2.4

Gerard Elfstrom

Philosophy - Auburn University

2.4
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
12%
Would Retake
124
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

12%

Would Retake

124

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
124 total ratings

5

13

4

24

3

23

2

25

1

39

What Students Say

Really a nice professor but has been teaching this class for far too long

PHIL1020 - 1.0 rating

By far the absolute most boring class I've ever taken and no matter how hard I studied (I make A's and B's) I could not get above a B

PHIL - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

92%

Textbook Required

18%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 34 grades
Most common grades:
A (12)
B (6)
C+ (4)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(7)C(8)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 36 reported grades
A: 12
B: 6
C+: 4
C: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (11)
Lecture heavy (10)
Tough Grader (7)
Tough grader (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Participation matters (4)
Test heavy (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.31 avg change
Nov
May
Oct
Nov
Dec
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHIL3640

5.0

(2)

LOGICLAW

5.0

(1)

PHIL1017

4.5

(2)

PHIL1000

4.0

(2)

PHIL1100

4.0

(3)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

1020

5.0

LOGIC1010

5.0

INTROTOL

5.0

PHILOSOPHY1010

5.0

PHILLOGIC

5.0

Reviews (123)
1.0
5.0
LOGIC1010
Mar 14, 2003

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS...teacher is rude and will not help you! He susposedly does not pass many people

3.0
4.0
LOGIC
Jun 4, 2003

All I have to say is this guy scares me.

4.0
3.0
PHIL1017
Oct 7, 2003

He answers questions pretty sarcastically and tends to pick on people but he explains the material well. Doing the old tests that are available online helps a lot. I had to work hard but I got an A.

4.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Oct 13, 2003

Very bright man. I enjoyed the class. It's not really hard and the tests are easy and he is a good teacher, so the class is not that hard and very little homework. Worst handwriting in history though. Good thing not much note taking from the board.

4.0
3.0
PHIL
Oct 16, 2003

good teacher, very funny in a weird kind of way. extremely sarcastic, so don't wear your feelings on your shoulder.

5.0
3.0
PHIL3640
Oct 23, 2003

Dr. Elfstrom is by far one of the best teachers I've had. His classes are enjoyable, his lectures are clear, he grades fairly, and is happy to help students who need additional instruction.

1.0
2.0
PHIL
Oct 29, 2003

totally unapproachable

5.0
3.0
PHIL1017
Nov 4, 2003

very good teacher- kinda hard, but if you study old tests..you will do great. funny and easy to stay awake in class!

4.0
3.0
LOGIC
Nov 6, 2003

This guy is nuts. But he can be funny sometimes and if you study old tests (which he provides for you) you can make an A (he curves). Sometimes he comes off as rude, but he's just nuts.

1.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Nov 10, 2003

No Comments

2.0
4.0
LOGIC
Nov 13, 2003

He is crazy. By the end of the class, I was completely confused. He did nothing to help anyone in the class, most of them didn't pass.

1.0
4.0
LOGIC
Nov 13, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
LOGIC
Dec 12, 2003

This guy is totally nuts. He's very weird and funny all it one, which helps him to get teach to stuff well. look at the old tests, and study some you'll stil do fine. Listen for: If you jump off the top floor of the Haley, your bound to snap your leg.

5.0
2.0
PHIL3640
Dec 14, 2003

Dr. Elfstrom is definitely a quirky fellow. His tests are easy if you do the reading and go to class. He's very willing to help you and talk with you if you have any questions. A great professor.

5.0
2.0
LOGIC
Dec 22, 2003

Never had a professor who taught with so much passion as he did.

2.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Dec 23, 2003

Absolutely crazy. Did not understand him. He tears everything you say apart and tells you youre wrong. He's nuts. Dont' take him!

4.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Feb 21, 2004

Kinda crazy and handwriting is definitely hard to read. Very helpful though if you go see him. Tests are pretty difficult, but he does scale.

5.0
3.0
LOGICLAW
Mar 4, 2004

the man is out of his gourd. but he's cool. take the class but don't slack.

2.0
4.0
LOGIC
Mar 15, 2004

This guy is weird. You have to go to class but it doesn't help at all, it just confuses you more! He's crazy!! Makes no sense at all! I've been told his class is hard to pass!

