[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxNjIyNzYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2013-04-28 18:08:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"Unclear of what was expected throughout the course. Didn't respond to my multiple emails and was essentially impossible to reach outside of class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:44:05.019307+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTExMjQ5MTUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:351690","instructor_name":"Deborah Joseph","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2005-12-23 12:22:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"It wasn't the easiest class in the world, I went into the final thinking I had an F.  My final grade turned out to be a B.  I don't think her teaching style is a problem, I just think the material and book are particularly vague.  I will probably take another class with her.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/351690","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:40:46.468571+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MjE2MTI3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:125529","instructor_name":"Eric Bach","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2022-05-02 18:55:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"Underrated Professor! I thought Professor Bach was great. I wish more UW professors were like him.\n\nThat said- his class is very hard. The lectures are abstract, and it takes a lot of effort to understand the material well. But this is very good if you want to learn the material.\n\nI would take another class taught by Professor Bach. 5/5","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/125529","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMzEyMDkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-05-17 18:43:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very charismatic and funny lecturer who's clearly passionate about the material. The exams are good in difficulty: hard enough to require some on-site creative thinking and not just memorization, but nothing impossible to do. He also takes informal arguments and gives full points for answers even if they're lacking in rigor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjk2OTYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-05-15 21:19:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's so difficult, and the average on the final exam was in the 40s, tells you all you need to know about this class and his way of teaching.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjU5NDQw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-05-12 23:41:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very unfair professor. Makes material impossible to understand. Gives an insane amount of homework, but the homework is not useful in preparing for the finals. And despite the final seeming to be not that difficult, he grades insanely strictly and will absolutely crash your grade for seemingly no reason. Avoid at all costs.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjAxNzAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-05-07 22:49:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"Avoid at all costs—take 577 without him. He attempts to teach theoretical CS, but he's difficult to understand because his speech is muffled by a mask and he speaks too quickly. He explains concepts poorly and never goes over the examples you'll see on exams or in homework. Lectures are useless and you'll have to teach yourself the content.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTEzNzM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-05-01 04:25:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Absolutely nightmarish terrible. I would've put 'Participation matters' as a tag if it weren't for the fact that his lectures are nightmarishly hard to understand. Terrible handwriting, style, squeaky chalkboard, seating, oratory skills, grading difficulty, attendance is a mystery, etc. It's bad when you're FORCED to 3rd party sites just to learn.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNzg3NDAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-03-19 02:38:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Has ability to make some of the most intuitive topics 10x harder during lecture with vague jargon, often not understanding a single word in lecture and going home to watch hours worth of videos to stay afloat. HWs are graded easily but tests are graded hard to the point HW feedback barely matters. Also, extends class 5 minutes after bell every day.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNjQ4OTgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2025-02-07 03:28:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Passionate and knowledgable, but not a very good educator. Barrels into material in a way which he sees as, \"beautiful\" or \"elegant\" (read: confusing). Maybe inspirational to some, but w/ the cost of making the already complex material more impenetrable then it otherwise should be. Lectures lack vital context. You will feel lost, he does not care.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4OTE2ODE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2024-01-23 21:24:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very high workload, with one homework each week requiring at least 3-4 hours for each assignment, but fair grading and the exams are straightforward and well written. \n\nAbsolutely attend lectures - much of the homework and test content is stated explicitly in the lectures.\n\nProfessor Cai himself is very personable and helpful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzMjc0Nzk1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2020-05-12 17:22:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Cai is a brilliant computer scientist and a very talented instructor. While at times the lectures can get confusing, they are always engaging. My lecture attendance wasn't the best but whenever I went I enjoyed it- despite the material being a bit dry at times. P-NP and decidability are fascinating but require lots of time to understand!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyNzU3Mzk0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2019-12-25 18:08:42 +0000 UTC","comment":"I want to say this is the hardest and best course I have ever taken in Madison CS dept. His lecture is always delightful and uses metaphors and interesting gestures to help you understand the abstract concepts. The meat of the course is the latter half (decidability and NP-Completeness) so attending lecture is definitely needed to be successful","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNDA3MzEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2019-03-06 00:15:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"Favorite profesor","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MjM2NjIw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2017-05-07 08:47:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Jin-Yi is honestly one of the best professors I've had in the CS department. His lectures are engaging and insightful, and even though a lot of the class was him showing us proofs for different theorems worked, he still managed to make it interesting. I signed up for more of his classes after taking CS520 with him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2NDcxODk0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2016-05-04 23:07:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"Jin-Yi Cai made theoretical computer science very approachable. His lecturing style is very clear and understandable. Basically if you show up to class and actually listen the homework and tests should be fairly easy.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0OTAxODUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2015-05-26 10:24:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Cai is passionate about his subject. However, the subject matter is tough.  You do not get solutions to HW.  Also, there is no reviews for midtermsfinal.  In the end, the curve should stop you from getting anything worse then a C.  All in all, take Cai if you want to learn high level theory without worrying about failing.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0NzM2OTYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2015-05-04 19:51:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"He tries to make the content relatable but I ended up doing much of my learning through the textbook. He started off well but I struggled learning as the semester went on and the content became more difficult.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0MzA5NTAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2015-01-20 11:06:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"Although Rating Jin-Yi Cai as 2 in easiness, it is clear that the class he is teaching is already too difficult for most professors to handle. If you are going to take CS520 with him, be sure NOT TO MISS ANY CLASS and LISTEN CAREFULLY. Tf you don't listen to his word, you will probably not be able to understand the class. The tests are fair though.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzMjA5NzE5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2014-05-09 16:27:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is the best professor I have ever had for advanced level computer science professor. He tries his best the make the abstract concept understandable by visualize it. Also he is super intelligent and patient to students. If you really want to have a general understanding of computing, and learn something from the course, he is the best choice.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEyMjUwMzM0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2006-09-25 21:34:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"He has a true passion for mathematics and computer science and it shows in his teaching. He's always willing to help a student with questions.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEyMDI1NTE1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2006-06-22 14:49:46 +0000 UTC","comment":"This guy is an egomaniac and a terrible teacher. He spent 90% of each class trying to impress us with how brilliant he is by rambling incoherently about material from more advanced classes. Interrupts students whenever they ask questions. If it weren't for the textbook (which was fascinating and clear) I would not have learned anything.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEwNzExODEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2005-09-26 22:05:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Best professor I've had. (Partially) caused me to go to grad school for a Ph.D.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIzNjAxMjg=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2004-08-02 13:40:59 +0000 UTC","comment":""Best CS professor I've had. The first person to really get me excited intellectually."\r \r Exactly the same for me.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:32:18.695800+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTgxMzc=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:425160","instructor_name":"Jin-Yi Cai","course_label":"CS520","course_id":"COMPSCI 520","course_uid":"course_1789820d64d4298321fc24d2","review_date":"2004-06-19 12:08:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Best CS professor I've had. The first person to really get me excited intellectually.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/425160","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0}]