2.4
Quality3.9
Difficulty32%
Would Retake102
Reviews32%
Would Retake
102
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
18
4
16
3
8
2
20
1
40
What Students Say
“His lectures assure great marks in his tests and he guides you through the information of the course well enough so that you can tell others about his information”
PHIL1244 - 5.0 rating“HORRIBLE AVOID AT ALL COSTS”
12441 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
76%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.86 avg changeRatings by Course
4000
5.0
(1)23302
5.0
(1)PHI2456
5.0
(1)PHILLIFE
5.0
(1)PHIL100
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
12441
5.0
INTROPHIL
5.0
PHI2456
5.0
PHI251
5.0
ENG
5.0
Reviews (102)
No Comments
in a half year course, 16 tests (i passed 1),4 assignments, 1 huge exam. he sux
lot's of reading and work but the level is not that hard. an A is possible
Ansell expects a lot from his students but in return you will learn a lot
Very very helpful if you ask for it.
Teacher is ulta snore, his handouts are very vague and contradictory.
A nice guy, but does not allow for more abstract thinking and expression on test
No Comments
No Comments
No Comments
You write what he tells you and you are wrong. You write the opposite and you are wrong. He is friendly, but can't seem to get his head straight. Plus, and I don't mean to sound petty, but by the end of the semester you will want nose plugs...
He sucks. If you don't write what he thinks it's truth then he gives you an F. If you want to pass write what you think he believes not what you believe in
Worst teacher ever!! He wore the exact same thing every single class!!
He's an intelligent, good man, but lacks proper teaching skills. In all honesty, he'd be better if he didn't mumble as is he were talking to himself so much. If he had a microphone, or a really small class that sat at a table together, he'd be awesome.
OMG This 2 1/2 hour once a week class was entirely brutal and made me want to gag. Thanks for talking non-stop (Im not joking, not a single student spoke at all) for 2 hours and giving us a test EVERY Wednsday night....NOT!
Could this prof BE a little worse? Doubtful....even when students ask questions he makes them feel stupid for doing so. This may be the most cruelly sarcastic man I have ever met in my whole entire life.
this prof is bad. He is very rude and it is true that he talks ALOT and does not give students a chance to discuss topics in class. If a student made a comment, ansell would shoot them down with a snide comment, and laugh to himself???
One of the very few people I've met who doesn't care what any one thinks. An Oxford style lecturer, so you won't be talking/ asking questions much; go see him after hours and he'll talk if he's free. Best prof. I've had--of the highest intellect too.
This guy doesn't have a clue. he is stuck in some time warp when his style of teaching was acceptable. Whats even more scary than him, is that he acctually believes the mumbo jumbo that comes out of his mouth.
This course was a waste of my money!
He's damn smart and I liked his sense of humour, but he's very unclear and mumbles a lot.
Kind genius
No Comments
No Comments
Sinister, wry satirist with a very subtle sense of humor. A concrete class that is very challenging. Dont ask him any ques. because he answers AROUND it. A challening prof for students who are SERIOUS about philosophy. Not for lazy eng majors!!!!
Very Helpfull. Go visit him in his office and he will help you write your paper, let you do it over again if you are not satisfied with your mark, or just talk about life in general. Good guy.
This prof is ridiculous. I didnt enjoy the class and he is really ahrd to understand. He doesnt seem to be very helpful but i could be wrong. If ur thinking about takin it make sure u know what ur gettin into.
I can't say he's a bad prof, for having attended half the classes, and missing 7 out of 12 random tests, I still managed to walk out with a C-... that's a pass, and I could have easily gotten a Bif I'd attended but he DOES mumble and can be very hard to understand. He likes people to challenge him.
... thums down ...
He lectures for the entire class if you like that teaching style. Will give you as much time as you need to do your work. Go see him in his office. He will help you with your paper and have a general conversation with your for hours. Cares about his students, and is the nicest prof I've met.
Dr.Ansell provided me with three failing marks up front to a student with a 3.6 GPA. when i confronted him, and asked for help he shut the door in my face. this speaks to his inconsiderate character, and shows the hidden idiosyncracies apparent in his miserabel life. He breaks his own moral code!
horrible
May very well be a smart man, but by far the worst prof in the wrold, when you are trying to teach something as stupid as phi, speak in a language people understand.....i think its time to call er quits.........ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Very helpful although the class is hard
Really Boring and marks on what he thinks is right and not what your views are
Dr.Ansell is one of the best profs I have ever had. If you are having problems in the class go and see him, he will help you out. He lets you redo assignments until you are happy with the mark, he wants you to be successful. Also like everyone else has said he will take the time to have a general conversation with you he has an interest in students
if you are looking for a bird course, dr. ansell will not be the prof you are looking for. however, if you want to be challenged, then take a course with him. he rambles, he's a little confusing, but he is brilliant. you will get out of the class what you give to it, and if you really want to see where your analytical abilities lie, try ansell.
