This document discusses open-loop and closed-loop control systems using the example of controlling the speed of a DC motor. It summarizes the equations of motion for a DC motor with load torque and derives the transfer functions for the open-loop and closed-loop systems. It then compares the two systems in terms of disturbance rejection, sensitivity to parameter variations, and dynamic response. The closed-loop system provides better disturbance rejection and lower sensitivity, but feedback can potentially make the dynamic response worse if the controller is not designed properly. A proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is introduced as a simple and common controller design that can improve the closed-loop system response.