4.2
Quality3.4
Difficulty74%
Would Retake159
Reviews74%
Would Retake
159
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
102
4
30
3
13
2
7
1
7
What Students Say
“Holden is the greatest professor that I have ever taken”
INTRO300 - 5.0 rating“He is a brilliant lecturer, and will get you to challenge your assumptions”
PHIL300 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
98%
Textbook Required
43%
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B+
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+0.17 avg changeRatings by Course
PHILALL
5.0
(1)PHILOFRELIGIO
5.0
(1)3PHILCLASS
5.0
(1)300AMP350
5.0
(1)INTRO300
5.0
(3)Difficulty by Course
INTROPHIL
5.0
PHIL
5.0
PHIL324
5.0
MATH320
4.5
300AMP350
4.0
Reviews (159)
One of the most invigorating and interesting classes I have ever taken. The grade is based all on tests though, so its really hard. Great teacher and very knowledgeable; just be prepared for a challenge.
i wouldn't recommend taking philosphy to anyone. its too absract and a lot of b.s. you learn nothing useful for real life. he's not always clear on what he is talking about. the class requires too much time for a GE class. don't take it.
Lectures are extremely interesting, just be prepared to do some deep thinking. Grade is based on four tests and a short paper. Tests are striaght from the homework/reading assignments so if you study a little you should do well.
The class is relatively easy. The grade is about 90% tests and 10% homework. You have to study a little bit but if you do all the homework you should do fine.
He's one of the smartest people I've ever met, and his teaching method is extremely effective. He knows his subject inside and out, and most importantly, he's capable of getting it across to his students. Dr. Holden is probably the best teacher at ARC.
Excellent class. I went in a Biology major and left wanting to be a philosopher. I really enjoyed the class... Dr. Holden is one of the best teachers at ARC. Excellent teacher and reading choices.
Very intelligent and engaging; knows material extremely well and the tests are somewhat challenging but fair. Tests are all essays.
The class was fairly interesting and you always know what to expect on every test. He gives you sample test questions that are exactly like the ones on the test. If you do all the homework then you will have no problems on the tests. You do have to go to a majority of the classes or you will be lost
Great teacher! This class is interesting and fun, but if you don't like to study don't take it , it is not an easy class. It is very hard to get an A. Complex content and material to study. However, this instructor will help you any time you need him to.
although i can't explain my reasoning, I love this instructor.
Professor Holden is by far and away the best teacher on this campus. His method of teaching is very clear and precise, but mainly he has the ability to make the students think in varying ways. Majoring in Phil. because of him. Do the reading, go to class, no problems getting A or B. Great teache
too analytical. He is really anal about office hours.
This class was very intruiging thanks to Holden because he does an amazing job at making the difficult readings understandable. Tests are directly from homework and lectures.
Some days seemed really long, but for the most part his lectures were really intriguing.
HW is easy.Readings are important if you want pass the tests and have a good understanding.Notes are good if you need clarification.Great teacher, he's funniest when he's in a debate and starts jumping around the room
makes things interesting when he really gets into topics. will do some crazy stuff to get your attention or make you think. some complex stuff though that you really have to think about.
One of the best instructors I've ever had
Awesome teacher, as long as he doesn't try and hit you with a chair to prove the existence of evil! Fun guy to have explain otherwise somewhat dull and repetitve concepts! Take now!
Remember when you asked your Dad for help with your homework, but he just yelled at you for being stupid? Welcome home, kids! If you're happy with a mediocre grade and that vague feeling of almost learning, then this is the place to be. He's smart. You're not.
he's more than adequate when it comes to understanding students' questions and responding in a direct way. the lectures are entertaining but don't help on the exams. i missed four classes in one chapter and still received a B on the test--you have to study the text.
very boring and annoying! made philosophy uninteresting and confusing
He is very helpful! He explains the material very well and he is funny.
