[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MjUwMTgx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2021-01-07 21:22:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"Spiotta teaches the second half of GEOG120. She lectures at a faster pace than Williams, so that was quite the change mid-semester. She is very interested in Geomorphology and land surfaces and it shows in her lectures. Exams are lecture heavy but manageable. I learned a lot and found the class very interesting.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzOTYzNTQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2020-12-06 07:25:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"She taught the second half of geog 120, and I thought she did a really good job. The tests were really easy, and the homework and lectures were interesting. I would recommend this professor/class to anyone.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxOTM4NDY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2019-05-23 02:48:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"She is well-spoken and good at making things interesting. Her half of the class is both easier and more interesting, in my opinion. She's so nice and she's so excited about the subject and about her work.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0NzQ5NzI1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2015-05-05 22:38:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"Goes kind of fast through her slides. Makes the lectures interesting, as much as she can.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTE2MDcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2013-12-11 22:12:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sometimes she goes through things a little fast. Tests are pretty easy and straight from lecture- textbook is not important at all for her section of the class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyMzYxODcz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2013-11-21 01:31:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"THIS IS NOT AN EASY A. I was a 4.0 student until this class. Reading isn't necessary(or even helpful). Just study the lecture slides and bold words in the book and you'll get a B, no doubt.  She's a great teacher. I learned incredibly well from her, but my grade was severely damaged thanks to the first half of semester, not taught by her.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwNzM5MDEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2012-10-25 17:34:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"She knows her stuff and explained concepts clearly, but lectures were generally quite dry. Don't waste your money on the textbook. This class is very boring if you have any amount of natural science background.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:39:34.665627+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3OTk3Njk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1382050","instructor_name":"Erika Marin-Spiotta","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-12-19 16:18:35 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Marin-Spiotta was not was interesting or engaging as Jim Burt (prof for the first half of the semester), but she was not horribly boring either. Exams were based on lecture, but she didn't necessarily spend a whole lot of time on material that was on the exam. Not necessarily an easy A by any means.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1382050","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyMzg5NzMz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2025-12-24 03:45:31 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams was very nice, caring, and smart. You could tell that he really knew his stuff, and all of his research and experience is very fascinating. The class itself is a little bit difficult with a lot of content, and it was very easy to lose attention. I engaged with the TA way more than him, as our TAs did more work engaging with us.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTQ0Njk4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-05-17 15:39:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams is great! He does a great job of simplifying all of the concepts for everyone to understand and making lectures interesting. He's super accessible outside of class and genuinely wants to help everyone succeed. The lectures are fast paced, but are all recorded. Pretty easy class if you stay on top of it, would recommend!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3ODM1OTc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-05-05 19:43:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great class. I recommend him for GEOG 120. His lectures contain a lot of necessary information. If you don't attend lecture, it'll clearly reflect on your grade.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjY4ODUx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2021-12-28 21:07:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"I loved Prof Williams. I took this class for physical science credit and it ended up being one of my favorite classes. The material was really interesting. There is a textbook but you do not need to read it because basically all of the test material is talked about in lecture. Becky Rose was an amazing TA as well.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjU1Mjgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2021-12-26 04:18:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"Williams is a great teacher and I learned so much about the Earth. However, he always needed like 5 more minutes to fully explain every concept, and things tended to get a bit rushed at the end of lectures. The tests are multiple choice, which makes you focus more on the nit-picky details of the Earth system rather than the overarching connections.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NTE0NTYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2021-12-14 07:59:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams is a really sweet guy if you put in the effort to get to know him. Very respectful of his students and records lectures, which is very helpful in current times. Tests are very hard and can cover anything that was discussed in lecture or textbook, so be prepared to study hard. Concepts are interesting, TAs very helpful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MjUwMTEw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2021-01-07 21:09:33 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams is very informative and clear when presenting material in lectures. He is a nice guy and explains all concepts clearly. The class has 4 exams, two on his material and 2 on Spiotta's material. He teaches the first half of the semester for GEOG 120. The exams are 90% lecture and 10% textbook, but I never read and got an A.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MjEyOTY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2020-12-29 18:29:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Everything must be written down for the tests. The test questions are very specific and each slide and example on lectures contain information that could be on the test. If you focus during lectures this class will be easy, but if not you will struggle. Very knowledgable professor who teaches the class pretty well. Textbook is not needed.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzOTYzNTA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2020-12-06 07:15:53 +0000 UTC","comment":"Geography 120 was hands down my favorite class I've taken so far at UW. Overall pretty easy because tests were open note and you had a reasonable amount of time to take them. I thought the lecture content was pretty interesting, and the homework assignments weren't too bad. You also don't really have to read the textbook unless you want to.