4.2

David White

Philosophy - DePaul University

4.2
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
65%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
4.2
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
4.2
Clarity

65%

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

52

4

14

3

7

2

7

1

3

What Students Say

Professor White is a brilliant man and it is an honor to be his student

PHL228 - 5.0 rating

I highly recommend him for his teaching skill, and he also can be pretty funny occasionally

PHL202 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

35%

Textbook Required

75%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
A+ (2)
C+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(1)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 19 reported grades
A: 13
A+: 2
C+: 1
C: 1
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (10)
Participation matters (5)
Graded by few things (5)
Hilarious (5)
Amazing lectures (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Get ready to read (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.15 avg change
Feb
Mar
Jun
Nov
Dec
Jun
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

AMS

5.0

(1)

ISP

5.0

(1)

PHILOSOPHY

5.0

(1)

BUSETHIC

5.0

(1)

PHL

5.0

(2)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHL293

5.0

PHILOSOPHY

4.0

PHL

4.0

AMS301

4.0

PHIL105

4.0

Reviews (83)
5.0
3.0
AMS
Jan 26, 2003

Wonderful teacher!

5.0
2.0
ISP
May 2, 2003

This guy is the best - fun class and engaging lectures/discussions. Definitely take him

4.0
3.0
ISP101
Jun 27, 2003

No Comments

4.0
1.0
PHL228
Oct 28, 2003

He's pretty entertaining in class. And he's an easy teacher if you do the reading, which is mostly all there is. And then he explains the reading in class. It's a fun class if you like to argue.

5.0
2.0
MGT228
Nov 15, 2003

This is one of the few classes I enjoy going to. The majority of time is spent arguing over different topics---fun, not boring! If you get the chance, take this professor; he makes philosophy interesting and easy to understand.

4.0
3.0
PHIL228
Nov 25, 2003

nothing but papers(topics can be hard),easy grader. Goes over readings in class. Not big on attendance

4.0
3.0
AMS389
Nov 28, 2003

A great prof. - encourages arguing in class and likes when people disagree with him to provoke discussion! The only problem is his grading system, which is based only on papers, so it'll take some time to do.

5.0
1.0
MGT228
Feb 27, 2004

I slept in every class, and he still gave me an A. If you read the book, and can write a decent essay, your set.

4.0
3.0
PHL228
Mar 3, 2004

a total mess when it comes to appearance, but is a good teacher

5.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 30, 2004

A great professor! I wish more of the DePaul faculty were like him. He knows his stuff forward and backwards and engages your mind and ENCOURAGES your best efforts in class and at the writing desk. He is the real thing. Take his classes YOU WILL LOVE HIM.

5.0
3.0
BUSETHIC
May 6, 2004

Prof White is awesome at leading great discussions, not a hard grader either. I look forward to classes, such a fun guy!

4.0
2.0
AMS389
May 6, 2004

He's a goofy guy, but a pretty good prof. Loves those who participate in class... or depaul athletics.

4.0
2.0
FOCALPT
May 30, 2004

pretty funny.likes to talk.goes over all the readings in class.have to write 3 short papers, but it's an easy A on them.you write about anything you want to.i would recommand him.

5.0
2.0
AMS389
Jun 2, 2004

By far the best teacher I have had a DePaul. He is hilarious and his discussions are great. I highly recommend him!

5.0
2.0
PHL228
Jun 23, 2004

Encourages debate and really makes you think about ethical issues. He dissected boring readings and made discussions a lot of fun. Very generous grader and always willing to hear you out. By far one of the best professors at DePaul, highly recommended!

5.0
3.0
PHL
Oct 15, 2004

Wonderful teacher. Love's to start an argument with the material which makes class interesting. Favorite teacher I have had so far. Easy grader, really nice, very understanding and non judgemental. I would reccomend him for anything

5.0
3.0
PHL100
Nov 18, 2004

White is the coolest dude around! hes a little crazy, but an excellent professor! He really cares what you think and is willing to answer any question you may have! Definite A in my eyes!

5.0
3.0
MGT228
Dec 1, 2004

I had no understanding or liking of philosophy prior to the class- he really helped me grasp the concept of it

4.0
4.0
PHL100
Jan 6, 2005

He was a really tough grader.

5.0
3.0
PHL100
Jan 31, 2005

He's awesome and definitely interesting. His grading wasn't the best, he expects a lot from you as a student, but other than that he fairly honest. He doesn't let you out early if it's a night class.

5.0
2.0
PHL100
Feb 17, 2006

Prof. White made this class painless. He's very well versed in philosophy and has been around long enough to know how to explain it well. make sure you read the material before class or it won't make sense. A very good professor!

