4.2
Quality3.1
Difficulty66%
Would Retake104
Reviews66%
Would Retake
104
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
71
4
16
3
5
2
4
1
8
What Students Say
“Dunham claims to be open to other views, but she isnt”
PHL321 - 1.0 rating“Grading is very strict”
PHL321 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.84 avg changeRatings by Course
619
5.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHL
5.0
(1)EASTERNPHIL
5.0
(1)PHLWMN
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHL321
3.6
PHL360
3.2
PHI360
3.2
PHIL103
3.2
PHL103
3.1
Reviews (104)
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Her grading scale kind of sucks...you have to get a 96 for example to get an A and so on...but I think it was really worth it. The material covered is not easy, but she makes it interesting and relates it to our lives. She is also very understanding.
This was my favorite class I have attended yet. She is a little nuts at times but he crazy stories keep you very entertained throughout the class
Prof Dunham was SO good at teaching, and the material we covered was amazing! I feel so much smarter :) But, her grading is pretty inconsistant and her scale is a little crazy! I worked really hard and got an A-, though, so you can succeed! :)
She is such a good teacher!!! You have to be willing to work, because the material is tough. She really knows what she is talking about. You won't ever fall a sleep in this class since she is nuts. Also, she is a very understanding lady. Totally gets life~
Great fun! She's really interesting; Tough A though.
Loved the class despite the fact that it was a little hard. If you go to class, take good notes, and good at short answer questions then this is the class for you. Lot of reading that you can get away with not doing, but probably my favorite class.
my favorite teacher. as long as you pay attention and take notes the tests are easy but you have to read the material to get an A. her stories are relatable to the topics not just random. ask questions and speak up. she'll notice when it comes to your final grade
No Comments
The best philo. teacher. take notes and study from them and actually read the material before class-- it will help you understand what you are writing down.
Best teacher I have had so far. Made the class very interesting. Graded fairly. Available for help at all times. Would highly reccommend this professor. Attendence is important, but going to class helps unerstand the material. Don't even have to read the material- just go to class and pay attention.
My favorite prof so far! teaches my 8am class and it's my fav class by far. she relates to students really well and makes class interesting. to get an a you gotta read the material but she explains it really well. highly recommend her!
she is the best philosophy professor ever!! not only does she take the time to ensure that you have an excellent understanding of the material in class, but if you need extra assistance, she is more than willing to stay with you after class. She is very enthusiastic about what she teaches and makes it very fun and interesting to learn. Pick her!!!
A great way to wake up in the morning! Prof. Dunham makes philosophy interesting, and she is so enthusiastic about it. You must read to understand the material, the class is dificult but not impossible. I am taking her again next semester!
Best teacher at UD. Makes material interesting. She keeps you focused for the whole time. Read the material and you will understand her references even more. Take her if you can!
She explains things very well, and challenges you to apply the philosophy to your life.
This is a really interesting class, but also very difficult. Reading is a must if you want to get an A. I really enjoyed her class but her "qualitative grading" was frustrating at times.
AMAZING. Only Diane Dunham could make ME interested in philosophy. I took another professor before her and fell asleep in every class, so I dropped it. She made the subject so interesting and I actually looked forward to going to class. There was a lot of reading and the tests are all essay, but she's definitely worth the extra effort.
I hate philosophy, but Diane put it in easier terms compared to what I've heard about other professors.
Dunham is by far one of the best professors at UD. I have taken a couple of her classes and I just love her! She is an awesome teacher and she really makes you think and challenges all students to do their very best.
One word: awesome.
flippin great. Take her if you can
AMAZING! She really helps you not only for tests, but really makes to gain a sense of who you are through what we learn. She's so awesome.. I don't even need anymore PHL after this semester, but am taking her class next semester just because she's that awesome!!!!!!!! Dunham ROCKS!!!!!!!!!
The course consists of short readings, lecture, and discussion. There are a couple short essays and take-home/in-class essay tests. The material challenges you, but Dr. Dunham delivers it to you in such a way as to generate genuine interest, from which you gain a desire to excel. This class will NOT stress you out. You'll definitely enjoy it!
Excellent professor. Gets into everything she talks about and makes learning fun. She is funny, helpful, and always has something interesting to say. Take Dunham if you get a chance. She will open your world to philosophy even if you dont like it.
