Best instructor on campus. Don't leave WVC without taking this course.

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Wow! The must take course for LIFE!

The best teacher here. I took World Philosophers on Death, Introduction to Philosophy, and Environmental Ethics. I recommend all of these highly.

amazing teacher. his class is a life experience. he will open your mind from bondage.

He may be hard and opinionated, but he know his stuff hands down. His lectures on Eastern Phil and Christianity are the best I've ever seen. You'll have to work and play by the rules, but it's worth it.

I've taken many classes of his, best philosophy teacher out there. If you are never wrong, take another class, he'll damage your ego but he'll wake your mind up. Most valuable lessons of college taught in his class.

amazing teacher

Possibly the best teacher I have ever had. If you are willing to listing and actually think about what is being taught you will enjoy the class. Many people aren't and end up hating him. He can come across as arrogant but he isn't. He just loves philosop

The best teacher I ever had. Thank you, thank you, thank you, you're the BEST!!!

Mr C. Changes lives for the better on a daily bases. It takes a inspired person to dumb philosophy down enough for Community College students to get it. It should be a required class.

this guy is cool, real good times. he's right everyone out there is pretty goddamn stupid. suv's and cell phones are very annoying and everyone knows it, the man is truth, rock on mr. c

Mr. C's teaching style is very refreshing. He speaks the truth in a very brutally honest way. His passion and fire is very motivating and is a nice change from the medeochrity that saturates the rest of our society.

Mr C is quite an amazing teacher. He's remarkably engaging, funny (but not absurd), and above all, he's very wise. Contrary to what some others have said, his lectures are surprisingly lucid. My one complaint is that his grading might be a little too easy

Great teacher. DJ is very wise and will help you understand many things that you have never even thought of before. Test are easy, just make sure you know the terms, no homework, just minor reading for the test. Great class.

If you don't get philosophy or aren't interested, don't take him. Be polite and only speak when you know what you're talking about, and you'll do well. Good guy, very creepy. Don't mess around or nap in class, he kicked a couple people out for that.

made the world come alive to me. Taught me the love of wisdom.

Mr.C should run for president.He is the smartest man I've ever met.Class is ridulously enlightening.Take any of his classes and you wont regret it.But take it all seriously, and dont screw around,he will make a fool of you if you.

Great teacher. Brings the beauty and values of philosophy to a 'new audience'. Cares about the results. Cares about the quality of his classes. An example for every other teacher!

Mr C. is awfully arrogant. Yes he knows a lot, but not everything. His class was pretty clear, you absolutely have to do the reading and studying. Tests arent that hard, he's a pretty good teacher. But don't disagree with him because, well, he knows it all.

Arrogant maybe, but intelligent definitely! Don't use "in my opinion" because he will shoot you down. He really gets caught up in his speeches and they are awesome to behold.

One of the greatest teachers you will ever take. Humble yourself and hear the truth. He's very funny and intelligent. Study hard and you'll do well.

The best teacher I've ever had!! His into class changed my life. He showed me the importance of Philosophy and gave me direction in life. I highly recommend his class!!!!

The most knowledgable man I have ever met. He makes you realize how important philosophy is to life. If you are very opinionated and think you won't take what he is saying to heart, take a P.E. class instead.

he was hard. but it was enlightening. took him years ago, but remember a lot of it. no bs, if you want to enhance your life take this and work at it.

Professor Ciraulo has to be one of the best teachers at West Valley. He is very passionate and knowledgeable about his subject, and his class teaches you the importance of philosophy in society. Amazing lectures, no bs, I really enjoyed every lecture. Awesome teacher, very highly recommended!!!

This class is a must for anyone living today, especially students. If you are a typical brainwashed dumbass then this class will either ****you off because you will realize you are a dumbass, or it will change your life and views about the world and yourplace in it.. If you have an open mind and wa

Some people are intimidated by someone who knows more than they do, and take it as an insult when they are told that they are wrong.Democracy does not belong in the classroom.If you are tired of bs english classes where everything that anyone says is right, take this guy.

Best professor i've ever had. I took his class not knowing who he was or anything about philsophy and I took three other philosophy classes with him afterwards. The material can be difficult, and Mr. C can be intimidating, but he will open your eyes to issues you've never thought of before.

This is definitely one class you come into on time, sit down, and shut up. It will also change your life, and give a new outlook on things- if you open your mind. I would definitely not recommend taking it with friends, as that may distract you from it's importance.

intense instructor and course material. definitely saw a few people belittled for asking stupid questions, but if you're a pretty hardcore student, a very interesting class to take. he does want people to be successful...visit in his office hours--don't bother trying after class.

