3.9

Dean Nelson

Philosophy - Dutchess Community College

3.9
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
73%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
3.9
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.9
Helpful
3.8
Clarity

73%

Would Retake

94

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
94 total ratings

5

46

4

22

3

15

2

5

1

6

What Students Say

If you're looking for a place to doze, use the library

PHI203 - 5.0 rating

Pay attention to the lecture and take notes

PHI203 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

80% confidence
Based on 10 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
B (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 10 reported grades
A: 2
B: 2
B+: 2
C: 2
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (7)
Hilarious (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Inspirational (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Graded by few things (2)
Test heavy (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.10 avg change
Oct
May
Nov
Jan
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHI201205

5.0

(1)

ALLPHI

5.0

(1)

PHIL205

5.0

(1)

PHYLOSOPHY

5.0

(1)

PHIL208

5.0

(1)
+30 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG

5.0

PHIL201

4.5

ENG212

4.3

PHIL

4.3

PHI107

4.0

Reviews (93)
5.0
3.0
PHI201
Jun 11, 2002

Makes you think, which is the point of philosophy! Very nice and interesting.

3.0
4.0
ENG212
Jun 13, 2002

No Comments

4.0
4.0
PHIL201
Oct 11, 2002

No Comments

3.0
5.0
PHIL201
Nov 12, 2002

unclear teac hing but a nice guy

1.0
5.0
PHI201
Nov 23, 2002

Dry teaching, too much value put on very hard quizzes, boring material.

1.0
4.0
PHIL
Jan 11, 2003

nice guy unclear teaching style

5.0
3.0
PHI201205
Jan 22, 2003

Lectures are interesting and absorbing

4.0
4.0
PHI201
Feb 28, 2003

The Nelsonator! Very tough, but clear and concise, this is what a university teacher will teach like! Go Nelson!

5.0
4.0
ENG212
Apr 3, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ALLPHI
Apr 13, 2003

The material is difficult but interesting. He makes the class worthwhile. If you do your work (which most students don't)you'll be fine.

4.0
4.0
PHI107
Apr 16, 2003

Overall good teacher. You can't help but appreciate his dry, pesimistic humor. Although I don't recommend if you dislike classes where a lot of emphasis is placed on a handfull of tests.

5.0
1.0
PHIL205
May 30, 2003

mr nelson rocks and is funny

1.0
5.0
PHILO
Oct 11, 2003

SUUUUUUUUUUUCKS he is so unclear and imposes his veiws on the class...

5.0
3.0
PHYLOSOPHY
Nov 12, 2003

i like mr.nelson alot and would recoment him to anyone who likes dry synicle humor.

4.0
3.0
PHILO
Nov 17, 2003

I had him over a year ago he is a good teacher.If you don't believe what he believes he will let you argue it out with him I know.I would reccommend him even though he only gives a few tests which are hard.Attendance is only occasionally taken though

5.0
4.0
PHIL
Nov 18, 2003

Anyone who doesn't think Mr.Nelson's great, either wasn't paying attention, or is too stupid to get the jokes.He can be intimidating at times, because of his enormous pool of knowledge, but knowledge is power and power is sexy.In conclusion, Nelson Rocks!

3.0
5.0
PHI201
Nov 21, 2003

Can sometimes be disorganized and lectures could be clearer. Tests are really difficult. Recommend bringing a tape recorder to class. Heard that he uses the same tests all the time so find someone who took the class before.

3.0
5.0
ENG
Dec 1, 2003

This is a really hard course in Greek literature. He is very intelligent but he has trouble bringing the material to a level that everyone can understand. Very hard grader on essays and he talks really fast and doesn't write everything on the board.

5.0
4.0
PHIL
Dec 10, 2003

If you take this class be prepared to read the book. Everything Mr.Nelson talks about is right there in the book, just for you. If you read the book and actually think about what you have read, this class becomes a piece of cake.

2.0
5.0
ENG212
Dec 11, 2003

This is a really hard course and he is a hard grader. His lectures are sometimes hard to follow and he talks too fast. I wouldn't recommend this course unless you are a great student with some background in Greek and Roman literatrue.

4.0
5.0
PHI201
Feb 8, 2004

hard class!! But Mr. Nelson is a very smart guy! He works well with students and is very funny!

