teacher that is a must-have.
He is passionate about math and teaching. Thus if you show passion, then he responds well to that. Ways to show passion: do the HW, go to class, show up for office hours. If you're lost, he's always there to help you sort things out. I would also highly recommend going to the Ben Cooke tutorials as you tend to cover the harder topics there.
Great teacher, go to his office hours for more help because the lectures aren't very long. He his really helpful in his office hours and will help you through any math problems you are having.
I had a bad 105 experience so I took 106 two semesters later. I can say that I walked in not remembering anything but I was able to pass the class. Rann is super helpful and he is willing to answer your questions. If you are willing to put yourself out there you will understand. He can be sassy if you get an answer wrong but he wants you to think.
Rann is the best professor I've had at Duke. If you have the choice, take his class. That being said, be ready to work. You have to go to class because the key to succeeding is understanding the concepts, not getting the correct answer. He's a great guy and truly wants to help you succeed in any way he can. Also, smartest guy you'll ever meet.
Rann's an intense guy but you get accustomed to his teaching style and come to appreciate it. His class is well structured and organized. Lessons move quickly so ask questions. Very beneficial class- hard but beneficial.
Rann knows what he is doing. He has been spearheading 105 and 106 for a while and is really great during lectures. He moves quickly, but offers extra office hours for this reason. He wants you to do well, but it is nearly impossible to make an A.
Rann makes calculus as bearable as possible. He gives clear expectations of grading and work. The class is tough, but if you complete the assigned homework, go to help room, and attend his office hours, you will do well. He's always willing to help you if you ask and he explains things really well. If you have calc, take his class!!
Having never taken a Calculus course before attending Duke I was very glad to have Rann to guide me through a difficult course. He makes the lectures entertaining and the amount you'll learn is staggering. Rann may seem tough at first but that's because he truly cares about the performance of his students. One of my favorite classes at Duke so far.
Rann is an amazing lecturer and person. He is willing to help you if you need it and is very patient in his teaching style. He is by far the best math teacher I have had. The only complaint I have is the "out-of-the-boxness" of the test questions. Very good teacher though and funny.
He can be a bit rude when you get questions wrong in class which can be frustrating and discouraging.
Great teaching style that is super easy to comprehend, most importantly he understands what college is like and helps you adapt. I really enjoyed the class because of Rann
I was nervous taking this class as I'm not a big fan of math but Rann is extremely clear in his explanations and he's very helpful whenever you need clarifications. He made the topics really easy to understand. If you need to take this class for your major, take it with him
Rann is an excellent professor. His explanations are very clear and if you ask for help it's there. However, be warned - he's a tough grader, and he's very intense. He often gets frustrated with students when they ask for homework help, so if that happens to you don't take it personally, it only means that he cares.
I'm not gonna lie, this class is going to challenge you (I'm not really a "math person" myself). However, Rann is an amazing teacher and I'm pretty sure he's the most intelligent person I've ever met(prob a genius tbh).He's tough at times but that's because he's seriously passionate about what he teaches and he really wants his students to succeed.
I worked really hard in that class, but my grade definitely doesn't reflect that. I believe I learned a lot of math and grew, but I feel like I could've done better with another professor. He grades harder than he needs to, and the test questions can totally ruin you. I wanted to drop the class earlier, but I thought hard work would help. It didnt
Professor Bar-on is very knowledgeable of the course work and a good lecturer as well. He was always able to help me understand a topic better when I reached out to him outside of class. The class is deceptively challenging for an intro-level math, and his tests are tough, but I would definitely recommend having Rann as a professor for 105L!
Professor Baron is a great guy, and teaches very well. If you attend every class (which he doesn't factor into your grade, but obviously puts you in a much better position to succeed), you shouldn't ever be too confused about the basic material. Tests aren't too bad, however be sure you try in labs. Those actually end up mattering quite a bit.