He is a wonderful teacher. He is very smart and knows a lot about the way the mind works. Have a little respect for him and his class and you will enjoy his knowledge.

The best teacher I've ever had!!

Mr.C is a gem, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't pay attention in class. He has three master's degrees, and has thirty years of experience--he knows how to handle a class, but that can sometimes scare bad students who want to override the teacher. However, if you are in philosophy as a major, then work hard to prepare with dr.la fave.

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Mr. Ciraulo is an excellent teacher and an unforgettable man. If the content of the lectures is slightly lacking, it is made up for by the fact that this man will change the way you think. Everyone should take this class, albeit with a grain of salt.

This guy kicked ass! he made fun of the gov't and the idiots who drive their gas guzzling SUV with their fake patriotism stickers and flags that they put on them. His book was quality and I actually feel that if I wasn't all messed up, I would have remembe

The best teacher i've ever had. he changed my life.

An amazing teacher. I highly recamend him to every one

Great teacher. Class is not easy be any means, but if you work hard you will be ok. Go to the tutor,he tells you what is on test and the format it is in. Be ready to write and actually use your brains. Truly a great experience, don't let him intimidate you he is actually a cool guy.

The best teacher I had. Was hard on me sometime but it wasn't personal. Subject are interesting and he tells it how it is. His course is clear and straight forward. Changed my life and he kick ass. He is intimidating in apparent at first but he is a very cool guy. A few quality teachers that's left, it would be a big loss if he retired.

I've taken all of Mr. C's classes and gone on to get 2 Masters degrees (1 in Philosophy). He completely prepared me for graduate school. Students either love him or hate him. He is by far the best teacher and especially lecturer I've ever had. His teaching has had a profound effect on my life and I feel I owe it all to him. Thank you Mr. C!

What can I say? Mr.C, is an oddity. A jewel among a vast plain of ugliness that we call our community. He is the most profound teacher and thinker that I have encountered. His messages are layered with meaning, and of love. An inspiration to my own artistic process, he has shaped and taught me the values of good judgment. A wonderful experiance

mr. c is an amazing teacher. he teaches what should be considered the essentials to life. his class inspired me to take my education seriously and opened my eyes to many things about american culture. his death class is the most fulfilling class i have ever taken. if i had the time i'd sit through it all again!

this guy knows what he's talking about. and he'll get you interested too. before his class, i barely knew what the hell philosophy was about, but now i have knew found respect for it.

Mr. C rocks, do waht he says and go to class and you'll be fine.

Mr. C is a very profound a passionate professor. If you do as you are instructed and pay attenetion he will be very fair to you. The only people who take offense to any of his social commentary are those who are so caught up in their own superficial world that they can't pull their heads out of their butts!

This is an odd one. You either love him, or hate him. He likes to shake people up, and some people don't like to be shook up. The trick is not to be distracted by the controversy and pay attention to the material.

If you are looking for direction or a mind altering experiance, this is a great class to start with. Mr. Ciraulo is a unique teacher who has a rare passion for truth and is not afraid to offend you. It is easy to get an A in this class if you show up for classs and take notes written on the board. He might seem intimidating first, but real nice.

the most interesting class I've had thus far. Extremely smart professor who actually lectures and doesn't rely on notes to keep him on pace. Take if you want to learn not if you need a grade

On the last day of the week before finals, he assigned 4 problems, and asked the class to give a two and a half to four page essay with single line spacing. One question was: “How does the possibility of death differ from other possibilities?” regarding Heidegger. That requires a half page response. Excellent teacher, very annoying workload.

Amazing professor. Knowledgeable, passionate and extremely grounded. Traces thoughts and history to explain the present. Mr C. persists with questions until the symptoms are left, leaving only the cause. His teaching and personality are transformational- especially on self-reflection. I would be honored to have another class with him.

If you want to learn like actually learning take Mr C. If you want to get out of your fantasy world take Mr C. Most IMPORTANT DONT TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU WANT TO STAY BEING AN IGNORANT.

Very good teacher, people get offended by him because they dont wanna open their eyes, they simply dont want to listen, so they pick on other stupid things or try to make it personal. Take this teacher if you want to really learn. Dont tke it just to fullfil a requariment. Dont worry about tests just listen and you will pass.

