2.5
Quality4.2
Difficulty25%
Would Retake95
Reviews25%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
15
4
13
3
21
2
13
1
33
What Students Say
“By far the worst professor I have ever had in my college career”
ENGLISH1002 - 1.0 rating“The most unhelpful and unclear professor I've ever had”
ENG1001 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
47%
Textbook Required
69%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
CRITWRIT
5.0
(1)ENG4075
5.0
(1)ENG102
3.3
(9)ENGL1002
3.1
(14)1001
3.0
(3)Difficulty by Course
ENGL1001
5.0
ENGL4827
5.0
ENGL
5.0
ENG1001M
5.0
ENGL200
5.0
Reviews (95)
seemed most hostile toward feminist thesis'
Scott will open up perspectives in which the manner topics are discussed and argued. Very accessible to questions. Little patience for positions not thought-out or based on vacuous emotional arguements.
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I had to drop this class because he gave everyone terrible grades. He told us he doesn't give anyone A's. He think everyone should be perfect, but he can't even remember what we are supposed to be doing that day. He teaches at another college, and they don't like him either. Stay away.
He takes his problems out on his students. Most of his class can't stand him. Should be teaching third grade.
I think Bentley gets a lot of bad reviews because he is a hard teacher, but if you're a hard worker and love writing, I would highly recommend him. He'll make you work.
Bentley is a very good teacher. A bit on the challenging side but still good. He pushes his students to learn and write better. Which is something that I value.
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i worked my a** off to get an A- in this class. he DOES give A's but you really have to earn it!! we were assigned 2 major papers; a rhetorical analysis and a research paper. I must have spent at least 20+ hours on each1 (as did every1 else who got an A or B did)!! if you hate writing or are just lazy,you probably won't pass and should prob. drop!
very mean professor. unpleasant learning
This class was alright. Attendance didn't seem to matter. He seems like he doesn't really care about much. Pretty hard to get an A in this class.
He is a difficult teacher. It's not impossible to get an "A" but you have to work for it. Try to speak up in class and have a lot of people read your work for input. I also spent about 20 hours on each paper.
I would not recommend him at all!! He told us there was going to be a midterm then said he was just joking and there wasn't one when people had other midterms to study for that week. Everybody was so mad. He threatens his students, he doesn't care about anything, he reads your papers right in front of you when he was supposed to grade them a week
Bentley was awesome. He is hilarious, and he seems to be a jerk at first but then you realize he has a very dry sense of humor. Attending was very helpful, he tells you everything you need to do in order to get an A. not very hard at all.
This class was pretty funny. I hate English, and still wanted to show up to this class. Bentley is quite comical in a more harsh sort of way. Assignments are clear to understand, but not so easy to complete. 2 Papers, and a Final. He'll make you study for a midterm, but its really more of a review of the first paper you have to write.
ugh! felt he was unorganized and tardy but he expected us to know when stuff was do when he mumbled it. Never any handouts or actual teaching going on in class but somehow we were supposed to turn in perfect papers. I felt this class was a waste of my time and I am usually a good student not some slacker. I don't recommend him.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! worst class ever, papers are impossible to get an A on. I have always gotten A's in every english class ive taken and he says hes going to fail me..he always late and doesn't explain anything. WORST TEACHER I'VE EVER HAD...
This class was horrible, I usually get A's in my english classes, its rediculously hard to give him what he wants in a paper. He told me and helped me out on my rough draft then marked those same things as incorrect on the final.. he seemed to not care at all about being a teacher, I would choose a different professor if you have the choice
Tough at grading essays and assignments but overall its for everyone's own good and its only his best intention so that we can better ourselves in our writing skills.
This man is a self-proclaimed hard butt and grades accordingly. He seems cool, but don't let his persona trick you. He has no quarrels in giving bad grades. Do not take Bentley if you are not willing to put in the effort. And even then, be ready to get C's for all your hard work.
Seriously, DISREGARD ANY NEGATIVE COMMENTS BELOW. In actuality, he is a great Professor. He has high expectations for his students and requires quite a bit of dedication. Yes, indeed he is a harsh critic, but follow his directions and you will get a good grade as well as realize how much better your paper is now that you've made the changes.
