Like any history class, details matter. Come to lecture and pay really close attention; the lecture slides aren't that informative and he throws in random iClicker questions. The reading isn't that much, you really only need a summary for section discussions. The midterm and final focus mostly on theater history, not plays; memorization will help.
He is one of my favorite lecturers and really keeps the class interested. The only complaint I have is regarding tests and essays. The instructions are vague and you really can't prepare for the final as he doesn't give the questions prior. Luckily it's interpretation, but still tricky
Honestly, this class was way more difficult than I thought it would be. Mandatory 8AM lecture, useless Powerpoint slides, and a ridiculous final made this class pretty hard. I didn't do any of the readings, but you should. Final was 10 random ID questions and two essays. Going into the final, study your notes, and just know one play really well.
This class was way more difficult than it should've been. The professor is a sweet guy, but his power points are mostly pictures, so you really have to listen to and write down everything that he says. Don't take this class if you aren't interested in theater or if you're just looking to fulfill GE requirements. No idea how I passed this class.
For an 8 am lecture, prof williams kept it interesting. His enthusiasm about theatre made it fun to go to lecture, and did a good job covering vast material. Doing readings isn't necessary, sparknotes does a good job, but know your history and chronology for the midterm/final.
He makes lectures very interesting. Reading the plays was absolutely useless for the midterm...it focused entirely on history. Lecture is mandatory for credit and be sure to take good notes because his powerpoint slides are basically all pictures.
Love the accent, makes lecture entertaining and go by quickly. Class is fairly basic: midterm, final (both in essay format), a long essay, a quiz on each book (assigned ahead of time during lecture, they count for a lot!), and going to section. The books are interesting, and he explains them well. Highly recommend
A nice, extremely entertaining proffessor. Can get a little long winded at times, as well as go off topic, but overall a joy to have learned from.
Simon is the smartest man I have ever met in my life! There's hardly a play he hasn't seen, and nowhere he hasn't seen them. He knows more about his field than any professor I've had. This class was great, but not easy, so come to lectures and READ THE PLAYS! He doesn't believe in midterms (he's a Brit =D), but prepare for the final!
I love this man. Going to class was actually interesting and he allowed for a lot of open class discussion time. And everything he says sounds so much cooler than a normal person because of his accent.
Simon is my HERO!!!! He is very into his material and is fun to watch lecture. He has the coolest accent in the entire world and he just generally rocks my socks.
Agree with the grandpa comment, except a bit more dignified because he's a Brit ;) Incredible knowledge of theatre and modern literature, well-organized presentations that are both engaging and relevant. Highly recommended.
looooove this prof. he reminds me of a nice grandpa telling a bedtime story when he lectures. the only lecturer i've ever been able to pay attention to, even w/minimal slides. love the books he chooses too
He's cool, love the accent!