2.4

James Flynn

Philosophy - Caldwell University

2.4
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
18%
Would Retake
126
Reviews
2.4
Quality
4.5
Difficulty
2.4
Helpful
2.4
Clarity

18%

Would Retake

126

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
126 total ratings

5

24

4

16

3

16

2

14

1

56

What Students Say

He is the hardest professor at Caldwell

PH101 - 1.0 rating

Also, he gave different andwers at dif times

PH102 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

90%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 38 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
A+ (6)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(10)C(6)D(13)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 55 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
A+: 6
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
B: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (33)
Get ready to read (17)
Lecture heavy (16)
Participation matters (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
So many papers (10)
Graded by few things (9)
Lots of homework (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.94 avg change
Dec
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HUMANPERSONWI

5.0

(1)

PH20163

5.0

(1)

PHIL100

5.0

(1)

PH005

5.0

(1)

PH201

4.7

(3)
+32 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHI

5.0

HUMANPERSONWI

5.0

INTROTOPHIL

5.0

PHILOSOPHY112

5.0

PH20163

5.0

Reviews (125)
3.0
5.0
PHI
Mar 7, 2003

hes hard, goes too deep into stuff.

4.0
5.0
PH101
Apr 9, 2003

A rough class, but I learned more with him than some classes I got A's in

5.0
3.0
PHIL101
Oct 15, 2003

He is one of the tougher teachers i've had so far at caldwell. but he IS a great teacher and i've learned alot. he is also strict, but anyone that can make intro to phil. interesting gets an 'A' in my book

2.0
5.0
PHIL101
Oct 18, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
PH101
Nov 23, 2003

Very hard but you learn a ton of stuff and how to think.

2.0
5.0
PH101
Dec 4, 2003

This guy can put the very best to sleep. He is so boring. Yes, he is a brilliant man, but he doen not know how to teach at all.

5.0
3.0
PH216
Apr 7, 2004

Nice guy, but VERY tough grader and I spent 8 hours studying for the final. Yikes.

5.0
3.0
PH201
Nov 15, 2004

Good guy, funny, and i think he should quit his job and become a comedian....very interesting...i recommend that you take his class...oh and check out his office...now thats hilarious

5.0
5.0
HUMANPERSONWI
Nov 23, 2004

I absolutely love Dr. Flynn! He is extremely funny and intelligent. I had him for Intro to Philo and Philosophy of the Human Person WI.both difficult classes but he is an excellent teacher. For the WI class ur grade is based on 3 15-20 page papers and participation..he is always willing to help u

4.0
5.0
INTROTOPHIL
Jan 31, 2005

Whoever said he was hard just didn't want to stuty he is a great teacher who expects u to learn. After all we are spending money so why not learn something off this brilliant man

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY112
May 11, 2005

Teacher is a nasty man who doesn't care for anyones opinions. Flynn once failed multiple students because he didn't like them leaving for sports. If you can help it, do not take this man for anything except a psychology expierement.

2.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY1
May 28, 2005

all i can say is good luck taking his class. you will have to read alot and not much room for any error. tells jokes but not always funny. i wouldnt recommend taking him unless it is your last resort.

2.0
5.0
INTROTOPHIL
Grade: B
Aug 27, 2005

this man hands out F's like there going out of style.....he thinks hes funny and hes not.....

3.0
4.0
INTROTOPHILOS
Grade: B
Sep 1, 2005

He is boring, and doesnt really care about what your think or how you feel. A cold personality. He seems to be brooding, as if he were a psycho. Be prepared to read ALOT over and over. You should hope you dont get him.

5.0
5.0
PH20163
Sep 7, 2005

American Philosophy. Great class, excellent professor.

4.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 11, 2005

He's a good teacher, if you can deal with his arrogance...

1.0
5.0
PHY101
Sep 29, 2005

He Sucks!!!

2.0
5.0
PH102
Nov 10, 2005

One of the worst boring teachers that i ever had. Very hard to understand and would usually put me to sleep. Trust me don't take it unless you want to try to understand him and the subject. It's already a hard subject to understand. All he does is lecture.

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Nov 13, 2005

terrible!!!!! stay away!!!!

