Western Kentucky University / T / Joseph L. Trafton
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
True/False: 10
Multiple Choice: 54
Matching: 35
Fill in the Blank: 10
Essays: 9
Problem Solving: 2
Mandatory Final: 51
Cumulative Final: 4
Textbook Required: 48
Extra Credit: 16
Attendance Required: 28
57 Total Evaluations
RELS-300 : Life Of Jesus - Posted 12/11/2017
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This course was a lot more difficult than it had to be.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 11/19/2013
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class can be very challenging if you do not take it seriously. However if you want to learn about the New Testament I HIGHLY recommend taking Trafton! If you attend class, listen to his lectures, take notes, and STUDY his handouts you will do fine in the class. YOU HAVE TO STUDY!! I promise though this class is so informative and interesting and Trafton is an awesome professor. You can tell he loves what he teaches and he has SO much knowledge of the New Testament. You will not regret taking this class or Trafton.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/26/2012
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is not a bad guy, however, if you don't learn well with a lecture style teaching, DO NOT TAKE HIM. It was by far the hardest class I've ever taken, and I've had some tough ones. It's an entry level class and he treats it like you're a divinity major. There is no reason for it to be that tough. Unless you're extremely good with memorization and can devote unreal amounts of time to studying, you might want to just take a music or art class for the gen ed requirements.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/22/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I have to say that Dr. Trafton is one of my favorite teachers I have ever had throughout my education. He knows so much about the Bible and presents the information in such an amazing way. I took a Tuesday/Thursday class, so the lectures were one hour and twenty minutes long, but it didn't feel like it! The class went by so fast because his lectures are that amazing. As to whether or not he's prejudiced against certain religions or denominations: he's not. Anyone who says he is, is just ignorant and close-minded. I grew up in a Baptist/Catholic home, and I never felt like he offended either one. As to his tests, they're definitely not murderous. You do indeed need to study, at least a few days in advance if you can. And he'll tell you this, but take it from someone who knows: memorize the study guide with the life settings and purposes, no matter what you do. That's you key to performing well on the test.He's probably one of the best professors at WKU, TAKE HIM!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/11/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is a great professor. He takes you back to the first century to understand how and why each book was written. It's important to go to class and take notes if you expect to do well on the exams. The exams consist of matching the correct book to the life settings. There are about 10-20 out of the 100 questions that come directly from class notes and the Metzger reading (bible translations). It is a very boring book but if you are familiar with the different versions you will do fine on the test. I highly recommend this class and professor.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/28/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I LOVED THIS CLASS!!!! Dr. Trafton is awesome. He is so funny and he really makes the New Testament come alive. He's probably one of my favorite professors at WKU right now. I plan on takiing more courses with him in the future. This class only has 4 tests, and theres no final. Just make sure you do exactly what he tells you for studying, and you'll be fine. I highly suggest you take him for this course whether you need it or not.
RELS-101 : New Testament - Posted 4/7/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I loved Dr. Trafton, he is very passionate and loves what he does. He makes the material easy to understand while some is very interesting. You must go to class and take a reasonable amount of notes but you have to do this in most college classes. If you keep up and study his handouts, notes and maps fairly well, you should pass this course but it is not easy nor hard either.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/16/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is the most caring professor I have ever had. My dad had a heart attack mid semester and I had to miss some classes and he was VERY considerate to letting me make up the test. The class can be boring but he tries to make it interesting. You HAVE to study for the test. Make sure you go to pass sessions. If you don't do good on the first test meet with him!! At the end of the semester he will play with your grades and give you the better grade.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/15/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I came into Dr. Trafton's class with an open mind, however, it was much more difficult than I expected. Attendance is mandatory; if you don't attend class I wouldn't bother even trying to do well on the exams. The PASS sessions are very helpful for the matching part of the exam, but the textbook that he required about the history of the translation of the bible was overkill. I NEVER got any of the questions on this section correct because the information he required us to know about it was so insignificant in the text that it was ridiculous. Other than this, the class itself was pretty interesting. My best advice is to attend class, attend the PASS sections, and read, read, read the textbook.