Interesting class - Holden presents everything he will test on clearly. If he writes it down - you should too! Attend every class and you'll do well! Fun!
smart guy but just don't interrupt him when he is on a roll. he tends to get real serious which is good but just remember, be serious with him or u'll be bored because the content is deep. if you are taking the class for an easy a, i would not recommend it. you'll have to earn it. readings can be difficult and tests are all written, 1 paper, no m
Not as entertaining as his 300 class, and much harder for those with a low attention span. He's loud and descriptive, though, which is good. Love his classes.
He was a good teacher, but is very intimidating, and quick to throw a wrong answer into the ground. He also talks in a monotone voice, which at 8:00am, is really hard to stay focused on.
Everyone I know is having a hard time in this class. If you give a wrong answer he will w/ out a doubt shoot you down. This is the first time in a class that I no longer have a desire to give any type of input.
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Gret Professor! Knows his stuff. Grade is mostly from tests, so make sure you sudy. Doesn't grade homework, he just makes sure you do it. You discuss your homework in groups in class. Lectures are interesting, and if you have any questions he will do whatever he can to explain things clearly to you.
In the beginning, things are pretty easy. Later in the semester, the material gets more difficult. Attendence isn't mandatory in this class, but it's definitely necessary for success. The only test I got a C on was after I missed like 3 days of class. :-/ Nice guy though. He is helpful in his office hours. And he doesn't shoot down wrong answers...
All the answers to exams are in the homework and lectures. Do the homework. easy points that are counted towards the exam and he only checks it off. Never have to attend class but it's worth it. Lectures are interesting and keep you thinking.
The homework is 20% of the test, you cant mess up from that. There s no right or wrong either, just need to do it. im an ESL student and i got an A. Class requires works, but not hard.
You're going to have to study for the tests, but he makes the subject interesting. His lecture clears up a lot of stuff. He reminds me of a crazy uncle. This class was chill..
good guy, okay class. he makes it interesting, but you have to study a lot for his tests. his practice tests are semi like his tests. but he is very helpful and wants you to pass. Let me retake a test to bring my grade up. Good guy, make sure you study.
Definitely not an easy A. You really have to attend every lecture to understand the material, but it's pretty much just a bunch of formulas you have to remember for the test. Very available outside of class, very smart guy. Pretty interesting questions addressed in the material though. No comprehensive final!
So far, so good. He comes off as arrogant and self-important in the beginning, but don't believe it: he drops that mask pretty fast and then you can't help but like him. This is a guy who loves his subject and really gets excited when something comes up in class that he can dig his teeth into. Participate in discussion and you'll do fine.
he's fun. You learn so much. i have told every one about him. you have to do the home work to pass. read abt 6 pages answer about 5 Q. test are all SA Q'S.
this teacher is great. the material is a little hard to understand sometimes and his lectures are long but he is willing to go over the material with you untill you understand it. He drops the lowest test grade and will let you retake a test if you need to. He's really nice and helpful but attendance is mandatory!
Very interesting subject matter and Holden is very good and explaining things. It took me a while to really get in tune with things and it's not a super easy class, but it's definately interesting.
This Teacher really doesn't know what he's teacher. His tests are confusin and he thinks he knows everything and he will do anything to prove you wrong. I didn't enjoy his class at all... I recom..that you don't take him
Obsessed with sci-fi and metaphysics. Uses internet resources too much, assigns too many assignments (which are difficult). He's no good, take Lopez instead.
Holden is the MAN! He is so smart it blows my mind. He is funny and cool as the other side of the pillow. If you need help he's there, if you need to make arrangements because of something ion your life, he's there. I would recommend taking all his classes. Attendance isn't mando but you can get left behind.
holden is awesome. pretty hard too. the lectures are usually pretty fun (don't know why) and thought-provoking, but some days when he's not into it, its the longest hour and a half of your life. this was the only class i've ever taken where i was introduced to completely unthought-of concepts. holden is probably the most complex person alive.
Holden is one of the best teachers at ARC. He can come across as kind of a jerk, but I think he's screening the class for idiots. If you go to class, pay attention, ask questions and read, the class is manageable despite the tough subject matter. Plus, he's really funny, and that's always awesome in a teacher.
Holden is great. Subject matter is difficult but he explains it really well. Plus he is really funny.