He is tough, he demands your respect, and he does not stand for any typical student bull****. You go into his class, shut up, put down your defenses, and start learning to think. I highly recommend taking any courses offered by him, whether you "need" them or not, but they are mental boot camp, and he won't think twice about kicking your ass.

This teacher will take no prisoners. Has zero tolerance to bs and will not think twice about kicking out of his class. He knows his material damn well and even though he is a bit arrogant , he has every right to be. Very tough material, lots of reading but well worth it. if you stick to it you will learn to like the subject and the teacher.

Ciraulo is kind of crazy and a bit intimidating, but he knows the subject very well. Everyone needs to take classes with him, even if you've already fulfilled your philosophy requirements. Ciraulo's class is HARD, so be ready to work for a good grade. He does give a lot of his own opinions in class, but if we don't listen to opinions from our pro

His passion for philosophy is inspiring and makes for a wonderful class experience. Not everyone appreciates his intensity, but I do.

Come with an open mind and do the work and you'll be fine. This is a fascinating class, I definitely recommend taking it.

The man is a genius. Those who complain about how hard he is are likely attending college to chase tail. I hate the profs who lack clarity and are impossibley hard as much as the rest but Ciraulo just isnt like that. I have never heard him talk about his degrees besides the first day of intro. You bitter rat ****s.

hes a disciplined teacher and demands discipline from his students. The class isnt hard as long as you do the assigned reading before he lectures on it and neither are the tests. He offers tutoring services and is helpful to genuine students

Mr. C is awesome. He is tough and if you're opinionated don't even bother. He changed my life however and if you're up to learning to live Philosophically take him. He's great. He's also a pleasure to talk with outside of class. His tests are graded in class, so no waiting for grades. You're great, Mr. C!

Mr. C?s communist agenda gets a little over the top, and his emphasis on authority becomes blind even when dealing with students who understand what he is ?teaching?; however,I recommend him if you suffer from the brain washing of modern culture. I would check your assumptions at the door.

I typically go to a UC, but heard so much about this man that I had to try his summer course out. The man's a genius. I've taken plenty of philosophy courses at plenty of schools and I've never had a course like his. A nice mix of history, sociology, and philosophy that really went against the grain of most positivist stuff I've been exposed to.

He is hard for some people, but if you are interested in philosophy he is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. He most definately knows his philosophy. If you have any trouble with the class, there is a tutor near the Coffee Bean that can really help!!

I respected this man as a teacher, but he offended me by making a huge assumption of me. The good and awesome thing about him is that he is a great teacher and everything that he taught me until today and probably forever will stay with me.

i came into this class very naive, but left with a better understanding of many things he taught us. He is very informative and knows what hes talking about. i must warn he is very opinionated so if you're easily offended this is not the class for you. He seems rough around the edges but was nice to speak to outside of class. Very willing to help

His teaching method is engaging, thoughtful and un-restricted. One of the best professors I have ever had and I have been all over the United States. He's hard on the "materialistic youth" and makes you question your assumptions, and DON'T EVER SAY, "WHOSE TO SAY?" IN HIS CLASS!!! he will feed you to the sharks

This guy is a boss, he walks around campus with his head up in the air, probably philosophizing (Sp?) He's really cool and if you want to do well in his class, show up, read, and that's pretty much it. He will have you hooked on philosophy in no time.

There ought to be more professors like this one.

I hated him for the first 3 weeks. He's my favorite teacher now. He really is and though he's kind of abrasive it's for your own good & he will teach you a lot about philosophy. Tests are short (mostly multiple choice and fill in the blank) but specific and intense. You really HAVE to read the material in this class. Definitely recommend him.

Mr. C is an amazing teacher, and honestly one of the most influential figures in my life. I love his class. Sure, his lectures can be convoluted, but you just need to read the book to ace the tests. Take this course, it will change your life.

AMAZING PROFESSOR. Can't wait to take another class with him in the spring. If you sit on your butt and don't do any of the work, you'll fail. If you do the 4 chapters of reading he assigns over the whole semester and ask questions, you will get an A. Sorry nobody is willing to do the work. He changed my view on the world - thanks Prof C!!!

These are not opinions he is teaching, anyone who knows about philosophy can tell you that. Don't try to let your assumptions get in the way, just understand the bigger picture to what he is saying.