Wonderful prof! All of my friends complained about their phl profs, but she is hands down the best! She gives four essay tests which are easy as long as you attended lectures and took notes (and read). Her grading scale is weird, but you know where you are in the class. The only homework is an opinion paper on a previous lecture - very easy!
I absolutely love this woman. I looked forward to coming to class every day! She's so animated and interesting to listen to, and makes the subject come alive. Take a Dunham class sometime before you graduate from UD.
diane dunham is GREAT! Class goes so far beyond just Phil & Lit- we had so many great discussions, and I learned a ton about life. Her first priority is her students, which is awesome. Take her if you can!
really fun and animated during class
I hate philosophy but she made me see it completely different. I LOVED this class and dunham is an incredible professor, so nice, understanding and helpful. TAKE HER!!!
I took this class over the summer to get easy credits to transfer back to IU. I loved this class and I highly recommend her. My studying included a 10 min session right before the test and I consistently did well. The trick is to take clear notes and not miss any classes. One of the best professors I have ever had (my IU profs suck compared to her)
Dunhams' class changed my life. Every word that comes out of her mouth is meaningful and reflective of human life. Grade consists of 4 essay tests about material covered in class and an essay final. There is also a 2 page reflective paper that you read out loud to the class. No need to stress, it is fun and easy. Please, take Dunham if possible.
Incredible professor. She made me a philosophy double major. Hers was the rare class that I actually looked forward to going to. Take her if you can. The readings were all great, especially alongside our class discussion. Work for my class (Phl and Lit) was just reading three novels and 2 plays, 1 presentation, reflection papers and a final paper.
EXCELLENT TEACHERR ! essay tests, good class discussions, &really helpful test hints. i looked forward to this class even though it was at night &ima pre-med major. I loved her!!
I had never taken a philosophy class before hers and she was probably the most outgoing and interesting people I've ever been taught by. She is never afraid to speak her mind and doesn't leave anything out. I always hear other peoples philosophy classes being boring and hard to go to, but I actually paid attention simply out of interest. great prof
I had never taken a philosophy class before hers and she was probably the most outgoing and interesting people I've ever been taught by. She is never afraid to speak her mind and doesn't leave anything out. I always hear other peoples philosophy classes being boring and hard to go to, but I actually paid attention simply out of interest. great prof
I took Existentialism back in the Fall of 2008 and today (2011) I can honestly say that the subject matter has dramatically altered my identity by introducing me to some of the greatest thinkers of the past. However, none of this would of been possible without the inspirational and talented Ms. Dunham - her teaching ability is second to none!
I hated philosophy before the class, but loved attending this class. The tests are all essay and I got a high B without ever reading the text. Class discussions are great. Only problem attendance is mandatory. So don't take it if you know you're going to skip.
Really nice teacher, someone in the class reads their paper every day which takes up a good amount of time, paper is really easy don't stress about it, mine was horrible and i still got a b on it, tests are easy she gives you all of the essays, i bought the books but you honestly do not need them dont waste your money on them TAKE HER!
Professor Dunham is unbelievable. She changed my outlook on philosophy and more importantly, life. This woman is a gem in a sea of Professors that don't care. She is a living genius who should be recognized for the awake and attentive audience she commands. She will give you goose bumps, her lectures are fascinating. I was honored to have met her.
I had Prof. Dunham for PHL 321 and loved her so much I took her for Existentialism. I am so glad I did! This was by far the most interesting class I have ever taken at UD and she is my absolute favorite! She is incredible, and has completely changed my outlook on philosophy, life and how the world works. TAKE HER AT LEAST ONCE WHILE YOU'RE AT UD.
Prof Dunham is literally so cool. After failing philosophy last year, i waanted to take a teacher that would give me a whole new outlook on philosophy. Shes AMAZING. i am always listening and so interested in what she has to say. Lectures are extremly interesting and tests are an easy test of knowledge if you study. Love her. taking her again!!!!!!
Dr. Dunham is one of the best professors I have ever heard. She is engaging, funny, smart and really any other positive adjective you can come up with. My one regret of college is not taking more courses with her. If you want to think differently about the world, she is your woman. Simply, yes.
Amazing professor. Relentlessly passionate about the material, and makes it almost impossible not to stay interested. The way she makes you question the world is life-changing. Only homework was readings and one paper. A must-take prof.
Prof.Dunham was great, I had a really great time in her class. And the way she lectures makes you think more efficiently. Not to mention that she is really helpful. But the best part was NO HOMEWORK!, seriously though take her, she is someone you will never forget working with. Especially international students she gives you an extra day for exams.
