very nice, very interesting class, she makes you want to listen to her in class.

Best teacher at smc, recommend for all phi students!

Explains things very well. Well organized. Nice person, besides.

Very knowledgeable. Very fair/objective. Well prepared. Available for discussion outside of class. Genuinely invested. Superior quality for a community college. Highly recommended for a good educational experience but not for an easy A.

Very smart woman...if you are a philosophy major you have to take her! By far one of the best instructers @ SMC. Unlike any other philosophy or social sciences class, she does most of the talking, not so much of a discussion course. Difficult assignment.

difficult but rewarding

easily one of the harder classes at SMC. but she does a great job teaching it. LOTS of reading and assignments could seem hard if you're not committed enough.

A really great teacher. (What is she doing at SMC?!) Smart, objective, fair. Not a lot of class discussion, but my experience has been that class discussions at SMC are a waste of time and an emberassment. I can't say enough good about Christine!

she is very hard. so if you don't love philosphy or are not up for the challenge then do not take her. If you love philosophy then you might enjoy her, other wise this is not a class to take to just fill units.

Prof. Holmgren is one of the brightest teachers I have ever come across at SMC. She is knowledgeable beyond belief,and incredibly articulate and thoughtful. Any negative feedback is only because these students couldn't keep up. Welcome to college, kids!

She aint easy, but she's fair, and will take all kinds of time to help. She knows her stuff too. If you really want to learn something, take her class, if not, don't waste your time.

Very interesting class, requires some work and some reading but her exams are pretty easy she grades fairly, 2 projects that require a lot of time but easy. Recommned this class to anybody interested in philosophy

she is pretty good and understanding.

excellent prof; requires a lot of reading and a decent amount of work, but very informative and interesting; has an ability to explain even the most complex ideas in very clear terms

There is no homework, but 2 difficult tests, and two papers that run about 20-30 pages which might turn you off. However, she is very intelligent and if you are looking to get something from philosophy she is the teacher for you.

If you want to better understand the world you live in as well as listen to some of the greatest theories ever in a comprehensible manner, then TAKE ANY ONE OF HER CLASSES!!!

excellent professor, anyone complaining about her is just a poor student who doesn't belong in one of her challenging classes, a lot of work but definitely worth it if you are interested in philosophy

HARD PAPERS, a 10pg paper and a 20pg paper. Both papers are sooo stupid, one deals with a boat race another with a time machine. Good teacher, bad assignments.

Prof. H is excellent. Her class changed the way I think about religion. She gives challenging assignments, but they are fair. Clear, precise fair lectures. She is very accessible for help. She grades generously. I highly recommend Prof. H and this class.

Excellent teacher explains the most difficult concepts in clear words. I taken Philos 3, 22 with her and going to take Philos 6 in spring. If you are interested in philosophy you must take her, there is a large quantity of reading and writing though. A must take teacher if you want to learn.

Great class. One of my best taken at SMC. Highly intelligent and knows a great deal about her subject. Not bad looking for an older broad either. Alot of reading and her teaching style is better suited to a large lecture hall. Not very interactive. readily available for help though.

Interesting. Very nice lady. Brilliant! Must READ a lot or your in trouble. 2 research papers (VERY HARD!) she's an easy grader though. 2 tests, 1st Essay Questions (semi hard), 2nd she gives you all the questions (hard). Everything is from the book! Lechtures kinda helpful, but repetitive.

She's very good

I am quite happy with this professor: she is clear, organized, thorough, helpful, and _not easy_. No pain, no gain. If you like philosophy and don't expect to learn by osmosis, she's great. If you're looking for a free ride, go read The DaVinci Code and pretend. (:

One of the best professors I have ever taken (easily the most intelligent, kindest, knowledgable, welcoming and sexiest). Don't get me wrong, this class will kick your ass if you are unprepared, but if you are willing to take on a big challenge, this class and professor are for you!Very rewarding :)

She is NOT hot, but ok (she has to be 45-55!) As said previously this class is very HARD. No easy A... But if you like challenges, this class is extremelly rewarding, and she is a great teacher that will open your eyes on a lot of thing... Glad i took her, even though i got a (lucky) B :)

She's not hot, but her class is extremely difficult. The lectures are boring, and her packet of articles to read are extremely long and boring as well. She is very helpful if you go in to see her during office hours, but it's still difficult.