1.0
5.0
PHI201
Feb 8, 2004

Yes he's very funny, but he needs to learn how to teach. This was the hardest class that I took at DCC, and I read and had a tutor. All my other grades are A's and Bs. I got a C+. The majority of the class was in the lower grades with maybe 1 or 2 A

2.0
5.0
PHIL201
Mar 5, 2004

I can stand his rants, but once there is any kind of question presented, he'll lose you. His style is too explanatory with many examples and not enough basic info for us to even begin to understand him. His tests are even harder, 70+ Qs that take an hour.

3.0
3.0
PHI201
Grade: A
Mar 7, 2004

decent class, but he goes off on too many different subjects that dont relate to the chapter... lectures nonstop... and everyone thinks he looks like george clooney

5.0
3.0
PHIL208
Apr 14, 2004

This class was really fun. The tests are long and difficult but the knowledge you walk away with is well worth the extra effort. Mr.Nelson is a great teacher, especially if your looking for someone that won't dumb everything down for the masses.

5.0
3.0
PHI208
Apr 15, 2004

One of the best teachers I've ever had. He knows his stuff and it's obvious. Some people may think he's difficult but that's probably because they don't show up and/or they don't listen. He really opens your eyes to the material.

2.0
4.0
PHI201
Apr 18, 2004

The guy really does know he stuff, but sometimes its just really hard to grasp. I attend class regularly but still have a hard time following him.

3.0
4.0
PHI201
Apr 22, 2004

This guy is great...his lectures are incredibly interesting and he uses lots of humor as well to keep things from getting too heavy. Inspired me to minor in philosophy. Keep up the good work Mr. Nelson.

4.0
3.0
ETHICS
May 25, 2004

I took him for more than one class. He's inspirational. I can understand the comments about his tests being a challenge. However, if you study ..just read you're book you'll be fine.

5.0
5.0
PHIL
Sep 3, 2004

i've had him for 2 classes. you want essays in his class over multible guess. Hardest class i've ever taken but well worth it. Fun class and great conversations. he is Very well rounded and knowledgable. changed way i looked at life

5.0
4.0
ENG212
Oct 28, 2004

I have taken three of his classes, and I really enjoy his teaching style. The tests are hard, but if you read the text you should know the material. He does a good job of presenting class content in a manner that is easy to listen to. His classes are definitely never boring.

5.0
3.0
PHI205
Jan 19, 2005

Great teacher! Not too hard as long as you apply yourself. Makes the class interesting and is willing to help if you need it. Definitely recommend him!

4.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 8, 2005

he's a great teacher, very funny, and knew what he was talking about..he made class fun and helped anyone who needed it

5.0
1.0
PHIL207
Mar 23, 2005

oh man this is the most interesting class ever this guy really knows what he's talking about i really enjoy this class i thought it was going to suck, but it's a really fun class and he's a really cool teacher if you pay attention you'll be fine

5.0
3.0
PHI
Jul 5, 2005

ok so no one wants to take a philosophy class , but if u got to take it take it with this guy, the material can be tricky, but this guy will go over it, until u get it, and he is funny. You gotta take him

3.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Jul 9, 2005

mr. nelson is way funny. but his tests are super hard. he asks specific questions so make sure you take notes and what not. theres no homework though and no essays, just tests.

5.0
4.0
PHIENG212
Grade: B
Sep 1, 2005

His classes are awsome and entertaining. Hes really knows what hes teaching and he seems to like doing it. However his classes arent easy you will have ot do work, but if you up to it all his classes a worth the time

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 2, 2005

No Comments

3.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 13, 2005

Hardest classes I ever had to take. Really interesting though. He tries to trick you on the tests. Never any homework though, except reading. And if you don't you'll never pass the tests. Still the best teacher ever. ( As close as I will ever come to Sam Elliott)

5.0
2.0
MORALPHI
Sep 25, 2005

This guy is cool.. He's a challenging teacher but he rocks. Dumb people need not apply to his courses.

5.0
4.0
PHI205
Oct 27, 2005

Nelson is fun and exciting. Class discussions proved to be very interesting. No written assignments, only the readings. Tests are only hard if you don't READ. Best class i ever took. He is truly inspiring.

3.0
4.0
PHI201
Nov 3, 2005

he is very antagonizing and he puts down everything a person says. Yeah he does go over material until you know it, but I have almost fallen asleep in class cuz he is dull and boring.

5.0
4.0
PHI203
Jan 16, 2006

Nelson is an aquired taste. READ THE TEXT and take good notes. The subject matter is difficult, not the class. The info was new and interesting and he presents it in a practical way. He tells it like it is. Many people did poorly on the tests because they gave up and didn't study. I paid attention and did well.

