Pretty challenging course, but I loved it. I think that for as long as you keep up with your readings and attend lecture, you will be fine. Do not underestimate the exams, as they make up a huge part of your grade and are fairly difficult. Helps if you know a little about the Fourth and Fifth Amendment before taking this course.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Alan Rubel
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
I routinely forgot that this was supposed to be a class about ethics. For a class about the moral implications surrounding the use of data mining and algorithms he sure does love talking about legality. A lot of the readings are dense and long, but if you just get the jist of what they're saying and watch his online lectures, you should get an A.Rate My Professors ↗
His knowledge about law and related materials is really good and he does a great job of communicating that to students. He is really helpful and accessible outside of class. Overall he's a solid choice and I'd recommend you take a class with him.Rate My Professors ↗
Professor Rubel was by far the best professor I ever had. His lectures were super interesting and engaging and he strove to make sure everyone was engaged with and understanding of the material. Also he's just a super really approachable and clearly cares about your education. Plus 201 is an easy class that made me a better writer for sure.Rate My Professors ↗
Alan is obviously passionate about what he teaches which makes lectures that much more enjoyable. There is a lot of reading, but he does a good job at highlighting the most important ones that will be on the exams. The exams are a timed essay, but if you've done the readings or attended lecture you will do fine. Overall great professorRate My Professors ↗
The lectures are interesting, but there is no reason to attend unless you find them interesting. Your grade is based solely on papers and these weekly memos which require little to no effort. There is lots of reading which can be very dry at times. He is passionate though and is worth attending if you find it interesting.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with Alan Rubel
Directed Study
1–4 creditsLEGALST 699 is a directed study course in legal studies.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Research and Thesis
1–9 creditsLIS 990 provides dissertation credits for research and thesis work.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Independent Reading and Research
1–4 creditsLIS 999 is an independent reading and research course where students conduct concentrated work on a self-selected subject and submit a final product.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2022: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=1 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2025 · limited sampleRecorded teaching history
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | LEGALST 699 | Directed Study |
| Fall 2026 | LIS 990 | Research and Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | LIS 999 | Independent Reading and Research |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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