Professor Bar-On is an expert when it comes to Math, which means he gets frustrated at times if you don't understand something, but don't take it to the heart. He is willing to meet outside of class for any additional help and will go out of his way if needed. Homework and reviewing notes are key. He genuinely cares about students. Not an easy A
Professor Bar-On is totally awesome! He looks like Gandalf and has a great sense of humor. He's interested in the subject and teaches extremely clearly, giving equal attention to both practice problems in class and explaining how all the problems work.
It was definitely one of the hardest classes I've taken. I'll be in 106L next semester. Rann is really cool and awesome for sure, but that doesn't change how terrible the tests are. The average on tests are extremely low. Expect AT LEAST 3-4 hours outside of class for every hour in class if you want to do well.
106 with Rann was one of my hardest classes this semester. Rann is an excellent and brilliant professor and is willing to help out and make time for his students. His tests are very difficult compared to the class material though, so be sure to prepare well and spend plenty of time doing practice. You'll definitely have to work hard for your grade
Rann is one of the best professors that I've had at Duke. The materials can be difficult for some, but he taught them in a way that made them really easy to understand. He's super helpful when you need help and the tests are fair.
If you want an A then do the homework, even though it's optional. Rann looks like a cross between Gandalf and Dumbledore, but is funnier than both. Go to math help room if you need help, seriously. Do the practice tests. Participating in class makes it go by quicker.
After taking math 105 and 106 with Rann, I can definitively say he was a great professor who really helped me understand the Calc 1 material. That being said, he could be overbearing at times in lectures, and the midterms and final count more than they should, given the plethora of other work in the class. If you take 105/106, do it with Rann!
He is super awesome. So glad to have him.
Rann is challenging but a great professor and person!
Rann is very meticulous in his grading, but he is also that way in class which helps you get used to the amount of specificity he wants. He is easy to understand and I love talking to him about anything! He knows Duke math is hard and will do basically everything he can to help you succeed. He really values and puts in effort to know his students.
Rann is a great teacher, but Math 105L is a difficult class. Be ready to go to several of his office hours and the Math help room. But really... any math class at Duke is hard:)
Rann's class was very tough and he goes through the material very quickly in class. He is available for extra help outside of class and will work with you as long as you show determination.
Great teacher! I learned so much this semester and he is really understanding.
Rann is a great professor and person! His tests are kinda hard, but that's cause he wants you to understand and think, rather than just reproduce the material. If you are to take 105/106 take it with him cause he's basically its creator. He also wears funny shirts.
As expected from class and teacher, significant tougher if you miss class, and you get a lot more out of it if you participate.
Rann's great. Take calc with him.
Math 106 is a very hard class, but Rann is a great teacher and really cares for his students.
This class was not insanely hard, but he is a ridiculously hard grader. Very little partial credit, and labs were graded somewhat unfairly--very hard to get above a C on a lab, and graded by specific criteria that you are not aware of. Homework is never mandatory though, so that was really nice and the workload didn't seem too bad.
Class was definitely challenging but Rann is a great professor who truly cares about his students! All math at duke is hard, so this is a hard class (105, 106, & 112). However, he really makes sure that you understand the concepts you are learning and the reasoning behind them.
Rann is a character but he has your best interests in mind. The mans a math genius but can also simplify complex topics, unlike the grad teachers. The tests are tough and there are quizzes but you really learn calculus. you can ask questions in class to understand the material and if you need more help, his office hours and help room are good.
Rann is super laid back and is a great professor who goes out of his way to make sure you really understand what is going on which is why it's really important for you to be at every lecture and lab.
Rann is a great professor who genuinely cares about each of his students. That being said, the class is not easy and attending lecture & lab is essential to the understanding of the material. It also requires a lot of work outside of class, but office hours and help room are always helpful.
Professor Bar-On was very accessible and incredibly willing to help any student understand what they may be missing. His sometime terse demeanor at first can be a little off putting but he truly wants the best for his students and is truly very friendly. Don't be afraid to go to his office hours or ask for extra help!
Great professor (who happens to be a genius). Tests were hard but the curve was generous (16 problem final, had ZERO idea for 5 of them)
Rann is awesome. There is no subject I like less than math, but calc ended up being my favorite class this semester. He is awesome and has a great sense of humor. The content itself is hard but manageable. Sometimes it is frustrating because Rann makes you understand the math on a fundamental and conceptual level but it helps a lot in the end.