4.0
3.0
PHI203
May 9, 2006

Nelson was the man. I took his ethics course and he definitely made it very interesting. The book isn't that bad.. so read it! If you do, and listen to what the man has to say, you'll do fine. This dude is also mad smart, and lives by what he teaches. He gives challenging tests, but he'll prepare you for them.

5.0
3.0
PHI201
May 11, 2006

Nelson is an amazing professor. His lectures are very stimulating and he brings many eye opening questions to the table. The material itself is difficult to grasp, but reading the text and going to class really helps. I highly recomend taking any class with him.

5.0
1.0
WESTERNPHI
May 19, 2006

Mr. Nelson is one of the most awesome teachers @ DCC. His lectures can be a little dull sometimes, but they are worth it for the jokes and the fascinating stuff you can learn if you pay attention. Reading the book seems to have helped a lot of people who left comments here, but I didn't really find it very useful. Just listen to him during class!

5.0
4.0
PHIL201
Nov 2, 2006

As a student who has taken all of Prof. Nelson's classes and who has moved on to major in philosophy at a university, I would have to say that this professor should be appreciated while he is still teaching and you are able to take his classes. He is by far the best professor that I have ever had, and especially the best philosophy professor.

4.0
4.0
PHI201
Dec 14, 2006

"You only live once, but you die a thousand deaths..."

4.0
4.0
PHI202
May 8, 2007

I had him for world religions and I couldn't not beleive how much he knew. GREAT teacher, and really nice, funny guy. Tests are hard though, a lot of memorization... listen to him in class and read the book!

4.0
4.0
PHISECT
Aug 16, 2007

An entertaining man, fun to listen to his views on the world and life. As far as the class goes, it was very difficult. I had a hard time understanding the material. He does try to explain things several ways. I gave up on trying to read the text; I understood more listening to Nelson. Good person to go to if you are having a difficult time.

5.0
3.0
PHIL101
Sep 27, 2007

My favorite professor, and teacher that I have had in and out of college. His views are extrodinary and wonderful. I can not think of a better class that I have had, and I strongly recommend getting to know this class, as well as his material if only for the sake of improving your life. Thousand times better than ANY self-help one could seek.

3.0
4.0
PHI111
Oct 4, 2007

Philosophy is a definitely a difficult subject, and Professor Nelson tries to make it as easy as possible for his students. He is a very interesting professor, and he definitely tries very hard to make you understand the material. Definitely one of my favorite professors.

5.0
5.0
PHI205
Oct 10, 2007

took ethics and philosophy with him... very smart guy, good sense of humor too. is pretty pushy with his beliefs, but if you can defend your own, you're set. tests are tough even if you study, but if you participate he'll hook you up with an A. all lectures, no writing on the board so you have to show up and pay attention. class flies by though!

5.0
4.0
PHI205
Dec 19, 2007

Quite the character, this guy. Professor Nelson is extremely intelligent and engaging, and doesn't mind repeating himself or offering alternative explanations. His Ethics class is tough, but you learn some of the most important things imaginable.

3.0
3.0
PHI201
Feb 8, 2008

Mr. Nelson is such a funny & nice teacher.There is a lot of information,& you will have to ask him to repeat things, but overall,a good teacher. I think his tests are more challenging than what I thought they would be, but everyone is right..you need to read the book and take good notes...there is no hw other than reading, & no essays.

5.0
2.0
PHI205
Apr 4, 2008

I've learned more in his ethics class than many of my other classes put together. He's funny and engaging and the things he teaches are extremely useful. If you're open about your beliefs and want to have fun while learning useful information I highly recommend him as a teacher.

5.0
5.0
PHI201
May 4, 2008

He is brilliant. Really funny too. I have learned more in his class than I have in all of my other classes combined.

5.0
2.0
PHI203
Oct 17, 2008

he's really funny, and very direct - if you want to contradict him, be ready to defend yourself big time. he's not mean but he knows how to challenge EVERYTHING. but that's good because you learn a lot from his class, and learn to think and perceive things differently. he's got a great sense of humor and is very down to earth. lots of book use!

5.0
4.0
PHI211
Nov 6, 2008

Excellent teacher. I found myself engaged in the material and in discussion from the first class. Debating with him has forced me to rethink my convictions and set new ones. I daresay Professor Nelson and his class have changed my life.