A very smart man with poor teaching ability. He knows philosophy but lacks the ability to explain it clearly to others. Dropped the class after getting 2,4,8,2 on the quizes. Thought i could stick through it by working hard but nothing anyone writes is right or consistent with his view.
No Comments
A cruel and unfair professor. I was having trouble in his class so I went to see him and he made me cry. His lectures are unintelligble. He degrades students in front of the class for showing a contrary opinion. Expectations are not consistant with the course level. His form of help is to say things like "nonesense", yet he refuses to say why!
This guy's the worse prof I'd ever, ever had! He's insulting, unprofessional, and was overall a poor communicator.
Brutal Prof
First here is a list of things i would rather be do then sit through one of his classes do all of the games from saw 1 to 3 twice. He has a monotone voice and everything he says is condrictory to what his notes are saying and what the book is saying. It doesnt matter how much you study for his tests it dosent matter you still do bad.
WORST PROF EVER!! Please, do NOT take his class!! You must write a total of 12 tests, which is only worth 25% of your final grade and write THREE major papers, which have a combined total of 25% as well, then his rediculous exam is worth 50%. Even with all this he will pull your final grade out of the air... horrible!!
I'm sure he's a very intelligent man, but he has the personailty of a brick and the social skills that make Scrooge look like a care-bear. Responses to any questions often include a snarl and a degrading comment, specially when these questions go against his personal opinion. Some could view this as a challenge, I just saw it was a pain inthe a$$.
No Comments
He is a very nice man but he has a draw back of speaking in monotone which makes the class less interesting than it already is. There is a test at the end of every class and the papers are nearly impossible to get a perfect mark on. I had to revise one 4 times if that paints a better picture. Take someone else if you can.
He is a good marker on the essays but seemed borderline ruthless on the tests (really 10-15 minute, 1-2 question quizzes). If you enjoy philosophy and can provide real world examples to questions, this may be the course for you, but if you are more of an abstract thinker or not used to philosophy, it is pretty rough.
He seems a bit unapproachable. Hard marker on tests. You also cannot hear half of what he says.
Basically impossible to pass this course. Class started with about 4o people, now there's 15 and the numbers are still dropping. Doesn't specify what he wants but you'll still fail whatever you do for the assignment or test. Btw there's a test every 2nd class. If u wanna feel like a failure and comtemplate jumping out the window, take this course!
No Comments
This class would have been interesting if maybe the right person was teaching it. His marking is hard and he laughs at the mosr serious issues. The class started out with 40 and by the time it was ended there was 8 of us. He wears the same two outfits and is a complete distraction because hes constanly rocking back and forth. Bad Prof!!!!!
The...worst...prof...evvvvveeeerrrr! I should have taken a hint and dropped this class along with everyone else! If you don't have the same opinion as him your opinion is NONSENSE!
Straight up crazy. If you want a prof who mumbles to himself, showers once a week and wears the same thing every day... this class is for you! P.S. It started off as a full class and now there are currently five students enrolled.
If You have ever watched the the show Tales of the Crypt Keeper. This is him, he constantly laughs at things most people dont. & is constantly rocking back and forth complete distraction. The guy is nice but not a class for me! I bet you'll drop out if you take it !.
Very nice prof who will always let you redo your essay if you're not happy with your mark. But, he teaches above the class and uses British literature from the 1930's that is hard to understand. He's a Cambridge Scholar which would explin why the class was so hard to pass. Stay away from it, unless if you have a big passion for philosophy.
Dr. Ansell is a brilliant man and went out of his way to assist me in getting caught up. His marking seemed more than fair and he has a great sense of humor. However, if you want to sit in class and text, this isn't a class for you; if you show an interest he will reward you.
Worst prof ever.. First class had homework and did not understand one thing. So many people dropped out the first class he is the worst prof ever. Do not take his class!
He is the worst prof in the world. No one understands what he says, he laughs at serious matters and moves back and forth continuously which is very distracting. Please do not take his class, he will make you hate philosophy so much, that you will hate all the philosophers in the world. P.S he started off with a full class and now there is only 5.
Great prof, is always available for assistance and provides detailed notes to accompany lectures. However, if you aren't a deep thinker, philosophy may not be for you.