4.0
3.0
PHIL1000
Grade: A
Mar 16, 2004

Well strap my suspenders! Elfstrom is a hilarious professor... kinda out there, but does a good job at explaining things usually.

4.0
3.0
PHIL1010
May 3, 2004

Weird overall, but the class isn't too hard if you go.

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
May 10, 2004

He is one of the weirdest people on the face of the earth. However he is very helpful with making up exams and such. Tests are difficult simply because of his weird wording habits (making up words and such). Overall I would say take ethics or something

5.0
1.0
LOGIC
May 10, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
LOGIC
May 18, 2004

He is totally crazy!!! He did not curve at all and does not care about the grade that you make in his class!! DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!

5.0
2.0
LOGIC
May 19, 2004

I enjoyed his class, even if he was always banging on my desk. He is a weird old man, but I learned alot in the class. I would definantly take this over ethics. You do have to go to calss and take good notes, but he gives you old tests to studsy with.

2.0
5.0
INTROTOL
Jun 1, 2004

I have never studied so hard for a class in my life, and I still failed! He was extremely nice, but I just didn't understand. Yes he offers sample tests, but they are NOT exactly like the real tests. If you are having trouble, get help/out of the class.

1.0
5.0
LOGIC1010
Dec 2, 2004

elfstrom puts on a strange and quirky (one of the most obnoxious) fronts, but i dont buy it. I think he makes his weekend trips to ATL and gets his play on. Be warned---he's got one of the most brilliant ways of confusing any student by his spacey comments and senseless humor.

2.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2004

this class is AWFUL! do NOT take it! take something else! it is SO confusing and you will NEVER use it again! it is a compelete waste of time and money! he is nice but VERY weird i just hope that i pass...

3.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY1010
Dec 12, 2004

Elfstrom is the quirkiest person ever born.Often difficult to understand his cryptic speech.Got a few laughs but otherwise confusing.Exams are ridiculous,final wicked hard.Got an A in the class but honestly dont know how.Made a D on the final.He substantially curves really bad exam scores.

5.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Jan 18, 2005

Definately take this class. He tells you exactly what you need to learn and he goes over everything in-depthly over and over again in class. The first test was the only one I got less than an A on, and he curved it so that I had like a 95. He's very fair on grades. GO TO CLASS and you will do fine.

3.0
3.0
LOGIC
Apr 25, 2005

well snap my suspenders.

2.0
4.0
LOGIC
May 6, 2005

he does curve some grades, but otherwise the most boring class I have ever been to in my life and he has an attendance policy so you have to go. Pay attention when he's actually saying something important (not very often) and you will pass with at least a B and probably a C.

1.0
5.0
LOGIC
May 8, 2005

this guy is BONKERS! I have no clue what's going on his class... crazy man! CRAZY!

5.0
1.0
LOGIC
May 13, 2005

i found this to be a really easy class, but some had trouble with it. I thought Dr. Elfstrom was funny just because he cracked himself up using "The War eagle SupperClub" in all his logical points.

3.0
4.0
INTROLOGIC1010
May 22, 2005

must start studying 2-3 days before test. His final is completely comprehensive and ridiculously hard don't take this prof. or course if possible, try PROF JOLLEY he's much better or take bus. ethics

1.0
5.0
PHIL1010
May 25, 2005

This is a bad logic teacher to have!! Tells un-funny jokes instead of teaching clearly!! He teaches in a very unclear way!! He is weird and never answers your questions outright!!! Class average on every test was a low D always a curve that didnt help!!! HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED!!!! DO NOT TAKE ELFSTROM!!!

2.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Oct 31, 2005

Crazy crazy man. He knows what he is talking about. He tries to throuw you off on the test by saying weird things. Study from the CD and read the book and you will be okay. Everyone bombs the first test. It gets easier. He does curve grades so it is a little better. take him only if you have to

2.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2005

he's awful, tests are horrible and its not worth it to go to lectures. i'm an A student and i'll probably have a C in here.