1.0
5.0
PHIL201
Dec 11, 2008

This man is an insult to educators and should be barred from teaching. The only people who enjoyed this class were the gullible drones who hung on every word of this vehement diatribe. Spent too much time spewing his political and personal beliefs and not enough actually teaching relevant philosophy. Avoid at all costs!

4.0
3.0
PHI103
Jan 2, 2009

i love him, best teacher at dutchess. and really really really really hot. He is a brillant man

5.0
4.0
PHI213
Mar 8, 2009

Without a doubt, an enormous boon to Dutchess Community College. His classes are engaging and stimulating and the issues he brings up are interesting, compelling, and highly relevant to any student living consciously in today's world. Many of his pupils have noted his teaching as "life-changing" and I must agree fully. A+, take a class with him!

5.0
4.0
PHI205
Apr 22, 2009

Dean Nelson is a great teacher. He is very intelligent and makes learning fun. He is one of the best teachers i have ever had!!

3.0
3.0
PHI101
Jun 3, 2009

this man is supercilious and patronizing. he forces his ideology on the class to the point of nausea. he is unfair, childish, and insecure.

5.0
4.0
PHIPHI
Aug 7, 2009

Dean Nelson is Awesome!

4.0
3.0
WRLDRELG
Dec 13, 2009

Dean Nelson is the hottest man ive ever met. I loved his class. He is so funny and so smart. I love him. Best teacher at Dutchess. You just have to pay attention and study for tests and the course will be a breeze.

5.0
1.0
PHI201
Jun 17, 2010

Nelson has it right. Best teacher a DCC. And hot, obviously.

4.0
3.0
PHI210
Aug 24, 2010

An excellent professor teaching awesome classes..he should teach some more.

4.0
4.0
PHIMR
Oct 6, 2010

He won't let me call him Dr. House. )':

5.0
5.0
PHI101
Jul 22, 2011

best teacher ever hes just amazing

5.0
2.0
ETHICRELI
Nov 1, 2011

Amazing professor. One of the best at Dutchess. Ethics is so much fun with him and is obviously his favorite class to teach. World Religions is good, he does a good job covering a ton of material in one semester. Study your notes and you'll be fine on the test. If you can, take a class with him!!! Totally worth it!

4.0
5.0
PHI203
Dec 5, 2011

In regards to his religions class, it is very difficult..reading the textbook is a must.He is an extremely hilarious and entertaining teacher, but if you're looking to learn this is not the class for you.However,I've heard his other courses are excellent.If you are not interested in this course at first,do not take the time because it is difficult.

5.0
3.0
PHI201
Jun 1, 2012

He was easily one of the best professors I've had. His lectures were interesting, he did his best to clarify anything, and he was hilarious. He was also readily available outside of class and willing to help with anything/just talk. Take his classes!!

4.0
4.0
PHI201
Dec 22, 2012

This class was extremely dense, and he does a good job of covering it, but there is so much info. and it is not easy. If you're looking for an easy credit, this isn't it. If you're looking to learn something, but work hard, this is for you. It is extremely rewarding, even if you don't ace all of the tests. Which you won't. Super funny/Cool guy!

2.0
5.0
PHI205
Dec 4, 2013

He said from the beginning not an easy class, and I wish I listened and dropped. He lectures and barely writes anything down on the board and expects us to write it all without repeating sometimes.. Tests are confusing and every question sounds similar. Don't take if your generally not interested in ethics or you probably will fail.

4.0
2.0
PHI203
May 15, 2014

Pay attention to the lecture and take notes. Tests only no papers or homework. I only used the textbook for reference. He will tell you most of the terms on the test. If you need to make up a test it is no problem and he doesnt ask for excuses. If you are good at note taking, enjoy sarcasm and are good at taking tests then this class is for you.

2.0
2.0
PHI205
May 19, 2014

Class is very hard, if you're a visual learner this class is not for you. He does not write on the board, expects you to write down everything he says. Your only grade in the whole class is 4 tests. No papers, or homework. Or extra credit. I wouldn't recommend this class to anyone!

3.0
4.0
PHI203
Grade: B+
Oct 21, 2014

Mr. Nelson is very intelligent and a nice guy. That being said, his teaching styles are very outdated in that he sits in front of the class and talks for an hour and 15 minutes and you are expected to write down word for word his lectures. He makes it very clear he will not do anything more. If you can learn this way, you're ok. If not do not take.

5.0
4.0
PHI203
Dec 15, 2014

He really knows the subject and is the perfect teacher if you actually want to learn the subject. If you're looking for a place to doze, use the library. Took all his classes and am a better rounded person for it.