Most of his tests came directly from the things he says in class.He'll generally talk about the"important parts"of the texts he gives you in class,so pay attention to what he says and take notes because those things are almost always on the tests.He also lets you re-write your essays to get a better grade on them so you can always improve your mark
One of my favorite professors at SMU. I have to admit I was shellshocked by his class at first, but by the end of the year I had learned to think more critically and things came easier. Stick with the class and make use of his office hours. One of the most important classes I took in my four years at SMU.
he may seem boring at first but he's actually pretty cool and hes funny. its a good class you should listen to what he has to say although it might seem boring.
On the first day of class about 70% of the class walked out and I was one of the few who stayed. Those people should have given him a chance! Although his class is slow paced and he speaks very monotone, he is a very intelligent and clever man and grades fairly. I enjoy his class.
Very bright. His approach of talking during the entirety of the class is great if your the kind of person who's annoyed by fellow students attempting to interact with instructors socially during class. He's all business. Highly recommended.
I really great professor even though a lot of people write him off early on because of his age. He is super sharp and uses a lot of examples to explain complex ideas. He was always available by email and let you do your assignment multiple times to get it right. Send him the assignment before it's due you should be able to get 100%.
the worst prof in the face of this planet...
Cannot understand what he says, very monotone, doesn't know how to teach, thinks himself very funny.
Sits in the front row, still cannot hear him.
The classes are longand he does talk in a monotone voice, but it is worth taking this class. It is very intresting and you will get out of it what you put in
Boring class but the proff marks very easily. He does speak in monotone and also is very quite. But if you have any questions he will take the time in or out of class to make sure you understand. Not the most interesting proff but cares about his students and will help you when you need it
Absolutely horrible professor. Cannot understand a word he says, and the work is WAY too advanced for a first year course. Not to mention, there is an in class test every Thursday of every week, which typically has nothing to do with the topics covered. AVOID this class at all costs.
Not sure how this is a first year course. Hard to understand and he gives lots of examples but never finishes them. He always tells you to study a certain section for the test but the test is always on something completely different. If you do not think the same way he does or have the same opinion as him, you will not do well.
To say I was disappointed is a gross understatement. He mumbles and speaks in a manner you can't understand, gives ridiculous quizzes and tests. Makes no effort to engage with class. And if you do not agree with his opinion, or write what he wants, you will do very poorly. Avoid this class.
Worst prof I've ever had. I'm a philosophy major and knowing that he teaches half the philosophy classes actually makes me highly consider changing my major. He smells. He sits in the front of the class and reads a sheet of paper to us. Never changes.Doesn't answer questions. HORRIBLE AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!
This prof is not helpful at all. Sit in the front row and I'm still unable to hear him. Will ignore you if you ask a question in class. Gives tests every Thursday which are not related to the material covered AT ALL. If you do not share the same opinion as him you WILL fail. Deffinatley not a course for first year students!
Ansell is really a nice guy, but his courses can be quiet, dated and dry. He's a low speaker, no slides, Dr's writing, and can be a little boring: he's a bit monotone and can ramble. But, he does like teaching, and is rather animated. Tests are okay. If you can tolerate a happily rambling old man, his courses can be really good.
Ansell is a little older and thus he is quiet, however he is clear enough for you to understand his teaching as long as you are paying attention and not in your phone. His lectures assure great marks in his tests and he guides you through the information of the course well enough so that you can tell others about his information.
Worst prof ever. Cannot beleive that this man continues to teach. Class material is unclear and unorganized. Tests are often unrelated to class material. Lectures are pointless. Sit in the front row and you still won't hear a word this man says. Stay away from any of Ansell's classes unless you want to slaughter your GPA.
There's no doubting that he's old school, but the man knows his stuff and he is more than willing to share any and all of his insight at the drop of a hat. He's got some personal quirks: he's smelly, got no teeth, has a comb over, and laughs at his own jokes. But if you pay attention and justify your answers well you will do well in his class.
Great lectures, really funny, super knowledgeable. You'll get a lot out of this course, but you have to be prepared to put the effort in.
When I read what was expected of students, I felt I would not do well. Now that I have finished, it was by far my favourite class (grade A+). Robert is extremely knowledgeable and genuinely focused on helping students do their best. The lectures are "what you make of it" (you must be able to apply info in broad sense) and the grading is very fair.