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 11/15/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton is my favorite professor so far at WKU. The way he teaches you just can't help but pay attention and really understand what he is saying. He does a really good job of being unbiased and he DEFINITELY knows what he's talking about. TAKE THIS CLASS. Even though there is a lot of reading, it is totally worth it. I am an expert at taking easy classes and finding the easy teachers, and this isn't a super easy class. But its totally worth taking. It isn't too hard and it's really useful information.
RELS- : Several Classes - Posted 5/18/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I have taken Dr. Trafton for three classes-- New Testament, Life of Jesus, and Life of Paul-- and he was also my primary advisor for my Honors thesis. His classes are hard, but very rewarding. His teaching style is a bit different; he likes to set up a commonly accepted view by theologians and scholars and then tear it apart. This can make taking notes a bit difficult at times. There is a big difference between his 100 level and 300 level courses. In NT, he told us exactly what to know for the test, but in the 300 level courses he expects you to be able to study everything on your own. He is a fair grader. If you have put ion the work, you are going to do fine in his classes, but if you have skipped a lot of class and not taken notes or done the reading, he is not scared to fail you. Dr. Trafton is one of my favorite professors and I found his classes very very rewarding. I would definitely recommend him as a professor.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/27/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Trafton is the bomb! He explodes with enthusiasm during class, but this is not a debating class, so don't debate here... You spend your class time taking notes, and studying them out of class. Go to the pass sessions if you can, they help out a LOT. Don't write down EVERYTHING he says, he goes into detail in his stories, so you don't need to know every bit. He gives you quotes, life-settings and purposes of each book in the Bible, and says "Is it Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John" on the test... The Bible is your textbook and he uses different translations for each class... We used the TNIV. Bring it to class. He does NOT give extra credit BUT if you have "sustained improvement" (meaning 1st test you get a 50, 2nd, a 60, 3rd a 70, etc.) then he will play with your grade @ the end of the semester! Meet with him though and let him know you're concerned! The course is difficult in a sense of you have to memorize quite a bit of information, and take a lot of notes. BUT Trafton makes it worth all the while!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 3/27/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton's New Testament class was my favorite class I have taken by far. It was difficult, but easy to study for with the PASS sessions. He lectures everyday in class and the final grade is made up of four tests, thats all. I would definitely recommend him for this class!
RELS- : Several - Posted 11/19/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is extremely smart and knows very much about what he teaches, however his grading methods and how he outlines his classes did not sit well with me. Any class you take from him will be extremely difficult and cause strain on your life. The amount of readings he requires and the knowledge he expects you to provide back to him will be on his level. I think he may also grade tests and papers a little bit based on length and how 'neat' they are. Whenever you turn in his tests, he writes the time on the back of it, im not sure why but probably to aid his grading process based on time. I feel like the negatives outweigh the positives for being enrolled in one of his classes and there are easier ways to obtain the information he would present.
