Evaluation Comments
Course:Compiler Design
            (CSC-448-810)

Quarter:Winter 08/09
Time: ::: - :::
Location: Distance Learning
James Riely PhD

Associate Professor
jriely@cs.depaul.edu
Instructor homepage

Select a Page:  
Summary     1       2       3       4       5       6       

What are the major strengths and weaknesses of the instructor?


2.   Weakness - expectations were/are not clearly defined and often changed. Course material relevant to homework was, on several occasions, provided hours before the homework was due.
3.   Prof. Riely is an excellent professor. Sometimes though, he can get sidetracked. In and of itself its usually relevant topics but sometimes does not get back to the original point in full detail.
4.   While he does answer questions on the message board quickly, he disappeared for 10 days between when he taught a concept needed for the project and when the project was due. People were so confused he pushed the assignment due date back a week. However, that was announced after the original due date. He seems unprepared for the class. We still don't know what weight our assignments will have. He may understand the concepts of compilers, but I don't think he is teaching in an ineffective manner.
6.   Very knowledgeable. Class moved a wee bit fast.

What aspects of this course were most beneficial to you?


3.   Its just an interesting topic overall and his great knowledge of it opened up quite a few new ideas to me.
4.   Additional exposure to Java code and general programming concepts.
6.   Compilers.

What do you suggest to improve this course?


1.   Less work.
3.   Maybe some more information on the Clogs compiler up front. This way less time can be spent grinding on getting up to speed and more time can be spend doing cool things.
4.   Start by teaching the concepts instead of jumping right into garbled compiler code.
5.   A compiler that is less messy than Clogs would be helpful.
6.   -

Comment on the grading procedures and exams


3.   No complaints.
4.   At this point, we don't have the grades for our large assignment, so I can't make a fair call.
6.   -

Other comments?


2.   I've never given a rating of 1 before.
3.   Great class, Prof. Riely needs a raise so he doesn't leave.
4.   This is easily the worst class I've had a DePaul. The professor is also among the worst.
6.   -