I had a lot of respect for this teacher & attended his class regularly. I failed to turn in a 10pnt assignment, but turned in e.c. & was SURPRISED to see that Bentley FAILED me. I tried to contact him many times for a breakdown or explaination, but he would not reply! There are less painful ways of fulfilling English 1002, Coles seems rad.
He is clear in what he expects from you and only helps you when you specifically ask for help in an area; you can't hand him your paper and have him proof read it. Attending class is only useful for the first 6 weeks...and reading the books are the same. he' an ok professor, but he's not an ass like some of the reviews have said.
He is a chill teacher who grades really strict and expects a lot from students. Dont expect to pass this class if you dont wanna try on your papers.
Just don't take this class. Seems like a cool guy but is a really hard/harsh grader. Expects a lot from the class.
If you want the challenge that college is supposed to bring take him. If you want to be lazy RUN. I loved this class and it was a refreshing to actually feel like I was in college and had to work for a grade. I took him Freshman year got a C+. (Do the little work it counts)
Insanely tough teacher but a great class if you really want to be serious about English. He is chill like me but just simply asks for too much.
Bentley is a self-proclaimed harsh critic. Critics don't promote freedom of thought. A critic is just another brick in the wall.
As others have warned, Bentley is an extremely tough instructor. My advice to anybody who needs to take his class - take everything he says very seriously. He won't accept garbage papers, and he's expecting something very specific from your essay. Attend class every day and hope you get lucky and get paired up with some good group members.
If you're not at interested in learning about English, how to write or read better, or even in showing up to class, don't waste your time here. He won't waste his time with you. But if you're sincere and earnest - whether you write poorly or love English - he's the teacher for you. I honestly haven't enjoyed any GE class so well as 1001/2 with him.
I took this class last year and thought the teacher was hard and read all the comments on Rate My Professor.com. I decided to stay in the class and work my hardest and I passed. This class is no joke you have to do the work and turn in college level papers.
Horrible teacher. Went to his office hours to ask for assistance on my paper. I went to his office hours for three days asking him what I needes to fix and if things made sense. He told me everything sounded great & when I got back my paper, I got a C. He is horrible and does not help at all. Avoid him if you can.
Very hard. Not helpful at all. Is somewhat of a prick. Whole class grade was based on one essay turned in at the end of the quarter. I would avoid him at all costs.
He is hard, there were two essays that are graded pretty hard. He reads the entire essay so work hard on it. I got a D on the first paper and an A on the second because it was a group research paper and I had a good group. So I came out with a C average.
The thing about him is that he expects a lot out of his students. So if you're not willing to do your job and do the two essays he asks of you then you shouldn't take his class. Overall, he's great and very knowledged on his area of English.
The hardest English grader I've ever had. Take note that I took AP English in high school. If you ask him for help on your essay, it's over for you. He will be so general that it won't help at all. Class is completely pointless to go to and yet it is required attendance. Entire English grade is based on one final essay. Avoid at all costs.
Very difficult Professor. I was lucky enough to pass this class so it is possible to pass! Whole class grade is based on one essay but its not easy. I don't recommend him unless you're willing to work EXTREMELY HARD and dedicate your time to his class. Good luck!
Class grade solely based on 2 essays. I had received a grade on the final essay that was fair. Made the revisions he told me to and ended up with a grade I was highly disappointed in.
Great prof. Very intelligent. He challenges you to figure out what exactly you want to know in order to answer your question. If you ask him how to cite a quote you'll get a vague answer. But if you ask him how to properly punctuate the citation at the end of a sentence from a source in print that is less than three lines he'll give you the answer.
I'm sad. Don't take this professor. The final is based on one paper. I tried to get feedback on the final meeting but he wouldn't read the paper saying it was my responsibility to be confident in myself and what I had written. He grades the paper so I kind of need his feedback and opinion! I'm crying right now... One single paper.
Very tough. That said, I probably learned more in this class than all the other GE required classes I took. Looking back, this learning has helped me more in my career and after graduation than anything else from school. Work hard, and be rewarded with knowledge.