Mrs.Holmgren knows her philosophy inside out. Although this is suppose to be "intro" course, it is kind of all over the place. She is an Excellent teacher! 2 big papers, 2 big exams, thats all, and she gives you lots of time to work on'em. she is very helpful if you see her in office. very sexy!!

Extremely hot and sexy! Very intelligent and resourceful. Cuts to the chase with two big papers and two exams. Highly recommended. Definitely not for the slacker.

She was one of the most intelligent women I have come across-- I only wish I had found out about her sooner, so that I could have taken more philosophy classes with her! This is not a class for slackers, but if philosophy is something you love, she's a wonderful person to bring it out in you. HIGHLY recommend her!

Although she is a bit all over the place, Christine knows her stuff from every angle. If you are looking for discussion and debate on the topics, you'll be disappointed, it's note taking and listening. I thought both classes were completely worthwhile and i'm so glad i took them, extremely interesting content. I ended up with A's.

she's very knowledgable, she's always willing to help. but she assigns a few large papers throughout semseter, she is very intricate and wants ALL detail to be mentioned. Her lectures are repeitious and annoying. i thought philo 3 would b a walk in the park... but she sure put me in my place! if you're looking for an easy A, don't take her class.

No Comments

She just wants you to think! If you have no interest in learning, don't take her. If you want to just argue-don't take her. But she if you love Philosophy or want to learn, she is the best teacher ever. She is not easy-you need to do a lot of work. She VERY fair, and she is VERY available for help. VERY easy on the eyes too.

Had her for two classes (Phil of Religion and Early Phil). Definitely knows her stuff. If you take the time to meet up with her with problems, she's big help. Clarity is only there if you focus on the lecture, which is one of the reasons her classes are difficult. Doesn't mess about, so be focused on the assignments and tests, or you'll write nasty things about her. Always covered in chalk. Not extremely hot, but she hides it well; she's got one hell of a rack.

this may be the most boring class I have ever taken. I have a hard time staying awake and I am not normally like that. You sit and listen to her talk the whole time and she is all over the place

She is one of the best teachers I've ever had. There's a lot of work involved in her classes, but if you like Philosophy it shouldn't be a problem. I have to say though, if you don't like Philosophy then Christine isn't for you! She's definitely geared toward people who already love the subject.

She was one of the best professors I've ever had. She's extremely intelligent and passionate about her subject. Explains things very well, very thought provoking. Very available if you need any help. Her assignments take a long time but they are worthwhile and really help you understand the subject.

she's intelligent and passionate. however, the one negative thing i can say about this class is she doesn't allow for any students to engage in debate/opinions/questions. she pretty much just talks to the whole time. student interaction would help!

Only 4 assignments each adding up to 25% of your grade and on top of that, 20 pts of extra credit. Extremely helpful as long as you seek out her help.

Great teacher.

Christine is very very helpful in the pursuit of truth. She knows the value of the truth and the important role philosophy plays. Plato's Cave- truth from false. This shows how some people live in the shadows, content with those lies while others step out of the cave. She understands how important telling the truth is and how unfair deception is.

Knows her stuff. Will help if you ask for it.

Lots of information in pleasant and organized presentable doses. This instructor is thorough and gives a lot of direction. Philosophy can too often be about "rhethoric" when reflecting/learning/examining the past, especially EARLY EARLY Greek times, but Holmgren manages to keep her classes tension-free. Inspiring class and a wonderful instructor!!!

Christine is very helpful and kind. Her students all ought to ask about the pursuit of truth and if lies and covering for anothers violent actions supports and endorses violence? Such as when power is used to support injustice and harm others. In addition, why do some in power get away with lying? That causes violence.

No Comments

If you take this class, expect a lot of reading, I mean a lot! Usually in class we had no time for Q's because her lectures ran until the end. she lectures every class. She is helpful and will answer all Qs during her office hours. I advise that you keep up your attendence and reading.

No Comments

She is very nice,but the amount of work she gave us was LITERALLY for grad students.2 very hard take home assignments,11 essay questions we were supposed to know(2 of them picked in class),7 essay ? on the final and 70 multiple choice for hour and 1/2.She is very detailed oriented and also extremely picky!Take her if you are a Philosophy student.

The class was so hard!! There was so much reading to do, I couldn't keep up. She also talks during the whole class time which made me kinda bored at times...But she's very smart and it was somehow interesting.

Christine, is an amazing Professor. Truth is always in question..thus are we brave enough to embrace it? Her classes are not graduate level, not at all, I guess if one thinks that they have never had a grad class! Plato sought truth are we who profess it, living the principles? Divine.

