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.

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.

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.

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 professor

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.

LIS201 is an easy class that you can pass without doing a single reading. However, if you do all of the homework, you'll be extremely overwhelmed but get much more out of the class. All of the philosophical concepts will be taught in class and Professor Rubel excels at getting class participation. However, you'll fail to actually get a good grasp.

Rubel is clearly passionate about the materials and gives interesting lectures if you find the material interesting. The information in lectures is really not essential to writing the papers, which is what the class is graded on. I attend lecture only because I find it interesting, but it does not feel like attending helps your grade at all.

I loved Professor Rubel, and I'd love to take another class with him again. He is very passionate about the class and is clearly very knowledgeable. There were a good amount of readings but honestly as long as you listen during class, you don't have to read much. He also does take-home exams which are great.

Rubel is clearly passionate about law, and considering he was previously a law professor, this makes sense, however this does not translate well to an LIS class. He spent most of the semester discussing topics that wouldn't be on the final exam, and his lectures were too long to sit through without feeling sleepy. A good guy, just not for LIS201.

Alan's class was one of my favorites. He is passionate about the subject and engages the class in conversation. He knew everybody by name and was always eager for feedback. As long as you go to class and do the readings, you will do well.

Terribly boring lectures. Tests were impossible and we were not told what they would be on. The TAs had no idea what he was talking about in lecture and less less knowledgeable about the class than me. Class was also unorganized and to this day idk what was taught. Worst class ever, don't take it.

I actually could feel myself getter dumber throughout lectures. Probably a great lawyer, but as a teacher, he's terrible...I would rather watch paint dry or talk to my ex-girlfriend before I ever sit through another one of his lectures.

As a PHILOSOPHY and LAW major, his lectures and tests are worded very poorly. He speaks like he's reading an essay aloud (an essay with WAY too many appositives). He's very difficult to follow and often contradicts himself. However, it's an easy A class if you pay close attention in lecture. Read nothing - it will not help. TA's were easy graders!

He's a good professor in my opinion. Doing the readings aren't completely necessary, but it's a good idea to get the general idea of them. Bring your laptop to lecture, pay attention, and take good notes because it helps IMMENSELy on the exams. There's two essay exams and one essay and two other really short assignments.

The class can seem boring and repetitive but it's perfect because everything he talks about in class is what he asks about on exams! There were 2 exams, two 1-minute presentations and 1 research paper. I suggest talking to him about your research topic to see what he wants. If you go to class, the exams are easy!

He's a smart guy, and he knows what he is talking about. But lectures were slow and unorganized. I asked for help on one assignment, but he didn't really help at all. I didn't really think he was a nice guy either. The last time I talked to him, I walked away crying.

Great class and one of the best professors I've had at UW. I would definitely take another class from him.

cross listed. He is a smart lawyer a philosopher but does not belong in Information Studies. He knows nothing about libraries. Opinionated but not clear.

One of the BEST professors I've ever had. Laid back, knows what he's talking about, very accommodating and based on his attitude--loves what he does. That said, he teaches difficult but interesting stuff and so you have to put the time and effort in to get an A. Go to lecture, take notes and you'll get an A

alan is a great professor he is extremely accommodating not to mention brilliant. take any class you can with him

I love you prof!

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This class ****ing rules. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE please please take it with Alan the guy is bleeding brilliant-- AND cool.