Western Kentucky University / S / Edward Schoen
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
Essays: 29
Mandatory Final: 26
Cumulative Final: 2
Textbook Required: 18
Attendance Required: 26
29 Total Evaluations
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 4/6/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Hard class. I got my first B ever in it. And I tried really hard and always paid attention. There were only 3 tests. 2 in the middle worth 100 pts, and the final worth 200. If you mess up on one, you're screwed. But on the upside there is no busy work. The class was interesting and I enjoyed it, but Schoen is a really tough grader.
PHIL-120 : - Posted 10/15/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This guy is horrible! Do not take this class. He is a very boring man, who lectures constantly with no chance for input. He comes up with sick examples, like leaving babies in a cardboard box to die.
PHIL-120 : Intro - Posted 6/3/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Do not take this class!!! If you registered for it drop it. I made a B in the class, and I have never worked harder. You will have 3 tests. He will give you 5 ?'s and you will pick one and write 3-4 pages about it. The final is worth half of your grade. This man has no soul. He uses sick analogies, such as poking babies in the eyes with needles. If you are easily offended by religion you really should not take this class. This class will make you miserable!
PHIL-120 : Introduction To Philosophy - Posted 12/26/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Schoen has a strict schedule that he follows. On the syllabus is a list of topics discussed in a specific order for each day. And that is how he the class is set-up. However, the essay questions are sometimes difficult if you don't memorize each author's weaknesses/strengths. Also, don't take this class if you are wishing for more than a lecture course with very little to no discussion (except for on the 'discussion days').
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosphy - Posted 5/31/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class is crazy. The man comes up with these situations in his lectures that are so weird. He doesn't care what your opinion is and doesn't want you to voice it. He talks and thats it. I really didn't go to the review sessions or discussion days, so I don't know about them. The book he says is mandatory, but it is hard to understand is some places. As far as the notes, he doesn't give a whole bunch, but enough. Make sure you look back over your notes because if you mess up on just one test, you are screwed, because the only grades in that class come from 3 tests. I would recommend someone else, but this guy will do if he fits into you schedule
PHIL-120 : Intro Philosophy - Posted 12/26/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Tons of notes, alot to study for test. Test is one essay out of choice of 5 or 6 questions, difficult to know what to study.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Phil. - Posted 12/12/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really enjoyed this class. Schoen is alittle hard to follow at times but he is a great professor and knows what he is talking about. For each topic, he seems to take the viewpoint of the author being studied and lectures from that perspective. His tests require studying but they aren't too bad. There aren't any papers to do which is great. He is very understanding if a student has any problems, and if you are having a hard time, go in to see him, it helped me alot. I would definately recommend taking this class. (Freshmen could probably handle it but I think sophomores and juniors would do better)
PHIL- : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 1/11/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I liked this class. I think it's impossible to get an A, though. Before the first test, he said the only way to get an A is if he personally couldn't think of any significant way to make your paper better.. which is a bit of an unrealistic expectation. He never really let us know what he personally believed, just helped us understand what the people in the book were trying to convey. Oh, and I made a B and never read any of the things in the book. It's not really nessecary as long as you come to class.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 1/10/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class is not hard if you go to class and take notes. I could have made an A if I would have went to class more often. Dr. Schoen talks as if God is not real, so if you are a firm believer, this class may piss you off.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 12/14/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is not any easy course but Dr. Schoen makes some very good points in it. To be exposed to these ideas is great. You might hear some things you don't like sometimes, but he's only speaking from the point of view of the writer. This class is all lecture but you have to show up. Some of the writers are not in the book and the comparisions are from Schoen's own mind. This is a great class to attend if you'd like to be a little bit more enlightened. Show up to class, read the material before and/or after class and you'll do very well.
PHIL-120 : Intro Philosophy - Posted 11/4/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
This is the easiest course I have ever had. I didn't read and didn't take notes and still got an A. People get messed up in this class because they refuse to challenge their own beliefs and so they get confused.
Professor Schoen argues each point in the first person, so you never know what he believes, and every point comes to life if you just pay attention. The entire grade is four essays, but what I did was just listen until the review before the test and then write down the arguments of the philosophers we had read. He goes through everything in order right before the test, and if you listened before, then you'll remember the logic they had and can just rattle it off for the test.
He has a liberal attendance policy, you can miss three days, but there about ten "Discussion Days" throughout the semester that are also optional and can be missed in addition to these three. As well, he has a website that has additional information and his lecture notes. I never even looked at these, but some people might find them helpful.
If you're a whiny, ignorant person you will hate this class. Otherwise, open your mind and prepare to philosophize. This course almost made me change my second major to philosophy.
PHIL-320 : Philosophy Of Religion - Posted 8/21/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Schoen's Philosophy of Religion class was an excellent class and very well taught. Obviously, anyone who is not interested in the study of religion should not bother with the class as they would not find it enjoyable.
Dr. S teaches in a lecture format with an open invitation to ask questions. If no one asks questions, then he presumes everyone understands the subject matter. However, he is always happy to help when a question is asked.
When I took this class back in 2001, he had his notes posted online. The key to getting a good grade in his class is to simply parrot back everything he says to you. Reading and studying his outline of notes on his website is the key to getting a good grade.
Dr. S really enjoys Philosophy of Religion, and this class is highly recommended to all persons with the same interest.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 2/25/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Schoen might have meant well, but it was hard to tell some days. This class was all lecture, and the only enjoyable thing about it were the optional review days. Schoen comes off as confident in his philosophical views and knowledge, but when it comes to dealing with people of this century, he's not someone you'd consider to be 'people friendly'. Also, his lectures can become so involved, yet ridiculous, that you'll find yourself leaving the class more ignorant than when you came. My advice: unless you're really into philosophy and have a little background in it, take someone else. Oh, and reader's beware: NEVER forget what logical positivism is!!!!
