Jonathan Rick
Information | Review |
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Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 02/19/2025 |
I’ve been in touch with Professor Rick since I graduated last year, and he has been nothing but generous and enthusiastic, just as he was during class. Don’t mistake his high standards for pickiness or subjectivity. He makes his expectations clear from the get go, he spends time in class reviewing a “template” that tells you exactly how to earn an A on each assignment, and his syllabus is a model of clarity and specificity. I gained so much from his professional writing course that I apply the lessons on a regular basis. From “How your writing looks” to “GPS,” this course taught me not only how to write better but also how to be a professional. Thank you, Professor Rick! |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a C+ Anonymous 02/14/2025 |
Professor Rick is the reason I am where I am today. Not only was I a terrible writer in college, I also had no confidence. Professor Rick gave me the tools I needed to succeed. He inspired me to treat communication seriously and to embrace the power of a BLUF based email, a powerful headline, and a visually impactful PowerPoint presentation. Additionally, the time he spent with me to revise and perfect my cover letter and resume helped me land a job. I wish more professors were this dedicated. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 02/13/2025 |
If you enjoy a professor who spends more time inflating his own ego than actually teaching, Jonathan Rick is your guy. While the coursework itself is reasonable, the real challenge comes from enduring his constant need to make himself the center of attention. Instead of fostering a supportive learning environment, he thrives on making unnecessary jokes at students' expense, often ignoring the discomfort he creates. His attitude makes the class far more frustrating than it ever needs to be. If you’re looking for a professor who respects his students and keeps things professional, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B Anonymous 02/12/2025 |
Professor Jonathan Rick doesn’t just teach business writing — he makes it impossible to ignore how much it matters. His class feels less like school and more like a crash course in not embarrassing yourself in emails, job applications, and professional conversations. He has a way of making you realize that good writing isn’t just about grammar and punctuation — it’s about getting people to actually respond to you. You’ll leave his class with sharper skills, more confidence, and way fewer “just checking in” emails haunting your sent folder. If you want a professor who makes things click, and teaches skills you’ll use forever, take his class. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B Anonymous 02/07/2025 |
I took this class because my roommate recommended it. Thanks to Prof. Rick, I am a better writer and a clearer thinker. His classes are thought-provoking and move quickly, and he makes sure everyone participates. The markup he leaves on your papers shows that he reads everything you write, and he is quick in replying to emails. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 01/25/2025 |
TL;DR - If you can vibe with the guy, then take the class. Otherwise, just drop it Pros: - For the most part, the assignments are pretty short and don't take up too much of your time - Depending on your sense of humor, the class can be really enjoyable. I vibed with him, so I enjoyed the class - I definitely came out of the class as a better writer, not just in a professional setting, but as a whole. Cons: - His assignments have incredibly specific requirements, and he is very nitpicky. The smallest formatting issues will irk him and get you a bad grade. On the one hand, if you follow all of the formatting, you should be fine. But if you make even one small mistake, he'll get annoyed and give you a bad grade for that assignment. - Depending on you sense of humor, this class can be really unenjoyable. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 01/23/2025 |
Extremely rude. Wastes a lot of time during class talking about how cool he desperately wants you to think he is. He is a relatively hard grader but he is overall so rude and disrespectful that I avoided going to his class. You’d be better off with someone else. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 01/20/2025 |
Professor Rick is easily the most effective, most memorable professor I’ve ever had. He changed the way I think about writing, my confidence and my attitude toward communication and business. My new resume helped me get the internship I wanted. He makes learning fun and his lessons are practical and useful. I’m not a big talker but the fact that he required everyone to participate made me speak when I normally would have said nothing. He has high expectations but he tells you exactly what you need to do to get an A on every assignment. If you read the homework, follow instructions and turn things on time, you will not have any trouble. I wish more professors were this transparent and passionate. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 12/23/2024 |
Professor Rick was the best professor I had at UMD (I am a transfer student). He helped me become a better writer and understand why good writing is important. Take his class. It will help you in college and your career. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 12/13/2024 |