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyNzE4NjUx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2019-12-19 16:15:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams was very knowledgable in the subject area and was very passionate about his work. He clearly explained concepts during lecture, although it was a lot of information to take in at times. The tests are very lecture heavy, but if you prepare enough they are not impossible to do well on. Must be willing to put the work in!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxOTM4NDMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2019-05-23 02:44:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's very well spoken, well-liked, clearly knowledgeable about the subject. You get everything you need from lecture, so the book really isn't necessary even though he assigns readings. Lecture and discussions were pretty boring, but could be worse.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwODYxOTYz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2018-12-04 15:43:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"He talks fast and goes through slides fast, but they are online. There are four NON-cumulative exams. There is no final exam during exam week. There is a book for the class, but the exams are mainly based off the lectures so I would recommend going even though they aren't required. Discussions take attendance.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NTAyMzg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2015-11-30 11:13:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams was an amazing professor. He really helped students with any questions, during lecture or in office hours and is a phenomenal lecturer. I was never bored in his class. The grading is very clear, four in class exams, non-cumulative, 30 pts each. Study 2-3 nights before and you'll do well. Would recommend this class & professor!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI0NDQzMDU0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2015-03-08 23:04:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"He only teaches the first half of Geog 120 which is too bad because he's great. Always willing to help, explain things further, etc. Not the most exciting lectures but he's knowledgable and knows how to explain things well so you literally have to show up to get a good grade. Fantastic gen ed class for non-science majors.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTE2MDQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2013-12-11 22:10:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Overall, he's a good professor and loves what he teaches, but sometimes he was a little all over the place. His tests were fair. Lecture slides are posted online, so it's not super important that you go. Some test questions came from the textbook and were about things never once mentioned in lecture, but those questions were few.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyMjMwNjIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2013-10-29 21:04:07 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof Williams is truly interested in this subject.  However, he is an incredibly boring speaker.  Not just that, he just can't speak well in general.  He talks fast and is a bit scatter-brained.  Tests were fair, but I was so uninterested in the topic it was near impossible to study for.  Find a better science general to take.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MzA0ODU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-06-05 00:31:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"he is a good teacher than cares about what he does. his topics aren't the most boring in the word, so just try to get interested and you'll learn easily. he's a pretty awkward guy, but he does a good job of explaining and do not hesitate to ask questions. exams are pretty easy to top it all off, assuming you study (a solid night before is enough)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MTk3OTkx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-05-13 22:09:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Really tough exams that are pretty impossible to study for. I thought his exam questions were really obscure. Definitely not an easy science credit","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MTc2Mzk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-05-11 18:16:45 +0000 UTC","comment":"He goes through things really fast. Lectures are really boring. I took this for an easy A, but it was surprisingly really difficult. Exams are tough. I just really hated this class. I would avoid it at all costs.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE2OTc4MjQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-04-11 15:01:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Good Professor, presents materials well and clear. Very Helpful and approachable if you have a problem.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE2NDMzMjAw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2009-11-28 01:21:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a hard class, Williams is pretty straight forward in lecture, I would go, it's helpful. I didn't read the textbook, just went over main points in the book, and lectures notes for the exam. Definitely take his class if you need a natural science requirement.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE1ODM2MjE5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2009-05-14 11:31:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Williams was great to have the first half of the semester. He is pretty passionate about weather/climate and makes material very simple and easy to understand. Exams are straight from the lectures so be sure to attend and take good notes. Take this class if you need a science requirement.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE1NjQwNTc2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2009-04-12 22:54:51 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you need a natural science requirement, Geography 120 with Professor Williams is the way to go. His lectures are crystal clear and he doesn't bog you down with useless information. Most of the exam questions derive from lectures so be sure to attend.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:35:19.884085+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzMTUzMTMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:809546","instructor_name":"Jack Williams","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2007-05-12 00:04:11 +0000 UTC","comment":"great teacher, easy, and keeps things simple.  definately reccomend the class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/809546","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:42.311483+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MzA0ODQy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:893598","instructor_name":"James Knox","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-06-05 00:26:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"he teaches about dirt and rocks, which makes you want to gouge your eyes out. the plus side is that you can see that he truly loves this subject, which does help. he did run over on class time and his test wasn't too easy, but he does curve. try to attend lect, as boring as it is, and then study off his class notes","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/893598","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:34:42.311483+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTE3MTc2MzY4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:893598","instructor_name":"James Knox","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2010-05-11 18:15:16 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class is so boring, it's almost impossible to sit through a lecture. The tests are extremely hard (but they are curved). You should really avoid taking this class. Easily the worst class I've taken at UW.