Dennis Cokely is a Sign Language professor at Northeastern University rated 3.2/5 by 21 students, with 3.7/5 difficulty (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Dennis Cokely professor reviews and ratings: 3.2/5 from 21 student reviews at Northeastern. TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
A small amount of information wrapped in progressive gobbledygook. Cokely is a pompous ass. Writing assignments are masturbatory exercises. Terrible, boring class.DEAF1500 2017-12-11 01:51:30 +0000 UTC
He's really clear when he talks about his views on deaf people, just don't go against them...at all... not even a little bit. he's really one sided with his class and won't accept other opinions different from his. he knows his material but he's extremely close minded and his tests are really really hard.DPIS1150 2010-12-14 19:30:59 +0000 UTC
FAVORITISM is his word. You love him or hate him...this is true because he either loves you or you don't exist (for no apparent reason). Should stick to research and stay out of the classroom. Teaches to a few and leaves the rest feeling put down and stuck because he is not only the head of the program but a big person in the field. Sad situation.ALLTERP 2010-11-09 02:22:45 +0000 UTC
Hated going to this class though it could be interesting. For the papers, just agree with his views and always discuss injustices against Deaf people. I barely looked at the textbooks and even pulled quotes from previous papers for other ones. Worst part is the 6 or so hours of history videos you have to watch in the library.ASL350 2009-02-26 23:58:05 +0000 UTC
Professor Cokely is a very tough teacher with somewhat bias opinions. It is almost impossible to get a grade above a C if you go against his opinion on a paper. You almost always have to agree with him in order to get a grade of an A or a B. He seemed very condescending towards his students and quite pompous. This class had a great and interestingASL123 2008-12-08 11:13:47 +0000 UTC
defenitely got me thinking - challenging, but does it in a way that gets through; havent had tests yest but so far this is great!!!ASL150 2007-09-06 21:34:01 +0000 UTC
It was a struggle to get up and go to this class. The class wasn't that bad, but there were numerous problems with it. First, the tests (especially essays) are difficult and he's a tough grader. I just found myself completely disinterested in this class by the end of the semester and he was a pain to get in touch with out of class. Avoid it.ASLU150 2006-12-21 14:22:58 +0000 UTC
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! It is so boring, nothing he talks about in class in on the very hard and annoying take home test. If this is filling a requirement, choose something else. You will regret taking it. He is really not too nice either.DEAFSOCI 2006-12-07 00:02:27 +0000 UTC
Nice guy.....thats about it. Lectures can be boring, but the worst part is the tests. All of his tests are take-home so you think it would be easy, its NOT. Mulitple choice are subjective and he tears appart essays. Tough grader, hard class to sit through, would NOT recommend.DPIS101 2006-11-10 01:30:42 +0000 UTC
Tough grader. Everything is so cut and dry and not even interesting to me, and Im in the Interpreting field. It doesnt feel like he put any effort into the class because he just followed pre-created slide shows. He also makes no time to be available for students, and if you do get in to see him, he stares down at you from his mighty high horse.DEAFINSOCIETY 2006-08-10 14:35:21 +0000 UTC
one of the worst classes ive taken with a professor who thoroughly enjoys the sound of his own voice, beware.DPIS 2005-12-22 15:26:03 +0000 UTC
Dennis is a brilliant person. Hes been very involved with the Deaf and Interpreting community since the beginning. Dennis however, does expect a certain quality of work from his students to walk in through his door. If you take his class... make sure taht you really want to become an interpreter and make sure someone reads over your papers.ALLTERPCLASS 2005-07-03 10:51:32 +0000 UTC
Cokely is the man! A great speaker and the subject was very interesting. Relatively tough grader but if you do the readings and draft your paper you'll be fine. Extremly kind and willing to help in any way possible. Very approachable and helpful. I kept the book to finish later cause its interestin.DEAFPEOPLEIN 2005-04-07 11:56:54 +0000 UTC
Interesting class. A lot of movie and guess talks during classes. However, the multiple choice quiz (take home) is not easy. you have to closely look at his readings (a lots!). For the essay, being honest, TOUGH GRADER! Extremely tough at grading. Dont take if you dont' want your GPA drop dramatically!DEAF1500 2013-02-28 16:07:14 +0000 UTC
I loved Dennis's classes. He is a hard grader when grading papers and tests. He knows what he is talking about and will try to help you understand. He is approachable and nice. He presents materials in a way that interesting. He can be hard to get a hold of in terms of appointments and emails however.ALLTERP 2007-11-08 14:47:00 +0000 UTC
Dennis Cokely has an average rating of 3.2/5 from 21 student reviews.
Dennis Cokely's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.7/5 based on student reviews.
Dennis Cokely has taught DEAF1500, DEAF2500, INTP1000, INTP4510, INTP4650, INTP3515, INTP3550, INTP4515, INTP4940, INTP4995, INTP3500, INTP3510 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.