5.0
2.0
ISP200
Mar 29, 2006

Great book choices for class readings...classes were interesting and he bases discussions off of material that starts provoking and relevant arguments.

4.0
2.0
PHL100
Jun 15, 2006

This is the man you want teaching your PHL requirements. Grading consists of 3 take home exams. Does a great job delivering to his audience because he knows we are college students without much knowledge of PHL. Quirky guy with loads of itelligence. And there is no reason not to get at least a B. He does wear a black shirt everyday though

5.0
2.0
PHIL120
Aug 30, 2006

This guy is pretty funny and class time goes quick since it's almost as if he's putting on a show for you with his strings of questions and quick speed reading through texts. I reccomend him for Phil-100. The thing I will never forget about him is that he would ALWAYS (atleast 5 times a day) say, "UMMMMM" really loud, HILARIOUS.

3.0
3.0
PHL100
Oct 23, 2006

I hated him... Im sorry but i dont see how everyone likes him. Yes he knows alot about philosophy, but really seems like he doesnt care if anyone else learns anything. I went up to him after class to ask about out exam (take home paper) he told me so figure it out. Way to indepth and extream for a 100 level class.

3.0
3.0
PHL100
Oct 29, 2006

the class lectures are boring at times, depending on what you're reading. he makes sure the readings are understood fully. he said attendance was mandatory but then stopped taking it halfway thru. the takehome exams (3) are short, but he can be a jerk when it comes to grading. overall, he's easy if you put effort into it

3.0
2.0
PHL100
Nov 29, 2006

explained the material very clearly and enough 2 write a paper on it aka create ur own thoughts about the ideas presented. 3 take home exam papers-two 450-500word essays). grading is very fair. took attendance 1st couple of wks then stopped. class time sped by. reads loudly n very fast. funny guy, knows his stuff, perfect for teaching intro classes

5.0
3.0
PHL100
Mar 18, 2007

Dr. White might just be the best professor at DePaul. He expects a lot, but such is college- you'll learn a lot if you put in the effort. An entertaining guy and very thoughtful...

5.0
1.0
PHL100
Apr 2, 2007

Dr. White rocks! He is one of my favorite professors thus far, and I am not majoring in Philosophy. I took this class to fill a requirement, but he is so good that I actually enjoyed it and learned something! Readings are optional because he goes over it all in class (not required, but makes material much easier!)

2.0
3.0
SOPH200
Apr 2, 2007

never understood how the readings were related to the objectives of the course. basically impossible to get a good grade unless he liked what you said in class. didn't seem to respect other opinions, or be open to ideas different from his own (and it's a PHILOSOPHY class). tough grader, and no explanations for grades given. only 3 grades. BORING.

5.0
3.0
HON105
Apr 23, 2007

This class was always interesting. It centered around debate, so there was always a chance for individuals to voice thier thoughts on the readings, making it very interactive. Not much pressure, just a few fun papers to formulate opinions more clearly. This professor is the very fun and makes an effort to connect with his students.Highly recommend.

5.0
1.0
ISP101
Aug 30, 2007

It was a Phl class. No need to read, he explains it during class, but it is helpful for the papers he assings. A fair grader, I got all A's on my papers, don't bother read his hand writing, you won't underst.it. Kind of creepy, but very insightful. Best prof. so far!!!! Very knowledg., does care for particip. but it's fun and helpful. TAKE HIM!

5.0
3.0
ISP200
Nov 20, 2007

Very clear teacher. Keeps the class involved at all times. Very smart and fun to listen to. Take him for any class if you can.

5.0
2.0
PHL100
Nov 29, 2007

David White is a great guy. It was obvious that most people were in the class because they were made to be, but White made it interesting and easy to understand. No need to read outside of class; he goes over everything you need to know. Attendance isn't mandatory, but if you go every week it will help A LOT when you write the 3 essays.

4.0
2.0
PHL100
Dec 5, 2007

only need to submit 3 essays throughout entire course. Fairly easy class if you actually attend on a regular basis, given that most of the essay points are discussed in class through debates, arguments,etc.

5.0
4.0
AMS301
Sep 19, 2008

I attended DePaul for 4 years and Dr. White was the best teacher I had. Take his classes.

4.0
3.0
HON105
Oct 21, 2008

One of the best teachers I've had. He's extremely interested in the subject and does his best to make students just as interested. No reading quizzes. Just 3 papers. I recommend this class and this teacher. Really makes you think.