4.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Dec 10, 2005

Pro: he's very clear--repetition, repetition, repetition. You can't say he didn't cover a topic. Con: the course material itself is arduous and boring, and his corny one-liners don't help. Overall, it's challenging (not impossible), but don't take it too serious. (Use the CD)

1.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Dec 12, 2005

I hated this class and I think that Elfstrom is a jerk. He made fun of me EVERY class meeting and when I went to the review session he laughed at the questions I asked. I don't like how he treated me and other people in the class. The final counts for 40 % of your final grade and it was the hardest test I have ever taken. DO NOT TAKE LOGIC WITH HIM

2.0
3.0
LOGIC
Dec 13, 2005

well, if you have alot of patience then he is the teacher for you.I made an A in the class, but had to study lots.He complicates everything, and will not directly answer any questions, When youre lucky he will answer it with an analogy, but sometimes he only asks you more questions when you already didnt know! I wouldnt suggest taking him to anyone

1.0
5.0
INTROTOLOGIC
Dec 17, 2005

Don't take this class. If you have to, take a different teacher. The man is nuts and so so so strange. He's annoying and isn't helpful. The class sucks, get out if you can!

2.0
4.0
INTROTOLOGIC
Dec 20, 2005

Oh my gosh, this man sucks. He is sooo boring and hard to follow so I would say about 95% of the class ended up teaching themselves the material. The only advice for students who are stuck with this man: get ready for hell and study from the CD that comes with the book, it's the only thing that got me a passing grade in the class!

2.0
5.0
PHILLOGIC
Jan 10, 2006

This teacher is unclear and very difficult. And, not to his benefit, he is very boring. Do not take this class. It is in your best interest. I made a D and I am an A/B student.

3.0
2.0
INTROTOLOGIC
May 1, 2006

This class isn't hard if you can get past it's mind-numbing dullness. Elfstrom isn't bad, it's just the material is SO FREAKING BORING I doubt anyone could save this topic. He does work a LOT of examples and his tests aren't hard if you work the practice exams he has on reserve in the library.

3.0
3.0
INTROTOLOGIC
May 8, 2006

i mean this is a boring class but to get a c was not too difficult and i never went to class wich takes pointsoff your grade so make sure to go and just do all the practive tests that he puts on reserve and take his notes and you'll be fine

5.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Dec 14, 2006

good teacher. he knew no one really cared about his class and tried to make a boring class as interesting as possible. if you go to class it's really easy. and he says the same expressions over and over again like "well snap my suspenders" and "well, Ahem"

2.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Dec 15, 2006

i hate this man. he was ridiculous. you start out thinking it might be easy because he curves the first test but after that when you get a 45... its actually a 45. i only missed class 3 times the whole semester and i took notes every day and still got an F. your only hope is to use the cd in your book and that stuff isnt anything like the tests.

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Apr 22, 2007

extremely boring awful teacher put me to sleep everyday moves way to fast where no ones can understand him...has the most annoying voice i have ever heard in my life....dont take him!

4.0
2.0
PHIL1010
May 7, 2007

He tried. Logic isn't that interesting, but he attempted to make it worth going to class. So if you have to take it, take him and just accept his attempts to make it entertaining.

4.0
4.0
PHIL1020
May 7, 2007

Dr. Elfstrom is not easy but he is not impossible. It helps a lot if you can get the notes from someone who has taken the class before. I had to drop his class the first time I took it and made an A this time. I could not have done it without the old notes. Go to class and study hard. Good luck!

3.0
5.0
LOGIC1000
Jul 18, 2007

This class is probably one of the hardest I have ever taken at Auburn. I studied and went to class all the time and still got a C. if you need an easy "A" don't take this class.

3.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Nov 9, 2007

I don't know why people think this class is SO hard. Granted it is not the most interesting class, it's not hard work. Most of the materials after the first test are alot like puzzles. If you work them enough you will find out the answer. Definately, print out the old test from the library reserves, and use the CD that comes in the back of the book

1.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Dec 10, 2007

One of the WEIRDEST and most painfully boring man I have ever encountered.This class SUCKS and is extremely hard. I dreaded this class and Elfstrom with a passion.I would've stuck a needle in my eye to not take this semester of HELL.DO NOT take him if you know whats good for you. He's in his own world and his life revolves around logic.Take ethics!