1.0
5.0
INTROTOPHIL
Grade: A+
Dec 5, 2005

I cant stand him! One of the worst professors ever. Doesn't stop moving around and hates everyone who comes 2 seconds late to his class. He is always right and doesn't like girls. He thinks the world should be called "Flynn" literally.

4.0
3.0
PH102
Dec 19, 2005

Don't care what anyone says but I liked him. Kinda made it interesting and it was a 3 hr class (took it in the summer). Very nice man.

1.0
5.0
PH101
Mar 16, 2006

He is the worst professor I ever had. I was late to his class a couple of times, and that was it. I could do no right from then on. He was very unwilling to accept anyone's opinions about the subject matter. I had no idea what he was talking about-ever. He seemed to have an "I'm better than you" attitude towards his students.

4.0
2.0
PH201
Apr 6, 2006

He is a good professor. I don't like philosophy at all. I hate it! but he give out the study guide which he eventually will go over.. and all you got to do is study the study guide, You will do great. he is a nICE PERSON. and he is Fair/ i don't kno why Ppl dont' like him. he is much better than other philosophy teachers. TAKE hiM.

1.0
5.0
INTROTOPHIL
Apr 11, 2006

I absolutely despise him. He really thinks everyone is less than him in life and he is right up there with God. I don't care who likes him, he is the worst possible teacher a person can have. He is educated, dont get me wrong, just very rude, mean, and horrible at teaching what he's learned. Definite 'NO'.

1.0
5.0
INTROPHIL
Apr 18, 2006

What a jerk. Don't be late, and remember to honor him. I saw red when I saw him on campus-that's how angry he made me. He looks like a decent enough guy, but he's the devil in disguise.

2.0
5.0
PHILOFART
May 15, 2006

he seems like a nice guy, who knows his material becuase he is and does but he is not walk in the park. if you are looking for a teacher that is going to challenge you and make you think take him. but for must of us he is hard and boring, and so full of him self it is not even funney. I suggest stay away from Flynn!!!!!!!!

3.0
4.0
PHCW1
Dec 18, 2006

Great guy. Bad rap. Lazy students will have absolutely no success in his class. I was one of them in my first year. Then as a senior I took him again and got an A. Ask a lot of questions, call him, email him...you will learn a lot. Cares about his students.

3.0
5.0
PH102
Jan 16, 2007

he's a nice guy, but gives impossible tests and barely anything else to boost your grade...don't take this class unless you want to ready and study your life away.

5.0
5.0
PH201
May 1, 2007

You really need to pay attention in this class, although it is somewhat boring. He is willing to help any one who reaches out for help and is willing to put in the effort. His test are hard, but he prepares classes well for them.

2.0
5.0
PHIL101
Oct 21, 2007

he is hard and boring.

1.0
5.0
PHIL101
May 14, 2008

He is by far the most impossible human on the planet..He is never satisfied and is a poor grader...

2.0
5.0
PH102
Jul 11, 2008

does not like women. he made my life hell, I am typing this and it feels like I am reliving his class. I wanted to get down on my knees when the class was over. I hope to never see him again...... But the man knows his stuff. He loves older males and listens to them when they speak- women, he usually interjects.

1.0
5.0
PH101
Nov 4, 2008

HORRIBLE TEACHER!!! hard tests and the answers you put have to be in his exact words - the worst professor at caldwell!

5.0
5.0
PH102
Nov 7, 2008

I took him externally and he is great. Willing to help people who want to learn. Likes extremely clear work and when you use your own examples to explain your answers. My advice is to read the text, reflect and analyze it, read it again, and THEN answer the questions. Must put in time and effort to do well!

3.0
4.0
ETHIC0000
Dec 4, 2008

Took him during the summer for ethics, and yes he is hard, and yes, he goes on, and on, and you don't really know what he wants you to write down. Tip, write it ALL down, even if it seems insignificant. He gives out a study guide for his exams, answer, and study it, and you will do well. Take him he's not all that bad, you might even like it.