PHIL- : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 1/12/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
You know, I spent the better part of my semester under Schoen despising the man's very existence. In retrospect, I realize the class wasn't really that brutal. I showed up, I slept through one out of every four lectures, and I still managed an A. This isn't a class to take if you're bad about absences, but if you can get to class and take decent notes, it's not too hard to bring home a decent grade.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 11/17/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Schoen's class is monotonous, and the attendance policy is extremely brutal. Other than that, three exams, the final counts as 50% of your grade, and some the subject matter tends to be a little... drab.
But if you can make it to class and you're any good at all with essays, you shouldn't have much trouble with this guy.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 11/4/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 11/3/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This man is PSYCHO! He seriously goes WAY too far with things when he is TRYING to explain them. He does know what he is talking about but he also expects you to know as much as he does by the test and be able to evaluate and criticize the arguments from the book. There are only 3 tests and you get to choose from 3-5 topics that are soo broad and you have to write a 10 page paper to get a C...he is very boring and I couldnt help but to doze off in his class because he is just weird! To get a good grade you have to think like him, read the book and be able to recite it word for word, and be able to stay awake during is boring lectures.
PHIL- : Elementary Logic - Posted 5/6/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was an exceedingly difficult class for me. I advise you to take it only if you thoroughly enjoy deep thinking and comprehensive understanding of life. But I do have to say that the tests are pretty predictable because you always get to pick one essay question to answer out of 4 or 5.
PHIL-120 : Intro To Philosophy - Posted 1/16/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I made my only C in college in this class. This guy was very over my head every single day. Of course Philosophy is going to be a little hard, but this class was ridiculous. You have something like 3 tests and he grades them hard. He expects everyone to write an essay as if you were Einstein or something. Very unreasonable grading. I was very disappointed when I found out I had a 79 overall in the class and he didn't give me a B. Don't Take This Class!
PHIL-101 : - Posted 12/8/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. Schoen knows his stuff. While his analogies may be a little on the strange side, his class is effective in getting material accross. He does not offer extra credit, but if you are borderline on a grade, he will bump you up to the next letter
PHIL- : Intro To Phil - Posted 4/26/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He really knows and loves what he is teaching but it is so much. On tests he requires that you know every single detail about the information to pass. It is impossible to make an A but it you do learn from the class overall
PHIL-120 : Intro - Posted 4/10/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
You have to go to class EVERYDAY! If you miss you not only fall behind very quick, but he also takes 10 pts off your final grade for every absence over two. If you go to class and pay attention, it's not an overly hard class. You just have to really know your material for the tests.
PHIL-120 : Intro - Posted 4/2/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was very difficult, but was worth the time and effort overall. Be aware that his grade comes entirely from grueling essay tests, but his class discussions are VERY insteresting and mind-expanding. Perhaps it's best not to take the course but to crash the class and listen just for entertainment
PHIL-120 : Introduction To Philosophy - Posted 1/22/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Classes consist mostly of lecture in which he kind of goes off into his own world and talks to himself, yet he is very knowledgble and interesting to listen to, especially if philosophy interest you. There are a total of 2 exams and and 1 final. Attendence on lecture days is required, points taken off after 3 unexcused. Textbook is not really needed, as the tests mainly come from the notes, but recommended for a better understanding. Homework only consists of reading the textbook and the only thing that counts towards your grade are the tests. Final is half your grade. If you are a good note taker, it will help you a lot. Tests are graded fairly, yet kind of hard to get an "a" on. One of my hardest 100 level classes to get an "a" in. Very good teacher and highly recommend.
PHIL-120 : intro to philosophy - Posted 10/25/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
dr. schoen is a very excellent philosophy teacher. he puts himself in the views that he teaches. he lectures a lot but they are entertaining and informative. the test are essay but extremely easy if you go on discussion days and review days, which are not required. i highly recommend him. he was one of my favorites.
PHIL-120 : Intro to Philosophy - Posted 3/28/2001
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Schoen is a very interesting teacher with very creative philosophies; however, some may offend you. Topics such as feminism, abortion, and religion are discussed. A lot of time is devoted to the unpopular opinion on these topics. This is the hardest class I've ever had at WKU. On each test, you will pick one essay question out of 4 or 5 options. That one question is the only thing you need to answer for your exam; however, there is no way of knowing what questions will be on the exam. Each of these one-question exams are worth 100 points, except the final which has 2 questions and is worth 200 points. There are only 400 points total in the class. You usually need 3 to 4 pages to answer an essay question. Despite all this, I highly recommend this class to anyone who is open-minded and wanting to learn about other opinions in the world.
PHIL-120 : Intro to phil. - Posted 1/18/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
You will have a good amount of notes if you want to do well, but he grades very easy. All test are essay, but he doesnt care about grammar, puncuation, or spelling as long as you get your point across.
PHIL-100 : philosophy - Posted 1/10/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Schoen is a very difficult and boring teacher. Philosophy is a subject that could be very interesting, but all information comes straight from the book. Instead of analyzing the topics, he analyzes the articles themselves: how the argument is set up and how the author shows their point of view. There's no class input, and it's all lecture, all the time. He even fields questions from class with a little bit of agitation for interrupting his lecture. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone.
PHIL-120 : Intro to Philosphy - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Very difficult class with only three tests and all essay...If you do bad on a test then you are in bad shape...Emphasis is on writing till your hand falls off.