This class was painful at times. You will spend the majority of the class learning all about Professor Rick, and his opinions. I do believe he made good points about how to write a professional email, or how to create an attractive PowerPoint, but a lot of what he says is stuff I've been directly told not to do by other professors. He teaches the entire class from his viewpoint as a "ghostwriter" which he will tell you about every single class. If you want to be a freelance blogger like him, than this is a great class for you, but the stress this guy put me through was absolutely not worth it. While his assignments aren't super long, he is the hardest grading, most unforgiving professor I have ever had and I'm a senior. His feedback is 100% subjective, and if you do something like format a pass/fail document in a way he doesn't like he will fail you on it. He's also incredibly, shockingly rude. He WILL make fun of students to their face in front of the whole class, and routinely picks on his favorite victims. His favorite form of feedback is commenting "huh?" on assignments, which is the most frustrating thing I've ever seen. For someone who talks about themselves so much its also amazing how sensitive he is. I performed well in this class, but found dealing with professor Rick and his assignments to be a massive headache. Steer clear, or be ready to drop the class after the first meeting. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 10/30/2024 |
I am 7 years out of school and still think back to the Business Writing Course I took with Professor Rick. This class is essential for students to be prepared for the workforce. I still use the tools we learned and wish my colleagues had taken this class too! |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 10/02/2024 |
The professor that has most clearly impacted the way I think and write. Treats students with respect and is very up front with his expectations. If you pay attention and engage, then the work will be easy. But if it doesn't feel easy, he is very passionate and willing to help you understand anything you aren't currently getting. Makes long class times breeze by also. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Anonymous 08/28/2024 |
I don't understand the other comments. Either this course is horribly hard or quite easy. Maybe that contradiction is what a good class should be - hard for some, easy for others. In my opinion, Professor Rick is the best professor I had at UMD. He makes class time breeze through, he teaches you things that matter in work and life, and he cares about helping students. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 08/27/2024 |
If you come to class, pay attention, and put effort into your work (which should be a given) this will be one of the most beneficial classes you'll take. The assignment, slide decks, and material is all deliberate and well thought-out, and Professor Rick commonly asks for feedback on assignments and how to improve them. He also brings engagement and energy to every class! You will definitely dedicate some time but it is worth it. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Anonymous 08/26/2024 |
This class is quite easy and there is no busy work involved. That is the only positive note I can say. The professor on the other hand... is one of the most arrogant and egotistic professors I have ever met. Take for an easy A but if you can... save yourself the headache of interacting with him. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a C- Anonymous 08/26/2024 |
You do not want this guy as your professor. He is arrogant and rude. He loves to embarrass kids in the class especially ones who don't speak English as their first language or more awkward kids that seem to have anxiety/be on the spectrum. He grades very hard and is just very particular about most things. Most of his classes he talks about himself and tries to convince you he is amazing. While some of the class material is useful, he makes this class consume your life. You will spend way more hours on this class than you would like. Only sign up for this class with this guy if you don't want free time and are into being humiliated in front of peers. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 06/07/2024 |
He's eccentric. I really disliked the class at the beginning of the semester, because of how detail oriented and time consuming the assignments were, but over time you realize and get into the flow of things. I definitely spent more time on this class than any other FSPW class would have, but I think I also learned more because it's not busy work. Attendance is important and assignments are pass/fail or out of 100. He does allow revisions for assignments though and no technology is allowed during class except for assigned activities. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 03/11/2024 |
Professor Rick’s class is super engaging and informative. He’s very passionate and knowledgeable about writing and wants everyone to learn. There’s no busy work or textbook for the class. Overall, if you follow the instructions on assignments and don’t rush them, you’ll do well. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 09/14/2023 |
Professor Rick's ENGL394 course has been one of the most useful courses I've taken at UMD. He's 100% committed to helping students grow both professionally and personally. GREAT sense of humor, and what you learn in class you WILL apply to your real life. Professor Rick is very open to feedback and genuinely cares about his student's success. Show up to every class, ask questions, do the readings, and it's the easiest A you'll get. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 08/31/2023 |