HIST-100 : New Testemenys - Posted 5/13/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 11/11/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton was absolutely wonderful! He's hilarious, and he relates what could otherwise come off as dry, boring history in a fun and accessible way. His tests took some studying for, but as long as you keep up with reading, take good notes, and take his advice on studying, this isn't a class that will take up a ton of your time. I would definitely recommend taking this class!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/28/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is not a 100-level course that you can breeze your way through. Dr. Trafton posts info sheets about each of the books online that you need to know forwards and backwards that include themes and purposes, and you have to be able to pick those themes out in selected quotes on the tests. The only textbooks you have to have are a TNIV Bible and a translation book that you read certain portions to be tested on. You could probably get by without reading the text, but I don't think you can get an A. I've found the best way to study for his tests is by putting everything on those handouts on notecards and memorizing which book they go with. His personality is super fun -- he knows what he teaches and is very excited about it. Also, he's studied the Dead Sea Scrolls so he has a lot of insight to add. You will have to study and read to get a good grade in here, but if you do you'll be fine. THis has probably been my favorite college course thus far. Take Dr. Trafton!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/15/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
You must do the reading if you want to pass the class. That being said, Dr. Trafton is an amazing teacher. He makes the subject very interesting and his lectures are never boring.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 2/23/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
You have to study A LOT for this class. Great teacher, but ONLY take this class if you are extremely interested in the history of the Bible. Not theology or anything like that. Just the history, because that is all the class is. But Trafton is a great teacher and keeps it interesting! The PASS sessions really help a lot too!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I didn't do so well on my first two tests, but Dr. Trafton is an amazing teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and I think it was because he teaches it. He loves when students ask questions and get involved. He's also very funny, and makes the lectures interesting. If you are interested in this course, TAKE TRAFTON! It requires attendance to take the notes and studying to do well on the tests, but it's a great class.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/3/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was awesome. It was my favorite class here at western. He is very good and i learned a lot. The tests are fairly difficult but arent that bad if you study.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/25/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was pretty easy, all you have to do is memorize the sheets that he gives you before the test. The tests are matching quotes with books, it may sound hard but if you know the sheets that he gives you all you have to do is apply the thing that the sheets says to the quote. Ex. If the test is over the gospels and a quote is talking about Gentiles in Jesus' ministry it is from Luke. Trafton makes these tests so easy. Besides the class is great he is a good lecturer and very nice he is always willing to talk to you or meet with you.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/4/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I love Dr. Trafton, but this is not an easy class. You must attend class and study on your own. I recommend flash cards and attending Pass sessions. Do not take this if you are not willing to work. I studied hard and attended most pass sessions and still got a B.
RELS-300 : Life Of Jesus - Posted 11/15/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was one of my favorites. Dr. Trafton teaches it from an unbiased view point, and doesnt push his beliefs on to you. I learned much on the subject and the class is hard, but it's not impossible. The tests were all essay, but he does use other formats from what I hear. There's a big paper, but he will help you if you ask. Class isn't mandatory, but you have to go to keep up. Overall, this calss was very good, and I would recomend it to anyone.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 9/26/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class isn't easy...a lot of reading..understanding...memorizing, but Dr. Trafton makes it SO fun. If I had this class with anyone else I don't know how I would do it. He is SO great. He explains this so clearly and is available whenever needed. Highly Reccomended!!
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 8/23/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This class was a breath of fresh air: no more Sunday School answers and no more 21st century context placed on the the Bible. If you are interested in the New Testament, you owe it to yourself to take this class. There is a Christian bias to the class, but let's face it, we're all biased one way or another. Whether or not you agree with Trafton is up to you; however, each of his arguements are well thought out and logical. If you are a Christian, suck it up, and learn something about the book that you base your life on.
RELS-301 : Life Of Paul - Posted 7/21/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton, now a distinguished prof, is a well loved guy for good reason. He is always nice in and out of class and is fair. He is a good lecturer on Paul and knows much about this defender of the Gospel of Salvation from sins. Discussions are always engaging, though they can be over one's head. And the guy is full of suprises. However, Dr. Trafton does present some minor concepts rather strongly that I dont agree with. He also focuses too much time on ridiculous scholarly snipings rather than on the meat of Paul. However, he usually defeats these and is solid on basic Biblical teachings.
As for the class requirements, a journal to build up points, 3 tests that aren't too bad, and a somewhat difficult book review (he grades writings pretty hard.). No real EC but sometimes a chance to make up points on tests. Attendance is not part of the official grade but he may take off points for bad attendance. It can be decent for an elective; however, it is generally good to make sure plenty of people are in the class or he'll make the class harder.