4.0
3.0
PHI201
Jan 20, 2015

Although the lectures were long and he talks for the entire class without any powerpoint to back up the lecture he makes it interesting and is always entertaining. Very clear about what will be on the tests. If you study you will have no problem passing but you will definitely have to study.

5.0
4.0
PHI201
Dec 10, 2015

Dean Nelson is one of the best teachers/professors I've ever had. Hes hilarious and incredibly intelligent. This was one of the most interesting classes I've taken.

5.0
2.0
PHI201
Mar 23, 2016

Professor Nelson is an excellent professor and will make you laugh,He knows a lot about the subject and is great at teaching it

5.0
4.0
PHI203
Oct 27, 2016
Would take again

Professor Nelson is hysterical. I've taken two of his classes. He will never fail to make you laugh every time you go to class. His tests are difficult, but if you read and study you will pass. He goes over exactly what you need to know before the test, just make sure to study and you'll do fine!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
PHI201
Grade: C+
Nov 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Nelson is super funny, but his lectures are very confusing. His tests are hard and he doesn't return the answers back to you, so you don't know what you got wrong. He gets off track very easily. Tests are also worded very strange. If this is your first Philosophy class ever, I would recommend not taking it with him. He's teaches a tough class.

Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PHIL201
Nov 17, 2017
Would take again

hes funny and fair

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
4.0
4.0
PHI107
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2018
Would take again

Mr Nelson is one of the best professors I have encountered. When a class challenges you and makes you want to learn more, then you know you have a great professor.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
3.0
5.0
PHI203
May 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Nelson wasnt a horrible professor. I actually enjoyed his class because he is very funny and cracks a lot of jokes. Dont take this class if youre a person who likes PowerPoints. He just stands there and talks for entire class and expects you to write down what he is saying. He does not assign homework. The class is just based off of 6 exams.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
4.0
PHI205
Oct 4, 2018
Would take again

Mr. Nelson is an amazing professor. His classes are lecture heavy with no powerpoints, but his personality makes it tolerable. I have no issue staying focused during lecture. I really look forward to coming to his class. His exams are difficult, but if you study you will surely be fine. Amazing professor, I highly recommend him

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PHI205
Grade: B+
May 26, 2019
Would take again

Nelson's lectures are truly inspiring. He goes beyond the material and teaches students how to live a better life. He has a sense of humor. Grades are based on 4 tests and attendance. He says the tests are "so hard that he can't even grade them without an answer key." While the wording is difficult, they are not very difficult overall.

Inspirational
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
PHI201
Grade: C
Nov 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He goes off topic a lot, and his grades are impossible to pass. He is very fast and the material is very hard to understand it the way he teaches it. Some like him, some don't. He has a good personality but his teaching just isn't for me.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
PHI205
Grade: B
Jan 13, 2020
Would take again

Mr. Nelson is an amazing teacher definitely not for everyone. His lectures (all speech/marker, no computer), are usually very entertaining. Can go off topic frequently. Grades only on 4 challenging tests that make an A grade HARD, even with extended studying. Homework is very low (short readings). May be a little too careless, a double-edged sword.

Inspirational
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PHI201
Grade: C
May 9, 2020
Would take again

Hello humans! You'll be hearing that a lot. Great professor. Very lecture heavy. He doesn't use powerpoints or anything on the computer, he'll use the whiteboard to help along with what's going on. I thought it was gonna be a boring philosophy class but turned real quick to a class that I could wait to go to. Enjoy the class and have fun with it.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
PHI201
Grade: A+
Aug 19, 2021
Would take again

Mr Nelson doesnt use powerpoints, its all lecture (with occasional use of a white board) but he makes the lectures super interesting. Youre graded solely on four (multiple choice) tests, but if you pay attention and take decent notes, its not hard to pass. Speaking as a neurodivergent, he knows how to keep people engaged. Great dude

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

80% confidence
Based on 10 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
B (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 10 reported grades
A: 2
B: 2
B+: 2
C: 2
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (7)
Hilarious (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Inspirational (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Gives good feedback (2)
Graded by few things (2)
Test heavy (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.10 avg change
Oct
May
Nov
Jan
May
Aug
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHI201205

5.0

(1)

ALLPHI

5.0

(1)

PHIL205

5.0

(1)

PHYLOSOPHY

5.0

(1)

PHIL208

5.0

(1)
+30 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENG

5.0

PHIL201

4.5

ENG212

4.3

PHIL

4.3

PHI107

4.0

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