Bentley is one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He is very specific on his grading and is very clear on what needs to be done. He will not baby you and will make you ask specific questions about you're paper, making you into a better writer in the end. Just put in the work and attend every class.
Bentley's class is not a breeze by any meaning of the word, but if you work hard and actually listen to what he has to say you can receive an a. If I can do it anyone can, since I'm a bio major with no interest in creative writing whatsoever....
As an instructor, he's alright, knows whats he's talking about and teaches the class in a very unique way. But the final grade is 79% of one final essay, hardly gives any feed back about it, if its not in the way that he wants it he will mark it down harder then the titanic. Also if you suck at analyzing stuff (specially pictures) DONT TAKE IT
I am really disappointed in this professor. He is the worst English professor I have ever take in college. I don't recommend this professor at all, unless you want to fail this class. His whole class is based on a research paper that he collects during finals. He doesn't really help you out. If he do not like your topic or paper, he will fail you.
Scott's class is super hard, but he is EXCELLENT when it comes to help. His papers are really hard-make sure you understand the assignment. He likes participation, speak up in class, he will never humiliate, he is a very sweet guy. The only reason I did not like his class was because it was so hard, but as a person, Scott is really cool.
He an okay teacher, stands up for what he believes. The talks are good, but sometimes he just confused us even more. I think he confused himself at times so I wouldn't say he's the most pro cuz you would think he would have something ready to say. If you like to work hard for little pay, get this guy.
FAIR WARNING!: I turned all my assignments in, I participated in class, and he still gave me an unathorized withdrawl just like another person who posted (same quarter)! I don't know whether to feel betrayed or angry. I don't even know what an unathorized withdrawl is! To this day I have not been contacted as to why I received this unusual mark.
The fact that a teacher can't use Blackboard is extremely inefficient, and honestly, screams lazy and unprofessional. Get with the times please, it's 2015, there are no more excuses.
I'm an English Major, I do well with readingwriting but he was very harsh and gave all negative feedback, everyone in the class kept getting D's on tests and essays. it can't be the entire class, in fact it's the teacher who should be under scrutiny. Even if you try, you're probably going to fail. Don't take him, even if he's super chill.
By far the worst professor I have ever had in my college career. He was very disorganized, unclear and students were almost always confused. Provides negative feedback and does not want to help students as we believed he had an ego problem. Other English professors at this school were much more straightforward, open and clear.
Super hard grader. If you want to pass his classes, you need to come everyday, turn in every assignment and get feedback. He's really intimidating and comes off as an ass, but he tells you how it is. I wouldn't take him again. I think there are better professors that really care about your college career.
This teacher isn't as hard as he may seem. If you put effort into writing good papers and ask him questions, you'll pass. But ASK him for help! He won't hold your hand.. If you do what he asks and you put effort in, you will be fine. So don't panic. This teacher is actually pretty interesting and cool. One of my fav english teachers so far.
The most unhelpful and unclear professor I've ever had.
Professor Bentley is a tough grader. With that said, you need to put the effort in order to be a successful student in his class. He's always there if you need any help. Don't expect him to spoon feed you because he won't. After all, this class is about a student taking the initiative. Just work hard and take self responsibility. You'll be fine.
Scott is really hard and confusing. The only two things he grades in poetry class are 2 essays, so if he doesn't like them, you are stuck with a bad grade. He seems nice and helpful at first, but you could do exactly what he asks and still fail! His grading method is crazy, he will not give you a pass for trying. Do not take him!
When I first got this class , around ten students off the bat told me Scott was a horrible professor. I accepted the challenge and decided to take his class anyway - worst decision ever! This professor is challenging he is unclear and confusing. He plays mind games and rants during class discussions ; not to mention UNORGANIZED . avoid at all cost
If you are looking for an easy A this is not the class but if you want to learn take this class.
I'd rather put out a campfire with my face than take a class with him. He's rude, condescending, and the entirety of your grade is based on two assignments (unlike what his syllabus claims). He refuses to help students that don't come to his office hours - when he's never actually in his office.
I took his English 1001 class and it was a nightmare. He only had us write 2 essays but never gave us specific guidelines on them. He didn't teach much he just basically pushed us in the water and expected us to swim. Also he is VERY intimidating.
