4.7

Jack Spiro

Religion - Virginia Commonwealth University

4.7
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
75%
Would Retake
92
Reviews
4.7
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
4.6
Helpful
4.7
Clarity

75%

Would Retake

92

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

80

4

7

3

2

2

1

1

2

What Students Say

The best teacher ever

RELS319 - 5.0 rating

Spiro is an expert on Jewish History

HIS344 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

67%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B+ (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(0)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 8
B+: 2
A+: 1
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
Common Tags
Caring (3)
Respected (2)
Hilarious (2)
Amazing lectures (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.26 avg change
Dec
Jan
May
Nov
May
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

RST

5.0

(1)

REG319

5.0

(1)

RELS312

5.0

(1)

RELIGION

5.0

(2)

RELS

5.0

(3)
+27 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST318

4.0

ALOTOFTHEM

3.0

HIST325

3.0

RELS319

3.0

JEWISHHIS

3.0

Reviews (92)
5.0
3.0
RELS250
Feb 22, 2002

No Comments

4.0
2.0
HONR399
Apr 27, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
RST
Feb 25, 2003

Wonderful man!

4.0
1.0
REL
Aug 10, 2003

I took several classes with Professor Spiro and enjoyed every one of them. I stayed an extra semester just to take one of his classes.

5.0
2.0
REG319
Nov 14, 2003

He is such a great teacher. His classes aren't that hard, and he is very interesting

4.0
5.0
DEATH
Mar 6, 2004

Very intelligent man; class very difficult. Try to avoid a 7-9:40 with him. He's a Rabbi!!! How cool is that?

5.0
2.0
REL
Mar 31, 2004

great lecturer, his death class is kinda cool.

5.0
3.0
DEATH
May 5, 2004

Love the man.

5.0
3.0
DEATH
May 12, 2004

Dr. Spiro is the smartest person alive. I had no reason to take this class except that I heard he was so awesome that I HAD to take it. So glad I did. One of the best college experiences I've had. TAKE THIS CLASS!

5.0
1.0
RELS312
Jul 8, 2004

Very easy class, very good teacher, very knowledgeable, very interesting class and a must-take!!

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Aug 17, 2004

Awesome guy! Really easy and I only had to skim the books. Just pay attention in his class and you'll do great on the tests!

5.0
2.0
RELIGION
Sep 16, 2004

I LOVE THIS PROFESSOR! He offered a great extra credit opportunity and really made his lectures interesting! I would recommend taking him!!!!!

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Nov 9, 2004

Spiro is an excellent professor with a great sense of humor. All of his exams correspond with his outlines and notes from class. He presents the information with enthusiasm, and is available to talk to you about any concerns you may have. Take one of his classes if you can!

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Nov 9, 2004

Great teacher. Really tries hard to make his class interesting. Follows his outlines and the tests are pretty straightforward, just try to go to every class, read the books and stay for the movie. And he provides great extra credit, if you dont mind doing the extra work.

5.0
4.0
RELS
Dec 12, 2004

Amazing teacher, funny guy, very opinionated.

5.0
1.0
RELS
Jan 23, 2005

interesting and cool teacher, helpful and pretty chill

5.0
1.0
RELS250
Mar 15, 2005

Death: Myth & Reality is a really interesting class. Dr. Spiro is highly engaging with his lectures. His tests are very straight-forward. Make sure you do the reading a STAY FOR THE VIDEOS.

5.0
2.0
RELS
Aug 30, 2005

I've taken his 334, his death class and his jewish history class. This man is fantastic. I'm in a 7-940 Death class and it's simply fabulous.

5.0
1.0
RELIGIOUSSTUD
Aug 31, 2005

I love this man! He is interesting, funny, and quite helpful! I would take the class over again just to have him another time!

5.0
2.0
DEATH
Sep 7, 2005

Great Professor, one of the best I've had at VCU. I recommend staying for the video, I skipped out on a few and made the tests more than a little harder. Sometimes his lectures can be a little boring but overall he keeps it interesting. I defenitly recommend taking him.

5.0
2.0
MORETHAN1
Grade: A
Sep 16, 2005

So about how awesome Dr. Spiro is. He has a great personality and a great sense of humor. It is slightly frustrating that he often gets off-topic and goes on random tangents but if you follow his outlines you'll do fine!