I really like Holden. He's smart and interesting. All the tests are essays and you have to answer them like you would to a little child or else he says you aren't clear. You have to get the book, but it's okay if you don't understand the homework. He explains everything during class.
Holden has to be the worst teacher I've ever taken. His teaching style reminds me of a politician's. He'll try to confuse you till you agree with him. If you like philosophy, do NOT take this class. If you are a free thinker, do NOT take this class. Holden focuses too much on the homework rather then the ideas. Easy A for robots
Smart and reasonable guy, Holden simply presents the material, helps you out if you have a question, and that's the end of it. Easy B, I'd say, but you'll have to put in a little extra time if you want to get an A. Left feeling like I grasped the material very well.
he is a great teacher if its your intro to philosophy class. he makes it very interesting and has a lot of good examples. he really makes you think about everything. i heard philosophy was difficult to understand, but i breezed by this class
Prof. Holden is the best professor I've had so far. His lectures are interesting, easy to understand and so much fun. He always comes up with the best examples to make things clear. He came across to me as a very intelligent guy, and very knowledgeable about a lot of stuff.
Intro to philosophy will blow your mind. Prof Holden teaches in a way which is entertaining and thought inspiring. He presents all the sides of each argument whether it be on the existence of god, the mind, or reality as we know it. Quite a bit of homework and readings can be tricky.Lots of fun though, I'm defiantly taking more philosophy courses.
holden is a nice guy and he really does know his stuff. homework is not hard and you only have to try it to get credit. you better go to every class to understand it, though. It is NOT an easy class, it killed my gpa.
Amazing. A real Mensch. Though the symbolism of the Logic left me feel'n a wee bit at odds with my own warped sensabilities: Professor Holden was ever encouraging and eloquent. No regrets.
Great class, good teacher. The Phil of Religion class isn't what I expected, but it is very interesting. Holden has a very lively way of teaching that keeps you interested in the lecture and gets you thinking. If you're not afraid of being wrong, you'll do well. Just make sure you attend every class.
i really like his teaching style. he does go in depth which is sometimes hard to follow, but with holden their is never a dull moment. he's very animated and passionate about the subject. if you have questions, he is always available to help. take him and you will learn something!!!
The subject matter is a bit difficult, but Professor Holden makes it easy to understand and a joy to learn.
Holden is an absolute masterful professor who is able to weave incredibly powerful metaphors and analogies to help one understand the material he speaks about. He has a vice grip on his subject material, is extremely helpful, and unbelievably brilliant. His sense of humor may not appeal to everyone, though I found him humorous. Highly recommend.
He was a great teacher and i would love to take another one of his classs, he gets your mind working, and he will shoot your idea down if its dumb.. but that just gets you to think before you say something nonsensical
Professor Holden is amazing! He is by far my favorite professor at ARC. Holden is full of knowledge and is always willing to help if you're not clear about something. I'm definitely taking another class with him next semester! We had 2 midterms and a final and they're all essay questions which aren't hard at all if you pay attention in class!
HE'S COOL. YOU WON'T REGRET TAKING HIM FOR PHILOSOPHY.
OMG He's awesome!
Used text for homework only, not really used in class. Teaching style made it hard to take notes. Very animated and really gets you thinking. Will shut you down if you make dumb comments or are not on the right track. Must attend lecture to understand the reading. Homework can be turned in late if you miss a day of class.
Dennis Holden is a great professor. Crystal clear about everything. He explains things wonderfully, and makes the most mundane things excited. He is very funny, and very nice! I enjoyed the class and learned sooo much!
History of Religion was an amazing course. Holden is funny in a REALLY nerdy sorta way, but it works for him. Overall I really enjoyed the class and he helped me break down what philosophers were saying. Highly recommended.
Holden is one of my favorite professors. He is very passionate, funny, knowledgeable, and strict. A great professor, I recommend any student attending ARC to take a class with him. He is part of the reason I am majoring in philosophy.