5.0
2.0
PHL100
Oct 22, 2008

One of my favorite professors at DePaul. He breaks down each reading to get a better understanding. No tests, just essays with thought provoking questions. Take notes in class to use when writing the essays.

5.0
2.0
HON105
Oct 24, 2008

Dr. White has been my favorite professor so far. I have absolutely no interest in philosophy and he still made the clas engaging and understanble. Only 3 papers and he grades fairly easy. He really knows philosophy and how to explain it. I'd definitely reccommend him.

2.0
4.0
PHL100
Feb 17, 2009

I took this class after reading all the positive comments. However, this class was extremely boring. He reads from the book and repeats everything. Class is not mandatory. You could do well on the essays by using common sense. I did not enjoy this class and his teaching style! Do not take if you do not get philosophy.

5.0
2.0
PHL100
Mar 4, 2009

He does break it down really well, he is very intelligent, but i found philosophy so boring. The papers weren't too bad, but he did graded harder than i thought. overall, take him it was one of my blow off classes.

5.0
4.0
PHL100
Apr 30, 2009

Dr. White is by far my favorite prof. at DePaul. He's a total charicature of himself but VERY knowledgable and helpful. I highly reccomend him whether you think you are into Philosophy or not.

1.0
5.0
PHL100
Jun 17, 2009

this guy is soooo boring. I have no idea why this guy has good ratings. Clearly the worst class and professor I have ever taken at DePaul.

5.0
3.0
PHL320
Mar 2, 2010

The best teacher at DePaul. He is engaging and hilarious, and is a fair grader with the three papers. He really held my interest, and I recommend him to everyone!

5.0
2.0
PHL202
Apr 4, 2010

He encouraged me to double major in Philosophy and gave me a lot of confidence in my abilities He often said I should write a book of my theological theories He gave amazing feedback, encouraged debate/criticism, detailed explanations, I loved the book. 3 written exams (for each one you answered 2 questions 500 words each) Take him if you can!!!

3.0
4.0
PHIL105
Jun 10, 2010

To pass this class you must be a good writer. There's only 3 papers and class participation. He's not very helpful, because when you ask for paper help he isn't going to help you. If you want an easy A don't sign up for this class. Aside from all of the cons, very thought provoking class. He's obviously an expert of what he teaches.

5.0
2.0
PHL325
Jan 25, 2011

Animated and superbly knowledgeable, David White has been teaching philosophy for over 40 years and is still sharp as a tack. He delves pretty deep into the material, but will still have you cracking up. His crotchety brand of old man humor mixed with his comedic cynicism balances the weighty material. Extremely willing to help outside of class.

5.0
3.0
HON105
May 10, 2011

Oustanding Teacher! Extremely knowledgeable. 8 o clock classes suck but Dr. White's was the best one i could have asked for. Easily the best class i've taken at depaul yet. because of this class i am currently debating etither a double major in philosophy and chemistry or maybe just switching to philosophy all together. He makes you think!

5.0
3.0
PHILGOD
Sep 6, 2011

Perhaps the best professor I have had at any of the universities I have attended. He is incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful as well. I loved his class, and he inspired me to become a Philosophy major.

5.0
3.0
PHL320
Nov 26, 2011

Professor White provides an awesome experience with Philosophy and maintains excellent knowledge in the field. His approach is fun, humorous at times, and works to explain abstract stuff which takes years to master.

5.0
2.0
HON105
Dec 1, 2011

One of the best professors at DePaul, a little on the harder side of grading. Will enjoy you if you answer thoughtfully, or volunteer to read. Papers are not rough, but have to be turned in hard copy.

5.0
4.0
HON105
Mar 8, 2012

White is great! He loves philosophy and he knows that not everyone else does, so he tries to make it interesting for everyone. He is great at provoking thought and challenging assumptions. I was impressed that he wrote a review of my essays, rather than just stamping a grade on them. He loves the subject and he loves to teach. Two thumbs up!

5.0
5.0
PHL293
Mar 23, 2012

He is an amazing professor, at times it seems that you are actually witnessing someone like Socrates. He engages you in the text..it was just AMAZING!

5.0
3.0
PHL202
Oct 18, 2012

Professor White keeps the class extremely interesting. He always makes sure to explain things thoroughly. If you like to argue this is the class for you. Only 3 papers, and he's not the easiest grader around.

