Fun class, good teacher, very clear

He's a good guy and you'll like his class, but his homework is a little long

fair class but quite large so i didn't get to really meet him one on one.

For a class I was taking to fulfill a science credit I didn't want in the first place, Prof. Weintraub made it interesting and overall a good experience. I found the grading and the tests to be fair - you had to know your stuff, but not overly demanding.

Great teacher, clearly explains material for you. Always willing to help you out outside of class if you need it. Too many whiny people at Vandy think they deserve As even if they don't know the material. They are the only ones who will have trouble.

Prof. Weintraub is extremely helpful. If you talk to him about an exam beforehand, he will practically give you 1/4 of the questions. The lab was very disorganized, but if you just write something down for the labs and actually go to them all, A's come.

When I got a D in thermo after being on the brink of failing my last required class for my BS - his comforting words ... "D is for Diploma".

His lectures are very helpful. If you go to class and pay attention you can get an A without doing any of the required readings. He also posts all his notes online... I highly recommend this class!!

The lectures, online notes, and previous exam questions provide all you need to do very well on the exam.

He's very interested in the subject matter and seems to know a lot. He's also a nice guy, and I felt his exams were very straightforward. That said, it was very hard to get through his lectures every morning.

He does a good job explaining what needs to be known for the exams. If you take notes during class and review those notes before the exam, you will probably get a high A. I enjoyed this class.

I enjoyed this class. There was a lot of reading, and a ton of material to remember for the tests. However, if you attend class, and read online lecture notes, you can probably get a B. An A requires more studying, but it isn't that difficult.

He was my Vanderbilt Visions professor and I LOVED him. He's really great and helpful and understanding. Great ideas and very knowledgable.

Weintraub was great. He's engaging and witty at times. He knows his stuff too, and it shows. The test are straight forward and the quizzes are easy if you read the material. Fair grader... great prof!

Great professor! This class is not hard if you somewhat pay any attention. It's easy to figure out what will be on the tests, not to mention he gives you a staightforward list of test topics. He also goes out of his way to help if you go see him. take for science req.

Not an easy class! But probably the most genuinely helpful professor I have ever encountered - Weintraub truly goes out of his way if you seek help from him. Go to class, read the chapters, practice problems, and by all means, go get help outside of class if you need it! He wants to take time to help you. I wish I had sought him out more often.

He's a really good guy and a pretty good professor, but the class itself is harder than you think. Put the time in, go to class, do the work, study, and you won't have too much of a problem. Try to coast, and you'll have a huge problem.

Interesting class with potentially confusing philosophical material presented in a straight-forward manner. Has a sense of humor and grades fairly: talk to him if you think the TA made a mistake. LOTS of reading for the end of the semester; start on it early.

Great teacher, but the class is really difficult. He is very clear in the way he teaches, and the material that is on the test is typically pretty obvious. If you study hard, you ought to do okay. If you don't study, you will probably get eaten alive.

Weintraub genuinely wants everyone in his class to get an A. Seriously, if you put in avg. effort and then dedicate a few hours to review before a test, you should be totally fine. Catch: DO THE HOMEWORK, even if it's just a couple problems from each set! He doesn't discuss it in class, but you need it! Great guy, not a hard grader at all.

If you read over the slides and do the homework problems before a test you will be fine. For the 2 paper, be sure to check over your grammar because that is mainly where you will lose credit. The class is really interesting and he is extremely knowledgeable. I took it for AXLE and I'd recommend it.

Overall good professor, willing to offer extra time before class to go over questions regarding the material. Also helpful during office hours for general questions or even reviewing the exam (this made a difference of a C+ to a B+ for me on one exam). The only difficult part of the class is the second paper, due to a lack of time.

Weintraub is great, definitely take this for science credit. Very interesting lecturer - he wrote the book and it's clear he knows his stuff. Willing to help anyone outside of class, came in early every day to review with people. WANTS everyone to do well, regrades tests to make sure they're fair. Stay on top of everything and you'll do well.

