[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjQ4Mjgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2026-02-26 19:28:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"Efty's lectures are engaging and full of content, and he shows great decorum when interacting with student questions. He clearly knows his stuff on a deep, technical level. The course is designed well, and projects build off one another. The projects themselves are straightforward, so long as you've been attending lecture. A class act.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNDIwODQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2024-12-23 04:56:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Sifakis is knowledgeable on the subject matter and explains the contents clearly. He's also accessible outside of class. My greatest complaint is with his unclear \"contract grading\" policy, which grants the top 30% of satisfactory work full credits without a rubric. This makes it harder to gauge the amount of effort needed for a full score.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4ODA4MDk4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2023-12-29 14:22:26 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sifakis clearly knows a ton about computer graphics and is passionate for the field, but teaches the content far too slowly in my opinion. That doesn't change that the content is great and the projects encourage you to experiment and be creative! Also, fantastic TAs and course staff that were willing to answer simple to very advanced questions.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MzY1MTk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2023-11-09 16:01:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Horrible competitive grading system that makes it very difficult to earn an A.  Compete with students who will write 500 - 1000 lines of code per weekly project, and in the end your grade will be based on subjective opinion.  Lectures are boring and weirdly paced, with tons of material overlap and no recordings.  Tests fine but barely affect grade.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MTgxMTcy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2022-12-18 22:09:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"I don't understand why he has a low rating. I took this class Fall 2022, and the class has changed a lot from when it first started (the class was originally in C++ but moved to Javascript based on student feedback). For both the midterm and final, we were allowed to have a note sheet and received practice exams. No required readings.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2NjQyOTIx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2022-09-14 18:35:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"This guy has a very dull voice, lectures are not very inspiring. He seems pretty old-fashioned and doesn't want you emailing him. The grading is weird, and attendance to the dull lectures is kind of needed to understand what projects require. I think the topic would be interesting if presented in a different approach than his.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjQwMTQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2021-12-23 06:17:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"As average as professors come. Lectures are dry, but Efty gives very good study guides before exams. Your grade is heavily weighted by projects which are graded on a four-point scale. Getting a 3/4 on all projects and scoring decently on exams guarantees you a B. Many projects also already had examples that were almost 3 worthy. Overall, he's okay.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjAzODMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2021-12-20 05:22:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great lecturer, but WORST grading policy I have ever seen. Each assignment is graded on a 4 point scale, only integer grades are possible, and the rubric for getting a 4 is to be "creative and interesting". This is extremely subjective and unfair, people spent 5 hours on assignments will have same grade as those who spent 15 minutes.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjAwMDgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2021-12-19 22:56:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Don't take his class! The grading policy is extremely confusing: only about 1 / 3 of the assignments will get a 4 and the others, no matter how good they are, will get a 3. The lectures are very boring and makes you fall asleep easily.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MzY0MjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"COMPSCI559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2021-02-15 02:41:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is a very smart professor and it shows (did his PhD at Stanford). He is also humble and loves to answer questions. Homeworks are graded on a scale of 0-4 and he is very clear about what is needed. He prepares a sample test before exams. Very accommodating professor that I really appreciated especially during the rough time that is COVID-19.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MTk2MzQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2020-12-25 04:50:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Sifakis is one of the best CS professors at UW-Madison. He is very clear on the grading criteria and he is probably the most understanding and caring professor Ive met. He really tries to accommodate his students as much as possible. He doesnt teach CS559 that often, but if he does Id absolutely recommend it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MDUzOTc2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2020-12-13 15:33:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Sifakis and just all the TA's this year were the most helpful teaching staff I've ever had. His lectures weren't great, and I did often skip, but he really got excited about what he was teaching and was incredibly active on Piazza, giving actually useful feedback. Overall really fun class!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzODY5MTA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2020-11-22 19:28:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Given the mediocre reviews on Prof Eftychios, I needed to say something. He's a really really great guy. I'm in my senior year and experienced a lot of CS professors that don't care about their students. He clearly does and he does a great job providing students with what they need to succeed. I have a lot of respect for him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwMzU4NDQx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2018-07-19 19:47:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"I loved this guy's class. We learned a lot of really, really cool stuff. The grading system was based on getting a score 1-5 on projects, 3 being sort of a B+, it met expectations, 4 being a polished, nice project, and 5 being an extraordinary project. I got mostly 4's when I thought I only deserved 3's. If you put in the effort, you will get A","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5NjA1OTUw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2018-02-28 13:29:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"You go to lecture to hear him discuss graphics concepts that are interesting, but then you have less than a week to program the graphics concept in a "cool, creative way" in JavaScript. 1) The grading structure and overall class structure is terrible 2) This class DOES NOT teach javascript, but uses it heavily. If you don't know it you're screwed","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5MzQ5MjA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2017-12-28 08:54:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. E.S. is definitely experienced with graphic programming but that doesn't make him a better teacher. His voice is hypnotizing and he has tough due days for the programs (less than a week!). But nevertheless, 559 is a have-to-take class, if you want to learn something cool. Also Prof. E.S. is not a tough grader, efforts paid off :).","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4Njg2MTYw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2017-09-20 12:26:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sifakis knows about the principles behind CG and clearly explains them. Projects are hard, but inspiring.