whole semester - 2 papers

I have taken a class with him every semester since I've gotten to QC. He is one of the best lecturers I have yet to encounter. Stays on topic, is thorough and inspiring by the passion he displays for the material... truly a "lover of wisdom"

Good overall. Very nice person.

Only two papers-mid term and final- the whole semester, but attendance counts. Pretty easy class overall.

Very passionate about the topics, one or two papers, very lenient on the deadlines, easy grader, in summary, an easy A.

Who could make Plato interesting? Prof Bustein does. Easy- 2 papers the whole semester. Easy A!

One of the true gems of Queens College. Very, very knowledgeable in his craft. Teaches his courses on graduate level regardless of audience, so kids are sometimes lost. Very flexible grading system, will give INCs without hassle you are serious student. Highest possilbe recommendation!

This is one great professor! He conducts a great class that is always interesting and he is very passionate about the power of wisdom. He is a great man and only gives two papers the whole simester that are due at the end of the class. You would be a fool not to take a class with him.

awesome philosophy teacher. recommended for everyone

It's been over 20 years since I took my first course with Prof. Burstein. From that first ELECTRIFYING lecture, through the 4 courses that followed, all were memorable, excellent. He's like a "jazz master" spinning out philosophy. I'm glad to see him get his due at this forum.

Boring lecture, but easy A. Gives u lots of choices, do 3 short papers or 1 long 1 at the end of semester, easy grader, and easy to approach. Very passionate about his subject. Going to class is a must b/c attendence counts. Awesome, if u get chance to take him, do so..

i swear, the man is socrates reincarnated into temporal form once again, come back to the world to tell us where both George Bush and philosophy have gone wrong. pardon the hyperbole, but it really is apt. if u like to think about everything u thought u know, take him for plato and/or spinoza- the p

WOW!! This man is amazing. VEry inspired by by this class. He merges Politics and philosophy and truly makes you believe in God.

I'm seriously at a loss for words to describe what an incredible experience Professor Burstein's classes were. Suffice it to say that I hold my B.A. in philosophy in no small part due to his incredible academic influence and unbridled passion for the field. An inspiring teacher and human being.

Awesome guy with a passion for Yanks and he's a die-hard Democrat! He's awesome b/c he really wants to see everyone pass and when I took him he really helped me to find my own voice and his comments are helpful. U don't need to agree w/ him to pass class just be there and have backup 4 ur arguements

He's one of the very best at conveying his love for the subject. His energy blows the roof off, even though he's been doing this for decades. He's wise, kind, knows his stuff and makes it sink in.

He definitely shows a passion for what he teaches. His lectures aren't boring and his class isn't very demanding: only 2 papers due at the end of the semester. He enjoys his subject (especially concerning Plato) and engages his students in his lectures. He's willing to help and very understanding. I definitely recommend him.

this is my first course with him, and with each class i am becoming more of a person. hes great. but i get so nervous when he expects people to finish his sentences. and im tired of beating up Bush.

He lectured for the entire class, bashed the republicans way too often and was boring as all hell. But the papers were easy, reading was interesting and I had someone sign the attendance sheet for me for a couple of weeks so i can't complain.

pro: friendly, helpful, passionate, knowledgable, cares about students' learning instead of making class as hard as possible, only 10 pages of writing per semester which can be delivered to his house if necessary con: constant diatribes against republicans, hints of zionism when subject of middle east is broached

this prof is the best. he doesnt need anger management... he just speaks the truth. his class is interesting... he loves when you finish his sentences... and he is very enthusiastic. two easy papers and no exact due date... just before the semester ends. great professor... take him.

Easy and fun!

Extraordinarily enthusiastic about the materials; his easiness should be represented with a ten; his classes are fun; lectures are more enjoyable. There's only one midterm and one final paper due whenever you want. Nothing else. He's very approachable, helpful, and concise. He's a sports fan, political, and fair. This was my 4th class with him!

Okay, here's how I sum this up. If your into Philosophy, the man is incredible. If your not, and your just fulfilling lasar, than Burstein is also for you. Show up to class, and hand in a paper that shows you thought about ANYTHING, and you'll get an A. Highly recommended for all.

Great man for philosophy majors. Really enjoys teaching the subject. Even if you are not into phil, just take him. Two papers for the entire semester and both can be due at the very end. Easy way to get a really good grade.

just a way to get an easy A. No effort needed.

