3.9
Quality3.6
Difficulty73%
Would Retake94
Reviews73%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
94 total ratings5
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 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.10 avg changeRatings by Course
PHI201205
5.0
(1)ALLPHI
5.0
(1)PHIL205
5.0
(1)PHYLOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHIL208
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG
5.0
PHIL201
4.5
ENG212
4.3
PHIL
4.3
PHI107
4.0
Reviews (93)
Makes you think, which is the point of philosophy! Very nice and interesting.
No Comments
No Comments
unclear teac hing but a nice guy
Dry teaching, too much value put on very hard quizzes, boring material.
nice guy unclear teaching style
Lectures are interesting and absorbing
The Nelsonator! Very tough, but clear and concise, this is what a university teacher will teach like! Go Nelson!
No Comments
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.
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.
mr nelson rocks and is funny
SUUUUUUUUUUUCKS he is so unclear and imposes his veiws on the class...
i like mr.nelson alot and would recoment him to anyone who likes dry synicle humor.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
hard class!! But Mr. Nelson is a very smart guy! He works well with students and is very funny!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
he's a great teacher, very funny, and knew what he was talking about..he made class fun and helped anyone who needed it
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
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
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.
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
No Comments
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)
This guy is cool.. He's a challenging teacher but he rocks. Dumb people need not apply to his courses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
"You only live once, but you die a thousand deaths..."
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
He is brilliant. Really funny too. I have learned more in his class than I have in all of my other classes combined.
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!
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.
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!
i love him, best teacher at dutchess. and really really really really hot. He is a brillant man
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!
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!!
this man is supercilious and patronizing. he forces his ideology on the class to the point of nausea. he is unfair, childish, and insecure.
Dean Nelson is Awesome!
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.
Nelson has it right. Best teacher a DCC. And hot, obviously.
An excellent professor teaching awesome classes..he should teach some more.
He won't let me call him Dr. House. )':
best teacher ever hes just amazing
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!
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.
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!!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professor Nelson is an excellent professor and will make you laugh,He knows a lot about the subject and is great at teaching it
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!
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.
hes funny and fair
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.10 avg changeRatings by Course
PHI201205
5.0
(1)ALLPHI
5.0
(1)PHIL205
5.0
(1)PHYLOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHIL208
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ENG
5.0
PHIL201
4.5
ENG212
4.3
PHIL
4.3
PHI107
4.0