Professor Dunham is without a doubt the most impressive and passionate lecturer at the university. Philosophy by its very nature is challenging and requires substantial effort, however she facilitates in class comprehension while providing you with the insight to make the text your own. Your academic journey is incomplete without Existentialism.
Took her over the summer for Philosophy of Art. Just an elective course that I wasn't looking forward to. This professor made this truly my most memorable class of college and favorite no doubt. Very helpful in and outside of class. She just opens your eyes to art and our world in general. Very interesting. I recommend this class to everyone!!!
Dunham is an incredible professor! There's a fair amount of material to wrap your head around, but existentialism is a really cool and interesting topic. The big thing with Dunham is you can really tell that she loves teaching philosophy. If you're looking for a philosophy class, consider existentialism. If you want a good professor, take Dunham.
This class professor is life changing. I am a completely different person because of this classprof. You cannot put a pricegrade on the knowledge you gain from this class. Read, (sometimes takehome) tests, 1 paper. Her lectures are amazing and teaches really well. I am taking PHL 360 with her next year because I loved her so much.
Her reviews are great on here but I didn't like her. Taught in an anti-God stance and let that show despite whatever we were studying. Tests are essay tests and she grades really hard. She wants you to use your own thoughts and examples so the tests are basically on everything except your notes. You can't use examples from class to get a good grade
She always fell behind schedule and let select students get away with not having their work on time. She used strange examples in class and was not clear in her explanations; she seemed more focused on presenting the information artistically rather than clearly. This class is about how well you know how to paraphrase info, not understanding it
She expects too much from students. Avoid her if you could!.
a Very very nice guy. almost all exams were take-home. she is very nice to students and replied email very soon. But, actually PHL321 is not a easy class, and I do not suggest international student to take it if your English is not very well.
Dr. Dunham is awesome! Took PHL 360 over the summer. While I was already interested in the class, her lectures only made it better! This class was enjoyable and she gives great feedback on papers. Her lectures keep everyone interested and constantly asking questions. Highly recommend.
I'm going into my Junior year & I have to say Prof. Dunham is STILL the best professor I have ever had at UD! You can tell that she loves what she does. Dunham cares about your success, therefore she will push you to your fullest potential but you won't regret it. There's lots of reading, but tests are essay format so you can't avoid it. TAKE HER!
Prof. Dunham is a wonderful lady who I had for Existentialism this summer, & I enjoyed it immensely. Class is lecture, usually explaining reading material assigned the night before. She likes commentsquestions. You just have to write a paper reflecting on a certain idea you learned each week. 3 for easiness bc only exceptional papers get A's.
If you dont take Dunham you are making a poor life decision. She is the most life changing/ amazing professor I have ever taken in my life. She opens your eyes and shows you the world. Her lectures are intriguing and thought provoking. Read the text, get invested in the course, and you will do well. 1 2pg paper, 3 essay tests, reading. No busy work
Professor Dunham is one of my favorite professors. The readings are tough (expected) but the way she explains them in lecture makes them very understandable. She understands her class isn't your only class. She's a tough grader but her lectures are so life-changing (you think i'm kidding, just wait) that her class is worth it. Take Dunham.
Professor Dunham's lectures are incredible and life changing but her tests are difficult. Even though they are open book, which is helpful on the 25 multiple choice which are basically direct quotes, the essays are near impossible to get right. The final grades are curved though. Reading is crucial to pass!
the best ever
Professor Dunham makes this subject interesting. She is hilarious at times and tells us stories about herself that make connections to what we are currently studying. She wants students to think for themselves rather than repeating back what she says. She is most definitely an advocate for students being able to express their own thoughts.
Prof. Dunham is highly invested in her subject and I highly recommend her if you're a philosophy major or if you just have an interest in a class she's teaching. Her lectures are very engaging, but it's not the type of class where you can not do the nightly workload and get an A. If you're willing to put in the work, she's definitely worth it.
Dunham grades on a qualitative scale which sometimes makes it difficult to understand what she wants. At first she will seem like a tough grader, but if you put forth the effort she will reward you. Do not take her if you just want an easy A. However, I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to really learn and challenge what they think.