I've taken 3 classes with this teacher; it will be kinda sad if I've taken my last. He is a prof that you can grow to love.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/7/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
All I have to say is, this class is for college.. if a professor wants to drop someones grade for attendance when they do perfect on the tests without even having to come... he should go teach high school.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/4/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is one of the best classes I have ever taken, and Dr. Trafton has to be one of Western's most respected and well-liked professors. The material isn't a cakewalk; just because you've gone to Sunday School your whole life does not guarentee an A or that you will not have to study- I can testify to this.
The four tests are not based on content necessarily, but more on life-settings, purposes and the authors. There are obviously some content questions, but not typical "Who was the mother of Jesus?"- type questions. The hardest part of the test is definitely the quotes section, which you have to identify 15-25 quotes to their respective book. Your grade for the course is based simply on the four tests... so basically, one can kill you... so study.
Dr. Trafton presents all this material in a way in which you actually WANT to pay to attention... its presented in a non-biased manner. It's obvious that he believes what he is teaching, but do not mistake it for preaching... in no way does he try to force his views on you. He is a great professor who is enthusiastic about what he teaches and cares for the students.
In short- GREAT CLASS
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/3/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
What can I say? Dr. Trafton is the most intense professor I have ever encountered. He is a great guy and extremely smart. However, if you do not have the slightest interest in the Bible you better not take this class. If you want to make an A you MUST read each book THREE times. Once before the discussion, once after the discussion, and once before the test. There is also another book about the Bible translations throughout history. This book was quite interesting. Dr. Trafton's style is great and you will learn a lot. I would definitely recommend taking Dr. Trafton for this class.
P.S. All the bad evaluations are Libel and should be deleted.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/28/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton is an excellent professor and definitely enjoys teaching the course. He knows a WHOLE lot about the subject and answers pretty much every question asked. I tend to call his lectures sermons not because he is preaching but because he is so passionate about this subject. He is very good at making important points. This course has a P.A.S.S session to complement it, and I highly suggest going to as many of these as possible as it helped me tremendously. If you've ever wondered what the books of the New Testament were all about, take this class, you will have them memorized at the end of the semester. The tests are 100 questions of all multiple choice. They get harder as the course goes on. You have to memorize a map for the first 3 tests, but this is easy. The fourth and final test which is not really a final does not have the map. The first test covers 4 books and some lecture. The second covers 5 books and some lecture. The third test is over NINE books. The fourth test is over NINE books as well. READ YOUR BIBLE!! This helps also. He makes you read another book about Bible Translations, and this is BORING!! But you must read it as several questions are on the tests about it. The only thing some people may not like about this course is the fact that Dr. Trafton takes a historical view and how the books applied to the first century and not what they mean to us 2000 years later. I HIGHLY recommend taking this course with Dr. Trafton. He is great.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/13/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton is, I am positive, the best teacher I have ever had. Though studying for the course and being prepared for class is neccessary to do well, the learning environment is relaxed and supportive. He also grades on effort and attendance, he is a good guy and if he knows you are trying he will help you out a little on your grade. There are also PASS sessions every week that help out a LOT. He is such a character, I mostly attend class because of its entertainment value!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/9/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
During my time in college, I learned more from this one class that I did any other class. Yes the tests are hard, but its worth it. The day before the test there is ususally a study session in which you will be fully prepared for the test. I fully recommend this class especially with Dr. Trafton.
RELS-300 : Life Of Jesus - Posted 1/10/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton will give you a mixed bag but It is a tough class to teach. Dr. Trafton will give you his opinions, and often they are right on. However, he also can throw in some ideas that are not exactly right. The first part of the class is a little rough because it includes a lot of misguided scholarly work that is tedious to learn. There is also a book in the class this time that is trash to try to review. I muddled through it the best I could. But it got better.
