Sam Bernstein is an English professor at Northeastern University rated 2.3/5 by 25 students, with 3.9/5 difficulty (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Sam Bernstein professor reviews and ratings: 2.3/5 from 25 student reviews at Northeastern. TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Don't take this class. He is close-minded and arrogant. He does not foster any sort of creativity throughout the class and only likes to interrogate people about their personal lives. He nit-picks about "compositional errors" and never tells you what they are. After this class, you will stop being creative and possible even hate writing.CREATIVEWRITING 2013-10-22 18:26:02 +0000 UTC
Grading is arbitrary. Obsessed with grammar and rarely comments on plot/style. Gave me an 83 and 85 on the first two stories. Then, an 88 on the 'rough draft' of the 3rd story, but a LOWER grade (B-/B) on the final draft after changing/improving on what he recommended. He told me I was "hard to grade" and asked for a 4th story. Ended up with an A-ENGL3378 2013-06-06 12:42:35 +0000 UTC
I have taken two classes with Bernstein so far and plan on taking a third next semester. He is one of the most intelligent men I have ever met in my entire life. He really pushed me to do amazing work and while sometimes can be a bit confusin and dull ...so can't every other class. I highly suggest taking a class with him, he will blow your mind.ENGL3600 2011-11-18 13:58:29 +0000 UTC
He is genuinely in love with and incredibly knowledgeable about his subject. He can be a little harsh at times but will give you a chance to voice your opinion and as long as you follow his rules and do the readings you will be fine.ENGL4673 2011-01-24 16:12:04 +0000 UTC
He's a nice man with unique taste, and he really wants to be helpful. He is VERY intelligent and full of helpful information. However, some of his eccentricities cloud his teaching. I have no idea how he graded my creative writing class, I'm just relieved that I did well. Most importantly, he is one of the last genuinely good men in the world.ENGL3372 2010-12-28 17:57:32 +0000 UTC
Here's my biggest issue with the professor: he runs the class in a condescending manner (as if it were a low-level high school creative writing class), but grades the creative writing assignments (yes, the creative pieces themselves) as if we're getting our MFAs in Creative Writing. Also points out grammar "errors" that aren't errors at all.ENG337 2010-03-22 10:01:39 +0000 UTC
Terrible professor. Thinks his opinion is the only one that matters, and no matter how hard you work at the class he always makes it seem like you're doing poorly. Save your time and effort: don't take creative writing with this professor.ENG372 2007-04-27 13:01:08 +0000 UTC
He made this class enjoyable by selecting a variety of plays and discussing them in class. He is very accomodating toward student concerns. He does grade a bit harshly but offers chances to improve and is a very nice guy.ENGDRAM 2007-04-16 12:54:20 +0000 UTC
This Professor has been one of my best, ever. He is very considerate and accomodating towards his students. Before I took this class I knew nothing about GB Shaw. Because of this Prof and the way he presented the material, Shaw is a new fave of mine. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the plays he chose for the sylabus. He is fair, thorough & kind.ENGU600SHAW 2006-04-08 01:44:34 +0000 UTC
He is a horrible teacher and condisending to students he feels are not fit for either the class or your intended major. DONT THINK ABOUT ASKING FOR HELP!!! He should be fired, I don't care how smart he thinks he is.SHAKESPEARE 2006-01-30 20:38:51 +0000 UTC
NEVER EVER EVER TAKE THIS COURSE OR ANY COURSES BY THIS HORRIBLE PROFESSOR EVER. He's a nightmare, save yourself the work, stress, boredom, and bad grade. Worst professor I've ever had at Northeastern.DRAMA 2005-10-25 11:34:16 +0000 UTC
No CommentsCREATIVEWRITIN 2005-09-23 11:34:11 +0000 UTC
He is an old-school style professor if ever there was one. It is very clear from not only his classes but the comments here that his teachings style is not what most are used to. His shakespearian comedy class was difficult, required lots of creative angleSHAKECOMEDIES 2005-09-08 18:20:54 +0000 UTC
WORST PROFESSOR EVER!! He would fall asleep while you were talking in class. Interupt anything you said as if what you think doesnt matter. I learned nothing in his class other than he wants so badly to just know everything about your personal life. He Asks way to many personal questions. DONT TAKE THIS CLASS! You will regret it if you do.CREATIVEWRITE 2005-08-02 17:05:54 +0000 UTC
This class was by far the worse class anyone could possibly take. Not only did he try to lower everyones grades when he thought a C+ was too high, but he was unclear and mind numbingly If you can spare yourself don't take this class!! I absolutly love read to read plays.. this class was the worstENG167 2005-04-30 21:00:51 +0000 UTC
Sam Bernstein has an average rating of 2.3/5 from 25 student reviews.
Sam Bernstein's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.9/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.