5.0
1.0
DEATHMYTHREAL
Sep 17, 2005

Facinating class, great professor.

5.0
2.0
RELS901
Sep 29, 2005

Three words: BEST CLASS EVER!!!

5.0
3.0
DEATH
Oct 5, 2005

what a guy...just outta this world, to good for vcu, no doubt we are lucky to have him!!!!

5.0
1.0
RELIGION
Oct 7, 2005

He ****ing rocks! Take the religion in contempotary america class!...If it wasnt for that class,i wouldnt get up in the mornings.....

4.0
3.0
ALOTOFTHEM
Grade: A
Oct 24, 2005

Dr. Spiro is the best professor at VCU hands down.

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Nov 18, 2005

This guy is great. He always has the most interesting things to say. He is very wise and has interesting points of view.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Nov 30, 2005

I took his 9-950am religion class and if you show up and take notes, you will ace the tests. There were only 4 grades and an Extra-Credit assignment. His syllabus is long but pretty much covers everything that'll be on the test, he teaches from the syllabus! Great teacher.

3.0
3.0
RELS250
Dec 13, 2005

He is a very intersting and insightful person. Always trying to make jokes during class, and keeps the lecture interesting. Just make sure for his 250 class that you STAY FOR THE VIDEOS, it is very important, and some of them are suprisingly interesting.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Dec 16, 2005

Awesome teacher and very inspiring! I'd love to take another one of his classes.

5.0
1.0
DEATH
Jan 18, 2006

Awesome teacher. Easy, easy, easy class. Three exams, no final. Entirely interesting.

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Mar 24, 2006

If you like to study from text books, don't take this course. I have heard only good things about him, but personally found his lectures a bit boring. However, he is very well educated and enthusiastic. His exams are not incredibly difficult. Note outlines are not extremely detailed though. Attending class is a must for a good grade. Curves tests.

5.0
2.0
DEATH
Apr 12, 2006

Dr. Spiro was one of my most favorite teachers here. He was the only teacher that I could actually listen to for 2 hour and 40 minutes. All you need to do is take mild notes and watch the videos and your gauranteed an A, and his raw humor about death is very entertaining. And don't forget to read the books, they're all very interesting!

5.0
1.0
RELS334
May 8, 2006

AMAZING teacher. Honestly, if there is one person who dielikes him or thinks he's unreasonable, they're out of their mind. He's such a good teacher and has a lot to talk about. He's very smart and has a lot of personal experience to offer. His class is not overwhelming at all and even though you take a lot of notes, he presents the info well.

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Nov 10, 2006

great teacher. funny and smart. tests are straight forward. just pay attention in class and you wont have to cram for the tests. easy to do well.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Nov 12, 2006

One of the most professional professors I have had at VCU. He is interesting, helpful, and extremely intelligent and active in his field. There is no actual textbook, just 4 novels to read as part of the test. His tests are directly from the lectures; I was always able to reread my notes and get an A or B.

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Dec 17, 2006

Interesting subject matter. As long as you come to the lectures and stay for the movie the second half of class, you'll do fine.

5.0
3.0
RELS250
Dec 19, 2006

THIS IS SUCH A GREAT, INFORMATIONAL CLASS! The professor is extremely helpful and everything learned is so interesting. Everyone should take it. The professor is nice, funny, and laid back. No BS work and extra credit is an option. 3 tests, 4 novels to read. I'd highly recommend it. Also, stay for the second half = movies you must watch!

5.0
2.0
RELS334
May 13, 2007

Take him!!! One of the best professors ever, he's also very funny,open-minded and very smart. You don't have a textbook but have to read certain books for tests. His tests are very clear and come straight from the lectures. An easy A class. You won't regret taking him !

5.0
1.0
RELS250
Jul 11, 2007

Phenomenal Lecturer. Death was one of the highlights of my college career, despite the fact I cried practically every class. Interesting, moving, and thought provoking. Spiro is certainly one of VCU's best.

5.0
1.0
RELSECT
Nov 27, 2007

He's an awesome religion teacher

5.0
1.0
RELSECT
Nov 27, 2007

absolutely incredible. take his classes.

4.0
1.0
RELS250
Dec 13, 2007

The most interesting course I've ever taken, and that's mostly due to the professor. He's funny (in a goofy way), intelligent, light-hearted, and diverse. His tests are simple, as long as you attend the classes and keep up with the reading. Liked him and this course so much, that I am taking another course he teaches next semester.

