An Overview of Below Average and Exceptional Professors at Syracuse University

Syracuse University, located in New York and home to beloved mascot Otto the Orange, is a highly-praised research university that boasts nationally ranked programs in architecture, business administration, and engineering, among others. “Knowledge crowns those who seek her,” says their motto. With an undergraduate headcount of more than 15,000, it’s safe to say that the message has been received loud and clear since 1870. Sports buffs won’t balk either thanks to the school’s participation in NCAA Division 1 athletics. Of course, when it’s not game day it’s time to hit the lecture hall. If you’re a current or prospective student, maybe you’re curious about what boxes you should be checking come scheduling time. We looked at ratemyprofessors.com to determine the professors you should pass on, and the ones you shouldn’t pass up.

1. Jerome Dusek: College can be stressful without a doubt, so it’s not surprising that some students respond more to an instructor with a laidback yet informative approach to teaching. This psychology professor, unfortunately, is known for his strictness that fills classrooms with tension. Even the well-studied frown at his tests that are largely comprised of trick questions, and final grade averages are often very low (avoid at all costs if you’re hoping to boost your GPA). It gets worse: tests are also timed. Undergraduates should avoid Dusek at all costs if they wish to maintain any level of sanity.
2. Joan Deppa: Despite being poorly rated, former students of this communications professor agree that she is a caring, intelligent woman who tries to help her class succeed. Sadly, her lack of clarity and organization completely detracts from the subject matter at hand for students already feeling flustered by dense material. For someone considered an expert in communicating, she certainly doesn’t excel at providing constructive feedback for those wondering how they can improve their scores. Essentially, Deppa’s courses require you to teach yourself from the textbook and do next to perfect on nearly every exam. Independent thinkers might be okay, but anyone who thrives when guided should seek out someone more experienced with structuring.
3. Kishan Mehrotra: Lovers of all things computer science and programming agree that this professor’s apathy doesn’t just leave them uninspired, but it actually sabotages their future scholarly pursuits. His lackluster lectures often leave out basic concepts and instructions, which doesn’t bode well for a department based on building upon previous knowledge class by class. Many say his air of arrogance makes it hard to take him seriously. Believe it or not, one group of frustrated undergraduates claims that he left a note calling off their final exam. Don’t let your passion be stifled, and more importantly, don’t waste your money.

Exceptional

1. Thomas Laurence: Philosophy, a field of study filled with dense musings from some of history’s most intricate minds, is made simple by this professor who aims to give students their money’s worth with testing formats that gradually build upon one another for concept retention. His lighthearted personality never turns away from comedy, and he supplements the material with music or video to keep the lecture hall experience—which can lack enthusiasm from others in the department—refreshing. Pro tip: he’s a man of principles (what, you thought a philosophy professor wouldn’t be?) so avoid whipping out that cellphone to tell your friends everything you’ve learned about Nietzsche and nihilism!
2. William Coplin: As one might anticipate when it comes to political science, strategy really is everything. This adored professor’s approach to the semester’s syllabus is no exception to the rule. He attempts to break out of the dull, speak-at-students-until-they-snooze approach by relying on a series of group projects instead—always a great way to make new friends. Many students early in their academic career agree that his courses prepared them for others down the line; his passion is palpable, and majors in need of extra help said he’s easy to approach. With quips aplenty and maybe tinges of a playful ego, he’s who you want explaining all the ins and outs of government.
3. Don Dutkowsky: Sometimes economics is about weighing your wins and losses. This professor structures his course much the same, leaving it up to students to earn their grade by succeeding on only a handful of tests. So with so much pressure, why do former pupils come to him again and again? It’s all about his riveting lectures, which more than a few people say helped affirm that they had indeed chosen the right major. If you attend every lecture and seek out office hours when additional help is needed, he’s more than willing to go the distance to help you. Best of all, you can download each PowerPoint presentation for reviewing later on.

Ryan James is a ’13 alumnus of Ohio University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in writing and media. He currently works as a copywriter for a Fortune 500 e-commerce corporation based in Columbus, OH.