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Dec 12, 2007

He is an absolute jerk. i can't stand him. every day for the first few weeks he would pick on students until about 1/4 dropped his class, then he laid off (a bit). not a bad teacher but i don't like him at all as a person... harsh but we really just DON'T get along!!

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Dec 12, 2007

No Comments

3.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Sep 30, 2008

It is raining outside, therefore the floor is wet and slippery.

3.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Oct 26, 2008

Average

4.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Oct 30, 2008

love this guy

4.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Nov 4, 2008

If you take good notes in class and study a few hours before tests you will do well in that class. Be sure to work on the old tests

4.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Nov 4, 2008

The guy is weird but he's a pretty good teacher compare to most of the professors I;ve had. He tries to make the materials clear enough for you to understand, even though they are not. Had him last year and would like to have him again. If you're a freshman definitely take him.

4.0
2.0
PHIL1100
Nov 21, 2008

funny as hell

4.0
2.0
PHIL1100
Nov 21, 2008

well snap my suspenders

1.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Dec 1, 2008

This man is the worst teacher ever! DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS you will be bored to tears!!!! DON'T TAKE IT!!

4.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Dec 3, 2008

best professor ever

3.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Dec 14, 2008

ah well. not a bad teacher after all. learned a lot from him

4.0
3.0
PHIL1000
Jan 1, 2009

Elfstrom is an interesting teacher but he is very straight-forward and does his best to help you understand. Take his advice and study the old tests. All of the test you take are almost exact copies of the ones online. Don't listen to ppl who say he's a bad teacher. He is a philosophy professor so he will act a little weird but he's very smart.

4.0
4.0
SOCY1000
Mar 9, 2009

Not bad. Just kind of a confusing subject, he speaks in a monotone most of the time, but is a nice guy and will help you to learn whenever you ask.

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
May 5, 2009

this guy is something else. incredibly weird but literally memorized the book we used. he knows his stuff but it is not easy. friends took other logic classes and did not do near the stuff we had to. it is a lot of work when you can take a different teacher and do a lot less for a better grade. he puts old tests on the internet. study them.trust me

3.0
4.0
PHIL1010
May 9, 2009

Professor that is obsessed with his content. I promise that by week 2 of class that he will say: "Your friend Hurley" at least 25-20 times. You have to dedicate yourself to taking this class seriously or else its going to come back and bite you. CDROM helps a little bit. He is does not give a free inch. He might curve test grades if class does bad.

4.0
2.0
PHIL1100
Jun 12, 2009

best professor ever!!!

5.0
2.0
PHIL1010
Aug 21, 2009

This class isn't easy, no matter who you take; nonetheless, Elfstrom makes it fun and interesting. He is more than willing to help outside of class, and his practice tests are the exact form of the actual tests. There's no reason not to do well in this class.

3.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Oct 22, 2009

HORRIBLE CLASS. Do not take this if you aren't good at math/science. He says really annoying things and can leave the average student frustrated at his obnoxious language. He likes to pick on students or make someone feel really dumb for asking questions.

2.0
3.0
PHIL1010
Dec 10, 2009

The class isn't bad and I found it interesting, but he is a horrible teacher. I didn't pay attention in class and just took my own notes from the book and studied with friends. I got a B for the year. You're always allowed six unexcused absences so that was nice.

4.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Dec 13, 2009

Ok...he is wacko, and the content is hard. He is a bit of a jerk but he is very willing to help you with the material if you just go to him. WORK THROUGH THE BACK EXAMS THEY WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. The tests are just like the exams on the logic bank. Homework's not too bad, just do it. I got a B with decent effort. And study groups with the class=good

2.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Feb 16, 2010

hands down the worst teacher at auburn. he does NOT help you when you ask him questions. avoid him at all costs.

2.0
5.0
PHIL1010
May 17, 2010

AVOID.... seriously. sitting through one of these lectures is like pulling teeth. it's possible to make a decent grade (A is pretty tough) but not worth it. If you're like me, you will find his lectures extremely unhelpful and will be forced to learn it all yourself through the book. Just take ethics, way easier and MUCH more interesting.