This teacher has dry boring lectures. He bases the entire grade on one essay that is almost impossible to get a passing grade on. Getting a C in this class is your A+. Do not take unless you want to ruin your GPA.
Right off the bat, I knew this class was going to be awful. It felt so unorganized. He made us scattered the desks (mind you, this class was all about discussions so this made it hard to do just that) and then started to talk in a monotonous tone. He is very blunt (doesn't care if feelings get hurt) and doesn't really give good feedback.
If you see a class with Scott Bentley's name next to it: DO NOT TAKE IT -Insufferably pretentious -Taught the wrong definition of a metaphor to the class -Frequently sidelines actual teaching to talk about irrelevant news and politics -Grade hinges on just two essays. And don't be fooled by his loosey-goosey teaching style. He is not a kind grader
Not the ordinary Eng class you take. Intimidating and blunt but nice. Attendance is not mandatory but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. In the end, he gave me a B-. I emailed him to ask him why it's a B- (considering the fact that I ask questions, I participate, and I attend class ) and he took another look at my assignments and decided to give me a B+ instead.
There is no textbook, or lectures, and Scott is a hard grader. He gives you prompts that vary from 1-3 paragraphs and grades you like you're a professional writer but doesn't teach us how to write better. He does critique but the critiques don't help, he leaves condescending comments on your writing. Class would be better with a lesson plan.
Was scared to take his class because of his ratings. At first, he may seem intimidating. But I learned a lot about poetry that I never knew before and it opened up a whole new style for me to use. He gives meaningful feedback and makes you think. I really enjoyed his class!
Worst professor I have ever had. Graded by only two essays. You know your grade only when grades are final on your transcript. Harsh grader (said it himself) rarely ever gives out A's. Very intimidating. Would not recommend.
Honestly, this was not my first choice. I wanted to drop his class as soon as I heard the rumors. Would I take him again, probably not, did I actually learn, yes. He is a tough grader but not a mean person. If you just listen and try ur best, that will not be enough,lol. You have to try more than ever. Just go to class & do your work. You can doit
He weeds out all the kids who dont want to try. Hes intimidating on the 1st day, but relaxed by 2nd week. Hes specific w/what he wants&how he wants you to ask him Qs in office hours. You have to listen&take notes&hell give you all the tools youll need to pass. He gave 1 extra credit paper, I was the only one to do it. I got an A&B on my papers
Hes unconventional and he makes you think in different ways. I still think about his class and his teachings, even after graduation. Hands down one of the best, and toughest, professors at East Bay. Take him and be prepared for the most memorable lessons of your college career.
Worse teacher I have ever had. At first he was okay but after a month it was horrible. There was no organization of his class AT ALL. The class discusses had nothing to do with the assignments or essays. You basically had to teach yourself what to do based on what he posted & When you ask him a question, he doesn't just give you a direct response.
He does a very poor job of explaining what he expects of us on the essays we writing, leading many of my classmates to drop the class and fail.
He's an GREAT professor! if you want to pass, don't skip class. His way of teaching is unique and very interesting. TAKE HIM. Don't be afraid to ask questions, he is very nice and willing to help. Read the book he assigns in advance. Only 2 quizzes and 2 essays.. that simple that easy!! Gives great feedback on essays and guides you step by step.
He is the worst professor ever Ive taken. He didnt give us any lectures but expected us to know everything. Excuse me? We were here to learn. He motivated his students to drop the class He didnt even specify what assignments we had to do. It was just copy and paste from the syllabus. Ive never seen this type of unprepared class.
I have never review a teacher because it was never that bad but this was the worst teacher I have ever taken in my life. There is no lecture and he does not reply back to your comment. He expect you to know everything right off the bat. Maybe hes a decent teacher in class but hes a horrible teacher online. Dont expect any help from him.
There's a reason why his rating on here is so low. Very unclear instructions on what he wants and then when you follow these unclear instructions he leaves negative and condescending comments on essays. Many in my class myself included were constantly confused and intimidated to ask for clarification. Says one thing but does another.
