Francis Blessington is an English professor at Northeastern University rated 3.33/5 by 120 students, with 3.32/5 difficulty and 33.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Francis Blessington professor reviews and ratings: 3.33/5 from 120 student reviews at Northeastern (33.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Blessington was the worst professor I have had in my time at Northeastern. I took his class because I was interested in poetry and he basically destroyed any chance of me ever pursuing that interest again. He was extremely rude and never responded to emails. He made fun of students and faculty repeatedly and was incapable of using online resources.POETRY 2023-05-08 15:12:37 +0000 UTC
Course was called "Origins of Genres," and was part of a PhD program. I have no idea if attendance was mandatory because I wanted to go. I didn't mind putting work into it because I was there to learn and develop. He was thoroughly prepared, hugely literate and immensely interesting. One of the top profs I've had, and I've had some good ones.ENGL350 2023-04-18 16:53:42 +0000 UTC
I took Greek Tragedy so we were assigned mini reports for each play we read. It was fun, no pressure because of how short they were, and helped you dive into the material. Vague about what he wants from your assignments. He is more lecture based and he really knows what he's talking about, though sometimes class questions go right over his head.ENGL4000 2018-04-05 09:26:49 +0000 UTC
Best teacher I have ever had. I was at NU from 99-01, so it's been a while. I am now an Eng. teacher, and I can honestly say that interest started in his class. He is probably the smartest person I've ever met, but doesn't live in an ivory tower. He's spent summers farming and Spain and just seems to know everything about everything.AMER03 2011-06-22 19:14:04 +0000 UTC
Best professor I've yet come across. This man is a genius, and it's almost impossible to believe the extent of his knowledge of literature. He has translated Greek plays to English, is avid about Milton, can point you probably to any precise line in Homer or Virgil. Just the best, I want another class with this guy. Smart, funny, memorable for sureENGU335 2009-02-18 22:40:58 +0000 UTC
AMAZING! He has seen and done it all. His knowledge of literature is astounding. His lectures are clear and while he does veer away from the topic at times, his stories/antecdotes are witty and interesting.ENG1 2008-08-17 11:59:38 +0000 UTC
The readings were at times overwhelming, and much of the assignments I never finished. His lectures were amazing, however, and made the class worthwhile. The man really knows his stuff, and is HILARIOUS. There are too many Blessington quotes to count.. and too many aren't acceptable for younger readers to see! ;)ENG226 2006-12-20 00:13:26 +0000 UTC
Definitely intense reading, I would recommend keeping up with it. Other than that he is extremely knowledgable and impassioned about the subject.ENG211 2006-12-04 19:50:56 +0000 UTC
The reading is INTENSE. I'm an English major and I had difficulty keeping up. Pay attention to the readings in class - they WILL be on the midterm/final!!! But beside that, he is an incredibly intelligent guy and keeps a fairly uninteresting topic somewhat interesting.ENGU226 2006-10-23 23:49:03 +0000 UTC
Blessington is extremely intelligent. He makes a few jokes, and has some interesting things to talk about. He is a fairly tough grader but if you do the work you will do well.AMERICANNOVELS 2005-12-10 12:16:14 +0000 UTC
One of the best professors I've had in NU.BACKGROUNDS 2005-11-16 11:36:57 +0000 UTC
Blessington is the man. He knows his**** inside out and if you ask him a question on what you don't understand, he *will* clarify it and be direct. He's funny too, at random moments. Quite quirky and definitely the biggest character out of all my teachersMILTON 2005-09-06 20:41:14 +0000 UTC
very very smart man.ASIANLIT 2004-12-02 16:08:48 +0000 UTC
The best teacher I've had at Northeastern. There is usually a good amount of reading and lengthy lectures, but I've never known a teacher who gives as interesting and informative of lectures. Recommended more for English majors or those who really love Literature.BACKROUNDS 2004-11-15 12:52:13 +0000 UTC
A smart man...but doesn't know how to teach. His lectures are full of tangents, and he doesn't really explain text very well. He's nice enough, though, and every now and then makes a good point, but overall...I'd say you had to be really into the subject matter to put up with this class.BACKGRNDS 2004-10-22 17:50:40 +0000 UTC
Francis Blessington has an average rating of 3.33/5 from 120 student reviews. 33.0% of students said they would take them again.
Francis Blessington's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.32/5 based on student reviews.
Francis Blessington has taught ENGL2700, ENGL3378, ENGL3377, HONR3310, ENGL3618, ENGL4000, ENGL1700, ENGL2240, ENGL2260 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.