Richard Katula is a Communication Studies professor at Northeastern University rated 3.6/5 by 18 students, with 3.2/5 difficulty and 100.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Richard Katula professor reviews and ratings: 3.6/5 from 18 student reviews at Northeastern (100.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Dr. Katula was awesome. Took him for Rhetorical Criticism. He was great. Midterm exam was fair. Prepares you very well. Always willing to help. Two papers were also required. You could combine the first paper with the second paper. If you are between grades and you show up and participate, he'll raise your grade.CMN410 2019-01-20 05:38:23 +0000 UTC
He talks the whole class period, so don't expect any participation. Lectures are generally very poorly structured and it can be hard to follow his thoughts which lead me to space out, even though I'm very interested in classics, philosophy and the history of rhetoric. Sometimes he spoke to students in a demeaning way, which was discouraging.COMM1310 2014-10-15 17:27:22 +0000 UTC
Love this guy!COMM1 2011-04-29 18:36:07 +0000 UTC
amazing professor!!CMN310 2007-04-03 20:30:58 +0000 UTC
Seriously awesome guy -- is def. not out of touch as a previous comment suggested...a classic academic. Class is interesting...sounds boring but he makes it fun...def. a good one for poli. sci. and sociology students as well. Will help you out as much as you want out of class - tests are okay. Overall great class!RHETTHEORY 2006-06-14 10:25:49 +0000 UTC
Professor Katula is one of the most intelligent Professors I've had at NU. he knows everything about his topics and he is genuinely passionate about what he teaches. It's not a class you should expect an automatic A in but you will learn a lot.CLASSICALRHETO 2005-04-05 11:03:12 +0000 UTC
Katula is a great guy- but he's very myopic about rhetoric. He loves the topic, loves his opinions etc. So... in your papers, give his opinions back to him in your own words and you'll do well. Not a super difficult class - just try to act awake and interested and it'll pass quickly.RHETCRIT 2005-02-19 12:59:22 +0000 UTC
He is brilliant in his field and loves the topics. However, he expects everyone will too. If you go talk to him he will be helpful. His tests are hard though. He wrote the book so if you read it you will get all the info you need.CLASSICALAGE 2005-01-12 10:42:44 +0000 UTC
i had him for classic and criticisim...loves the topic but out of touch w/teaching. If he doesnt bring his notes to class..he will prolly tell you the wrong info in his lectures..go by the book and u will be fine but he only gives 4 major grades for each class and curves the tests his own wierd wayCMN410AND310 2005-01-01 10:56:59 +0000 UTC
out of touchCLASSICRH 2004-04-14 21:08:52 +0000 UTC
No CommentsCLASSICAL 2004-04-14 13:32:43 +0000 UTC
Not the most interesting material, but he makes the class enjoyable. He's very helpful and extremely intelligent. Not too hard of a grader and he's just started teaching the class in a new way, so he's open and flexible. Midterm, Final exam, group oral report and 2 papers...not too much workCMN410 2005-11-30 13:12:40 +0000 UTC
I can not understand how he is getting good reviews. He created a really hostile classroom environment, and never opened up for discussion. He would criticize people's pronunciation IN FRON OF THE WHOLE CLASS in a really disrespectful and demeaning manner. I hated going to his classes.COMM1310 2014-04-15 01:22:02 +0000 UTC
The material itself isn't the easiest, nor the most interesting, but somehow Dr.Katula makes the class really enjoyable. He's so passionate about the subject that it really makes going to class worthwhile. I've already learned so much and it's only Oct. He definitely expects you to think critically and enjoy the material as much as he does though.CMN310 2005-10-12 13:49:41 +0000 UTC
Dr. K is truly a treat -- really funny guy, so helpful outside of class and just overall awesome! He's always looking to improve his courses - def not one of those lame duck type of professors!RHETTHEORY 2006-02-15 13:48:02 +0000 UTC
Richard Katula has an average rating of 3.6/5 from 18 student reviews. 100.0% of students said they would take them again.
Richard Katula's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.2/5 based on student reviews.
Richard Katula has taught COMM3414, COMM2100, COMM1310, COMM3331 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.