Professor Bentley could be a great professor if he elaborated more on his assignments the class was completely online no in person, no zoom. If you don't submit exactly what he is looking for and what he wants to hear then your paper is an F. Be prepared to read the book and even if you do that you might not pass. GOOD LUCK IF YOU TAKE HIS CLASS.
I've never had a worse experience with a professor. If he doesn't agree with what you write you automatically fail. Encourages students to ask questions, but is very unapproachable and rude. He told students they should drop his class after the very first assignment and was disrespectful towards students who brought issues to his attention.
This professor didn't give me any feedbacks on my essays which I needed for my final assignment. If he did give me feedback it was only on my introduction essay and would give me an F. I personally DO NOT recommend this class he isn't really clear on what he want in assignments and is really hard to work with.
He's not as bad as people say he is. He's a professor who cares about students' learning and has interesting teaching methods which help you think. However, the class sessions are very disorganized and he often goes too off-topic. He also grades assignments too subjectively. Overall, he's just okay.
Show up to class, give feedback, and pay attention to the feedback he gives on poems. He's direct, but not intentionally rude. Best advice, make sure he knows your name by the end of the semester.
SO unclear with instructions. He told the class that he really did not care if we came to class or not, but at the end of the semester, he tanked my grade for not participating enough (which was never mentioned that would count against your grade). You're also literally only graded on one assignment.
He is definitely a difficult professor to deal with but if you just participate and do well on your portfolio you should walk away with the minimum a B. He does give good feedback but maybe be too harsh for some students.
This class isn't a course in which you learn by reading or following a lecture. This is a workshop. He is a tough critic but his advice and feedback is extremely helpful. Just attend and participate in lecture and you will do fine.
First day he may seem a bit intimidating, but you will get use to his teaching style. This professor is not as bad as the other reviews make him seem. If you know the answer to a the question dont be afraid to say it he won't judge! Just show up and listen/particpate, if you have questions don't be afraid to ask. No HW just read/ 2 ish essay
He assigns 2 essays with lots of time to complete them. You have another chance to improve your grade at the end of the semester. He helps a lot if you get stuck on the essay.
Scott Bentley is a really great professor. He is very friendly and understanding. Also gives good feedback. I really liked his way of teaching students. Highly recommend taking ENG102 with him.
Lectures are more of a discussion, there are three assignments in which he considers "drafts" and aren't for an official grade. Pretty harsh grader and isn't too helpful when it comes to office hours. Utilizing university resources is your best bet at passing this class since your official and final grade is based off your two best revised essays.
This professor's teaching and class wasn't fun. He was just talking most of the time and I didn't learn anything. We were only graded on 2 essays, and the 3rd thing he graded was a portfolio which was both essays put onto 1 document. You basically had to make your essays nearly perfect. There are definitely better English professors.
He is not very understanding if you have something going on he only cares if you get the work done and you have to keep up.
The reviews of Bentley are too harsh. He truly wants you to submit a perfect assignment, which is why there are so many drafts. If you put in all the work, it'll show in your essay, and you WILL get a good grade. He can be intimidating and his lectures may get a little boring and awkward but he's always available to help out.
Your whole grade depends on two essays that you work on throughout the whole semester. Tough grader because he said both of my essays were great and deserved a B+ before I fix some edits but I ended with a lower grade. Classes were kind of pointless and he was very intimidating.
Very terrible, he's really a harsh grader, no extra credit, no attendance and no participation grade. Doesn't care about how he's grading affect you. If it's not perfect then you get very poor grade. Never would recommend him to anyone
He may seem off at the start, but once you get to know his class, it isn't bad. Just to let you know, I had a C in both of the 2 essays. I only received an A on my final portfolio. You can do it. Go to his office hours, he really helps you. No extra credit, but if you really understand what he wants from your paper, then you will be okay!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
47%
Textbook Required
69%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
CRITWRIT
5.0
(1)ENG4075
5.0
(1)ENG102
3.3
(9)ENGL1002
3.1
(14)1001
3.0
(3)Difficulty by Course
ENGL1001
5.0
ENGL4827
5.0
ENGL
5.0
ENG1001M
5.0
ENGL200
5.0