He is a tough grader on writings; I made below what I thought I would. Still, other assignments will bring that up. Many do well on at least some of the tests. The tests actually brought my grade up. The class I took was easier than usual because there was an overflow of students. Normally there are more writings; so be advised. I made an A with a 90.8. I did not buy all the books; this might be a partial explanation.
Dr. Trafton is a member of the Chrstian group of WKU profs and his beliefs do shine. He is a very nice and friendly man that will help you out and will just chat with you. He is also an excellent teacher who will hold your attention. Most attend just to hear him, even though it is less required than in many other classes. Gotta love him.
Caution on taking his Revelation class: his views are a bit extreme.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 12/16/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton is one of the finest professors at WKU. However, the class is taught more like a 200 or higher level. It is most certainly not a 100 level class. His tests are very picky and the extra reading can make or break you. However, if you go to ALL the PASS sessions and pay attention in class (I did neither of those things) an A should be almost gurranteed. I just slacked off in this class, and know that an A is very acheivable for anyone. Just be aware of the tests! They are tough no matter how much you study! But don't hesitate to take NT, Trafton is the one of the most caring, kind, and knowledgable educators we have- take advantage of it!
RELS-100 : The New Testament - Posted 12/15/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is not a gimme course. Expect to earn the grade that you get. Dr. Trafton is a wonderful, understanding instructor with lots of knowledge to share. But beware there are only 4 exams and each one can be lethal to your grade!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 11/12/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is a very excellent teacher but the class is hard. It is good though. Take him if you have to take this class! He's intersting and funny!
RELS- : Several Classes - Posted 11/7/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I have been in college for several semesters now and I can honestly say that Dr. Trafton is the best teacher I have ever had. His teaching style is great, and lets you come up with your own conclusion. He doesn't push his own religious beliefs on you and teaches in a very objective way. He is a great guy outside of class and will help you out if you ask for it. Don't listen to the negative evals. They don't even make sense and I've had him for several classes. Take him!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/7/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He's a great teacher and really knows his information. He also pushes the PASS tutorial program which is a real help.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 1/12/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Very good class to attend if you are interested in the New Testament. Trafton is an excellent instructor with great knowledge. He really knows his stuff!
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 12/13/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is a wonderful teacher who cares about his students. I made a D b/c it's a lot of material to cover and at times hard to understand. Dr. Trafton keeps his students' attention at all times and is a great speaker. Even though I didn't make a great grade I would recommend him to anyone b/c he is one of the few professors left that is compassionate about teaching and his students-No matter what your grades turn out to be.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 11/8/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
If you love Jesus, take him.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 10/31/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is the best class I have ever had and Dr. Trafton is the best teacher I have ever had. He is extremely intellegent and very passionate about what he teaches. He put the New Testament in a whole new perspective from how I've always been raised to see it. I learned so much that I never knew before. Sometimes he may say things that are different from what you are taught in church, but he is very good at not offending anyone. He has tons of logical arguements to back up all of the things he says in class. He has a lot of energy, and he really gets into the lectures. Take good notes, memorize the maps and make flashcards and you should do fine on the tests. TAKE THIS CLASS! IT'S ONE YOU'LL ACTUALLY WANT TO GO TO.
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 10/30/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Dr. Trafton really knows his stuff. He is very interesting and a likeable guy. His tests, however, are very confusing and difficult. They are each 100 questions. I really learned a lot in his class, but did not fare so well on the exams. The key is reading ahead. I really did not put that much effort into this class and squeezed by with a "B".