5.0
3.0
HIST325
Dec 25, 2007

awesomely corny sense of humor. reading for the tests is self-paced and the main book is booooring. so are the movies, they put me to sleep every time, but you only have to watch one per test. lectures are interesting though. the tests seem hard but he grades on a curve and my scores were always about 20 points higher than i expected!

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Apr 9, 2008

Wonderful teacher and very interesting class.

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Apr 26, 2008

Dr. Spiro is truly an asset to VCU. His death class takes a sensitive issue that we all want to avoid and actually makes it interesting, fun, and not nearly as frightening. He is knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and not too hard of a teacher, just use his study guide for tests and do the extra credit. I would recommend RELS 250 to anyone at VCU.

5.0
1.0
RELG250
Apr 30, 2008

Love the teacher, he is funny and pretty interesting. 3 tests and some additional readings. Some of the movies are great and others are quite boring. Good class for an elective.

5.0
2.0
RELS250
May 7, 2008

GREAT TEACHER very interested in and passionate about what he teaches. He made learning about death FUN and thats hard to do! Im taking alot away from this class and will be better able to cope with the unknown. Also, if you have the time take his History of the Jewish People courses they are just as interesting and you will learn alot.

5.0
1.0
RELS250
Dec 18, 2008

I loved this class. Everything we learned was really interesting and you watch a new movie each class. Material is easy to learn. Read all the required material, it will defiantly be on the test. Test are pretty easy as long as you study. Always go to class, the notes he gives are extremely useful and will be on the exam. Great professor.

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Jan 13, 2009

Honestly one of my favorite teachers at VCU. I'm a science major and took one of his classes for an elective & just had to take another. He knows so much about religion & is a really nice man. I cried in some classes but he gave many interesting ways to look at death and the after-life so it was worth it. Definitely recommend him and his classes.

5.0
2.0
RELS334
Mar 10, 2009

This is my second class w/ Spiro and he is an amazing teacher. He has such a great sense of humor and it makes the class fun and interesting. He is so knowledgeable about religion and law and it's comforting to have a teacher that REALLY knows their stuff.I would take any class that Spiro offers.Don't leave VCU without taking one of his classes!

5.0
3.0
RELS319
May 1, 2009

The best teacher ever. Makes Jewish history come alive.

5.0
3.0
RELS334
May 3, 2009

I took his course on religion in America. Never realized how critical the 1st amendment is for the vitality of religion in our country. He made this course exciting. A truly gifted teacher, keeps the class always moving with new ideas--great sense of humor!

5.0
3.0
RELS901
May 4, 2009

The semester is over and there's only one reason I'm sad--the course with Dr. Spiro has ended. He is entertaining, generous, a brilliant teacher and I've learned more about death than I ever thought was possible. Great model!

5.0
2.0
RELS250
May 5, 2009

Greatest professor I've ever had! Just finished his course on death and you wouldn't believe how lively it is. He's a genius at making such a morbid subject unthreatening and a pleasure. I plan to take ALL his courses!

5.0
4.0
RELS250
May 19, 2009

I know later in life I will think about some of the things he said during his lectures. I would recommend everyone take his course on death. To be able to make a topic such as death interesting, takes talent. I recommend not missing a single class; this course is 100% lecture, no book. Even though I only got a "B" I give him an "A."

5.0
4.0
HIST326
May 23, 2009

His love and passion for the subject is contagious! I appreciate the respect and care he has for all his students. He is one of a kind.

5.0
3.0
RELS334
May 29, 2009

Taking his summer course. He lectures but also listens carefully. Fabulous teacher and very nice person

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Jun 3, 2009

Spiro is sooo nice and you can really tell he loves what he teaches. Just listen to what he says, jot down a few notes, read most of the book and you should do just fine.

5.0
3.0
RELS305
Jul 24, 2009

His lectures are fascinating--great command of the subject and presented in a very clear and exciting way. It's a summer course, but I want to take ALL his courses!

5.0
3.0
RELS305
Jul 24, 2009

His lectures are clear and fascinating. Wonderful speaker and holds my attention even when I'm tired. I want to take ALL his courses!