I took her for philosophy of religion.I got a B and was very enlightened by her. She amazingly knows everything about this class from memory. The class was extremely difficult for me, but you get out of it what you put in. She is a great professor and willing to help. I definitely recommend going to her office hours and doing all the reading!

The magic stone tells all. The Universe provides the connection remains. We danced...Christine can dance. Beyond the walls Plato knew all that existed. Love, plato knew well. Did we? The secrets unfold. Some things remain. The magic stone, the silver, the song.

Hands down the best professor I have ever had! However, she is not for the faint of heart. If you are seeking wisdom, then she is for you. If you are a whiny weak-minded person, then take someone else.

Not easy, but fabulous. Exactly as expected.

She expects you too eath, breath, sleep, philosophy. SO unless your life revolves around philosophy don't take this class. She expects you to read three full textbooks. I mean I took this for fun, but damn, I've quickly learned its not. She talks the entire time whichh will put you to sleep, so remember RED BULL, and doesn't let anyone participate.

Holy Moly - 3 full textbooks! She has been more than helpful to me, and I owe her a lot. Granted, no time for questions, BUT she is willing to answer them at a later point. Don't bother taking her classes if you're not serious about being in school. Her classes are NOT for the casual student trying to earn an easy (but pointless) A.

What a tedious class. If you're not really down with learning all about nonviolent resistance and writing long papers, I really recommend not taking this class because it's such a strain on your already-overflowing schedule. I thought it would be fascinating but it ended up being pretty boring. It's not as historically-based as I hoped it would be.

If I had a chance,I would really be a maid for her in order to learn more thıngs and show my respect and love. She ıs a mıracle. very helpful.No ego. very passıonate. she has a dıvıne power. Take thıs class and feel you're undergoıng an evolutıon. Her lectures are very enjoyable.She ıs perfect.Learn

Christine is a smoking hot teacher and thinker. one of the few classes at SMC i felt really pushed my limits as a student and human being. of course, if your not interested in working hard, you'de be better off joining the army.

The Absolute best experience in my life. She changed my mind.

I don't know what grade I will get in this class, but it really doesn't matter to me because I know I learned so much from her. I could listen to her for hours on end. At the end of every class I wished the clock would stop so she could tell me more. I do recommend her, but if you aren't willing to work for an A then consider another teacher.

She is one of the hardest professors I have ever had! She was behind schedule the entire time, and we did not cover everything tested on, so make sure to da a lot of learning on your own. Questions can only be answered during office hours. A lot of reading, stay on top! She opened my mind. Midterm kills, 10essays, picks two. Final is only hr1/2!!

Most qualified, intelligent, compassionate professor I have EVER had. Very difficult, extensive course material that requires a great deal of time and dedication.It's strict lecture and I LOVE that. I don't want to hear what classmates have to say on the subject. I want to hear about it from the one with the doctorate in mathematics and philosophy

SHE'S AWSOME!

Very helpful teacher. I didn't work hard enough for this class but she is a very fair grader. It's not an easy class and it gets overwhelming at times but if you're smart and you keep up with the readings she will notice. She is very kind, too.

This woman has taught me the depths of religion and application of logic to it and the world around me. The lectures are very important to solidify the HEAVY reading, she doesn't have time to cover all the reading..there is a lot. The exams are a test of it. Do not underestimate the subject and struggle for a C midway, she is very intelligent, ki

Crazy difficult class. Expect to devote a ton of time to reading. Classes are almost entirely lecture, very little discussion. If you love philosophy, take this class because it's amazing, everyone else, skip it. It's not about the dogma of organized religion. You are expected to read three textbooks and learn most of the subject on your own.

Loved her. Hardest class I've had yet, but would do it all over again given the chance.

i took one class of yourswhen I moved to Santa Monica for one year in 2003. I truly enjoyed it and I rate you as the best professor I had all through college and university and I think your class helped me not just through university, but through life thus far. Thank you. Jesse Watts

absolutely brilliant professor. She's full of information, though doesn't always teach in accordance with the reading she assigns. Always open to discussing concerns and ideas, but isn't the most flexible when she doesn't agree. Overall though, her class is well worth the work (and there is a lot of it!) and you should thoroughly enjoy yourself.

She's challenging, but she's worth it, and if you have ANY stake in what you get out of the community college system, it is your responsibility to take at least one of her classes. I've taken two and she is undoubtedly one of the most important things that has happened to me during my time at SMC. Really forces you to defend your logic.