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4NTc4Mzg3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2017-08-02 12:44:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"He is the worst professor I have had in my whole life, You will hear from him things about the importance of the hw on your final grade being average, beyond average, ... It is all a lie,  Your grade is determined based on how other people have performed in the class,  his non-written rule is that only 25-30% of the class may get an A","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3NTQ3NDQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-12-17 17:45:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sifakis' Computer Graphics class was well-taught. He went with the goal of not having the class become very involved in math but also introduce major concepts in graphics. Prepare for learning how to code in JavaScript and using matrix libraries. The amount of examples he provides helped a lot for me in coding assignments which are highly weighted.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3MjIyNjMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-11-18 17:47:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"I guess the difficulty of this course is caused by the course content instead of the professor. Computer graphic, with javascript can be quite intimidating, which makes it a 5 level course. Professor Sifakis actually is pretty nice. His lecture is more conceptual than practical, and really care about the student.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI3MjE2ODA4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-11-17 22:13:20 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honestly I am struggling through this course, but the professor is just so insightful. His lecture is a pure enjoyment. He explains everything in the most intuitive way and is definitely capable of doing so. For example, he teaches us the math we need in a pragmatic way which avoids boring proofs and definitions. Tolerant about late homework too.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2NTIyMDcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-05-10 01:22:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Grading rubric for class is: \"If you have everything 'OK', including hw and exam, you will get a B. If you did 'OK' on hw but get really good grades on the exam, then you will possibly get a higher letter grade. OK for the exam:  not clearly below the median OK for the programming assignment: get 3 for all of them\" And that is all the info you get.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2MzY0ODUy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-04-24 13:32:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"The organization of this class was beyond horrible. Constantly changing deadlines, assignment posts copied word for word from previous semesters without updating for our context, clarifications took days, we used a textbook that was half finished. On top of that, lecture was essentially useless. At least you get to make cool looking stuff","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:41:56.235326+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI2MzMyODY5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1727820","instructor_name":"Eftychios Sifakis","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2016-04-19 22:31:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honestly he is a horrible professor. Nothing we do in class correlates to the homework and I have yet to walk out of class not frustrated that he didn't waste my time. I'm sure I'll do fine in the class but I was very excited to learn HTML and JavaScript and I have learned 0 this semester.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1727820","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyOTA2NDQ5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2026-04-22 23:46:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"This computer graphics course in 2026 feels like an experiment, and the professor has been extremely flexible and supportive. I learned a lot from his workbook. It's a bit of a shame that an advanced graphics course is no longer offered at UW—I would definitely take it if it were available.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNTYxMTQz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2025-08-09 18:17:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"Honors section isn't flipped classroom & didn't teach much more than regular section, just had portfolio wks. 1 wk had: 2x (good) video lectures & 1x (redundant) regular lectures & 2x HW. Portfolios fun but must defend work cuz prof examines art not code to check if algo was implemented. Doesn't teach math. Learned math from Prof Wu's exam prep.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjU3NzEy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2025-05-12 21:36:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Poor feedback. Unclear grading criteria. Unprepared. Prioritized his Amazon job, assuming honors students wouldn't be affected. We were overworked every week, watching 2 weeks of recorded lectures while enduring redundant in-person ones, extra readings, and double the homework. He couldn't teach the math needed for success on exams. Take Young Wu.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3ODQ2MTU5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2023-05-07 03:42:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"Had a really great time learning graphics from Prof Gleicher. He's extremely passionate about the subject and really cares about helping students succeed. It's very hands-on with a heavy emphasis on the weekly workbook projects, which can be tough but it's usually really fun and interesting. He's also *much* more organized than most professors.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MzIxNTU1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2022-05-12 16:40:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"I appreciate the workbook Michael provided, which is extremely helpful. \nHowever, the course is not always helpful. Michael is NOT good at trying to use simple words to show his ideas, which sometimes makes simple concepts become difficult to learn. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MzE4OTg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2022-05-12 06:24:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"He can be intimidating and overall hard to understand. I felt like he had higher expectations than other professors, which made the work really difficult. However, projects were super fun and really got me interested in future graphic design projects. Had a very generous late policy.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0NjU4NzYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2021-04-29 17:26:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Gleicher is easily one of the best professors I've had in the CS department. His lectures, assignments, and semester schedule are all very well organized and he adapts to his students' needs. You can tell he is passionate about computer graphics and his knowledge is really comprehensive. The projects are hard but a lot of fun.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzODgxNTQ1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2020-11-24 16:46:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"Looks nice at first but very rude professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzMjQzODI5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2020-05-08 20:09:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Gleicher taught computer graphics in a super-engaging way, with an appropriate lot of visual examples & plenty of practical programming workbooks. His use of the 2d web Canvas and THREE js made the transition from theory to application seamless, and his piecemeal lecture videos & split final exam for COVID-19 was a great adaptation.