This guy is one of the best teachers I've ever had. His lectures are incredible and the only bad part about them is when they're over. He knows how to keep people attentive so the class isn't boring at all, and even if you're a philosophy buff you'll probably still learn a lot in his class. I learn 2-3 new things nearly every lecture
best college course i have taken. i highly recommend taking his classes; specifically the intro philosophy and philosophy of religion. if you are open minded, and enjoy gaining knowledge, you will love this class. if not, then take it and become enlightened.
If you have input for his class, expect to get rejected because he likes to hear himself talk and is stuck in hiw ways. He thinks the more confusing, the more interesting. Make sure that you READ EVERYTHING THE DAY ITS DUE! Practice your homework questions. There are 4 midterms.
Professor Holden is truly the MOST amazing professor I've encountered at ARC. I don't even have words to describe how awesome he is. His lectures are extremely hypnotizing; I honestly don't understand how anyone can get bored in this class. I've taken 2 classes with him already and I plan on taking Phil 325 in the Spring.
First of all, to the comment below...this is not a Religious Studies course. Holden is the main reason why I'm majoring in Philosophy. He's someone you want to look up to. I'd highly recommend anyone attending ARC to take one of the classes that he's teaching. He's just super awesome. Period.
He's a great teacher, good pace and understanding. He reitterates anything the class doesnt understand. my fav. class so far. He has great patience and humor. Funny guy, cares about his work and students
Symbolic Logic is, by far, the most difficult class Holden teaches; however, it is the class he is most passionate about. Be prepared to bust your ass to get a B. The final is worth 40% of your grade, and truth values for predicate logic are the most confusing thing, ever. Count the number of times he mentions unicorns during the semester.
Class is confusing for a GE requirement. Dont really need this stuff.overall a good teacher and hes very helpful and nice
awesome teacher, very helpful and practical. not too much hw, but u have to understand the concepts to do well on the exams. turn off ur phone before comin into class-very ocd bout phones, drives him crazy. lectures are interesting, u wont even notice how fast time goes by. interesting class all in all. makes u thnk diff bout language.
I wasn't interested in the class at all. had to take it for credits. Not a bad professor but I felt like I couldn't keep up cuz he was moving so fast. no extra credits. grade is pretty much based on the tests which are hard.homework every day and worth only 2 points -_-
written exams. very hard. if you can bs your way through three pages of it, go for it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Prof Holden's sometimes quirky lecturing style and the assigned readings. His expectations on tests are very high, but test scores can and will improve if one makes an appointment to discuss it with him.
Ahhh Holden was AMAZING...I transferred to Davis in the Fall and I just don't seem to be able to find another professor like him! :/
He's extremely clear in his lectures and his exams are super easy...well at least they were for me :P
Great class. Not what I thought it would be when I enrolled, but I stuck with it because he was so engaging. Always available to help if you needed it (and I did). Hardest B I ever earned, but I walked out of that class proud of the effort. I definitely want to take another one of his classes before I graduate.
AMAZING Professor!
all tests are essay questions. if you're 100% fine with that, then i see no reason why you wont do well in his class. however, if you are like me (and most of my class) they you find essay questions hard (at least somewhat). other than that everyone should love this class and this teacher. he's helpful and super clear, and he's super hot too :)
This was an interesting class, he was very helpful, and the explanations were easy to comprehend.
Hardest A I have ever earned. He is an amazing teacher. Very emphatic, always keeps it interesting, even at 7:30am. By far the most inspirational teacher i have ever had. All tests are essays written in class, which basically determine your grade.
AMAZING teacher. He is absolutely hilarious and always makes class interesting, even when the material is dense. The logic class I took was pretty confusing and hard to understand at first but he was helpful all the way through. His class is very straightforward, and extremely interesting.
Best teacher at ARC! I'm a 4.0 student, but this class is by far the "A" that I am most proud of. Philosophy can be confusing, you have to be interested in the subject. His lectures were AWESOME and he is very inspirational. Be prepared for essay tests, they are challenging. Pay attention and give 110% effort and it could change your life.
BEST TEACHER EVER. Adored my time in this class. It's not easy, but it's challenging in all the right ways. I could almost feel my brain physically growing. The most engaging lectures I've ever sat through. Tests are hard, but boy is it rewarding when you pass. Plus he tells funny stories.