Professor Burstein is simply the best. People take his courses because he's notorious for being easy but he really knows his stuff. I recommend taking any course with him if you're interested in learning. However philosophy isn't for the faint-hearted. He tends to show his liberal side in class but it didn't bother me. I found it hysterical.

Awesome guy. Doesnt give tests. Only 2 papers. Reads the texts to the class and goes over everything so you can understand it.

WOW. I was left speechless--his class should be a pre-requiste before going into the "real world"

If I were to receive an F in his class, (which he would never allow, because of all the energy he puts into the class) I would still love him, and take his classes over and over again. What a great dude he is; superb...!

Easiest prof you will ever take. Even if you're lazy and dumb, guaranteed A. You can learn from him, but he doesn't go into the greatest detail. There are a lot of scholarly analyses of the material he teaches, but he never talks about them. Also, very dogmatic. If you try to argue w/ him, he will be browbeat you and basically shout you down.

He is possibly one of the most thorough phil professor (or among them). He offers great inights on the phil of Plato. Will not accept other opinions but his own..lol He's not a guarantee 'A' you have to do your work. One long paper in the end or two short ones. He is the type of professor who you take and listen for 3hrs n dont get bored.....{{SA}}

Favorite teacher at QC. Makes everything very clear, is always available, classes are enjoyable, and he's an easy grader. Doesn't get much better.

I love the way he smiles, so sweet & fulfilling.

An incredible individual

best professor, the best at queens, very fair, explains with clarity and will not bore you to death. Excellent professor. philosophy will never be boring again after taking his class.

Funny man. Intellectual and intelligent. Great man. Enjoyable class. Great stories, love his occasional outburst of profanities, funny. Definitely recommend.

he is very easy. he takes attendance but that does not go into your grade. i think he will like you if u come tho. he gives two papers. very nice cares about students. he likes participation

His lectures are celestial music resonating throughout...perfection.

has a lot of energy for an old man, all he does is lecture and it is an easy class, you just have to read

Two papers, for the whole semester. gives good inside into philosophy, yet keeps it not as abstract so that everyone can understand. attendance is mandatory. has very liberal points of view which he will bring up during lecture. recommended!

Beautiful person. Definitely enjoyed listening to him lecture although I did not keep a good record of attendance. We had a choice of two five paged papers, 1 midterm and 1 final, or one ten paged paper as a final. I chose the latter. Only Socrates could have taught it better!

Kneeling before him, I salute my head to his feet.

He is one of the best professors ever. He is an easy grader and makes the class interesting. He just does't like to be interrupted with alot of questions.

This man is brilliant and really knows his stuff. If you want to learn something, picking his brain is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you put in the effort, show up to class and absorb what he has to say, you'll come out a changed person. It was a real honor having him as a professor, and if I wasn't graduating I would take him again and agai

This was a great class...I enjoyed it and got an A. Read come to class and particpate then youll get and A as long as you write a half decent paper. Unless you disagree with his views, then your in for trouble, he does not encourage friendly debate or discussion, which I belive philosophy is all about!! But overall he is extremely interesting

Good thing there is no limit to how many times you may take a professor. Prof. Burstein is an true asset to the school. You'll fine-tune your morals in any of his classes. Put an incorrigible convict in his class and they'll come out with a new-found moral rectitude. Really, this guy is great.

He's a really cool guy. It's one of those classes where you can just sit, and listen. And it's interesting! I took him during the election season, so he used a lot of political examples. Great professor, really interesting, and easy! what more do you want? haha!

Really nice guy. He get incredibly passionate about his subject which makes his class very interesting but he does strict lectures. No discussion. Just pay attention, all he wants is for you to spit back what he's said. Recommended if you want something entertaining.

Extremely easy. Whole term is just 2 essays OR 1 really really long essay. No test no finals. If you know the stuff already you don't even need to go to class. A really nice person as well. Crystal clear in teaching considering his age. Makes the class not as boring with the material hes teaching.

This class is an easy A if you put forth some effort. There are no tests only 2 papers or 1 long paper which I don't suggest you do. Both are due at the end of the semester. You have to go to class because he takes attendance but you will find class to be fun and quite interesting.You have to get the 3 books in order to complete the papers.

Totally inspired me. He was passionate about wht he taught and brought ancient teachings alive. He is the most unforgettable teacher I have ever had.