1.0
5.0
PH102
Dec 17, 2008

"Alright. Let's begin. (calls names according to the grade book) Are there any questions? (Student gives question)" These are the words that begin Dr. Flynn's classes every time. Does he expect us to learn anything the way he teaches? Do you call that teaching Dr. Flynn? I don't.

1.0
5.0
PHIL2
Jan 1, 2009

Terrible. Not worth doing drafts ahead, because just takes points off. Rude. Disrespectful. Makes Caldwell displeasing to be part of. I am happy I passed, just so I never have to take him again. Beware!! but there arent many there so your prob stuck!! He should have a different profession. His way of teaching is pointless.

5.0
5.0
PHIL101
Jan 15, 2009

Yes, Dr. Flynn is difficult. But he is also fair and MORE than willing to help anyone who truly wants to learn. He challenged me and forced me to ACTUALLY learn from the source by not using text books. I thought he was a fabulous teacher and recommend him to anyone who is up to the challenge!

5.0
5.0
PHIL101
Jan 15, 2009

I just had to write one more thing in response to the person who claims Dr. Flynn does not like women and treats female students unfairly. That is just plain stupid. I'm a female and I felt he respected me, listened to my questions, and was more than fair. Yes, when you give him an answer, he may push for more info..to help YOU learn!

4.0
4.0
PH000
Apr 23, 2009

Harsh grader. My overall GPA fell because his was the lowest grade I received in my college career. The course is presented in an interesting manner, but the grading proces can be damaging if you're seeking honors at graduation.

1.0
5.0
PH101
Jul 27, 2009

... tough

5.0
5.0
PH216
Aug 4, 2009

Dr. Flynn will challenge you but it is well worth the work. The knowledge gained will be helpful and relevant to any career. He is particular and there are details you must follow, but he works with the text and allows you to submit rough drafts- participate! In the end, you will be a better student for having taken the class. Valuable professor.

5.0
5.0
PHIL102
Sep 2, 2009

I took Dr. Flynn over summer for two classes and in reverse order. The subject matter is tough, but he is more than willing to help anyone. He allows you to hand in rough drafts of your work and of the questions on the final. If you do not get a good grade or if you fail, then you put absolutely no effort or interest in the class.

3.0
4.0
PH212
Nov 13, 2009

I took him for intro to philosophy and american philosophy. I did well in both of his classes however, i just dont think it is worth it to take him. He's very hard and strict. But overall i managed to do fine so if you're stuck with him you just have to put a lot of effort in

3.0
5.0
PHIL102
Dec 21, 2009

If you have trouble writing papers, DO NOT take this class Externally,if must get tutor.Your grade is based on 4,15page assignments, everything must be cited, into your own words, he is very strict about this. Handing in drafts is hard with limited time to go to school to begin with.The textbook was really no help.This class uses up ALL your time!

5.0
4.0
PH101
Jan 21, 2010

Most people did not like Dr. Flynn... I loved his class. He's an awesome professor and gives you all you need to know. It may be hard because his teaching method may be unorthodox, but I appreciated every moment in his class. I liked his class so much I took him twice.

2.0
4.0
PHI315
Jan 21, 2010

I won't say he is a bad professor, but it is difficult to guage what he is looking for at times. It seems that no matter how you state something, you should always state it a different way. I didn't like how he let the students run the class by arbitrarily asking questions throughout. He seemed nice, but I didn't care for his teaching methods.

2.0
5.0
PH102
Nov 2, 2010

Horrible!....

3.0
3.0
PH102
Dec 23, 2010

He wasn't a bad guy. He is nice, but his class is difficult. No matter what you say there has to be more reasoning behind it. His exams aren't hard. Just do the review sheets and study. It's not as bad as what people say. His essays on the exam are the only bad thing cause you have to write like 3 paragraphs for each response. Overall descent guy

3.0
3.0
PH102
Dec 23, 2010

Hes not bad. Just study his review sheets. His teaching method sucks though. Every class is "ok lets begin" then takes attendance. After that is "Alright any questions." Hes ok wouldn't take him again unless i needed to

4.0
4.0
PHILO101
Dec 30, 2010

His papers are not hard, no surprises...its EVERYTHING he lectures on. Be prepared to take good notes on EVERYTHING he talks about and writes on the board. I learned a lot in this class, and i went to his office to ask for help when i recieved my very first C, and he was very helpful...My final grade was a B minus, but i think if i would have tak

3.0
3.0
PHILO102
Jan 17, 2011

He is tough! I managed an A in his class by recording his lectures,teaming up with partners and studying waaay too much for the exams and doing all the extra credit. I was really looking forward to philo but he took all of the enjoyment out of it.By a recorder-Livescribe is the best! He is a nice guy and willing to help, he's best for philo majors.

