Reviews of professor Tom O'Donnell

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
The chillest professor at the school. He makes intellectual statements followed by dad jokes. The class is all discussion on hot button topics, so prepare for some great conversations. Your papers aren't assigned often but even when they are, he cares more about what YOU have to say and not just copy and paste junk.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
One of the greatest teachers I've ever had. He's brilliant and passionate but completely down to earth. His classes are discussion driven and he allows students to write about what interests them so long as they can connect it to the topic at hand. Papers are easy but because you love what you're writing about. TAKE ALL OF HIS CLASSES!

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
Thomas (Skipper) was a phenomenal teacher for W&R II in class. Discussions were great. Be aware that he refuses to use Canvas or access the internet for whatever personal agenda, so when he says there is an essay due, write it down because he won't talk about it again. Online with him during the pandemic was a disaster and extremely unorganized.

Rating: 4.5/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
I had him for W&R II so definitely take this class if you do not want to write the 10 page paper the other classes have too.  Every class is based on discussions about prevalent topics where everyone can state their viewpoint.  Interesting guy.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
FAVORITE PROF. i had him for w&r II HN and the entire class was just discussions, the responses and papers aren't difficult and he gives really good feedback. he lets you write about what you want and also how you want to do it. in this class i shifted from hating writing to making it my double major.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Skipper (Tom's incredible nickname) was my favorite professor at Columbia for my first semester. His class is all about group debate and writing response papers. He really helped me hone my voice as a writer and though the work was certainly thought provoking, I never felt I was drowning. Skipper's hilarious, open, kind, and a huge softie. Love him

Rating: 4.5/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
I've learned more from discussions in O'Donnell's class than I have in most classes at Columbia. He is so intelligent and has knowledge on such a wide range of topics. He assigned papers every now and then but they are easy to write, on topics you'll actually want to write about. great class.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 1.0/5
A brillant man. Take any class of his. You will not regret it.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 2.0/5
Not a lot of writing involved, more so discussion based. He wanted to hear everyone's ideas and opinions so PARTICIPATE! No cellphones, other than that pretty easy going. He's super funny and easy to talk to. Only downside is he wasn't very accessible outside of class.