5.0
2.0
RELS340
Dec 18, 2009

He was a lot of fun.

5.0
3.0
HIST326
Apr 11, 2010

Finishing 2nd semester of Jewish history. Fantastic teacher, greater lecturer, makes history fun to learn. Lots of empathy for his students, extremely well organized.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Jul 20, 2010

He was a great professor. I learned so much about different religions and it was obvious how knowledgeable he was. I loved his teaching style! He was like an adorable grandpa teaching you about religion. :) Wish I could take more classes by him.

4.0
2.0
RELS334
Jul 26, 2010

LOVE him. i want to take more of his classes.. he makes class interesting. probably one of the best classes i've ever taken. definitely recommended.

2.0
3.0
JEWISHHIS
Nov 14, 2010

I took this class because I was interested and people lovee him on here. I was REALLY disappointed. His lectures are all over the place, he goes off on irrelevant tangents or talks about the same thing for 45 minutes straight. If you want to do okay, you MUST read both books (they're boring) because lectures can be spotty. He curves. Don't take it.

5.0
3.0
RELS250
Nov 25, 2010

Great teacher! Very interesting class and very interesting person. He's funny and very smart. One of the best classes and professors I've ever taken.

5.0
3.0
RELS334
Dec 21, 2010

I can not believe that a student had the audacity to rate Dr. Spiro as poor. This man is a true scholar, a pillar in the community, and had traveled all over the world. If you want someone to spoon feed you and if you lack the ability to think, don't take him, but if you're truly interested in gaining knowledge, Dr. Spiro is the BEST.

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Feb 5, 2011

Great teacher! Very funny and more importantly, very intelligent. One of the most interesting teachers and classes I have ever had! I would love to take another class with him. I recommend Death class to anyone who goes to VCU!

5.0
3.0
RELS250
Apr 5, 2011

Classes are easy- just pay attention, take notes, & attend class. Tests are easy as long as you study. If you don't you won't pass: questions are phrased just different enough to actually make you think about it. Very cool guy. Only people who'll fail are the ones expecting everything to be "spoon fed" as another rater said. This isn't high school.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Sep 25, 2011

One of my favorite religious studies professors. He is knows his stuff. I love his course packets. If you follow along in the lecture outlines with your notes and do the readings, his tests are no problem. Just study. Even when he talks about things that aren't on the test its really interesting. TAKE HIS CLASSES.

5.0
1.0
RELS334
Nov 17, 2011

I have taken a couple of classes with Spiro. He is without a doubt one of the most enlightened men I've had the pleasure of learning from. If you get an opportunity to take a class of his, take it! For real.

5.0
3.0
RELS305
Nov 28, 2011

Rarely ever attended class but was never penalized. Love Spiro. His lectures always make me giggle... makes great contemporary comparisons. Always somehow manages to throw the word "sexy" into lecture... mildly obsessed! Take a class!

5.0
2.0
RELS250
Dec 21, 2011

A brilliant professor and a great man. His class on death was one of the most interesting classes I have ever taken in my life. I have never had a professor who was so genuinely nice. He is a man who loves what he is teaching and his students. He has a lot of real life experience with the subject-one of his P.H.D's is in grief counseling.

5.0
2.0
RELS391
Mar 30, 2012

Dr. Spiro is an amazing professor and person. Really entertaining classes, loves the material he teaches about. None of his classes are extremely difficult if you pay attention, but you will probably learn a lot (I did!).

5.0
1.0
RELS250
Mar 13, 2013

Very interesting class. Lecture first half of class every time, second half is always a movie. No need to study hard if you pay attention in class. Readings are mandatory, but interesting and short. Attendance is taken. All notes and summaries are in the course packet you buy prior to the start of class.

5.0
3.0
RELS306
Apr 11, 2013

Great professor! Has the best stories, I would listen to him all day. Can explain everything in depth. He follows the outline & readings in the (inexpensive) book and makes great jokes. Easy in the sense it's interesting so studying isn't a pain, but you have to know your stuff. I'd take this class again!

5.0
3.0
REL319
Apr 26, 2014

Hands down one of the finest professors at VCU. I've taken two classes with him. If you want to become a scholar in Judaism and Jewish History, register for his courses. He's an absolute gem of a guy.