1.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Nov 5, 2010

This class was so annoying, all his phrases and complete lack of explanations. All we did were a lot of examples! He was unhelpful and confusing. He made you feel dumb when you got an answer wrong or asked a question

4.0
3.0
PHIL1010
May 10, 2011

I was terrified going into the class because of the other comments here. I'm not sure really why the other comments were so bad, but I thought the class was fine. It was a little hard, but it's a math-y subject so of course it was. He has a sarcastic sense of humor, but not rude at all. I really enjoyed it and would definitely take him again!

2.0
4.0
PHIL1010
Oct 26, 2011

Honestly, I hated Dr. Elfstrom's class. It was incredibly boring, and his lectures did not help at all. He was a total jerk when someone asked a question, and he picked on students. Calling him strange would be an understatement; he has weird one liners he uses ALL the time. He even asked a girl in my class if she was eating her boyfriend. Avoid.

1.0
4.0
HONR2077
Dec 7, 2011

Dr. Elfstrom is a HORRIBLE teacher. He does not know anything that he is teaching, and will not give you any straightforward answer to any questions you have, even if you go to his office hours 100 times. He is very unfair in his grading and refuses to help, even if it is obvious that you are making an effort in the class (i.e going to his office)

3.0
2.0
PHIL1020
Dec 2, 2012

This guy wasn't so bad actually. Definitely a strange one but his tests and papers were usually pretty fair. Really all you have to do is sit in his class and listen. He assigns reading but I never did it simply because he explained it well enough.

2.0
4.0
PHIL2010
Grade: D
Oct 30, 2013

Very bizzare guy- His lectures made no sense which is unfortunate because all of his tests come from the lectures. He is very scatter brained and does not explain things well. His tests are all right but understanding that material is almost impossible. This class is painfully boring but he's a fairly nice guy just very weird. DO NOT TAKE.

1.0
4.0
PHIL2010
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2013

He's a bizarre guy who's lectures consist of rambling nonsense. Attempting to understand what he says if half the battle. All his tests come from his confusing lectures & awful readings he makes you do. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. The class seems like it drags on forever- it is really not worth it.

4.0
4.0
PHILISOPHY101
Feb 6, 2014

Dr. Elfstrom is a professor's professor. Not an easy "A" but isnt the point to stretch the grey matter out a bit. I chose to take maby of is classes in lieu of electives because the man is brilliant. No he will not spoon feed you but always avaliable during office hours and after class. If your going to a University than make the most of it...

2.0
5.0
1020
Dec 10, 2014

Don't waste your time with this guy. His lectures get way off subject, and on top of that he's really boring. 55 minutes in there feels more like an hour and a half.

1.0
5.0
PHIL
Grade: C+
Dec 11, 2014

DO NOT TAKE. By far the absolute most boring class I've ever taken and no matter how hard I studied (I make A's and B's) I could not get above a B. The tests had little to do with his lectures which consist of him rambling for the entire lecture period every class.

3.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Nov 20, 2015

Elfstrom is definitely an interesting man, but I did not exactly enjoy his class. The lectures consisted of him rambling about things that did not have to do with the philosopher that we were supposed to be learning about. There was no class discussion. This was more of a class about philosophy than an interesting ethics class. Avoid if possible.

2.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C
Dec 10, 2015

Attendance is mandatory after six absences or your overall grade goes down 2 points for every absence. His lectures were extremely long and boring. The whole class would sit on their phones the entire class. The tests are pretty tough. You have to make sure you have a firm understanding of everything because his questions will confuse you.

2.0
3.0
PHIL1020
May 5, 2016

The class is very, very boring but the tests are very straightforward so it is not hard to do well. He only assigns a couple papers that he is lenient on grading. I would recommend if you're not super into ethics and have to take it!