Probably one of the best teachers I've ever had. My class period was long and late at night, however, Professor Rick never failed to keep the class's attention. He's funny, energetic, and genuinely cares about his students. You will learn so many skills that you actually use in the real world (how to send professional emails, present/create engaging slideshows, and create effective résumés). I don't think other professional writing courses offer what this class does. You'd be foolish not to go with Professor Rick. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 05/27/2023 |
Ignore the other reviews they’re fake. This class is up to you, if you want highly involved class participation and hard grading. The assignments aren’t bad and he does make class fly by, but compared to other ENGL394 courses, they have less coursework and much easier grading. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 05/21/2023 |
Attendance is mandatory, he reviews slide decks each class with a few exercises. Very particular - flexible with some things but unmoving with others. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 05/04/2023 |
His assignments aren't hard as long as you follow instructions. His classes are a lot of fun, and he makes it a point to constantly interact with students. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 04/25/2023 |
Professor Rick is easily one of the best professors at UMD. He openly admits that he is a stickler for details, but if you really try on the assignments that are only due once or every other week, it's not hard to get an A on every assignment. There's no busy work, the readings take 10 mins max to do, and the class itself is extremely engaging. He is a great speaker and does an awesome job at not making the 3 hour class feel so daunting. Professor Rick is extremely knowledgeable and makes the course content really stick. The class was honestly fun, there was never a dull moment and he is relatable! I got so much out of his class, he really wants you to do well and learn. An easy A if you take his feedback with a grain of salt, pay attention, and show genuine interest. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 01/11/2023 |
Great professor! His knowledge and enthusiasm for Business Writing is legitimately off the charts. He wants you to succeed as much as possible, as well. Though, his teaching style can strike you the wrong way (at first) if you're not ready for it. He constantly calls on random individuals to read/participate whether they want to or not. Personally, I did not find this to be a problem (as it's really not a big deal if you mess up). Though, this caught me off guard the first couple of lectures. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B Anonymous 10/24/2022 |
Professor Rick provides everything you need and more as a business writing professor. His interactive lectures teach you in depth tactics to create a resume, produce a proper email/memo, and enhance your overall writing ten fold in just a semester. He uses gives his students the same advice that he would give to his professional peers. The grading is extremely clear but tedious. If you pay attention to details it wont be a problem. |
Jonathan Rick
Anonymous 10/14/2022 |
Professor Rick’s class was by far the most helpful in preparing me for post college, professional life. His guidance on résumé writing, cover letters, and email etiquette stand out as things I will carry with me for years to come. Students must put in the work to succeed, but those who do will find a great professional connection moving forward. |
Jonathan Rick
Expecting an A Anonymous 10/13/2022 |
Professor Rick’s class was by far the most helpful in preparing me for post college, professional life. His guidance on résumé writing, cover letters, and email etiquette stand out as things I will carry with me for years to come. Students must put in the work to succeed, but those who do will find a great professional connection moving forward. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 02/02/2022 |
Professor Rick is an extremely entertaining and engaging professor. He made a 3 hour long 6-9pm English class bearable and interesting. This class is not a cakewalk however and professor rick has very clear expectations that are outlined in his assignment instructions. If you follow his instructions and take his feedback to heart and apply it to future assignments then you're golden. Every time I met with him after class he would outline each and every thing I did right and wrong and how to improve in a respectful and kind manner. Professor Rick also provides you with valuable writing skills that have helped me in all of my future classes and even with landing a job. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A- Anonymous 06/23/2021 |
This course makes you think and gives you a chance to learn real life job skills. This course from any other prof is useless and boring. He runs this course like a workshop which makes it more engaging and participation-based than a regular class. His bad reviews are from people who don't read his (detailed, and very clear) hw instructions. Sorry, in the real world, you need to read instructions, or you don't get paid. Want to goof off and get an easy A? Want to waste your time and not learn? Take a different course. |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Anonymous 06/14/2021 |
Professor Rick equips you with practical tools needed in the real world. He’s passionate & informative about what he teaches! |
Jonathan Rick
ENGL394 Expecting an A Anonymous 09/20/2020 |
I can’t believe I have to take him. My father saw us on zoom and heard a snippet of class, and was shocked and amused with how he stated subjective things as fact in such an arrogant manner. I feel like I will do well in his class, but he is an annoying teacher to have- not someone I would want to know in a personal or professional setting. And he does love talking about himself. |