Great teacher, truly inspiring. Some people may not understand his abrasive attitude, but it is meant to rile people up to do something. He is an inspiration, and may seem pompous, but he is so intelligent that the attitude is deserved. Listen with an open mind and you will be fine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

He is an excellent professor. Leave your opinions, thoughts, beliefs, and political views at the door before entering. Be completely respectful, don't show up late, and always attend class. Don't ask him questions or give comments unless you are entirely sure you know what he is talking about.After many classes I wanted to applaud his lecture.

Ciraulo is one of the most influential teachers I have had in my life. This was my first philosophy class and I was blown away by his lectures. I took phil21 in the winter and could not bring myself to miss a single day. I recommend this class for anybody who enjoys thinking critically. not so much for apathetic ppl who just need credits.

D.J. Ciraulo is an author and a very intellectual man who speaks the truth and anybody who doesn't like what he says can just go on and whine or drop the classes like the wimps you are! Step your game up , STRAIGHT UP!!! You GO Ciraulo !!!!!!!!

He was the best teacher anyone could have for this subject!! Yes people get thrown out but its mostly because they were being stupid. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! The tests are very simple and straight forward so as long as you read and take notes you should be fine.

He is one of the best teachers you could ever hope to have at West Valley.Staying after class is always interesting because that is when people will ask questions, so stick around for a minute or walk with him and just talk to him. He knows what he's doing and so what if he's eccentric. Atleast your not bored.

This professor changed my life. Opened my eyes and I owe getting into UCLA because of him. Majored in Philosophy because of him, and the love he has for it, made me love philosophy. Please take him, please be mature in his class, and give him the utmost respect. Go to his office hours, talk to him, don't annoy him, but let him get to know you. I wi

An amazing teacher. This is one of the few classes that a student will be taught how education should be taught in our society. I have learned more in his class than I ever learned in any classes. He has opened my mind and taught me how to think critically. Everything I learned in his class helped me in all my classes.

His lectures are wonderful. It WILL change your life! He seems to be strict in class but outside of it he is less 'judging' and very very helpful and nice. So don't hesitate to ask for help! I really respect him, his work, and I am planning on taking another class!

BEST TEACHER EVER! He knows the material, and gives rundowns of all the smartest people in all different fields, and always shows how it connects to philosophy. He may SEEM to go off topic, but he will always connect back to the main topic, if you can pay attention long enough. Take this teacher, and you will learn much more than expected.

I took this winter course because I liked the way he taught the intro class. I admit it was vigorous, but then what would you expect from a 4 week course..5 question take home final determined your grade but the questions were from the book (which he wrote)

Pay attention.Read the assignments. Mr. C has a lot to offer.This was a winter class so covered a lot of territory in a short time. Best class I have taken since graduating from SJS.

There are no words I could write that would do justice to the tremendous change that has occurred in my life as a result of taking this class. Mr.Ciraulo is a once in a lifetime type of teacher. He has taught me more in 16 weeks of lecture than I have learned in my entire life. I'm not kidding! Show up, shut up, and pay attention. Life will change.

Ducunt volentem fata, nolentum trahunt. No one wanted the class to end. We sat there wanting more. I think he's great! Pay attention!

GREAT prof. Learned A LOT. He has a hard exterior but is VERY caring if you talk with him one on one. Seems difficult when you listen to him, but if you take notes and do the MINIMAL reading, it's impossible to NOT get an A. 3 short papers and one quick fill in exam, no final. Very intelligent, I value his opinions and teaching abilities

Mr.Ciraulo is my all time favorite teacher, I look forward to his class every morning, and i never want it to end. If you have a open mind you will LOVE him and this class. If you have a closed mind then open it up by taking this class with Mr.Ciraluo. He has changed my conception of life, and all situations I deal with in life! Much love Mr.C!

This is a great class. The written assignments are designed to make you think!Opened up a conduit to a new reality. Will take 4th class next semester.

This class should be mandatory for everyone to take. It's a slap in the face and opens up your perception of the world. It'll change your life

There is a reason he is strict in his lessons, as he will not tolerate rude behavior. There is nothing worse than a class full of disrespectful students, as he is forced to repeat lectures when there is too much disturbance. The undisturbed lessons I've attended are the most enlightening. Pay him the respect and attention he deserves as a professor

Ciraulo is different from any other professor because he demands the respect and attention that every teacher should receive.Pay attention to the message he tells you, and your life will be changed forever! He has a passion for Phil. and it shows in his lectures.Listen to the lectures, read the book, everything is covered. You'll be a better person

