Information Review
Oliver Gaycken
CINE245

Expecting an A
Anonymous
11/23/2024
His class is fairly interesting and the stuff he lectures on is pretty cool. He posts slides for the lectures (the exams are open note), but they are sparse in information and therefore are not enough if you are looking to them for answers. The exams can also get kind of specific at times to ensure that you have watched the films and attended lecture. The films are all classic Hollywood and while some are very captivating, it is easy to get behind on watching the movies, so try not to be too behind. I was honestly looking forward to watching "In the Mood for Love", but it seems he took it out of the course which was kind of sad. Our TA recommended we try to watch films through kanopy (accessible with a library card) as well. This is generally a pretty relaxed gened with minimal course work, so if you're interested in classical Hollywood films and such, this is for you.
Oliver Gaycken
CINE245

Anonymous
11/19/2024
No complaints. Nice guy, better lecturer. Would recommend.
Oliver Gaycken
ENGL143

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
07/21/2024
Easy professor and an easier class. Gradebook consists of a weekly discussion post (he drops like 2 or 3) and a paper (intro, rough draft, and final so 3 grades total). No real midterm and final (other than an optional survey for free points that you take at home). You are basically guaranteed atleast an A- on the final paper as long as you listen to the TA’s suggestions. Also, he is VERY understanding about late work especially for the paper! Just send him an email/explanation/heads up!
Oliver Gaycken
CINE245

Expecting an A
Anonymous
01/12/2024
This professor is awesome! He has so much insight and so much to share about cinematography. I can feel his passion through his teaching. I really enjoyed this intro class and am now thinking about minoring in film. Very understanding and pushed back a few due dates/dropped the final essay for us. Grades consist of discussion participation, a midterm, an essay, the final exam, and like one or two minor projects.
Oliver Gaycken
CINE245

Expecting an A
sundriedtomato
12/19/2023
Really knows his stuff, a lot of textbook reading assigned but you usually can just skim or get information from lecture, all you really have to do is at least watch the assigned movie every week, take some notes at lecture, and most definitely come to discussion (attendance/participation is graded but honestly I barely participated and got an A for it--this probably depends on your TA though). Also he often started class a few minutes late while people trailed in, and a major plus: the exams are open note. The essays were okay (one was 1-2 pages, the other was 3)--short but analytical. There's a fun group assignment where you make a short story using different kinds of camera shots, basically a short film in a series of photos. Overall: Not too much graded homework and open note exams (1 on paper, 1 online midterm, 1 online final)
Oliver Gaycken
ENGL143C

Expecting an A
Anonymous
12/06/2023
Best carillon class to take super laid-back professor who is super nice and is understanding. Class is always cut short and the grades come from once a week discussions which are easy and the other half from a project. Easy class.
Oliver Gaycken
ENGL143C

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
12/06/2023
I would highly recommend this course and specifically professor. He is very chill and cares about the students. Half of the time he would show up late and end the class early because he knows we have other classes which are more important. No exams the whole class is discussions and a semester long project which isn't hard at all. Overall I would recommend if looking for easy course.
Oliver Gaycken
FILM412

Expecting an A
Anonymous
11/02/2021
Took during Summer 2021. Learned a lot from his class and the work was very very manageable for summer schedules.
Oliver Gaycken
ENGL143

Expecting an A+
Anonymous
12/07/2020
Great professor! Professor Gaycken always asks us how we are doing especially because he understands that online learning is tough. He does assign readings and videos to watch but it is nothing you cannot handle. Almost every single class was a discussion. He is also very understanding that students have other classes to worry about as well.