HOLDEN IS AN AMAZING TEACHER. He is super funny, energetic, and interesting to listen to. His tests are pretty simple if you show up to class and pay attention to the lectures. DO THE HOMEWORK. The assignments are the ultimate study tool for the tests.
He is a phenomenal teacher! He works hard to make the info crystal clear and is so energetic. The material is interesting and stimulating. Loved every minute. Reading the book is vital for homework assignments and for understanding the points as stated by the author, especially since exams are essay. By far the best teacher I have ever had!
A master of philosophy of religion. Will shut you down if you argue stupidly but never mean. Explains crystal clear and presents both sides of a debate so spectacularly you won't know What he believes! One midterm, paper, and final. Grades strict. Very enthusiastic and motivated. Views students with respect and has a good heart.
Seriously the best professor i have ever had! I highly recommend him.
this teacher is great. Tests are straight from lectures and He drops the lowest test grade and will let you retake a test if you need to. He's really nice and helpful but attendance is mandatory! i highly recommend taking his classes
This professor will keep you glued to your seat during his incredible lectures! Attend, listen and you will be amazed at what you will learn. You will not be sorry, lots of reading but worth it.
Amazing professor. Class is easy, and if you don't understand something, he's more than willing to help. Really funny guy, but doesn't deal with BS. No phones allowed, AT ALL. Never bought the book, but still got an A, since he keeps the textbook on reserve at the library
Possibly the best teacher on campus, this class is challenging but rewarding, probably the best class I've taken in college. Learned so much, also, his mustache is like seeing a baby unicorn bathing in a magic forest, it will change your life. Seriously, if you don't take it for credit, take his class for the 'stache
Such an AWESOME professor!!! He knows what he's talking about and explains it so well! Pretty interesting class. Funny at times. Do your homework! You HAVE to attend class or else you WILL be lost and he takes role. You get to do practice exams first before taking the actual exam. Goes over everything!
Holden is an awesome guy. I took him for Phil of Religion and he explained everything in a clear way and was always very helpful. This is definitely not an easy class at all. To get an A you need to show up EVERY DAY, take great notes, and memorize literally everything. I ended up with an A in the class but I was one of the few.
Great Professor, really really in depth study way way more than I thought it could possibly be. Interesting and not at the same time hes at least funny and accommodating
Holden is cool, very informative, he knows his stuff. If you already know anything about Phil then I recommend another class because his is geared towards first timers. You need to explain exam answers like your talking to a paraplegic or else even if you know what your talking about you will get a bad grade. Essay instructions need more detail.
Prof. Holden is an excellent teacher- one in a million. He is willing to take time out of class to help you understand whatever material you're having trouble with. I highly recommend.
Prof. Holden, is really passionate and very informative. The subject is so complex and hard but Prof. Holden just goes through it so wonderfully that it amazes me how easy it should had been. This class is hard, not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to remember everything you read/took notes on. His story telling is phenomenal too.
Holden is great! Hard subject to understand sometimes, but he makes it clear as day and is ready to help you when you don't understand. The homework is easy, just make it look like you gave an effort and you get 100 every time. Taking his class helped me think more critically and pay attention to detail.
This class was really interesting. Holden makes it very engaging. The homework seems hard at first, but really, he just wants to see that you put in effort. He explains the text in the lecture. The tests are essays, so be prepared for that. They are not easy. You must know the material and study. Love the music before class!
I highly recommend this class! Professor Holden is excellent at what he does, not to mention hilarious. The tests are in the blue book and while they are fair questions, they do require you know the material very well. Do the homework, ask questions, take really good notes and the class should not be a problem. Overall, loved it!
He uses cooking recipes and directions as his analogies to show examples applying some of the logic and critical reasoning in the real world.
Read, It's important and highlight, get sticky notes to simplify. Lets get this straight, this is not a class about learning different Religions! It's about the arguments from philosophers to prove the existencenon-existence of god and evil. Holden is sarcastic (funny) and organized in his lectures. Study,Study! But be ready for that table kick ;)
He definitely knows what he's talking about and doesn't like to waste time in class. He will work with you to make sure that you understand the material correctly. The material is tough and you have to pay attention to his lectures. He spends a lot of time going over homework so if you already get the homework, it can be boring. I'd take him again.