Robert is a great guy and truly cares about his students, easy grader and will have test back by the following class
Highly misunderstood. He is a very smart man, if you are willing to work hard you will enjoy his classes. He has been teaching a long time and has a strong grasp of the discipline. He provides an ample amount of typed notes: a lot to read, but very helpful stuff. Robert really goes through the fundamentals. Strongly recommended.
He is a very sweet guy. He can be hard to make out but if you take notes you will be fine because he marks fairly easy. There are weekly tests but for the most part I found them to be grade boosters.
Professor Ansell is a very kind teacher who is always available outside of class hours. However, his lecture style is boring and very difficult to understand. There was little to no encouragement for student participation. There are weekly tests, they are mostly grade boosters but his marking is difficult and sometimes, unfair.
Feedback is marginal at best. Ridiculously hard marker despite not not telling anyone what he wants. Doesnt use any of the online platforms. Cant use email to save his life. Worst photocopier at SMU. Office hours and asking questions will not save you. The SMU philosophy department is pretty bad all around, but this guy takes the cake.
Professor Ansell provides incredibly helpful packets of information on the material covered in the course, eschewing the need for textbooks, and full books are also assigned for readings. However, the packets provided are very long. There is a lot of work, and he marks quite harshly. He also brings some apparent bias to his teaching. It was OK.
He is definitely misunderstood. Professor Ansell is an incredibly smart man. I found his lectures to be quite enlightening and interesting. If you arent willing to put time and thought into the course material then you might not enjoy. There is a lot of value in his courses, I would recommend.
this dude is useless online. gives out notes via email and are they ever long, boring, and written in 1800's english dialect. unless you love weekly tests that require reading Shakespeare style articles, i do not recommend it. He also is very narrow minded when grading, so there is not much room for interpretation.
Absolutely phenomenal professor. Far and away the best at SMU. If you're not interested in working hard for your grade then don't bother, but if you put in the work you'll get a lot from Dr. Ansell's courses. He provides comprehensive notes and is very focused on ensuring his students understand the material thoroughly.
Terrible professor for online classes. Did everything by email. Extremely confusing texts and the questions for assignments do not make any sense. I don't even know how I passed the course. Bad feedback. Do not recommend (at least for online courses).
He was a very sweet guy to start and there's no doubt that he is very smart. As a person he was in no way rude. However, the way that the course is taught is quite hard to understand. If you don't have the same opinion as him, you will not get full marks, and the graded questions were hard to understand and answer with a straightforward opinion
Struggles to use technology, all tests and essays must be sent as an email, not an attachment. Questions on weekly tests are extremely difficult for a 1000 level course, I'm an honours student taking 3000/4000 level courses and doing WELL, and this is the hardest course I've taken to date. I DO NOT RECOMMEND
The hardest and most confusing course I've ever taken. The whole course is done over email. He is very difficult to understand based on the dialect and volume he uses. The course was full originally and less than half remain, with only about 8 people that show up to the class. Ended up withdrawing because my sanity was more important than my money.
Courseload includes a take-home test after every class, three short papers, and a 50% final, all of which demand a thorough understanding of the course material (as he understands it). The lectures/notes are valuable but often long and difficult to parse. Lectures are very dry. This course made me more confident in writing critique.
Very controversial
He is a very kind man, but speaks very quietly in class, so it is hard to hear what he is saying. He sends almost everything he discusses in emails before classes start. Therefore, if you refer to the Worksheets he emails you, you will be able to do the tests.. You will have a test 2 times a week, due the next day after class. He is a fair marker.
He is nice but it can be very boring after a while. The class content is interesting but apart from that it is not engaging.
He is the worst professor. He isn't a good grader, and he gives so much work that it's all useless, and if you don't agree with his opinion, you won't get a good mark. I took this for credit, and I regret not dropping it. Don't take this!
Awful feedback- feels like he only gives good marks if you 100% agree with him. Doesn't use brightspace and only communicates lecture notes through email. Took this course as an elective and I'm scared I'll fail since he's such a hard marker. Assignments due every lecture. Way too intense and asks too much from his students.
I took his Introduction to Philosophy but after reading all these mean reviews I had to give him some credit. He is a very kind man but yes, he is a bit of an oddball. Nonetheless, his classes aren't that difficult just be prepared to put effort into your work. Make sure you go to class and do the homework he sends via email and you'll be fine.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
17%
Textbook Required
76%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.86 avg changeRatings by Course
4000
5.0
(1)23302
5.0
(1)PHI2456
5.0
(1)PHILLIFE
5.0
(1)PHIL100
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
12441
5.0
INTROPHIL
5.0
PHI2456
5.0
PHI251
5.0
ENG
5.0