Prof. Weintraub is incredibly intelligent and a great lecturer. This class material is fascinating at times and boring at others. Getting an A is not too hard, but you need to attend every class, take good notes, and study a ton.

Nice professor. His lectures are extremely clear. He is helpful during office hours and can be easily reached. He holds review sessions and make revision ppts which are very useful.

May not be the most interesting class to sit through but he is very helpful and passionate about what he does. Really really helpful in office hours and just seems like a cool guy

Very helpful professor. Course not that hard. Tells you about all of work for class on first day. Three tests, a final, and two book reports. Best test counts most, worst test counts least. If you do better on final than worst test, your final grade replaces worst test grade. Overall very manageable class.

Very nice professor who is truly interested in the grades of his students and does curves. Class is usually interesting although it can be boring. Math involved is not that hard but this class is by non means a joke, especially if you are not a science person. I probably will end up with a B in this class, but I definitely worked very hard to get B

The most articulate and well-organized professor I've had at Vanderbilt. Tests aren't easy, but there's a generous curve and if you put time into studying you'll do well.

I am an econ major and wanted to get the lab and science out of the way. I highly recommend this class. Weintraub is a great lecturer and his book is interesting, albeit sometimes hard to understand. 3 tests, 2 papers. GENEROUS curves but I still had to work for my B+. On the papers, make sure you proofread, he docked points from mine for that. 5/5

Great professor! Extremely knowledgeable and helpful! Definitely a great way to get an intro science credit!

Professor Weintraub is super well-organized and definitely knows what he is talking about! He actually wrote a perfect textbook. You will do okay if you skip the class but just read his powerpoints! The class is not that hard, and you will absolutely get obsessed with astronomy after this class!

The material is very easy although his grading is tough. He gives generous curves on tests, and is very articulate in lectures. This is an easy A class if you put some effort.

FAVORITE PROFESSOR SO FAR. Class is very doable and Professor Weintraub is a super cool guy. I highly recommend him. Also, he doesn't teach out of a textbook (he uses his own book) so that saves money and a lot of time.

You either need to go to class or read the textbook (which the professor wrote himself) to do well. Prof. Weintraub is a nice guy who obviously is in love with space so if you're interested to you'll love it. Curves on tests make it easy to get a B, but stringent grading standards make it hard to get an A.

I will never be an astronomer. Most of the kids in Introductory Astronomy will never be astronomers. Weintraub knows this. He isn't try to screw you on grades. He just wants you to like astronomy and understand the concepts. You'll leave with an appreciation for the work. If you go to class and do the HW questions before tests, you should be fine.

Professor Weintraub presents the material very well, is super helpful and nice during office hours. All of the grades/deadlines are posted on OAK very promptly, which few professors bother to do. He's a great teacher, I would definitely recommend the class!

Weintraub is great. The textbook we used for the course (he wrote it) is interesting, clear, helpful, and very cheap. The structure of the course itself was unique and made it feel like you were really progressing throughout the semester. Tests are very easy as long as you keep up with the reading, should be an easy A.

The material is very interesting. It is easy to do well by just showing up to class and paying attention. Studying for an hour or two the day before the test is enough if you go a lot to class and the math is very easy. He is helpful if you go to his office hours. I definitely recommend for people who don't like science but need science credit.

Weintraub understands that he's teaching an introductory-level course and that many of his students are taking the class for science credit. Because of this, he made the lectures very straightforward and his readings are both optional and quick. He also posts old exams online, which makes it easy to prepare for upcoming tests. Highly recommend!

Prof. Weintraub is great. His lectures are very clear and you can tell that he really loves astronomy and wants us to find it interesting as well. The two papers are not as hard as people are making it seem. Just proof read the paper, he just wants to see that you care and take pride in your work. Tests are pretty easy.