4.0
5.0
PH001
May 9, 2011

I did not like his teaching style at all. He told us to read the book then ask any questions. Didn't have enough time to answer all questions. Gave study guides for each test, and each test was cumulative. As an individual I liked and respected him. As a professor, not so much...

1.0
5.0
PHI101
Aug 29, 2011

do not take this guy. doesnt teach.

4.0
5.0
PH102
May 16, 2012

very helpful if you go to him before or after tests however his tests are WAAAY too hard and when he says the tests commutative he means more than half of the next test will be on material from the previous study guide. best quality is that he takes the time to make sure everyone understands something before moving on. great person but the tests...

5.0
5.0
PHIL100
Nov 8, 2012

Dr. Flynn ignited a love of learning for me. Yes, his courses are difficult. He challenges you to think in ways you probably never have. I went to college to LEARN and this man delivered. It's been many years since I took his classes (yes, I took MULTIPLE classes taught by him) but his lessons still stay with me. Wonderful, true EDUCATOR.

5.0
2.0
PHIL102
Nov 18, 2012

I had heard that his class was "impossible"; I wanted to be challenged, so I wasn't afraid to take his class. It was external degree, so there was quite a bit of writing. He was very fair, helpful and challenging. Work hard and take an interest in your own development and in the class material, and you will have no problems. Otherwise, good luck.

5.0
4.0
PH005
Jan 16, 2013

Dr. Flynn was an excellent professor, although his tests were difficult he was very fair when it came to giving you study guides and gave u a chance to send him the answers to be corrected, before the test. I loved the class in Philosophy and took him again for Ethics! I was told he was a difficult teacher but I found him to be very interesting!

1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Apr 18, 2013

Please save yourselves,do not take this class. Honestly the worst grader I've ever seen. Whatever you say,he wants more or something completely different. This tops as the most boring class I ever taken. He knows his stuff I'll give him that,but the he projects the knowledge is not to my liking. This is a warning,you have been warned.

1.0
5.0
PH275
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 12, 2013

DO NOT TAKE HIM!!! He is very hard to please. He sucked the interest out of the subject for me.

1.0
5.0
PH102
Dec 12, 2013

DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER!!! I felt like he made the subject way more difficult than it needed to be. I will never take him again.

1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 3, 2014

One of the most difficult classes, he even knew I was getting tutored and still failed me

5.0
4.0
PH101
Grade: A
Nov 24, 2014

Prof. Flynn is a GREAT professor.. that doesn't mean he's easy!! He makes you work for your grade AS YOU SHOULD, and THINK deep, but the material is very interesting, and anything unclear he THOROUGHLY explains ANY QUESTIONS you have in class. He gives you feedback before submitting papers if you choose to hand them in early (highly suggested)

4.0
4.0
PH
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2014

Dr. Flynn doesn't receive any positive feedback which isn't fair. I took Dr. Flynn's summer course and I must say he is very fair. If you read before class and have him go over your paper before you hand it in you will do fine. When he gives an example WRITE IT DOWN! Participation and knowledge behind any argument you propose is needed.

4.0
4.0
PH101
Grade: C+
Jan 21, 2015

Dr. Flynn is a great professor. Yes, his class is hard and yes, he is a hard grader, but as long as you pay attention, you will do fine. Make sure you read everything he tells you to. He doesn't really give pop quizzes, but you will understand his lesson better. WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING HE SAYS WORD-FOR-WORD. He gives a study guide before the test.