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNzk5ODUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2019-05-07 19:00:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Mike is one of the best professors I've ever had. Extremely engaging lecturer, fantastically designed homework assignments. Every lecture was worth attending, and I learned so much from this course. Would absolutely recommend.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNzE5MzE1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2019-04-30 17:14:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"Lectures were disorganized and had more review and preview than actually covering new material. It would have been a great class to watch at 1.5x speed. Project descriptions were confusing, one of the project descriptions was several pages long and actually had a section "Why is this so confusing". Grading was very unclear and shifted often.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNjMxMjQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2019-04-19 19:25:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Gleicher did a solid job teaching this course. The weekly workbooks were a good way to apply what we learned in class and were always manageable. Lectures seemed a little scattered, but other than that, this was a pretty good course.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNTkyMzE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2019-04-15 02:52:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"Mike was an amazing professor that cares his students a lot. Workbooks takes some time, but if you understands how the API works, it's not that hard. 3D part is pretty fun, and Mike wraps the API with a layer for you so you can code with less concerns about those basic "context setting" stuff! Probably the best professor I've ever had in UWM.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNDIwOTcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2019-03-10 05:47:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof Gleicher is clearly a leading expert in computer graphics and it shows. He is able to make difficult and broad topics approachable. The workbooks to demonstrate knowledge are time-consuming but help you learn the material. He is truly dedicated to getting his students excited about graphics! Definitely take this course with him!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1Njg1OTE3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2015-12-14 15:17:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Mike is very knowledgable and cares for his students success.  But that's about all he has going for him.  Lectures are disorganized, the PowerPoints are not useful, and he rarely provides examples on the concepts he is teaching.  Homework requirements weren't clearly stated.  Exams were reasonable, but not easy if you didn't study.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1MzE4NDcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2015-10-31 12:59:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Class now taught with WebGL, project based. Prof does GREAT job of mitigating large class and individual needs through a class forum, good handpicked resources and help sessions. He expects the best, will push you and the material is difficult if you haven't seen it. Bottom line: this class is the most fun and educational one I've had here. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0MDI1NjU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2014-12-10 21:16:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you take this professor, make sure you like to and are good at teaching yourself because the material he provides is no help at all in completing assignments and the lectures are very frustrating. I do not recommend taking a class with this professor","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:18:19.789534+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE2NTMxMjQ0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1257605","instructor_name":"Michael Gleicher","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2009-12-11 18:30:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"His class was actually more difficult for me than I rated, but I had little C++ experience and no OpenGL experience.  He gives good example programs and a base for you to start projects from.  The projects take a LOT of time to complete even with help (more than cs540).  He teaches more theory than practice, but the projects are still very fun","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1257605","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNjU0Njgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2013-12-25 15:08:48 +0000 UTC","comment":"Excellent course from a professor with industry experience.  The material is challenging - be ready to devote serious amounts of time to the projects (30-50 hours per project minimum). Picking up the GLSL Cookbook is strongly recommended and will save you time and headaches.  Perry's stories this semester were really entertaining!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNjIxMTA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2013-12-19 21:52:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"Don't take this class unless you have a lot of time on your hands and are really good at and ENJOY learning on your own. Almost no hand-holding so the internet and books will be your teacher. Projects will take many many hours so if you've got a busy schedule you will suffer.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyMzYxNTQ3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2013-11-21 00:29:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Hardest class I've ever taken, but I've learned an incredible amount. The class is graded in a competitive manner, (where best projects get A's) but is curved within reason For example if someone makes Crysis, you don't necessarily fail for making a project a bit over what's spec'd. High time requirement, 30 hrs a week is not unusual to do well.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyMzA3ODAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2013-11-13 13:36:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"Easily the best proffessor I've ever had. Hard as hell, the class will seriously give you nightmares, but definitely my favorite class ever.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5MTc3OTg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2011-11-07 15:05:39 +0000 UTC","comment":"Class structure is poor and the material is difficult.  The project specs are open ended on the point total, those that do the best, get A's, the rest get something else.  Class depends on an unofficial lab. Projects are demoed and source code is reviewed.  Only one exam that you won't be able to finish in class. Perry speaks abstractly .Books help","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE5MTY0NzA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2011-11-04 17:48:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Acts like a jerk sometimes but is really helpful if you're actually invested in the class. Not as much experience teaching graphics as other professors but more experience in industry, which is sometimes helpful. All in all pretty decent prof.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:12:09.032739+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE4MzI3MTA1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1554404","instructor_name":"Perry Kivolowitz","course_label":"CS559","course_id":"COMPSCI 559","course_uid":"course_93d2f66aee95b30379263c4f","review_date":"2011-03-29 13:47:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Has some great experience in the his field that you don't find in a lot of professors.  He expects quite a bit of you, but also is there to help you whenever you need.  One of the better CS professors I've had.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1554404","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0}]