This class was about Spinoza. The professor is ok. He won't let you talk much but, if you show up and give him a paper at the end of the semester I can't see how you would get less than a b+

CLASS CAN GET BORING.GRADES ARE ONLY TWO ESSAYS. WHICH ARE PRETTY EASY, AND ATTENDANCE. BY DOING THE READINGS, YOU WILL DO FINE IN CLASS. HIS MAJOR FLAW IS HIS POLITICALLY CHARGED TANGENTS. IT SEEMS EVERY PHILOSOPHER FROM ANCIENT TIMES WOULD HAVE BEEN DEMOCRATS ACCORDING TO HIM. THIS IS AN EASY A. HE TELLS YOU THAT YOU THAT HE ONLY GIVES A'S & B'S

The best professor I have ever had. Here is a teacher who cares so deeply about his subject and passes that love & knowledge along to his students. I cannot imagine a better class at QC. Give this guy a medal.

took him for two classes, best professor ever. NO EXAMS only two papers... very passionate and will expand on ANY question you have

The man is a genius.... what else is there to say? He's one of the smartest professors ive ever encountered and will amaze you with his opinions and knowledge. Write 2 essays throughout the whole course. Big respect to him.

I honestly don't understand nor do I like philosophy, but wow this guy is amazing! He lectures, so no class discussions, no homework, no tests, nothing! Just two 6 page papers due at the very end of the semester. Very entertaining, his pro-Obama rants are the best! Also, an easy A ;)

I love this guy and his very random comments!!! His classes are very insightful.. you'll learn a lot about his political views. GREAT LECTURER!! highly recommended!

attendance to bump up borderline grades.two5-7pg papers or one10-12pg paper.no deadlines.gives incompletes if you need more time.gives all As&Bs.uses 'presocratics'&'last days of socrates'.teaches the philosophies but not historical context.nice guy, but question the value of his class.if it was up to him, philosophy wouldve ended with Plato.

Great Professor and an even better man.

I love this guy. He is such an amazing person and so inspiring. You will learn the most important and beautiful things ever--that is, if you care about living a truthful live or else you'll think it's a boring class. For those who know who they are essentially, they will also know that this professor is a precious gem...I'm just sooo grateful

I love this guy. He is such an amazing person and so inspiring. You will learn the most important and beautiful things ever--that is, if you care about living a truthful life or else you'll think it's a boring class. For those who know who they are essentially, they will also know that this professor is a precious gem...I'm just sooo grateful

The greatest professor Queens College has to offer. He will truly make you love Philosophy!

One of my favorite teachers yet. Grade is based on midterm and final which you can hand in at the end of the term. Attendance is not mandatory every wk. Conducts the lecture by reading out loud/discussing the assigned work every time. If you have an interest in philosophy or need it for requirement, one of the best teachers to take for philosophy.

He's a great guy and it's a great class. I took his class during the summer session, and while attendance is not always mandatory, he basically analyses/reads all the material in class making the final paper a whole lot easier to write. He doesn't give homework or exams, just a final paper (at least 6 pages.)

Even though attendance is required, I only went to about half of the classes and still did well. The whole class is based 100% on the readings. He lectures about the readings orally all class non-stop. No exams, just 2 papers or 1 long paper due on the last day. Pretty easy grader, just read the book.

He is a great professor. An asset to QC. He is also the chair of the department. He gives two papers in which you can hand in at any time. No tests at all. Fair grader as well. Attendance is mandatory- make sure to show up!

Such a nice man and very passionate about what he teaches. He is an easy grader and i reccommend him to all. Just 2 papers for the midterm and fnal. That's it!

Very good professor, very passionate. I just completed the course with him. It's summer session 4 weeks. I just had to do one long paper, that's all. He is generous in grading. If you have to do philosophy course then take his class.

A-mazing! I would say he is the best professor at QC. Very reasonable and understanding. Took him for summer session. We only had to type ONE long essay(8-10pg). He doesn't give any of his classes exams. Definitely take his class, if you are looking into taking a philosophy class.

you must bring the reading material. he gives really good notes sometimes repetitive but it helps when you write your papers. He only gives 2 papers midterm & final. he sometimes does go off track and the class may get boring but overall enjoyed the class.

Passionate, EASY, boring at times. Needs more student involvement. Mostly just him talking but if you read, the material is interesting. Worth it because there's only one final and one midterm which are due at the END of the semester. Gets angry when students don't read but he has the right to. Do what's asked of you and you'll get an easy A.