Weintraub is the most friendly, humorous and helpful professor you could have. He knows astronomy, published books, yet he is so nice that he spends hours to help you. His actual office hour is way longer than should be. Class is large but he cares for everyone. I'm amazed that he remembers my name even if I only told him once. Easy A if you try.

Prof Weintraub really knows his material, and his expertise shows in his lectures. Wrote the textbook that we used, and the lectures following each reading simply reinforce the material from the book in a more easily digestible format. Has a sense of humor, and really wants everyone to succeed without expecting us to become astrophysicists.

Weintraub is absolutely brilliant. Lectures are lucid and entertaining. Here's the downside: this class is VERY difficult. Tests are absurdly difficult - class GPA over time is 3.0 That being said, I have enjoyed this course a TON, and highly recommend it. Just make sure to take it passfail.

One of the best classes that I have taken at Vanderbilt. It's more history than astronomy. Great for the relationship between science and religion. A is manageable if you go to class and do most of the readings. Would recommend.

Weintraub is brilliant and has literally discovered some of the things we learn about. His intro to astronomy class takes EFFORT, it is not an easy A. But if you put in that time and go to office hours once in a while you will get it! Although it may not be the easiest, it is the most valuable and I learned more from him than any other class.

Weintraub is one of the best professors I've had. I took his class because a friend took it previously and raved about him to the point where I wanted to take it as well. He has a genuine love for astronomy and explains all concepts well. The math isn't that hard. Most people got As or Bs. Going to class will absolutely boost your grade.

The class is not very hard if you read the book. The book is the exact same as his lectures, so you can skip classes quite frequently, not to mention he also posts all the powerpoints online. All the questions on tests come directly from the lectures, so as long as you pay attention or read the book you should be fine. 4 Tests, 2 Papers.

Weintraub is a great prof who really knows his stuff. Lectures are not necessary to attend because his slides are thorough and they are basically straight from the textbook. Grading criteria can sometimes be too specific, but if you go to his office hours he can sort it out for you. You do 2 papers, both of which are graded harshly. Would recommend

When studying for his tests, simply by reading the textbook, looking at old exams (which he posts online) and by simply knowing the concepts under 'exam info,' you should be able to get an A. There's 2 3-page book reviews. Overall he just takes points off if you're not overly redundant in explaining your answers. I would recommend. Got an A overall

Very helpful, especially if you attend lectures. He wants to see you succeed and understands that people just take it to fulfill AXLE. Everyone says this class is easy, but I had some struggles since I had little physics background, but the book review assignments helped me out a lot. Overall a very interesting class and a great way to fulfill AXLE

Posts powerpoints from class to blackboard as well as old tests and completed homeworks to study. Gives clear ideas of what you need to know for tests which are easy given you study. Need to complete 2 "book review" papers on astronomy books. Content of these papers doesn't have to be remarkable but makes sure to have no gramatical errors.

He likes his subject and is good at explaining except for the end of the semester with the CMB. He understands students are taking the course for credit not interest . Any background knowledge is not needed. If you need an easy science credit take it. He makes tests clear though long. People who weren't at class, grades suffered.

Dr. Weintraub is my favorite professor at Vanderbilt. I've taken two of his astronomy classes now, specifically because he was teaching them. Intro is a tad more boring (but still 4/5) because I don't think it's his favorite thing to teach, but the rest of his classes are fascinating. Sounds like you're listening to a story instead of a lecture.

Enjoyed the class, but beware of a lot of reading material and tests that are fairly difficult.

Professor Weintraub was a great professor and always willing to help his students. It's definitely possible to get an A and he has a pretty elaborate system so that one bad exam won't bring you down. Would recommend!

I really liked Weintraub but it also helps that I really love astronomy. I loved this class, especially the last month or so, where you talk about the Big Bang and some of the bigger picture stuff. Weintraub has an interesting sense of humor. He understands that some people take his class just for credit. The class is easy if you do your work.