3.0
4.0
PHL202
Nov 9, 2012

Dont take class unless you are a PHL major. He forgets that nonmajors are in his class too. You can get away with not reading much, but the lectures are SO BORING. He grades hard on the 3 papers-He gives you freeform paper options and tells you to be creative but then gives bad grades if its not what he wanted it to be under some unstated standards

3.0
5.0
PHL202
Nov 9, 2012

The class is a very easy workload-often you dont have to read readings because he explains everything in class. BUT its not an easy A by any means. class grade comes down to 3 papers. He grades too hard on papers for not giving specifics to go by. Get 1 or 2 bad paper grades & your whole grade is ruined. He wont give extra credit no matter what.

5.0
5.0
PHL
Mar 26, 2014

Very good & competent prof. Knows his subject matter & will challenge students to think critically abt what he is teaching them. Took him yrs ago and still find myself mulling over things he taught us. Very passionate and intelligent.You have to read to pass so if you don't its your own fault. Youre in college, stop complaining about your homework.

5.0
3.0
HON105
Jun 6, 2014

Dr. White guides you through 3 major types of philosophy with a paper for each section. Very straightforward guidelines. Participate in class and try on papers and you should be fine!

5.0
3.0
PHL202
Grade: A
Mar 16, 2015

Professor White has a great mind for philosophy, and is very inviting to people who may not necessarily be that interested in the subject. Throughout the class, the only assignments are three papers of about 900 words each, so its very doable. I highly recommend him for his teaching skill, and he also can be pretty funny occasionally.

2.0
5.0
HON105
Grade: C+
Apr 12, 2016

Attendance isn't mandatory, which is nice because we don't really do much in class. He'll go through the readings, but it's basically doing the same thing as what Sparknotes does. The guidelines for the paper are not very clear and he's not very open for help outside of class.

5.0
3.0
PHL202
Oct 17, 2016
Would take again

Professor White's class is great, especially if you like to argue. The class was definitely one of the most thought-provoking I've had at DePaul. Show up for class and you're in for an extremely interesting lecture and class discussion. Papers are easy if you show up and listen.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PHL100
Feb 10, 2017
Would take again

I really enjoyed Dr. White's into to philosophy class. Admittedly, I enrolled in the class because it was required, but it ultimately became my favorite class that quarter. The readings and discussions were interesting, the papers were challenging, and he was good about grading the quality of work, not the opinions, and providing valuable feedback.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
PHL202
Grade: C
May 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I've never taken a professor so intimidating. It's hard to stay focused, read the board, and understand his point of view on heavy topics. Attendance is not mandatory but you will 100% fail if you do not read the book. He's lectures are long and dry and he seems to get easily frustrated when people cannot keep up with his thoughts. Do not recommend

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PHL228
Grade: A
Sep 14, 2017
Would take again

Professor White is a brilliant man and it is an honor to be his student. His level of knowledge on what he teaches is unparalleled. His lectures are funny and informational, and he is willing to speak outside of class. He is the reason I fell in love with philosophy, and the thing that makes my education as a philosophy major so phenomenal.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
3.0
3.0
PHL202
Nov 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I like Dr. White but I really hated this class. Not very engaging felt less like a philosophy class and more like a sunday school class. The professor is worth taking, but I'd avoid this particular class.

1.0
3.0
PHL202
Nov 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Ugh. Class discussion consisted of the professor entertaining a few people and ignoring everyone else. Claims to be open minded while grading, but grades hard if your opinion doesn't match his. We read different philosophers every week and that format sucks if you're really interested in the subject.

2.0
3.0
MGT228
Feb 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He's ehh. I understand it's a philosophy class but he talks in monotone voice, not great for deep talks about philosophy. I watched how my class went from super attentive the first day to almost always on their laptops and phones the last remanining. He's kinda old but he seems to be a good person. I do recommend reading book .

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
PHL202
Grade: A
May 6, 2018
Would take again

Professor White is a great professor. If you dislike being uncomfortable, don't take him, but he pushes everyone and it's great. He really wants his students to think deeply about the concepts so he will push for more. 3 short, relatively simple papers. Overall, an easy class and a super caring guy even though he may seem a bit cold.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
2.0
3.0
MGT248
Grade: A
May 31, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The class wasn't hard, but it is probably the most boring class I have taken. You don't need to read the massive textbook, but you will need it to reference while writing the papers. You write 4 papers: 2 business case studies (2 pages each), a 4-page midterm, and a 4-page final. As long as you show up to half of the classes you will be fine.

SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PHL202
Grade: A
Jun 5, 2018
Would take again

Great professor. Gives people a hard time if they don't make sense, but it is to make them a better debater. If you give minimal effort, you will receive a grade that reflects it.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Get ready to read
5.0
2.0
PHL320
Grade: A
Apr 8, 2019
Would take again

Professor White has a relentless and sharp wit which seems scary because of his bluntness and unfiltered sass, but if you want to learn philosophy, he is one of the best. Papers are clear and workload is beyond manageable. Alongside this, he is incredibly caring. Even if he shoots you down, it's always impersonal, humorous, and totally beneficial.

Gives good feedback
Respected
5.0
2.0
HON105
Grade: A+
Aug 10, 2019
Would take again

Processor White's class is a real gem for Honors students. Don't be afraid of this class. If you can read a couple of pages out of a book before class and have a knack and the capacity to write only 3 in-depth but short papers, you will be absolutely fine. Show up and put just a little effort! Then an A will follow you!

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
3.0
HON105
Oct 28, 2021
Would take again

Great professor, very funny and engaging. Just three papers and three books, easy enough. Take his class!

5.0
3.0
HON105
Grade: A+
Nov 10, 2021
Would take again

Nobody is like Professor White. He is the kind of professor who can change your life. Easily one of my most memorable instructors; he truly teaches students to spend time with the work he assigns. Participate, pay attention, and write well, and your time with Professor White will be more than a learning experience: it will be a lasting memory.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
HON105
Grade: A
Nov 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor White was one of those professors who just make the class suck, he was never reachable outside of class and the times I asked questions his response would be "do not ask dumb questions" or "that was a disappointing waste of my time"... I felt as if I would never get help. The class was not hard if you are independent with your work.

Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
HON105
Grade: A
Feb 28, 2022
Would take again

Gives three books for you to read over the course of the quarter. I recommend skimming through, just enough to be prepared and remember location of text for when you write the essays. Overall he is a nice professor who loves to joke slightly about the text. He makes the essays seem scarier than they actually are, just know the material.

Graded by few things
Participation matters
Gives good feedback
5.0
3.0
HON105
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2022
Would take again

(Knowledge and Being Human): This class took a lot of brain power, but David is very passionate and wants to make sure you understand everything. While the content can be a bit boring, he does a good job of keeping class entertaining. You have 3 essays, one of which is your final. The only other hw is reading each of the philosophical works. V good

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
HON105
Grade: A
Mar 29, 2022

Professor White is a nice man, but his rather monotone voice can make it hard to maintain attention for a whole period of straight lecture. Having said that, he is an easy grader and the work is extremely doable. An easily passable class, as long as you can either pay enough attention during lectures or understand the readings well on your own.

Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
PHILGOD
Grade: A-
Jun 14, 2023
Would take again

If you're intimidated by philosophy courses but want a good place to start to get your credits, I would recommend taking PHL202 with Professor White. This was also the first 9:40 am course that I was consistently at, even when the attendance wasn't mandatory.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
PHILGOD
Grade: B
Nov 17, 2023

I'm in Philosophy of God and Mr. White is a good professor...sort of. However, at the end of our class, our final is pretty difficult I didn't get help on the other assignment we did.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
5.0
2.0
PHILGOD
Grade: A
Nov 26, 2023
Would take again

Professor White is awesome and encourages discussions in class. You only have 3 exams and they're just papers you have to write that he provides prompts for. He gives great feedback on the exams and you'll become a better writer after this class. If you need to fulfill a philosophy credit I recommend you take this class.

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
HON105
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2024
Would take again

Such an interesting guy! His lectures are a little boring, but that's definitely due to the source material, not him. You could get away with either reading outside of class or paying close attention to the lectures-- I usually did the latter. Only 3 papers that are worth 75% of your grade, so try hard on them.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
HON105
Grade: A
Jun 19, 2025
Would take again

Such an amazing professor, you can tell he enjoys what he does and he's good at it too. Lectures are based on the reading material so if something doesn't make sense, he'll be sure to address it. Very good grader and gives good feedback, lectures are very engaging too and you could learn a lot from them if you pay attention.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

35%

Textbook Required

75%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
A+ (2)
C+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(15)B(1)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 19 reported grades
A: 13
A+: 2
C+: 1
C: 1
Common Tags
Gives good feedback (10)
Participation matters (5)
Graded by few things (5)
Hilarious (5)
Amazing lectures (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Get ready to read (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.15 avg change
Feb
Mar
Jun
Nov
Dec
Jun
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

AMS

5.0

(1)

ISP

5.0

(1)

PHILOSOPHY

5.0

(1)

BUSETHIC

5.0

(1)

PHL

5.0

(2)
+19 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHL293

5.0

PHILOSOPHY

4.0

PHL

4.0

AMS301

4.0

PHIL105

4.0

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