2.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: A+
Apr 13, 2015

Dr. Flynn assigns reading and then gives a study guide for a test. He jumps around answering the guide questions and does not fully explain the theories. College students are still students and need to be taught how to think in a philosophical manner. He teaches way over the heads of the students. Awful experience & half a semester to go. HELP

5.0
4.0
PH102
Grade: B
Apr 17, 2015

This is exactly what you would expect a college class to be like. He makes you work for it, but is fair because he explains everything in detail. He goes into every bit of information thoroughly and connects with some great examples. Everything he says will need to be written down. It's not easy,but interesting. expect to read. He's a nice guy.168

1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 1, 2015

Class is hard. he gives a study guide with over 100 questions and you need to memorize word for word in order to get full credit on the question on the test. oh yeah the tests are 14 questions each all writing. the class is boring he talks about flynn like things. not worth wasting your time taking this class with him.

1.0
5.0
PH102004
Grade: D
May 15, 2015

I was not aware of this site before I enrolled in Flynn's class. If I was I would never have taken this class with him. No one is exaggerating when they say that this class is hard. You have to attend ALL classes or you will fall behind. He does create review sheets, that consist of over 100 question, that you don't know the answers to.

1.0
5.0
PH102
May 15, 2015

After all the classes that I have taken, at three different schools THIS has been the WORST class I have EVER taken. I am an online student, in every other class the professor has a powerpoint, lecture, or at least some other form of supplemental material NOT this guy! He expects you to just understand everything you read and everything his says.

2.0
5.0
PH102
Sep 8, 2015

Difficult class. Had to record lectures because he goes so fast. Everything he says you should basically write down. When he gives you study guides they're tons of questions. Use your notes to fill in the questions. You will go over any blank ones. Tests are hard u need to know the entire study guide. A few papers throughout the semester. Good luck

4.0
3.0
PH102
Grade: B+
Nov 6, 2015

You really only have to take good notes and pay attention to what he says in class. He is very clear and open to whatever questions you may have. He is a really tough grader though, so make sure you pay attention.

3.0
4.0
PH102
Grade: B+
Dec 30, 2015

Professor Flynn knows what he is talking about, but it sometimes feels like he has high expectations for an intro class. Write everything he says word for word and then memorize it for the test. DO THE STUDY GUIDES! He will allow you to send it to him for him to look over and correct. This helped me go from a 69 on the 1st test to a 90 on the 2nd.

3.0
5.0
ETHIC0000
Grade: D+
Apr 28, 2016

Don't take your phone out, Don't be disruptive in any way, and write down every single thing he says. His final is unreasonable.

3.0
4.0
CJ200
Grade: B
May 11, 2016

You have to attend every class to pass and write down everything that is mentioned. Do really well on take home assignments and hand in rough drafts for feedback. Not a bad prof., just difficult grader.

1.0
4.0
PH102
Oct 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is not concerned with teaching philosophy, everything is about memorization. I do not think this is how an intro to philosophy course was meant to be taught. The class was verg unenjoyable and not thought provoking because all we were worried about was having exact answers to study guide questions. Also, he gave different andwers at dif times.

Participation matters
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PH101
Grade: D-
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I took the online philosophy class and he is by far the hardest grader. His class in general easy with the assignments, but his grading is awful. I am an A/B student and his grading mechanism is going to cause me to just pass or fail his class. Most online classes are good to take, but I wouldn't suggest this class to anyone.