Loved this class. Weintraub wrote his own book, so you could either read the book or go to class, but you never have to do both. Clear questions, engaging material, really knows his stuff. Also really respectful to other answers for the question "How Old is the Universe?" while clearly explaining how he arrived at his answer. Definitely worth it.

I literally only went to three classes- the first day and the two test days and I wound up with an A. There's one short paper to submit every week, two tests, and a final paper. As long as you've done the readings and are a reasonably good writer this class is pretty easy and also really interesting, especially if you like science and religion.

Just don't take this class. We have 4 tests and 2 papers and a final and it's almost impossible to study for the tests because you honestly have no idea what to expect. He puts really random things on the test and there isn't very much on them so if you miss one question you're already a 75. I thought this was supposed to be an easy A but ITS NOT

Dr. Weintraub's tests were difficult because there were only 8 questions per test. Missing one question hurts a lot, especially with stingy TAs. I found Dr. Weintraub's lectures fascinating, however, and he easily simplifies complex ideas. Study the key astronomers hard, read the book, and you can definitely get an A/A-. The Curve helps, too.

The class itself is interesting and the essays are super easy but the tests can be sort of rough unless you have a pretty thorough understanding. It's a good idea to understand both the concepts and formulas!

Professor Weintraub's lectures are comprehensive, but reading is crucial to success in the class. Weekly graded one-page papers also help one to master the content. A tough, but clear grader, he went above and beyond to make himself available outside of class. He is a passionate and knowledgeable instructor; his class is certainly worth taking.

he is a good professor. though this class is definitely not easy. I would recommend people who like challenges to take his course. you can definitely learn a lot. but again, the test is a little rough but there is going to be a curve. so seriously without all prejudice I'd say he is above average, the course is a little above average.

Professor Weintraub is definitely the best professor at Vanderbilt. His astronomy lectures are very interesting and fascinating, and although his tests are more challenging than people would expect, he prepares you well for them, and posts exam information, with full details on what to know, and he releases prior exams to help you succeed.

Amazing professor! If you put in effort by reading his textbook, going to lectures, and by doing all the optional homework assignments, this class should be manageable. Also, he posts previous year's tests and lists exactly everything you need to know for the exams. The TAs this term were awful graders, but the curves and regrades made up for it.

Professor Weintraub is amazing, he is really patient and answer every question you have. He is always available outside of class and would love to discuss astronomy with you. He not only teaches the knowledge but also encourages students to think and reflect. Highly recommended!

Professor Weintraub is one of the most passionate professors out there. Althought attendance is not mandatory, because he posts his lecture slides, showing up to lectures and reading the textbook helps a lot. Also Weintraub posts all his previous years tests online to help students prepare well. Very helpful in office hours as well!

Do the homework and read the book and go to office hours and youll be fine! He is very approachable and clearly passionate and good at explaining/providing analogies. You have to take it seriously though. I recommend going to class because his lectures make more sense than the book, however there is no participation or attendance.

He's a very knowledgable professor, but this course is not an easy A. You can either read the book or go to class taking good notes. If you solve all the practice problems, you'll be fine especially with the curve (but he doesnt give out answers).

It's harder than you'd think, but compared to things like chem and bio, it's not bad at all. Go to class, take notes, and go over the study guides and you should be fine. There's also optional homeworks for extra practice which are super helpful. He's a good lecturer, funny, knows what he's talking about. Good class if you need a science credit.

He is an amazing teacher: super caring, amazing lectures, not-as-tough grading, etc. Be prepared to read the textbook several times and memorize a lot of concepts though. The class will seem difficult if you don't study or prepare for tests.

Weintraub is a really good lecturer, and his "textbook" is just one of the books he wrote, so it's written in a really concise and easy to read way. So even if you don't attend lectures, you can keep up just by reading the really short chapters. And he posts EVERYTHING online, so you won't fall behind. That beingsaid, going to lecture doesn't hurt.