An amazing professor and this class is definitely one of my favorites. His passion about Phil into what he does in the classroom. Be sure to do HW for the lecture to make sense to you or else you'll not appreciate it. He takes time to help students and makes the material clear for you. One of my favorite professors too. Recommended! Take him. Srsly
Professor Holden is the real deal. He'll give you a taste of what philosophy is all about. He is a brilliant lecturer, and will get you to challenge your assumptions. His tests are extremely difficult, so you'll want to take the homework seriously as practice if you want to get good grades.
He is very passionate about Philosophy and really made me think. I like his style of teaching and his personality. Always paid attention in class even though it was 7 am. Essay form tests which weren't too hard as the information was given in class.
tests are essay format so you have to know your stuff other then that he is a good teacher
Really opened up some new ways of thinking and learned more about writing than english class.
I hated this class. Phil of religion isn't about religion. It's about the philosophers view about religion and memorizing what they think about it. Miss a lecture and you're screwed. Get ready for a lot of reading. HW nightly. I worked my butt off and never was it good enough. Unless u participate, I mean talking aloud, DAILY you will not get an A
Phil of religion is 100% memorizing what philosophers thought of religion. Then taking what how they think in consideration when answering questions. Holden has daily HW all is EASY. Can work ahead. Readings nightly. Slightly boring lectures and does not really like opinions though if Philosophy is your thing, you will love him. If science is... no
Tough Grader but one of the best professors I've had.
The course I took Holden with was philosophy 320, logic and critical reasoning. Very interesting class, I advise you to take it. Anyways, he was crisp and clear with his examples and explanations, and the way he teaches, you could see it in his eyes and the tone of his voice he loved teaching it. Great professor, definitely taking again.
Holden has a good personality but takes a while to warm up. You definitely have to have an intellectual/open mind to pass this class gracefully. Some sections are quite easy once taught. Others are much more difficult but Holden makes sure to go over the more difficult sections more thoroughly. 4 exams, homework almost every night but little of it
I'm in the class right now. But seriously I would email him like 15x on questions for the exam and he would answer ALL of them and in a timely manner. I feel like When people say don't take the class cause it's hard they really should be saying don't take it if you don't like trying. Because he actual will help clarify anything ! Hw you can bs
Professor Holden's class is very challenging, it really requires you to pay attention and take good notes. Lectures are never on D2L, just show up and pay attention and you will do fine. Exams are essay format so be prepared.
This class is challenging, but it's so rewarding. I really like his style. 1. He know his stuff & teaches it very very well. 2. He gives a lot of short homework assignments which were extremely helpful and don't take much time at all. I liked this method a lot because it keeps you on track without spending time cramming at the last second.
BEST PROFESSOR AT ARC! IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO TAKE HIS CLASS DONT PASS IT UP!!!
I really enjoyed Holden! He made it enjoyable with his energy and passion about the subject. There are a lot of short homework assignments that need to be completed, but all you need to do is show that you tried for credit. Tests are easy as long as you put in the work and time to understand the things he's trying to teach. I'd def take again
Professor Holden is strict on attendence and has a strict no cellphone policy. His lectures are informative, take down his notes and you'll breeze through homework. Skipping classes or homework will drop your grade however he is a caring teacher and will discuss your progress if you fall behind. Be prepared to read and pay attention to lectures.
Am currently taking his course 7:30 - 8:50AM, love his teaching style because he has a sense of humor with the subject and is strict enough to a point where you actually learn/ want to learn the material. 3 exams, each with 2 qs and. drops only one of the lowest grades of the a qs for any of the exams. has 21 hw assignments from the little readings
Not my favorite class. My friend took a wayyyyyy easier teacher for this type of class. LOTS of HOMEWORK for little credit. LOTS of READING for that homework that is due each class. I thought it would be an easy class, TEST- tried my best to study for test, kept getting really low grades ;/
Professor Holden gives amazing and clear lectures and answers questions in class completely. Tests, 3 tests total, are essay questions, 2 per test, which means you really need to pay attention during lectures. Homework is due at the start of almost every class. Its hard, but he makes sure students understand the topics.