Tough Grader
4.0
2.0
PH102
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

If you ask questions, you get a lot of extra credit opportunities. Participate in class.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
PH101
Grade: B+
May 17, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is an extremely difficult grader- but at the end of the day, he is also super approachable and really gives good feedback. There is a lot of work that is given, don't get me wrong. If you want an easy A, this is not your man! But if you're willing to put in the time, you will only learn from this course and his teaching style.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
PH101
Grade: A
May 24, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is THE BEST!!!!! Favorite class ever. Don't let the negative comments deter you. He is a very knowledgable man and very approachable. He is awesome and sometimes funny.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
PH101
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is the hardest professor at Caldwell. When taking your exams if you do not write word for word you will fail. He expects you tot write down every little thing he saids and if you take your phone out you are marked "absent" for the day. I dropped this class and retook it with Bennette and passed with an A. Do yourself a favor and do not take him.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
PH102
Nov 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Every class is basically him waiting for you to ask questions on the reading, and he will expect you to remember every last word he says in any answer during the class. He gave a study guide with 77 terms to remember and most were not even on the test. Even if the answer is right he will take points off for not being exactly the definition he gave.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
PH102
Grade: A
May 10, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is very nice. Many people do not like him and drop from his class but that is because most of them just don't want to put in any work and expect to pass. You do have to do work, but as long as you do it, you can't not get an A in the class. He even lowers the grading criteria. He is really nice, but it's not an automatic A.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: B+
Nov 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He is the most INCONSIDERATE person, not just professor, I have met in my life. A job of a professor is to help a student learn something new. But he doesn't care about the students at all. Get a low grade on one assignment, and there is no chance to redo it. Missed ONE citation, will drop you grade to B+. Don't take him.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
PH102
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2019
Would take again

It's philosophy. Don't expect it to be easy. But if you put your head into it and willing to learn, the knowledge you get will help you in your LIFE. Nothing worthwhile comes easily. If you expect an easy class where you are spoon-fed and given grade for just participating, go back to pre-K. College is hard and Dr. Flynn is guarding that standard.

Respected
Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
5.0
PH102
Feb 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Never miss class or sleep in class. always be in class and take notes and ask questions the only way to take notes is copy what he says especially if he writes it on the board his test are all short answer and essay.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
PH102
Grade: A+
May 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I definitely was not thinking I would be able to pass this class from everything I have heard about Flynn. I doubted myself even more once we transitioned to online from the pandemic. He is not as bad as everyone makes him out to be. You have to work for your grade. He is not just going to give it you. He gives you everything you need!

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ETHIC0000
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He is horrible. I have never had a professor like him before in my life. If you dont agree with him you will not do well on his assignments. It was an online class and he required 4 8-10 page papers that I worked very hard on for 70s on. Do not take him at any cost. If youre reading this and thinking oh its fine Ill just do the work youll fail

Lots of homework
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ETHIC0000
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor at the Univeristy. Complete opposite of what a professor ought to be.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PH102
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He wanted word for word what he said for tests papers. If you miss a class, you might as well kiss a good grade goodbye.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PH001
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He is a very tough grader. He expects you to know a lot about philosophy and be able to critically think even though you have never taken the class before. He is very stubborn so if you disagree with a grade that you got hell tell you to just do better on the next assignment. Worst Professor Ive have had hands down.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Oct 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I have been a disciplined student for my whole academic career. Attaining Honors every quarter in highschool and Deans list in college. Never have I ever experienced this. Mind u, this is a 101 level class, and he quite literally is grading like its grad school. Dont take this class if ur life depended. If u dont regurgitate his word u willfail

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH101
Oct 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He doesnt care about what you can't understand, does not teach clearly, takes points off for the smallest errors. when you understand the general concept of a question in an essay he'll still end up failing you. Does not budge to help students, does not adapt to covid environment. Does not care to help students succeed by any means.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take this course. I am a pretty average student A/B and I am STRUGGLING in this course. I am a nursing student and need a C+ to stay in the program and this may be the most difficult course I have taken. Not recommended unless you want to hurt your GPA. He is never satisfied with papers and writes on every paper that citation is not correct.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Whatever you do, avoid this professor. I am a 4.0 GPA student and couldnt get my grades up for this course which led me to withdraw. Before taking this course, I read these reviews and gave it the benefit of the doubt. WORST MISTAKE EVER. So many students are failing or struggling and he obviously doesn't think he has something to do with the issue

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102005
Grade: B-
Nov 3, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Flynn assumes his students are both hard of hearing and mentally challenged, so he speaks with a snail's pace, often stopping to slowly spell out common words for our "convenience." He is more concerned with proper citation and regurgitation of his exact words on assignments than the actual content that students put in. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: A+
Nov 10, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Flynn is not terrible like all the comments make him out to be. He does expect a lot from his students and it is definitely not an easy A. He is very helpful and will even help with answers to the assignments he hands out. In his class taking notes is VERY important. He will often hand out questions directly based on what he explained in class

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PH102005
Nov 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Doesn't grade on content, really only grades on grammar which makes no sense. Would definitely not recommend

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: B-
Nov 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I have never taken a class with a professor who is so inconsiderate to his students. Grades essays harder than AP Essays (trust me, I took AP Literature in high school, this guy is worse!). For a 102 level class, the work load is ridiculous and he worries about citing sources correctly more than the content of the paper. Never take this clown.