Interesting guy to listen to. Don't read the textbook but definitely go to class. The difference in my test scores from going/not going to class was drastic. Clear grading criteria, not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. Definitely a how much work you put in is grade you get

Pros: better scores weighted higher, lectures add something to material, includes tests and essays, usually a joke or two in the slides, tons of office hours Cons: Not as "easy" as it's made out to be, tests are totally hit or miss, some mistakes in questions on tests, astronomy is a lot more math than expected, tests are part memorization

The lectures can be boring if you are not a fan of astronomy. The tests you do well will get more weight, but you need to remember a lot of stuff to get the points, which can be hard if you do not pay attention in class. It is absolutely NOT an easy A course.

Professor Weintraub is a super interesting and funny guy. The lectures can get a bit boring if science isn't your thing but he does his best to make them engaging. Attendance isn't mandatory but if you go to the lectures, he teaches the material pretty well and you don't need to read. He posts old exams which makes studying very straightforward.

Professor Weintraub is easily the best instructor I've ever worked with ("instructor" as in teacher, coach, adviser, etc. for school, sports, extracurriculars). He's funny, caring, knowledgeable, and engaging, and he knows everything about Vanderbilt - he's helped me pick classes, choose majors/ minors, and feel good being at VU. Study with him!!!!

Good guy, gives hard tests.

Trail of Galileo is hands-down the most interesting course I've ever taken. Ignited in me a passion for astronomy I didn't know I had. Weintraub is a phenomenal instructor and designed an amazing curriculum. Provides all exam questions he's asked from the past 25 years - no reason not to do well on his exams. Term paper is interesting and not bad.

If you're looking for an easy AXLE science, probably don't take this class. Despite this, if you have any interest in astronomy at all and are willing to put in the work, it's worth it. You learn a ton in the class and it's really interesting, even for non STEM people. As long as you put the work in, you should be fine.

Weintraub's class was an easy MNS credit. The subject is interesting, and the tests are straightforward. He's a fine lecturer, though you want to make sure to write down what he says and not just what's on the slides. He's also good about highlighting astronomical achievements made by people who hold marginalized identities.

Amazing lecturer. The material comes off as boring but the way he goes about lectures make it so interesting! Lots of reading and a one page paper every week. 1 midterm, one 5 page paper, and a final. Its a lot of information and definitely not a class that you can cram for. As long as you go to lectures, readings arent necessary and youll be ok

Weintraub gives you a surprisingly thorough account of the development of Western thought in this class. He gives dense lectures, but you learn a lot about the history of science, philosophy, and religion. You have a one page essay each week, two exams, and a final paper. Pretty standard fare, though he is nitpicky with the final paper.

I have no clue why people rated him low. He is such a good lecturer. All I did was go to class and I would do well on the exams, but I know some people who never went to class and just reviewed the extensive amount of resources he has for us (powerpoints, textbook that is actually readable, pre-exam cheat sheets, and extra info). He is awesome!

Anyone who complains about the exams in this class never went to class or read the textbook. He literally gives you a study guide with EVERYTHING that is on the exams. He has soooo many resources available it's crazy. Also, if you reach out he actually responds and cares. Take his class it's super interesting and, with effort, it's an easy class.

Astrophysics. Don't come to this class thinking that you are going to be learning about the big dipper. In fact I don't think a single constellation was mentioned during class. You'll be learning about the actual stars themselves and their lifetimes and whatnot. Genuinely an interesting class if you wanna know more about the universe.

Best lectures out of any class I've taken so far. Provides lots of great study materials. Do the homework, go to class, takes notes, and use the study guide and you'll be fine. Most negative reviews here are from people who underestimated this class. Don't. Put in the work (2-3 hrs/week) and you'll get a B+, A-, or A.

Really good lectures, going to class and studying a little bit after every class got me an A, not that hard if you pay attention.

I found it hard to fully concentrate during his lectures, so I relied on office hours to study before tests. A lot of kids find this class hard because 8 am office hrs are too early for most people. If you can make it tho, it would almost feel like a 1-1 tutor session where he fills you in on everything you missed.