Just started a new Anthro class, first day was the literal opposite of Professor Holden's class. Whereas in Anthro we discussed our preferred gender pronouns & talked about the class being a safe space you are instantly challenged and made to think critically in Professor Holden's class. You won't leave his class without enlightening yourself.
Professor Holden is funny and knows the subject matter well. I am sure he is a great teacher for many, but not for me. He is very energetic and tends to jump from subject to subject . Exams are all essay questions so do the reading. If you have trouble with focus, I suggest taking Lopez in summer. Holden isn't bad, just really hard to follow.
Holden is the greatest professor that I have ever taken. He knows the subject incredibly well, and attempts to use real world examples to help facilitate learning. However, the tests (essay questions) are around 95% of your grade. A method that I found worked for me was to leave the homework questions open whilst copying down notes from the lecture
Holden D nuts is not a good choice to take for phil 300. Biased professor. Lectures dont even go well with test.
Professor Holden is a good professor, his exams are difficult because they are all essay questions. Has small homework assignments through the semester that are easy points and they will help you a lot with the exams. He is very energetic and knowledgeable about Philosophy. You will learn so much but it is a difficult class.
Best professor. He's super funny and if you love philosophy you will love this class! I wish he taught all of my classes haha
Quite a character, good wit, sense of humor, very fun to interact with. Definitely not the easiest class around, but no regrets about taking his class. He treats everyone with the utmost respect as long as you return the favor. Fairly easy assignments, just pay attention and you'll be fine.
I can't tell you how nice it was to have this class. He knows his stuff and makes lectures interesting! I couldn't understand why there were so little people in this class. Tests are easy if you study and take good notes, he covers all material you need to know to get a good grade. Take this class if you want to expand your thoughts on religion!!!
The class is boring. He uses monologues to make and prove arguments. Lectures heavy, boring stuff.
Holden is really passionate in teaching the subject, his lectures are interesting and does let you think about how mind and the world works and also it covers what you learn from HW. Hw is not too difficult he can allow 2 days of hw be late, theres 3 exams and two are makeup. He also will give feedback on exams and can help you to succeed.
Really easy hw assignments due every class. Lectures answer all the hw questions. Three exams that are based off those hw questions. If you do the hw and take notes during lecture you will get an easy A. Very little work load. No essays. Holden is an amazing professor and I enjoyed every class. Must take if you need to complete general ed.
Holden has been one of my favorites at ARC I've taken. His lectures are funny, he is concise in the way he explains things, and he was always patient, explaining a concept at his office hour if I didn't catch on from lecture. Genuinely nice & caring. Be warned: he WILL call you out if he sees a cell phone. Don't! But you shouldn't do it anyway.
Setup: Read selected text readings and answer questions before almost every class. Lecture explains reading. Homework is only 2 points per assignment but is the study guide for exam. Lecture is interesting, and Holden knows how to engage students for great discussions. Class/material was hard, but he was a great prof!
Exams make up most of your grade. Homework is only 2 points but it has everything you need for exams. Its ok if you dont understand readings because he goes over everything. Always group discussion on homework before lecture. Exams are all written but if you look at homework questions they are basically the same as what will appear on exam.
This course is not easy. Requires students understand very advanced content when reading. Take advantage of the day before the exam where he walks around while you ask questions. Your grade is dependent on 3 exams, and he demands you understand the material. This class is not easy, but I believe Holden made it worth the effort. Do not underestimate
Hands down my most favorite class I have ever taken. He will make you think, and more importantly, challenge your own ideas. He is old school and not afraid to claim it. He demands respect but deserves every bit of it. In short - he would be my first choice to sit, have a beer, and just talk to. 100% would take again.
