Reviews for William Gasarch
Average Rating:| Anonymous Course: HONR209M Grade Expected: F April 17, 2012, 6:07 pm | I went into this class thinking it was about dispute resolution in the case of divorces/treaties or even game theory type problems, but instead it was abstract computer science math. You spend weeks upon weeks learning about how to cut a cake(it's a metaphor for a continuous good), and if you do not have a computer science orientated thought process you are lost completely. The homework usually involves problems that you have no idea how to do, and there is not a textbook to help you so you spend hours on trying to figure out protocols only to realize that they are worth 0 points in Prof. Gasarch's mind. He is actually pretty nice and interesting, (he lets you redo homework/midterm problems, but that's worthless) just the class is absolutely impossible. I have no doubt he is a good CS professor, it's just the honors' seminar is based off of fringe mathematics that were not explained in the course description. |
| OtG Course: CMSC250H Grade Expected: A March 21, 2012, 1:12 pm | I did not enjoy this class, but I imagine that mostly stemmed from my dislike of the subject matter and my resentment for having to take the class. Gasarch is very enthusiastic and engaging (if you're willing to be engaged). If you're into math, definitely take him. If you're not, he's liable to get pretty grating by the end of the semester. |
| Anonymous Course: CMSC250H Grade Expected: A November 30, 2007, 9:04 am | Gasarch is an incredible professor, with the ability to make a subject that I already had some familiarity with still more interesting. His explanations of complex ideas and topics are very accessible, and his own knowledge of the subject is similarly impressive. Given the speed with which he can explain a topic, we also had time to delve into some of Gasarch's own research, making the course a lot of fun. Further, he will make sure every student is on track without slowing down the class, and in general makes going to class one of the more enjoyable parts of my day. |