1.0
1.0
HIST326
Grade: A
May 6, 2014

He has wonderful reviews and is informative, nice, funny, lenient, and sincere--but his class was a disappointment. He's forgetful, goes off on tangents, constantly misreads material, fails to understand questions, and tells the same ten stories every class period. Doesn't write on board, just speaks from the podium the entire time. No slides.

5.0
1.0
RELS305
Oct 23, 2014

Although I knew nothing about the Hebrew Prophets, Dr. Spiro made their identity and teachings very clear. He is a wonderful teacher and really knows his subject. One of the best courses I've taken.

5.0
4.0
HIST318
Grade: B+
Dec 11, 2014

The most engaging and informative professor I have ever had!

3.0
2.0
HIS344
Grade: A
May 13, 2015

Dr. Spiro is an expert on Jewish History. And his lectures appear to be from memory, with minor notes. Take notes. Read the book. Read the source material. His study guide spells out what you need to study to pass. GET IT. Test are 50 question multiple choice. If you study, you pass. Simple tests. No tricks. No papers. Attendance taken.

5.0
3.0
HIST333
Grade: B+
Dec 7, 2015

His lectures are really important to pay attention to and when he repeats material he is trying to place importance on what he is saying (more likely to be asked about it in the test). He is really funny and will answer questions. He is very responsive by email. You will not pass if you don't read the assigned reading. 4 tests are the only grades.

5.0
3.0
HIST333
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2015

Go to class and listen to his lectures. His coursepack is easy to follow with the lectures. He's very informational and I've learned a lot in his class. He takes attendance and only gives out 4 exams, no papers. He's a nice and funny guy too!

5.0
2.0
RELS306
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2015

This class was an easy A and there wasn't much work to do. We did however read an entire textbook throughout the semester. He's quite funny and very nice to talk to.

5.0
1.0
RELS306
Jan 1, 2016

Dr. Spiro is passionate about what he teaches. Easy class. Easy A. No tests. Every class you turn in a question that you have from the text book. If you turn in a question every class, then you get an A. His grading rubric is solely based off of the number of questions you turn in for the semester. Its that simple. The textbook is super cheap also!

5.0
3.0
HIST334
Grade: A
May 12, 2016

He is so funny and really clear in his lecture. I suggest going to the lecture and pay attention. He is very clear about his expectations for the test. Definitely read the book. I took him for two semesters and he is really wonderful. His lectures are very interesting. He is nearly deaf so if you have a question speak loudly. He is very helpful.

5.0
1.0
HIST334
Grade: A
May 14, 2016

Great class. He's an incredible professor to listen to/very knowledgeable. Class is 4 tests and that's basically it. He also takes attendance most classes. I took the second semester (more recent history), you don't have to take the first one to be in this class and viceversa. He has helpful course packs that guide your studying Highly recommend.

4.0
1.0
RELS305
Nov 9, 2017
Would take again

Spiro is the sweetest old man! He's sooo funny, smart and has so many stories about his life experiences that are really interesting, this man has done everything I swear. He's a great professor and tests are easy as long as you review the coursepack and the textbooks. Highly recommend.

Respected
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
RELS250
Grade: A
Nov 22, 2017
Would take again

Jack is the sweetest man!! I love him so much, he tells great stories and throws jokes into lecture when it gets dry. He's super understanding and clear about what you need to do, and his class is an easy A. He's like your grandpa but with actually good stories lol

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
3.0
RELS108
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Professor Spiro is a kind man but I would advise against taking his class. I enjoyed the class, but I had to withdraw because he's old. This wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for how he constantly forgot what he was saying and would often forget that he said he wouldn't test us on a certain thing. By withdrawal, he hadn't posted any grades.

5.0
3.0
228688472GMP
Jan 28, 2019
Would take again

Very well informed teacher

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

67%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B+ (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(0)C(0)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 8
B+: 2
A+: 1
Drop/Withdrawal: 1
Common Tags
Caring (3)
Respected (2)
Hilarious (2)
Amazing lectures (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.26 avg change
Dec
Jan
May
Nov
May
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

RST

5.0

(1)

REG319

5.0

(1)

RELS312

5.0

(1)

RELIGION

5.0

(2)

RELS

5.0

(3)
+27 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST318

4.0

ALOTOFTHEM

3.0

HIST325

3.0

RELS319

3.0

JEWISHHIS

3.0

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