Math 112 is hard in itself, by far the best teacher to learn from/better prepare yourself for future classes or exams.
Difficult tests but good lectures!
Don't be deterred by how difficult this site says that Rann is, that is much more representative of how challenging Math at Duke is rather than him as a professor. If you are taking a math at Duke and have the opportunity to take a class with Rann I urge you to do so. He is a great professor and a genuine guy who will help you do well in this class
Rann is a great teacher. His class structure will not only help prepare you for this class, but other classes you may take as well. Usually accessible outside of class, and there are many chances to prove you know the material. The class is difficult, but if you stay engaged and on top of the coursework, it will make your experience much better.
Hes a tough grader but a really great guy. I was terrible at math and he was understandable. This class was a prerequisite but he knows the information, hes prepared and teaches calc pretty clearly
Great Prof, really cares about his students and is there when you need him. Even when he had a baby on the way, he still made sure his students had what they needed to succeed!
Looks kinda like white Jesus, and he is a true math genius. If you have to take calc, take it with Rann!
Rann is not only a math genius but also a friendly guy and a solid teacher. Midterms were hard-duh. Final was not as hard-thank the Lord. Most annoying thing about this class were written lab reports: his grading is very abstract. There's no rubric or clear criteria. He either loves or hates the report, which results in low lab grades.
Best/toughest professor I've had
Simply a wonderful human being/genius. Can't think of any other lecturer that has cared so much about his students. Always takes feedback into account, and lectures are very clear. Very accessible outside of class if you have any questions. He also designed an optional lab component to this linear course that I would strongly recommend taking.
Professor Bar-on cares so much about his students. I thought this class was really difficult and math at Duke always will be but he made it a lot better by being funny, making mistakes himself and being an overall incredibly caring teacher
Rann is one of the most genuinely caring professors on this campus. He puts in a lot of effort to make himself accessible to students outside of class. Probably one of the sweetest and most intelligent people I've met in my life.
Rann was one of my favorite professors at Duke so far. He truly cares about all of his students and wants to see us succeed. Math 218 is definitely not an easy class, but I think Rann did a great job with the course.
Professor Bar-on is fantastic I wish hed teach other courses so Id have the chance to be his student again. His lectures are well-structured, the labs he designed are super fun (I really found great joy in them), and he is truly a cool and kind person. Helped me feel more confident in and appreciate Math! Not enough words but loved LA this sem!
Rann is a great math professor with a deep understanding of the material. Lectures are critical to understanding the material and Rann is always available and eager to help students. One of the most thoughtful and helpful teachers at Duke. Tests were reasonable, as well. This class isnt easy but if you reach out Rann will help you.
He cares a lot about every student's success and is super reasonable if you talk to him. Really good lecturer and he takes as much time as he needs to answer clarifying questions.
Really great guy in general. Material is tough, but he'll help you through it if you put in the effort.
Duke should be so happy to have Rann. When you see someone with such passion for a subject you can't help but reciprocate. This has been my favorite class, and I really hope that I will have the privilege to take another math class with Rann before I graduate. The class is obviously difficult, but Rann made it a wonderful experience.
Rann is an amazing professor, the complete anti-stereotype to the typical Duke math professor. This class is obviously difficult, but Rann will make every effort to help you excell and was one of the most accessible teachers Ive had at Duke. Hes just a genuinely amazing guy! PS Take his labs!! You wont find anything like them again at Duke.
Professor Bar-On is easily one of the most caring professors at Duke. He really wants his students to succeed and is very accessible outside of class. The material is difficult, but he will do everything in his power to help you do your best. Take a class with him. It's so inspirational and special to have a professor who cares so much about you!!!
Class is not easy but Professor Bar-On is not only a great lecturer, but more importantly, a genuinely awesome human being. I should have come to office hour more often!!