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/7/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Ok..I have a lot to say about this course or rather this particular teacher. Dr. Trafton's class was very interesting to say the least. However, I was put off the very first day after taking a page of notes to later find out it was just a joke and none of the notes were factual. The course is strictly memorization. There is a handout for each test. It must be extensively memorized. It counts for a majority of the test. Another majority of the test is knowing the quotes from the particular books of the Bible. The first test is the worst because all of the quotes are very similar. The quotes were always the worst part for me. The first 3 tests also contain a map you must have completly memorized. Each test takes a lot of studying. Before each test you may turn in a 3 point extra credit paper. As other evaluations have stated, he almost preaches rather than teaches. The class is designed to make you doubt your faith or Christianity. I find this appalling. If you are looking to study the Bible more extensively like your used to in church, you will be in for a big disappointment. Trafton tells you only his views. He is often very vague when asked a question from a student. I would highly recommend going to Pass sessions if they are offered when you take the class, they helped my grade dramatically. I have to admit, he is very interesting to listen to and I would hate to have missed a class. My advice is just not read too much into what he tells you, but to be open minded. Memorize quotes and the handout and dont let his teaching make you doubt what you have been taught all of your life.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/7/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton is an outstanding professor. I have learned more in this class than in anyother class I have ever taken part in. His teaching methods are extremely challenging yet effective. One should hope that a teacher such as Dr. Trafton should never retire so that future students can absorb as much knowledge as his previous ones.`
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/6/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Great class!! Dr. Trafton's objectivity in teaching a subject that could be controversial is admirable. His class was the highlight of my week.â‰
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 5/3/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
best course i've had. terrific teacher. objective. whole new approach to reading the NT. makes sense.�
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 3/29/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is a really good teacher, but his class is VERY tough. Don't think that because it is a 100 level class that is will be an easy A. I was in several 200 and 300 level classes last semester but this was by far my hardest class. I had to start studying a week before every test in order to get an A.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 2/5/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
It is apparent that Dr. Trafton is well educated in his field of study. However, I found his stye was not teaching, but preaching. The lectures were biased to his views on religion, and therefore, so were his tests. Rarely did he question the text or present a neutral view of the material.
His test were mostly memorization. In fact, there was no interpreting or analyzation that might conclude a student really understood the material. The tests were constructed in a way in which one could very easily confuse one book of the new testament with another. I was sorely disappointed in this course. I thought I would learn more: I hoped I would learn more. You could not pay me to take another class under Trafton. And in case you question my authority in criticizing Trafton--both my parents are teachers, and his class is responsible for only B in college.
biased teachers=bad classes
RELS- : New Testament - Posted 12/16/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is an okay guy, but I really didn't get much from this course. And the tests are SO difficult!! Seems more like a 300 class. I would only reccommend this class if you are truly interested in learning about the bible and are VERY VERY studious!
RELS-401 : Seminar -- Revelation - Posted 12/11/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is not your typical Sunday School study of Revelation. However, it is an in-depth study of the 1st century applications of the book to the Seven Asian Churches. The course looks at the unity of the story world John creates in the book. The biggest assignment is the Exegesis Paper that is 10 to 20 pages in length. This course lives up to its 400 level. Dr. Trafton is a wonderful professor and a true scholar on this subject. As a seminar, this class is based on a lot of discussion so be prepared to let your opinions be heard. An excellent professor and an excellent class.
RELS- : �New Testament - Posted 8/21/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is obsessed with himself and his own views of the New Testament. He has his following of students who worship every idea his twisted mind comes up with. He has a big ego and is a poor teacher. No one who sat around me liked his teaching style and neither did I.�
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 3/7/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Trafton makes learning the New Testament a wonderful experience. The class is taught from a historical perspective so you not only learn the biblical truth from the writers, but also the importance of the context in which it was written. The first test is always the hardest, but then you understand what he wants you to know. All the information is in the handouts he gives you. A wonderful class!!!
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 9/14/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Trafton is an excellent professor. He is excited about teaching and always makes class interesting. The tests are really hard, but they're mostly memorization.
RELS-100 : new testament - Posted 9/12/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr Trafton is excellent. His interesting style made me want to get up every morning to go to his class.
RELS-100 : New Testament - Posted 4/14/2000
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Very nice man, but very difficult course. Tons of notes, and each test is like a final. Lots of work for a 100 level course.