1.0
5.0
PHIL1020
Nov 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Professor Elfstrom is the hardest, most boring, overall worst teacher I have taken at Auburn. Avoid this class if you can. There is a ton of reading, he has the worst lectures I've ever seen, barely actually teaches anything which makes it impossible to pay attention in his class

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

You can get 6 unexcused absences then each extra takes 2% off your FINAL grade. Lectures are really hard to focus in since he spends about half of it talking over what you already discussed in the previous class. Easy A if you study in groups.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B-
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

One of the worst professors I've taken. His grading is very inconsistent. He is rude and unapproachable. The papers were a joke, and will boost your grade a little. Tests have 3 short answer and the rest multiple choice. Study in groups to improve test scores. I recommend to not take this professor.

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C+
Jan 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Elfstrom's introduction to ethics was so far the worst class I have taken at Auburn. He gives the most boring lectures and they have nothing to do with what is on the test. I put all my effort into studying for his test and still never made better than a C.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C
Jan 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

AVOID IF YOU CAN. His lectures were the most boring this I've ever done in my life. He takes attendance and after 6 unexcused absences he starts taking 2 points off your final grade. I never made above a "C" on a test no matter how hard I studied. Avoid Avoid Avoid!!!!!!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
2.0
2.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The tests are easy if you do the assigned reading. Lectures are incredibly dull. Spends a lot of time repeating information or going around the class having students read sections of articles he has printed out. If you don't want to be singled out when no one is talking, then do not sit in the front.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C+
May 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If you have the option, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. The tests are extremely subjective and every second of the lectures is god awful.

2.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Sep 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Made an A in this class but I went to every single class except one and probably wrote down 95% of the words that came out of his mouth. doing the readings is a waste of time and will not really help on the tests. Made the highest grade in the class on the final after studying for a very long time with a 92. if you can avoid the class, do.

Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 25, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Prefacing this by saying, SUPER nice older guy, unfortunately the class itself is not done well. He just assigns readings every night, then goes on and on for 50 minutes about random things branching off from what he should be talking about. The class could be reasonable with proper instruction.

Tough Grader
3.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Nov 14, 2017
Would take again

Not my favorite professor, classes are very boring as he rambles about nothing the whole time. You can only have 6 unexcused absences before deducting your final grade. Class isn't easy but without much effort you can get a B or C. I studied right before the tests without paying attention and received B's and C's

Tough Grader
Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A-
Oct 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He sends around a paper to sign for attendance credit & takes the 5 absences failure due to absence rule seriously! He gives you difficult to read, but short articles to read every night for hw. Then, lectures over them in class. His lectures are boring, but you need to pay attention to pass the test. Tests are multiple choice & short answer-hard

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Really a nice professor but has been teaching this class for far too long. Each class becomes a repetition of the last and will lull you into a deep sleep prone to interruption by him walking around class asking you to read a document aloud, not because you were asleep, but because he finds it fitting to teach a college level class like that.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
1.0
PHIL1020
Dec 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If you signed up for this class drop out while you still can.

Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C
Apr 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are all over the place and hold little connection, and his view of participation is walking around with a 10-12 page article he printed off and highlighted portions, making students read random sections. The class does not feel like it's taught properly by him.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Oct 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He talks way to much and does not know how to keep the subject clear. Too much information branching off from his lectures, that make his open-ended exams difficult.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Mr. Elfstrom seems to be a good guy. However, he has shown up 20+ minutes late 3 times to a 50 minute class, most of his lectures have nothing to do with the supposed topic which doesn't help you prepare for his tests, and the tests consist of 3 open-ended questions worth 15 points each, which gives him leverage over the score. Tough grader as well

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Nov 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Class is fairly easy but MY GOD are his lectures redundant. I thought people were over exaggerating when they said each lecture was like the last but it was SPOT ON. The assignments aren't too bad and the test are kind of simple but this class is better at putting me to sleep than nyquil ever did.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C+
Dec 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The lectures have nothing to do with the readings or the tests, only reason to show up is to get attendance. The canvas readings are the only thing relevant to the test. Most useless class I have ever taken.

1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: C
Dec 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The lectures are completely pointless. The test short answer questions are graded horribly. He always thinks he is right and will only mark a question correct if it matches exactly what he would say. The final is awful and you will not do well unless you know EVERY philosopher's view on EVERY topic. Easily the worst ethics teacher at Auburn.