Great class!! Lectures were so fun and exciting. Homework was pretty easy just reading and questions. Tests were also not hard just make sure you study the study guide he gives you! He drops 2 lowest homework assignments and your lowest exam grade at the end of semester. Pretty easy A if you do the work
This class was tough at first but He also wants you to get the info so dont be shy to go to office hours. Hes also super helpful during class about clarifying. I actually really liked the class and the challenge. Homework wasnt a lot and tests were exactly what was covered in class. He also drops lowest exam/quiz grade at the end.
Professor and the only speaking students were so involved with debating that it was a complete mess to understand what they were saying. He does not give supplementary material to understand required reading, a lot of homework for so little points and test heavy. So arrogant and unable to help understand impenetrable text nor his lectures.
Excellent professor with very easy homework, but tough exams. Which require you to write two short essays on prior questions on your homework assignments. Aside from Pearson in history 311 holden is by far one of the better lecturers on the campus. Highly recommend his class if you are interested in philosophy. Also no extra credit but clear grades
Astounding man. He is clear from the beginning how his class works. Homework due every class period. Its a lot of dense reading, but the point of the homework is to familiarize yourself with the topic before he clears everything up in lecture. The lectures are awesome and theyre all linked together. A great story teller and passionate. Loved it.
Knows his stuff. Very inspirational. Smart man that will make you think. You have to work for an A and understand his analogies during lectures. Pay attention during lectures at all times and homework is a requirement or else you won't know some key points during lectures. Accessible outside class on the norm. Can be more clear on grading criteria.
My main issue with this professor is the grading and test layout. The readings that dont make much sense, he then lectures on material and then expects you to write 3 pages on something he lectured on weeks ago. His tests are very hard and he doesnt give you any guidance for tests. This was my hardest class at ARC and its an intro!!
Symbolic Logic is a hard class, and Holden doesn't make it any easier. His explanations are quite vague and confusing. I found myself trying things by myself which were much more helpful than his explanations. I'm not sure if he's trying to complicate things on purpose to sound smart or he's just confused.
Holden means well, but I found him to be an incompetent teacher, especially when it comes to teaching difficult material such as symbolic logic. He makes things unnecessarily complicated, and what I did understand came despite his lectures, not because of them. He has a convoluted, roundabout way of explaining things that is extremely frustrating.
He is very passionate about this subject and very stern with the syllabus and what he expects which is respectable. Readings are confusing but he clears it up in lectures. Take good notes make use of his office hrs and study. Tests are 2 out of 3 essay questions, with 4-5 sub questions. 3 tests, you have to work for your grade above a C.
Holden is passionate about Philosophy. He enjoys getting people to think philosophically and his lectures take you on the "journey" of figuring out what each philosopher is arguing. His tests are difficult and you need to take A LOT of notes during class to pass. The homework isn't bad, but it is also only 5% of your grade. DO NOT miss class!
I thoroughly enjoyed this class from day 1 until the very end. Mr. Holden is a great lecturer, just make sure you are constantly looking up and listening. He likes engaged students-even though he may embarrass you in front of the whole class if you say something. Lots of reading from philosophers and short homework. Tests are short answer and essay
A lot of reading, a lot of interpreting the reading. You really need to understand the material and understand how to respond back. It was really hard, it is philosophy. Very blunt though, so if you get butt hurt easily or quite religious, don't take him. He doesn't mean any disrespect though. Great teacher though.
I really enjoyed prof Holden's class, highly recommend. HW consists of readings that he goes over in lecture, not hard at all if you just read & put some thought. Just take good notes! Engaging in in-class discussions made the class that more interesting, but due to covid class went online & had video lectures instead. Great class, great professor
Professor Holden is great, he really loves the material that he teaches. Class is completely online. I found a rental textbook but honestly not super necessary. He goes over material through lectures. They are long, I usually put them on 2x speed. Homework is due sporadically through the week and I have forgotten some assignments but I have an A.
Professor Holden is a very kind teacher. He was very helpful and polite when answering emails. There is a lot of reading required but it is worth it.
Content itself is a little difficult however he is super helpful, available, and provides super useful feedback. 4 exams (100 pts each), discussion posts which are either an easy logic question (just 1 post) or a Q&A where he helps, plus hw. Work have a 2 day window usually but opened up late work for me when I asked. Drops lowest hw and quiz score
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