I liked the class. He's a personable guy. He teaches for you to understand concepts more than just solving problems. Use the help room and study groups as well to more fully understand concepts and you'll do well in his class. You don't have to do textbook problems to pass. Make sure to do the handouts he gives in class.
Rann is an amazing linear teacher - couldn't recommend more. If you really don't understand something, go and speak to him (he's always happy to help).
Great professor who makes concepts understandable and is extremely accessible outside of class. Lectures move a bit fast but textbook is a good supplement.
Professor Baron is very accessible via email and during office hours and goes out of his way to make sure all students are accommodated for. He's very knowledgeable on the topic (linear alg is by no means an easy topic, but he summarizes concepts well) and always leaves time for student questions during and after lectures.
Rann really cares about his students and takes the time to make sure everyone is up to speed before moving onto the next topic. He will come to class early to write explanations for the day's lab on the chalkboard and explains clearly how concepts from the main class (Math 218) can be written into algorithms and applied in the real world.
He's put a lot of work into creating this lab course, and it's phenomenal. Math 218 is meant to be application based for cs/econ, and his lab course truly is (the actual courses much less so). It's more work than you would expect for a half-credit course but it's worth every bit. He gives very fair feedback and is genuinely an amazing teacher.
Clearly puts a lot of work into the class, and everyone respects him. Accessible, too. Honestly is the amount of work of a full class, but I think most (if not every) kid got an A by the end of year bump. I'd take it the course if you're on the edge, at least because it also acts as a study hall of sorts to review what you learn in lecture.
At Duke, it's a well-known mantra among students to try to avoid as many math classes as possible due to their sheer difficulty. Rann's class was by no means easy, but his lectures and the way he approaches the material really made linear both quite manageable and honestly enjoyable. Take the class with him if you can.
I'd really recommend taking this course, especially alongside 218 lecture as it really help reinforce the concept learned in that class. It's definitely a good bit of work for a 0.5 credit class, but the skills you learn are really applicable and the course is definitely one of the most useful ones I've taken in my time here.
The class was really hard, but hes a good professor and he curves the tests fairly. Hes helpful and willing to work with you.
Dr Rann puts in a good amount of effort in his class preparation. Accessible, considerate and ever-ready to help students outdefinitely take Math 218 with him! (P/S: Definitely check out his lab too!)
I highly recommend this class for anyone interested in pursuing a data-related career. This class didn't fulfill any requirements for me, but I'm glad I took it. Rann's presentation of the material balances intuition and rigor well. The lab is a great way to view the lecture material in a practical context and develop data analysis skills.
In my opinion, Rann is an amazing lecturer (one of the best I've had so far), who makes even tough concepts in Linear Algebra manageable. He always answers students' questions in class patiently and thoroughly, and he is very available outside of class. While his tests are a bit tough, the homework questions prepare you well. Highly recommend!
Great lecturer and effective teaching style--very approachable! He does a great job of explaining material so that you get a deep understanding of linear algebra. Not an easy class, but if you do the homework and ask for help, you can definitely do well.
Professor Baron is GREAT! This lab was my favorite class. Really really relevant to life and helps with the regular class too. HIGHLY recommend.
Creative labs that are fun and informative. Adding this lab section to linear algebra was a great decision. I feel more confident in my ability to use linear in my programming and to see its applications.
Dr. Baron is a fantastic teacher. He does a great job of explaining the underlying principles of the topics.
The lab is newly designed and very applicative. Needs some coding skills but doesn't really matter if you don't have b/c the prof gave very clear instructions. Can learn how to apply linear algebra to data science and machine learning. Graded based on pair homework. The prof will boost up your average homework grade at the end of the semester.
218 lab is an amazing way to improve Python skills and understand linear algebra content more concretely. Rann was very helpful in and out of class and I'm very glad I took this lab!
Lectures are a bit confusing as he only uses a chalkboard so the process is not clear. The class is only 50 minutes so tests are fair in content, but feel rushed in time. He is accessible outside class, but gets upset when people do not participate in class.