The best prof. I've ever had at UD! Existentialism with her is a life changing experience. Prof. Dunham makes the material more understandable and is very accessible during office hours. She is such a delight in and outside of class. I highly recommend Prof. Dunham for any philosophy class she teaches. Put in work and the classes will mean so much.
She wants to make sure her students don't just memorize material. She really cares that we use our brains and think for ourselves. She had many life changing lectures
Professor Dunham is an amazing human and she truly cares for each of her students and wants them to excel. Lectures are very interesting and can hit the core of your own being. Presents topics that most people can relate to/makes concepts easy to understand. You do have to work for your grade but she grades on an individual basis. Love this woman!
While many like Dunham, I find her class absolutely unbearable. Despite philosophy's being about opening yourself up to other perspectives, Dunham quickly shoots down any views that do not align with her leftist views. Grading is very strict. If you are left-leaning and want a class that caters to your views on the world, then this take this class.
Very opinionated. Dunham claims to be open to other views, but she isnt. She never lets people with opposing views finish their thoughts, often interrupting them then making fun of them later. Her grading is also very strict. If youre liberal or you pretend to be, show your views and have good command of English - youll do well w/ Dumbham.
She is a great person and she really seems to care about her students, but I don't think she truly understands how much our grades in college effect our futures. You have no chance at an A and a B is a long shot.
I think she mustve gotten crankier since the last stream of nice reviews. She got mad at the whole class for there not being enough As on the first exam. Despite putting forward a well-reasoned essay, she took off points because the arguments were too emotive, when in reality they were simply contrary to her thought. Avoid her if you can.
Amazing lecturer! She will challenge you and make you think, and makes sure to keep the class engaged. She isn't an easy grader, so if you are just trying get an easy A, maybe pick another professor. If you are open to learn something though this is one of the best professors I've had at UD!
If you take this for a CAP class, don't do it! It's extremely hard to even follow her lectures but you have to go b/c attendance is graded. She doesnt grade off a scale it's only based off what she thinks. doesnt explain the required readings, only expects you to read and understand the material yourself. A good grade is almost impossible to get
It seems as though Dunham doesn't want you to succeed in her class. She makes it close to impossible to get an A. For example, some of her papers start at a B- as the highest grade you can get on it. She lectures the entire class and doesn't have any open office hours. You also have zero unexcused absences, so don't miss class.
Philosophy with Dunham is pretty awesome. She focuses on critical thinking and uses the actual texts of famous philosophers. If you want an A on tests you need to have the main ideas down pat. Also, participating is crucial because her grading is very subjective. She does allow for debate of ideas and wants to get you to think critically.
Professor Dunham is a great woman. She will help you with any questions or problems you are having. However, she expects you to come into class prepared each day to participate. She really tries to dive into text and see her students become enlightened. Would definitely take her class again.
Liberal politically, but not radical. Very open to different ideas, loves giving feedback and hearing what her students are thinking during lectures. If anything, come for the lectures. Very interesting and she isnt afraid to speak her mind.
One of the best classes I've ever taken. It's not an easy class, and the grading is more objective than subjective, but if you put in the effort and participate you will get a good grade. Very interesting, discussion based lectures and readings from real philosophers. She gives good feedback and cares about her students. Take her if you can!
The grade is made up of 1 paper, 4 test, and attendance. The test are essay format but are open book. If you just read through the material once before the test and take good notes in class, you should have no problem in the class.
Yeah dont take her. Dont know what all of the hype is about. She is not inspirational and grades super harshly for it being an intro class.
Love this woman but she's a HARDish grader. The books we read are the ones you cannot understand. She always keeps the lectures fun and interesting . She grades on an A-F scale and each letter grade is how good she thinks your paper is. B is "Pretty Good" so I have only been pretty good this semester : You have 1-3 essay tests and 1-2 essays.
She is an amazing person and seems to truly care about her students. She takes time to give detailed feedback on essay tests. However, she is an extremely tough grader! You can only get an A if you "exceed her expectations." Don't miss a class or your attendance grade goes down half a letter grade each time.
I love Diane Dunham, she is absolutely brilliant. Her class was challenging and she expects a lot from you, but that being said I would take her again in a heartbeat. There were 2 in-class essays, and 2 take-home papers as well as a few small assignments.
She is such a free spirit kind of teacher. Even though it is lecture heavy class her lectures are very interesting. She is energizing even at early times of the morning. Make sure to read the text and take notes in class. Also show up!!! Ask questions and talk about the hard topics, she allows it.