Listen and Learn. Professor Ciraulo is a great teacher. This was my first class of college and i will never forget it! I was excited every morning for his class. You don't want to miss his class, whatever your major, professor Ciraulo is essential.

he's honestly amazing. students who come in sitting on a pedestal with their heads held high will be harassed by him guaranteed. but hes a genius, if you sit in class and just listen with open ears, you'll love his class, not to mention philosophy. he changes the way you think, you just have to be respectful towards him or you'll get chewed out

I got a B in his class which could have easily been an A if i tried harder in the beginning. As long as you are interested in the subject and read the book an A is very obtainable. Ciraulo is a genius and his lectures were mind-blowing even if it was just an intro course. He is ON YOUR SIDe, He just doesn't like BS, ignorance, and disrespect.

I wish I would have recorded his lectures! I could listen to him over & over! He has such a passion for philosophy & getting us to open our eyes & think. He's all about tough love & I love it! He's honest, insightful, & a no BS kinda guy which makes me have so much respect for how real he is. Hands down, best class I ever took!!!

I did not care for this class as much as the other classes (3) where I could write. I have no regrets and would take another class if offered, but I completed all his other classes.

One of the best teachers I've had at WVC. Not for those that will get personally offended because he can be harsh and will not tolerate being disrespected. You must show up to all classes(ontime) and do the reading. If you do that, you'll do well for sure. He gives you the answers to tests in his lectures so take good notes. I highly recommend him!

I found the class challenging, certain requirements were new to me but now that I've had experience fulfilling them I've much improved.

Great teacher worthy and quality.

Took this guy over intercession. Defiantly a teacher I will remember. He encourages you to participate but if you say something wrong he will let you and the whole class know and embarrass you. I ended up with a C but this class opens your eyes to the real world Take it, your whole outlook on school will change forever!

If you are overly sensitive, have trouble focusing, or lack self discipline, do not take Professor Ciraulo. Otherwise, I highly recommend his classes. Very intelligent, hard to follow at times but when you piece everything together it's pretty overwhelming how valuable his lessons are. As long as you respect him, he will respect you, plain as that.

I am writing this 6 years after taking his class. I knew he was a great teacher then, but I appreciate him even more now. Professors like him are not easy to find; he is passionate about philosophy and genuinely cares about helping you understand - if you want to. He won't chase you down so if you're not going to try just don't take his class.

Best professor I have ever had. The class is only difficult if you expect to be babysat, not educated. He will expose the real world to you. Take this class if you are looking to change your life and alter your entire perspective on reality.

Mr. C is by far the best teacher I have ever had. He's very passionate about philosophy, and he is not afraid to show it. Just be polite, pay attention, and read the books. He's always happy to answer questions and he's really good at explaining complicated ideas. He may not be "politically correct", but he doesn't bs you.

Don’t be a weak consumer inured to loving opinions, a characteristic diametrically opposed to philosophy, and learn from a teacher who lives what he teaches. Philosophy can make you feel weak and despair or powerful and ethical. To the weaklings: your love of opinion reflects your ill-founded negative ratings. Enjoy being uninteresting peons!

In my academic journey I’ve had numerous professors and Mr C. tops all of them. You can hear the passion in this mans voice while he lectures, I wish I could have recorded him. He not only adores this subject he lives up to what he teaches. I wish more professors were like him. Your grade will not come easy but the hard work will be rewarding. :)

He is one of the Best Teacher on campus. I would tell other student to take his course in the Winter session.

Ciraulo is the best professor at West Valley. These criticisms are weak and clearly overlook his immensely valuable lectures, which you probably won't get at any other community college. He is knowledgeable and so kind-hearted. He only wishes to help his students succeed. Toughen up, and learn how to respect a great professor when you see one.

Mr C is the best teacher I have ever had. Scratch any cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist. His brutal honesty and criticisms made me question who I was. He made me a better student and more importantly a better human being. I pity the students who failed to understand him. The system has obviously won them over.

Professor Ciraulo truly changed the way I understand the world. Over the course of two classes (Survey of Philosophy and Logic), I became a much stronger thinker and writer. I went on to take classes in Phil at a four-year school, and he was a much better educator than even those with a PhD. I also learned a lot about teaching from his approach.

I went on to a Four Year University, and I still appreciate all the lectures from Professor Ciraolo and what he taught us in class. He is a strict professor, but he is brilliant and will tell you the truth about life and the present status of our world. I liked how he spoke about AI and how technology is just a distraction. I would retake him.