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/893598","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:30:26.149426+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTEzMTk4OTEz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:533263","instructor_name":"Joseph Mason","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2007-05-22 11:33:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Mason is a big nerd, he laughs at soil horizons and glaciers, but his class is easy.  I'd definitely recommend it for non-science majors.  There's not a lot of work, his tests are straightforward and easy and all of the TAs seem really helpful and nice.  His part of the class was easier, but more boring than Prof. Williams'.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/533263","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:30:26.149426+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwNjE3NjA=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:533263","instructor_name":"Joseph Mason","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2004-12-17 20:32:55 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's kind of a funny guy and I prefer his PowerPoint presentations to the chalkboard notes of my previous geog prof.  If you stay awake in class and take good notes the tests aren't horrible.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/533263","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTk4MzMy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2025-01-24 16:34:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof was great and a very interesting lecture. He is nice and will understand accommodations. The four exams are lecture heavy but go to class and study the slides for a good grade. The discussion assignments are manageable. Overall he is a good guy and it is a cool course. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTc2MjA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2025-01-20 16:54:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"A great professor who always encourages students to ask questions. The course contains lots of material, but not necessarily hard. Study each ppt slide carefully and try to understand the content fully.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMzc4MTU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2024-12-19 05:45:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"Ken is a super super nice professor with an obvious passion for what he teaches. Lectures were typically dry, but he usually posted a recording after class. If you go to class and take good notes, you should be prepared for the exams (all 4 non-cumulative, taken in class, no final)","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMTM3Njk2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2024-12-06 18:05:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"Very likeable guy, but lectures were pretty boring. He basically reads off of the slides for every lecture, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but isn't super engaging. Grade is almost entirely based off of 4 non-cumulative exams (no final exam) that are all pretty easy and straight off of the lecture slides.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NzUyOTk5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2024-09-19 20:09:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Ken is a loveable dude, but he tends to read off slides. I found myself skipping a lot of lectures because they didn't feel worthwhile. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NjY1MjE4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-12-14 04:43:37 +0000 UTC","comment":"The class wasn't the most interesting but Professor Ken is a good prof. Makes jokes throughout lectures to keep it lighthearted. Class is easy as long as you do discussion assignments and study straight from the slides. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NTExOTY2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-12-04 23:08:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"Ken is such a nice and funny guy! Makes good dad jokes in class and is very supportive. His lectures were sometimes boring topics, but he made them interesting enough! Basically no homework, tests come straight from the lecture slides, which are uploaded. If you study the lectures, you'll do good.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDE5NzE0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-11-20 05:12:27 +0000 UTC","comment":"You can tell he cares about his students. His classes are lecture heavy; however, he tries his best to keep students entertained with stories and jokes. You can tell he loves what he does!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4NDExMTIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-11-17 07:24:58 +0000 UTC","comment":"readings short and to the point. Lectures are all-encompassing of exams and recorded. Prof very caring and responsive. Makes lecture enjoyable","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3OTQ0NzE2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-05-17 15:41:15 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Keefover-Ring is the sweetest. He tries really hard to make lectures interesting and accessible by explaining everything in detail and adding tons of examples. He's super helpful outside of class and always is available and wanting to help. This course was an interesting introduction to Earth Science and I would highly recommend!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3NDY4NDky","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-03-01 16:38:10 +0000 UTC","comment":"He was a really funny lecturer and was receptive to student feedback on his lectures. The class didn't have a ton of homework, it's good to read the textbook but you can get by without it if you really have to. Exams were curved up quite a lot.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM3MzYzNjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2023-01-21 20:22:29 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Keefover-Ring can be pretty funny if not a little awkward with his dad jokes at times, but it keeps lectures interesting, although just staying home and looking over the slides would be just fine in terms of test material. Always very friendly and passionate. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwMDM3MzM4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2018-05-09 11:43:17 +0000 UTC","comment":"To get an A in GEOG 120, go to every lecture and take thorough notes (the tests are based heavily off of lectures) and go to discussions. Really put in effort because only 18% of the kids got an A in fall 2017. Regarding Ken, he is extremely funny and is great at explaining the concepts.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:26:20.134454+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MzAyMzIz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2217868","instructor_name":"Ken Keefover-Ring","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2017-05-13 11:22:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Ken is great!! His lectures are fun and interesting and his tests speak exactly to his lectures.  Just study the lectures a few times and you'll be fine.  He is also funny, which makes class a lot more fun and his office hours are very chill.  The material is easy to understand and anyone with any science background will get an easy A. Take it!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2217868","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:07:43.473236+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIwNDQ2MTAx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1172354","instructor_name":"Samantha Greene","course_label":"GEOG120","course_id":"ENVIRST/GEOG 120","course_uid":"course_b850d5b4746311f8d8c00fa2","review_date":"2012-06-26 19:13:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Sam's lectures were very boring, but straight forward. The exams were extremely difficult and at times tricky; they were not a good test of one's knowledge of the material.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1172354","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0}]