Rory Smead is a Philosophy professor at Northeastern University rated 4.36/5 by 331 students, with 3.49/5 difficulty and 83.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Rory Smead professor reviews and ratings: 4.36/5 from 331 student reviews at Northeastern (83.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Professor's Smead gives really entertaining and engaging lectures. He obviously is very passionate about what he's teaching and it shows in his lectures. I will say that going to class is super important, most of the content is taught in-person and not on lecture slides. He also lets you re-do any homeworks until you get a 100% so easy to get an A.PHIL2001 2025-04-23 19:09:42 +0000 UTC
Super fun lectures! He does not take attendance but wants you to complete participation exercises (~80%) that you hand in at the end of class. Homework is optional but super helpful. Extra credit is a possibility at the end of the semester. Always available for office hours and outside of them by appointment. Would 100% recommend his classes!PHIL1115 2023-04-23 00:41:15 +0000 UTC
Warning: if you're taking intro to philosophy know that he changed the course this year. Previous years didn't even have tests and now the tests are so hard he awards you 5 points just for taking it. Nice guy and if you put the work in it's a fun class. But know that this is no longer an easy A. Also, better suited for a smaller class size.PHIL1111 2023-03-30 14:56:09 +0000 UTC
Second class I took with Professor Smead. He's great! No textbook, but lots of readings posted online. The readings can be dense, but they are always clarified in class. He's a fantastic lecturer. His classes are especially good for students who like to debate, as there are always in class discussions.HONR3310 2016-05-04 18:45:46 +0000 UTC
Easily the best professor I've had at Northeastern. Smead's enthusiasm and passion is infectious; his lectures are interesting and engaging. He's approachable and really cares about his students' success.PHIL1114 2015-02-26 13:25:29 +0000 UTC
I've heard a lot of great things about Smead, and I'm sure he's great for low level intro philosophy classes, but he really goes ham in more difficult classes. I took him for Ethics and Evolutionary Games and he neglected to explain anything at any point during the year. Very nice man, but unhelpful and an extremely picky grader.PHIL2001 2019-01-05 05:15:52 +0000 UTC
Smead is an incredible lecturer and an overall very nice guy. If you are struggling with the homework, go to his office hours and he will literally walk you through the entire thing. I definitely recommend taking his class (especially since there are no midterms and 50% of your grade is determined by the homework.)PHIL1115 2022-12-25 07:38:20 +0000 UTC
A very intellectual professor with great leadership, I will definitely take his class again. Text book is nothing comparing with his lecture, so don't skip class!PHIL1111 2014-12-13 15:02:58 +0000 UTC
I took his introduction to logic class. He is the best professor I have had so far at Northeastern. He is very approachable to students when asking questions. I went to his office hours when I didn't understand the homework and he guided me through it, but didn't just tell me the answers. He really helped me understand the concepts. Take Him!PHIL1115 2016-12-06 14:45:32 +0000 UTC
Amazing teacher! Very clear and straight to the point. Very willing to explain a concept when the class is confused. Very funny guy. You won't fall asleep in this class.PHIL1115 2014-11-20 18:14:21 +0000 UTC
He's an awesome dude. Definitely recommend this class.PHIL1115 2014-10-26 21:53:47 +0000 UTC
Awesome teacher! His explanations are very clear. He's approachable and will answer all questions - doesn't mind explaining things in a different way if you didn't understand the first time. His class was very interesting and I really enjoyed going. The homework was just enough- not too much or too little.PHIL1115 2012-11-11 15:13:24 +0000 UTC
Professor Smead is the man. I am a neuro major and I found Intro to Logic to not only be extremely relevant but possibly one of the best classes that I've taken at NEU. If you pay attention in class and participate then you will do well. He is very patient and able to explain things in several different ways. I would recommend this class to anyone.PHIL1115 2011-11-17 10:33:04 +0000 UTC
I took Intro To Logic. He was very helpful. He explains things in a way so they're easy to understand. He's very open to answering questions in class, and willing to go over concepts multiple times, for people who need help. I found him easy to learn from. I like his teaching attitude and his assignments are not overly difficult.PHIL1115 2011-11-15 19:57:10 +0000 UTC
Awesome teacher. Very easy tests. Easy A.PHIL1115 2011-10-14 14:33:55 +0000 UTC
Rory Smead has an average rating of 4.36/5 from 331 student reviews. 83.0% of students said they would take them again.
Rory Smead's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.49/5 based on student reviews.
Rory Smead has taught PHIL2001, PHIL4550, PHIL1115, PHIL4515, PHIL3360, PHIL4510, PHIL1162, PHIL4555, HONR1310, HONR3310, PHIL4500 at Northeastern.
Data updated July 2026.