1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Apr 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

he is a sweet man and means well but whatever you do, don't take him. you will punch yourself throughout the whole semester. lectures are painfully boring and no slides/powerpoints, nothing besides an occasional picture passed around. he stays very off topic and provides little info in class. atleast you get 6 absences and easy writing assignments

1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Apr 13, 2020
Wouldn't take again

hes a great guy but his class is horrible. very old school and doesnt do anything online and his tests are open ended questions that sound easy but grades very hard. the writing assignments are very easy but doesn't count that much for a grade. you do get 6 absences which are nice. DO NOT TAKE HIM THOUGH

3.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B+
Apr 30, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Elfstrom is not very clear in his teaching, but I believe he is well-meaning. He doesn't seem approachable. He makes you complete a writing project that you submit in stages throughout the semester and if you do it well it will carry you through. He also grades exams on a curve. The wording on his exams is often confusing. Not easy, but doable.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
May 10, 2020
Would take again

Hes honestly not a bad guy. Can be very repetitive and boring but covers most things that will be on test. Quizlets helped a lot, just study the reading questions and youll be fine.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2020
Would take again

Took him online. Good prof. He's pretty understanding and respectful when you show that you put in the work. For online, he posts written lectures which answer his reading questions and prepare you for the 3 exams+final. There's a paper as well and it's manageable. Downsides are he isn't good with computers and mumbles. But he cares enough to try.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A-
Nov 24, 2020
Would take again

Such a great professor. Tests were a little iffy at times, but hes good at telling you what you did wrong. Not the best at using zoom.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
PHIL1010
Grade: B+
May 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Worst Professor at Auburn. Lectures were completely irrelevant to test. Lots of papers that were for completion. Tests are all trick questions and he says if the class average is below a 75 he will curve, but that's only if he feels like it. The average on the exam, which he didn't post until 40 minutes after it was supposed to start, was a 55.

So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Oct 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Terrible teacher. His lectures are boring and his tests are RIDICULOUSLY hard. You write a paper throughout the semester but it's easy. Everything else is hard. He posted our final over an hour late and the average was a 55. He didn't want to curve it until we emailed him. DO NOT TAKE HIM. Everyone regrets it.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Nov 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Hes a super sweet man but he makes no sense. His lectures are boring and very repetitive. His tests have nothing to do with lectures but he gives you the notes. I wouldnt go to class if I didnt have to. His assignments are dated a whole year behind making everything look late. He doesnt understand your questions either

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Dec 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

DONT TAKE HIM He is hard to understand and his lectures have NOTHING to do with the tests. Everyone in my class is doing other homework or online shopping because even if you listen in class it wont help you The only helpful things for the tests are the readings assigned before class but attendance is mandatory even though there's no point in going

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
2.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A+
Dec 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Alright so I mightve passed with a high A but it sure was painful to sit through this guys lectures. He rambles about random unrelated topics all class while looking up google images. All you really have to do is read over the lecture papers that he uploads and youll do fine, but youll be bored to death by his lectures by semesters end.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I genuinely have not had a professor that was this poor in communication. Our entire class did not seen any grades published for around 2 months which caused us to have no idea what grade we had going into his final. He seems like a nice person but genuinely does not respond to emails much and has trouble using the class web page. It is a challenge

Participation matters
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PHIL1020
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I really don't recommend this class. He seems like a nice guy but is terrible at communication. Every class is exactly the same with him lecturing the entire time and he's really repetitive so it's hard not to zone out. The tests are full of tricky questions, but it takes him forever to grade them so no one ever knew what they had in the class.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PHIL1020
Grade: B
Apr 11, 2022

The lectures are insignificant to learning test material. Test are formed from homework reading assignments which are rarely discussed in class. Grades are not returned for months. responses to students are scarce. Not accessible outside of class. Due dates in canvas are from previous years and are inaccurate dates. Basically tech yourself.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

92%

Textbook Required

18%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 34 grades
Most common grades:
A (12)
B (6)
C+ (4)
Grade Distribution
A(13)B(7)C(8)D(3)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 36 reported grades
A: 12
B: 6
C+: 4
C: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (11)
Lecture heavy (10)
Tough Grader (7)
Tough grader (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Participation matters (4)
Test heavy (4)
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