He's an amazing professor. He really wants to see his students succeed. He is very approachable as well. I have taken at least 3 or 4 Philosophy courses with him and mostly because of him. He's great!

Easy teacher even if you tried you will not fail

Prof. Burstein initially presents what seems to be an overly ambitious syllabus but somehow he manages to cover an amazing amount of material with excellent clarity. IF you read THEN this course can provide you with an ideal college experience. He is left of center and shares his opinions but he is unquestionably a good man and great professor.

One of the most inspirational professors at Queens College. He helped me love philosophy. He chews down the book for you. All you have to do is write two 6 page papers. He is a very easy grader. Be sure to read for his class so that the books can become interesting, and you can understand what's going on. Otherwise, it will be very boring.

Harvey Burstein is a follower of Plato, which means he has spent the last 40-50 years of his career being ridiculed by others. So you should hesitate to disagree with him, because he spouts off an ungodly rage that is 1. unreasonable 2. disrespectful and 3. a waste of time. Take him if you want an A, don't take him if you want to learn philosophy

Passionate about philosophy. He is also very honest, inspirational and can be very funny. His lectures are attention grasping, he will reiterate important points and clarify what the philosophers are trying to say. Ancient philosophy can be really hard, but professor Burstein tries very hard to make sense out of it all. He is also so nice.

Great class, nice guy, very passionate about philosophy, interesting stuff, midterm and final consists of two take home essays, would definitely recommend.

He's very passionate about both philosophy and life in general and a very lenient grader so the emphasis is more on enjoying the course and understanding the fragments from Greek philosophers. He goes on off topic rants but I actually enjoyed that. We had 2 very easy 4-page papers where we selected 1 topic out of 10 options he gave for each.

Spring 15. Nicest Guy ever. Grade is based on attendance and one midterm and final. Midterm and Final are 5 page papers due at the end of the semester. So I only went to class 3x that semester. I did both my papers incorrectly. I deserved an F but he called me into his office and asked me to explain myself. Then he gave me a C. God bless him. Funny

Professor Burstein is one of the nicest guys at QC. He doesn't overload his students with work, but makes every lecture count and he successfully had us read Plato's The Republic in 3 short weeks. He loves to bring stuff that's happening in the world into his lectures, and his Donald Trump rants were very funny. Not too hard, just do the work.

Professor Burnstein is an incredibly devoted teacher. His lectures are long - but they're interesting and engaging. He's very personable, and truly knows Greek Philosophy inside and out, and is very well cultured. He's definitely politically opinionated. In summary - really great guy, enjoyed the class, I would recommend it!

I don't understand why he doesn't have an overall 5.0 rating. Prof Harvey is the best! write 2 papers which is the midterm and final due end of the semester so he tells you write them whenever you want. How much more freedom do you want? Attendance? Not mandatory but to your advantage to take class notes. Funny guy with his political opinions!

Mr. Burstein is the Socrates of the philosophy department. He is a man of much knowledge and very generous to those who seek it. During class, expect his polymathic, vibrant and opinionated spirit to spring forth onto you, and enliven your philosophic and curious spirit. In all, he is a sincere Platonist and liberal, with an infectious smile.

The best of the Philosophy department, a true gem of a professor. A platonic, and a down straight liberal. An ideal professor and one who shows an in depth understanding and knowledge of what is Ancient Philosophy. Minor bursts of political news, but hey.. he keeps is entertaining and is a fantastic man who Queens College should always value.

look up a "guide to Spinoza ethics", otherwise, each class will sound like gibberish. If you aren't a philosophy major this class will make you think you are wasting time. It's a good class but won't meet your idea of an ethics class. two essays and attendance that's your grade for this course. I still don't know anything about ethics

Burstein has a mastery over philosophy. If you attend each class eager to learn and participate, he will like you. The 2 essays are straightforward and easy to write if you have taken notes and paid some attention in class. He shares his extremely left wing opinions a few times per class.

This guy is one of the best professors in the Philosophy department. He is caring, understanding and he is heavily invested in Philosophy. A true gem and a wonderful human being. I cannot believe I learned so much from his work. Take him.. you will not regret it.

Prof Burstin is evidently brilliant as 48 years ago! An intellectual and ethical powerhouse putting out the wattage.

Fell in love with philosophy because of his passion.