Professor Bar-On was one of my absolute favorite professors at Duke! I never thought of myself as a math person, but he really challenged me and believed in me. I took 105 with him and I made a point to take 218 when he taught it - he's a brilliant lecturer and I wish I had space in my schedule to take another one of his classes :)
There is a lot of homework involved with this class (more so because it is online), however, the professor was easily accesible and very helpful. He works with you until you fully understand the concept. He is also a very good lecturer.
Really great professor, just so much work probably because it's a S/U course. It's really easy to pass though just make sure you stay on track. Labs are tedious -- do not take an 8:30 lab. Very easy to reach outside of class! Take advantage of office hours.
Great professor. Really wants you to succeed and do well. Put in work and stay on top of your assignments, they can really pile up. This class meets 5 days a week!
Professor Baron is very willing to help students in and outside of classes, and he responds to emails within the hour. There is a lot of homework, but you always get a chance to resubmit your work regardless of if you passed or failed the first time. In my opinion, the class was difficult, but this was also my first time taking a calculus class.
Rann is an amazing professor. His lectures do go by a bit fast but never hesitate to let him know when you feel like you don't understand something. He's very open with grading and he's super accessible. 10/10 professor.
Dr. Bar-On is super helpful and kind. Things come at you pretty fast and there is legit absurd amounts of homework but he is the most accommodating professor at this school and will go out of his way to make sure you're learning. If you are terrified of Maths but still need to take it for a major req or TReqs, take Bar-On. You won't regret it.
He knows his stuff. Work feels heavy at times and the turn around to get first submissions and resubmissions is tight. Whether you pass or fail depends on if you have a lenient or harsh grader. His office hours did not feel helpful to me. They were on zoom and he kinda just asks you exactly what you asked him. Use Help Room. Funny and nice guy tho.
Probably the nicest Professor I have had at Duke. Super Super accommodating. The classes are definitely homework heavy, but midterms and finals are fair, and he is always willing to help out if you let him know you need it.
Rann-Barron often came across as unapproachable, making our class feel inadequate for not being able to answer simple questions. He had a tendency to become easily angered, which created a tense atmosphere. Despite the fairness of his grading, the workload was excessively heavy, demanding a significant amount of time and effort from students.
Professor Bar-On is helpful and accommodating. The workload is heavy, but the class is manageable with engagement. Using Unstuck AI and the free textbook helps a lot for study prep.
The high reviews were promising but 105 is way too theory heavy & not enough actual calc. 3 worksheets/week, only math class to abuse lab sessions. Math 105 is a brutal experience. He's passive aggressive & easily angered. We are confused & instead of using the time to lecture, he takes wastes time waiting for student to answer his theoretical ?'s.
Professor Rann-Bar-On is such a nice guy but I think that he genuinely makes everything up in this class. I've taken Calculus before and the way he teaches concepts that should be easy is so confusing. DO NOT TAKE IF TAKING A SECOND LEVEL CALCULUS. No tests.
Rann is nice, but we're all scared to ask questions.Class is very hard to pass. If you have calculus experience just take Calc 111. It's MUCH less work. We had 105 assignments (3 hw sheets, 1 lab report, and 1 quiz due EACH week), compared to just 30 assignments in 111. Rann is the best math prof at Duke which I fear says a lot about our Math Dept.
I did so many worksheets, quizzes, big assignments, and lab reports that it felt overly tedious. The Math Help Room is KEY. Concepts are convoluted, and it gets exhausting to come to class. He gets visibly irritated when people don't answer the questions he poses in class, but the questions don't make sense. I'm glad that it was S/U when I took it.
He's a peculiar guy, but he really cares about his students. He wants to make sure you understand the real-world implications of the math he teaches and genuinely cares that you understand the material. His class is pretty easy to pass if you stay on top of all your assignments. The labs get annoying, but overall a pretty chill class.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
44%
Textbook Required
38%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.23 avg changeRatings by Course
31L
5.0
(1)MATH2
5.0
(1)MATH02
5.0
(1)MATH3367
5.0
(1)MATH01
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MATH26
4.6
MATH41
4.5
MATH25L
4.5
MATH105106
4.5
MATH32L
4.1