Lecture heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102003
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The worst teacher I've ever had, second to one of my high school math teachers. He's terrible and I absolutely wouldn't recommend anyone take him. He doesn't care about the hard work and effort put into student's papers, every test being a 10 page paper is stupid, and if you don't explain your explanations that at least 5-10 times, he'll fail you.

Lecture heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102005
Dec 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Flynn is quite LITERALLY one of the, if not the worst teacher I've ever had. He does not care about his students or their well-beings especially during a pandemic. He is rude, arrogant, belittling, and overall terrible. I'm truly sorry for whoever has to take his class. He will grade you work for grammar instead of content. DO. NOT. TAKE. 0/100

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Apr 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is a terrible professor. He is strict with grading, and does not care if you have ongoing circumstances in your life that may keep you from attending class properly.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
CJ200500
May 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The worst professor I have ever had. So rude and belittles students. I put in a semesters worth a hard work in all assignments and all he cares about are citations. Every time I have emailed him he responds in dis-respectful manner. Absolutely no consideration for his students please avoid classes with him if you can. Will contact his department.

Graded by few things
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
PH102
Grade: B-
May 22, 2021
Would take again

Heard a lot of bad things about Prof. Flynn so I was worried about taking his class, but I've found that it's no more difficult than any other college-level class. As long as you follow his directions correctly and pay attention to the lectures (which should be the norm for any college class to begin with) there should be no issue passing.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
So many papers
5.0
3.0
PH101
Oct 26, 2021
Would take again

Heard a lot of bad things about the class and the professor, but its literally like every other course. Just pay attention and do the work and you're fine. The professor is actually pretty cool despite what everyone says.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
PH216
Nov 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Flynn is without a doubt the worst prof I've ever had the displeasure of taking. He's condescending, disrespectful & takes pride in the fact that he doesn't give students As. He's always "puzzled" by your responses and leaves nothing but question marks as feedback. He only teaches to boast about his "superior knowledge" on practically everything.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He only wants you to use HIS words, which makes it impossible to study. There aren't that many assignments in this class. This whole class is a memorization game.I was looking to actually learn concepts but all I learned was that I can't. The only reason he is still teaching here is because he has tenure and is the department chair.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: C
Dec 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Avoid this man. I know many people, myself included, who really struggled in his classes. He's the chair of his department. Gives crazy amounts of reading within like 2 days. Doesn't give feedback, just bad grades and questions marks. Complains about how much grading he has. Says obvious things acting like we wouldn't already know.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
2.0
PH102
Grade: C+
Jul 27, 2022

Long lectures where more than half is just him retreading what he lectured in the previous class. Rarely had any open discussions. If he had the class engage he will interrupt you mid sentence and not let you finish. Grades on grammar not content.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PH102
Grade: B-
Jul 28, 2022

If you take his online class, the highest you can get is a B- when trying your absolute hardest. Makes up grading criteria as he goes. If you wrote the best paper in the world he would still find something wrong with it. I would recommend taking him in person.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: D
Oct 23, 2022

Dr. Flynn has a bad reputation for a reason. His three tests are each 25% of your grade. After the first test, he encouraged students to withdraw from the class if they did poorly. We had a 71-question study guide for a 14-question short answer test. Students memorize material, you're not gonna learn. Do not take him! Avoid him at all costs.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
PH001
Grade: D+
Nov 16, 2022

Honestly the most difficult professor I've ever taken. If you raise your hand in class, be prepared to be cut off and never have your question answered. Theres a reason why majority of his students fail his classes each semester, it's not the students, it's the way he teaches. He doesn't want an answer from the book, he wants HIS answer.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PH102004
Grade: D
Dec 19, 2022