She is amazing!!! there are several essays, but if you need any help,go to her right away, she's super helpful! the essays are based on the textbooks, so you need them. we watched a lot of videos and she always started the class off with a very cool you tube vid.Though the class is definitly hard, it is amazing and truly changing

she is a good professor( meaning she professes only), i got an A because all you have to do is put in quality to your work essays and listening questions,im sad slept through many of the lectures.

Absolutely adored her class! Holmgren is truly a gem in SMC. She's a tough grader on indivudual essays, but she is easy on the final grade. I found her lectures to be engaging and insightful. Also, her demeanor is graceful, she is helpful and her attitude is just plain sweet. I will never forget the things I learned from her.

Best professor at SMC. Took her for philos 6, 23 & 48. If you feel unchallenged at SMC take Holmgren. I experience so much intellectual growth when taking her class. She is not easy. Essays are a handful and she expects a lot. If you put the effort in you will improve your writing. Extremely helpful in office hours and a compassionate human being.

If you're planning on taking a philosophy class at SMC, TAKE HER. She is the definition of a good teacher. Your grade is based on 2 essays and 2 tests. Whichever of those things you get the highest grade on will count as 35% of your grade, whatever you do the second best on - 30%, third best - 20%, and whatever you do the WORST on - 15%.

CAUTION: If you do not read well, do not take this class. It is a lot of complicated reading assignments for very time consuming essays. If you're looking for an easy grade, do not take this class. If you are looking to obtain knowledge, you will absolutely love this class. Holmgren is great.

As a science major, i was so excited that PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE was being offered. Because i will be working within "normal science" i would have never been subjected to the philisophical problems within so-called science. Loved this class. Difficult & time consuming, but i learned a great deal and it has changed my perspective. <3

If you have interest in science take this course.She is very concise and helpful. Buy all materials. The lecture is unfortunately a PowerPoint presentation.Essay expectations are high.I would have preferred less broad essay questions.If you try hard you should leave satisfied.Creativity should be encouraged more. suspect to biased grading. gooduck.

This was my favorite class this semester. Philosophy is not an easy subject to teach, as it is very difficult to communicate ideas so abstract. She can do it though. She KNOWS how to teach philosophical concepts and make them get in your head. Learned a lot. As far as grading-only 2 tests & 2 papers (1 creative writing assignment,1 research report)

A fantastic and compassionate professor! shes really great. yes, she is a tough and critical grader, but she offers like 50 extra credit points so even if you fail a test/paper you can still get an A. She is so so so nice and knowledgeable. Definitely worth taking!

Difficult Class. Knows what she's talking about. Goes off on tangents. Reading is a must, but doesn't discuss it during class. Hard to keep up.

Great teacher! Very kind & intelligent! Prof Holmgren does a wonderful job in explaining the complex subject of philos of religion! Must read to get an A! Also I suggest you work on assignments as soon as she gives them to you! Class consists of 2 exams & 2 writing assignmentsm, not easy cause philos is so complex! Got a B! I don't regret taking it

no doubt hardest but most interesting class I've taken at SMC. Holmgren is sweet, but doesn't mess around. I had a C in the class up until the 3rd to last week when she gave me a few specific steps to follow to obtain an A... sure enough I did! The class is hard, but THE MOST interesting... and an A is obtainable (even if you have a C!!)

Amazing teacher. A lot of reading. Prof Holmgren made herself available as much as needed in office hours. Learned so much. Keep up with the reading and you will do fine.

Honestly the most fascinating and life-changing class I've taken in college so far. I was truly blown away by the stuff we covered...philosophy is so interesting! Though I wouldn't say the class is necessarily "hard", keep in mind your grade's only based on 2 tests & 2 papers, so you do have to make sure you do well on everything. Amazing professor

Watch over 30+ films at home, learn how to answer the philosophical questions accurately and you'll get A's on all the film analyses. Mid-term/Final are out of class essays based off Gandhi book, Sharp book respectively. Just follow her requests exactly for the essays for a good grade. Do the EC, ask her for more. Great class, you'll learn a lot.

I have never learned so much in a classroom in my entire life. The class has a LOT of reading materials that are not easy to get through, but you will learn so much. I have always received A's in all my English classes and I will say that no one prepared me for her grading and level of work. IF YOU ARE A SCIENCE MAJOR TAKE THIS COURSE.

This course was amazing! She reminds me of a female version of Indiana Jones. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to study under such an inspirational human being.