Prof Dunham is amazing and really cares about her students. You will learn a lot during this class and several of her lectures are really life-changing. She is definitely a harsh grader but if she sees that you're working hard and improving your grades will go up as the semester progresses. TAKE THIS CLASS! You won't regret it.
Professor Dunham is a truly inspirational professor. Her grading criteria isn't always very clear and she doesn't grade quantitatively, she grades by very good, good, decent, etc., which can be pretty confusing. But, the material in this class changed my life and she is one wise lady, so take her if you can!
Does not have a clear grading scale. She is rude and demeaning to her students. Would not recommend taking even if paid.
Prof Dunham is a free spirited caring professor. She lectures every class so it is important to go to class so you have good notes to reference for the tests. All tests are written. She doesn't have a clear grading scale, however if you put in the effort and she sees your trying she will take that into consideration and most likely raise your grade
I took her for honors intro to philosophy. She has great lectures. She doesn't want her students to memorize material but to actually think for themselves. If you like copying notes directly for the board she may not be for you since she mostly lectures with writing a few key points. Make sure to do the reading before class so you can participate.
She is such a nice professor. She can talk a lot but what she says actually matters. I learned a lot from this class. There are a lot of readings you have to do, but they're not all completely boring.
During the Remote Learning Period, she was just flat out absolutely amazing with her class lectures, and she made the readings that were given to us easy to understand, even if they were hard to follow. As long as you follow her instructions, and write thoughtful papers (which are not very hard at all), you will get an A, but dont skip class.
I don't know why everyone is hyping this class up. This is by far the worst class I've taken here so far. Extremely difficult for an intro class and she thinks her class is the most important one you will ever take. If youre not a philosophy major, don't take her.
Dr. Dunham is an extremely easy going teacher. For existentialism, your only grades come from 4 papers and simply attending each class. While attendance is mandatory, participation isn't really required, and the last two classes, we received extra credit just for attending. She was very easy and understanding on grading the papers.
Professor Dunham is literally the most kind-hearted professor! If you show up to class and show that you've at least looked at the reading material in your writing you will pass.
She is passionate about philosophy so it can make lectures interesting, but she solely relies on lectures. Notes are very simple so if you don't write down things she says or forget what the notes are meant to be for, it can be hard to complete her essays. The only assignments she gives are test grades and then counts your attendance for a grade.
Professor Dunham is such a nice lady. She is a fairly tough grader but tells you exactly what she is looking for and gives you lots of feedback. If you show you are reading and actually trying she will appreciate it and show that in your grade.
Love Prof. Dunham. I took her a few semesters ago and really enjoyed her class. She is a tough-ish grader, but this course has relatively tough material, so it makes sense. She is kind, and knows how to make mundane topics engaging and fun. Anybody who is giving her a bad review likely just was not paying enough attention to really understand.
Dr. Dunham is an incredible orator and the course will change the way that you think about life. They should make her class mandatory for every person on the planet. Take the class.
This woman is an absolute sweetheart. Unfortunately, I find philosophy really boring so it's not my favorite class, especially cause I had it 8 am. Overall though, she's a super easy grader and super lenient. She likes building connections with her students so I would definitely try to talk a little bit.
Prof Dunham is a really cool person and makes existentialism really fun. I would not recommend skipping class because you will miss a lot but her classes are so fun you won't really want to. You do have to think pretty critically about the readings but it's not difficult
The class was very lecture-heavy, and you have to read the reading and pay attention to her lectures if you want to do well on the assignments. There were very few assignments but were all writing and application questions. My biggest issues were her grading criteria were a little unclear and she never put anything in the grade book.
Class is boring overall, but even if you pay attention and take notes, you will get points off on exams for using them. Exams are important and focus on readings that don't make sense. She also has no grading parameters so good luck guessing. She is a nice person but you can't miss class without your grade dropping either with one excused absence.
She will give you the course schedule up front so you know when assignments will be due. The only downfall she had was never uploading grades to Isidore.
If philosophy is not your strongest subject then maybe take another professor. She is a tough grader and even though you can use your notes on the paper she still takes off points on a lot of things. She has great lectures and is a great person.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.84 avg changeRatings by Course
619
5.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHL
5.0
(1)EASTERNPHIL
5.0
(1)PHLWMN
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHL321
3.6
PHL360
3.2
PHI360
3.2
PHIL103
3.2
PHL103
3.1