You will lose points if you don't recite Flynn's own definitions word for word. Also, I studied for weeks for the tests, and I got a 57&43 on them. For an open ended 14 question test, you are given a 70+ question study guide. Unless you can memorize HIS definitions, you won't learn anything. Also he NEVER puts grades.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
PH102
Grade: A+
Dec 24, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Flynn gives you all possible questions before an exam and will tell you the exact answers if you ask in class, half the exam is short definitions so it's free points. Very short assignments 1-2 pages and only a few throughout the semester. Take notes, when he gives an assignment it's exactly about what he just talked about in class that day.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CJ200500
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Feb 16, 2023

Dr.Flynn writes that if you cite the book too much, you will fail. Then when you write your papers, he comments "cite?" and expects you to cite the whole entire book. Honestly, just turn in the book as your paper and you will get a batter grade than if you genuinely write it yourself.

Hilarious
So many papers
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PHIL102
Grade: C+
Jul 29, 2023

Critiques every word in your papers with his "how so?" "not quite"His grading made me feel so stupid after spending LEGIT 5 days perfecting and writing his 7-question essays, only for him to say "great job" and give me a C on the paper Never got anything above a C+ while giving my max effort Expects us to be experts on an intro level class. So bad.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: C
Jul 29, 2023

Had no other choice but to take his fully online course to meet graduation requirements. And wow, what a nightmare. He ALWAYS has something bad to say about what you write in the discussions or papers. You are always wrong about SOMETHING no matter what, either you missed a topic from the text, forgot a comma, or you're dumb and make no sense.Awful

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
3.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: C-
Dec 14, 2023

I had struggles with taking this class. He grades strict (too particular with wording of answers, and unclear feedback).This class was very difficult. However, I think despite that he does show little efforts such as letting students do virtual class instead, and reminding the class of his office hours. Interesting concepts talked about too.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
ETHIC0000
Grade: B+
Dec 23, 2023

worst professor i've had in my 4 years at the university. a very objective approach to teaching philosophy. Not that it's a bad approach, but he expects you to write word for word what he thinks and feels. And even if you manage to do so, 30 points off because of gaps in his own reasoning. Lacks any original thought for someone teaching philosophy.

Tough grader
3.0
3.0
PH102
Grade: B-
Dec 17, 2024

Professor Flynn's class is a memorization game, but Unstuck AI can help with that. Attend lectures, use the textbook, and you'll get by. Not the most engaging, but doable if you put in the work.

1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 9, 2025

Don't take this professor if you have other options . He is a tough grader expects you to memorialize his whole lecture everytime . He wants answers on the test on what he has said in class and not from Google or anywhere else . If you miss a class good luck on that . I would say never take this professor unless you really want to ruin your GPA.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
ETHIC0000
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 6, 2025

I took this class because I enjoy ethics, but he changed my mind. I take the online version of this class. He is constantly responding to my discussion posts, he replied six times on just one post. He is very hard to please. I am having a hard time doing this work online; I could just imagine how hard his in-person classes are.

Participation matters
1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 27, 2025

Our grade o my consists of 2 exams and a final all worth %25 of our grade the remaining being participation, exams are 14 questions all open ended questions buts sends us a 72 question study guide, if you write down the correct definition your wrong he wants his made up definition for terms. Repeats the same thing every class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLAS

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: Rather not say
Apr 7, 2025

DO NOT TAKE DO NOT TAKEEEE

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
INTROPHILOSOPHY
Grade: D
Apr 17, 2025

beware : do NOT take. if you have a short attention span like me, you're going to catch yourself zoning out every single lecture session. horrible horrible class, no powerpoints, just textbook reading and yapping for the whole class. horrible grading system. lectures are helpful for exams only if you memorize his 1hr 15min ted talk.

Tough grader
Participation matters
So many papers
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

90%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 38 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
A+ (6)
Drop/Withdrawal (6)
Grade Distribution
A(10)B(10)C(6)D(13)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 55 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
A+: 6
Drop/Withdrawal: 6
B: 5
Common Tags
Tough grader (33)
Get ready to read (17)
Lecture heavy (16)
Participation matters (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (10)
So many papers (10)
Graded by few things (9)
Lots of homework (5)
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