Challenging material taught with extreme clarity. Graded on a non-traditional curve scale. Most, if not all, students who try will pass.

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He is the best philosophy teacher. People in my class have taken the class before with a different professor and failed. His tests are easy if you read the material and he gives you a study guide with everyhting you need to know. If you take philosophy get this professor.

I am now a senior at BSU and I have had alot of teachers here and James is still one of the bes I have every had!! Freshman, take James.

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Very funny dude, very interesting discussion in class.

Great professor- different sense of humor which makes it interesting. Everyone I know got a B in his class, but not very many get A's. If you want a B, take this great teacher.

Great guy, real easy to understand. He is also very cool about helping you do better if your grade is not doing so well

very to the point teacher, interesting sense of humor, can put the material into context very well, good at politely pointing out the flaws in your reasoning, easy class if you study the material, and show up every day, this is important because he covers allot of philisophical concepts in a short amount of time.

This is a great teacher with a wonderful sense of humor. YOU MUST ATTEND CLASS IF YOU TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. He gives you all of the options for test material in class and it is your job to know them or be able to differentiate between the two. I started out thinking this was going to be a difficult class but it really wasn't!

I am a non-traditional, full-time student. Mr. Stockton is a fascinating speaker and not only kept the class awake, but encouraged and appreciated open discussions. I took it as an 8-week course. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM FOR ANY CLASS HE TEACHES.

Bottom line: You are required to read the book and UNDERSTAND it. This coming from a student who rarely, if ever buys and opens a textbook. Most of his tests REQUIRE the understanding of the readings. He is an interesting and good teacher, and if you can keep up with the textbook (not long reading, just very hard to follow sometimes) it will be ok.

Stockton is the BEST teacher I've had. Very entertaining and hilarious. If you read the chapters then go to class this class will be cake. I highly recommend taking this class if you actually wanna learn something and get a easy A.

Good, sarcastic humor.

Stockton is animated, personable, intimidating, intelligent, and reasonable. He wants you to succeed, but he will not make it easy to do so. Go to class, pay attention, do the homework, pass.

Really down to earth guy. The book is basically your Bible in this class, so make sure you do your reading. The grade is basically 4 exams - no homework. Most people get a B. I had this class early in the morning and he always managed to wake us up!

He knows what he's talking about and loves to explain it with a lot of enthusiasm. Always read the book, always show up to class, it'll help you in the long run because he explains everything and lets you know what will be on the test. I HIGHLY RECCOMEND.

Funny guy. Dont talk in class or you'll get it.

Great prof. Can be a little intimidating at first. Teaches well and cares about the subject. You learn a lot in his classes. He is hard on essays, but willing to work with you to improve your writing. Must take aesthetics from him.

Great professor, read the text and attend class and he'll tell you everything to expect on the test. No writing or small assignments, grade based purely on 4 exam scores. Highly recommend.

Extremely passionate about what he teaches. There are only four big tests, no essays or outside homework. He uses the book constantly: it will become your bible! He tells you what will be on the test but the tests are definitely difficult. Not an easy A but expect to get a lot out of his class.

Don't let him scare you at first. He's funny and really cares, just thinks it's funny to shock you. Tells you what will be on tests - still need to study, but you know what to focus on. He loves the subject & it shows.

Stockton is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the material. Must attend class for notes. Tests are tough, definitely need to study but he is specific about which parts of lecture/reading will be on tests. Grade is based just on 4 tests, no homework, so tests are extremely important. I'm not a phil. major, but he made it interesting.

Stockton is a jerk, and isn't ashamed to let you know it. "Somebody told me I needed to be more friendly this year. So, I'm your friend. Now, let's move on." He may not be the sweetest guy around, but he knows what he's talking about and as long as you attend class the material is not terribly difficult.

Very helpful and willing to help you

Amazing teacher. Very blunt, says exactly what he means. Took this at 7:40AM, but kept awake the whole time. He's an ass, but in a way that makes him a good teacher. He makes the material interesting by almost making fun of it sometimes. I don't usually like this kind of thing, but I really enjoyed his class.

He is kind of odd but I liked him. He kept you awake during lecture. No textbook required he posts what he wants you to read on Blackboard. He offers help and grades easier on the essays, if you attempt to write something that makes sense you at least get a C. If you want an A don't take this class because he doesn't give them out very often.

one of the best professors i've had. he is extremely funny and sarcastic. no text book to buy. i had no interest in philosophy what so ever, but am glad i took the class and i really got something out of it. the readings aren't bad and some are really interesting. this is a professor it would be fun to talk to over a couple beers. stockton for pres

Stockton is an strange fellow, but that's what makes his class interesting. Some of the philosophers are pretty dry, but he keeps the class moving. Philosophy is not my strongest subject, but I enjoyed his teaching. Plus you don't have to buy a book. One negative: don't expect an A - he rarely gives them out. Still interesting though.

Stockton is the reason I changed from a phil minor to a major. He's very funny and makes you really think. He plays the **** but he's actually very nice, the only teacher out of 5 that worked with me when I had my baby a month early. Does a great job of explaining difficult readings. I'd take all my phil classes from him if I could.

Fantastic teacher! Very good classroom discussions, kinda tough grading but lets you know exactly what to expect. Don't deviate from what he seeks, just give him that. He's awesome and very helpful if you have questions.

All of the previous comments that attest positively of his teaching skills and personality I can completely agree with. He is not too hard on his students he merely expects up to par attendance (every class period) and completion of hw assignments in a timely manner. Textbook is mandatory if you want to pass. Happy learning!

Stockton is a funny guy that knows what he is talking about usually. He takes things pretty casually which makes him cooler to me. If you are looking for the really tough "know-it-all" prof he is not for you.

Excellent teacher. Uses free textbook for phil 101. One of the best I have had at BSU.

Great professor. He really enjoys the topics and it shows through in his teachings. The tests are very hard and he accepts that. There are easy 1 question quizzes throughout the weeks that will affect your grade. Funny guy! and no textbook is required...only print offs of readings.

Had him for three classes. 101, 201, and 497. Fun professor, enjoyed all of his classes. Tests were easy if you studied some and payed attention in class. He is a great character and one of the best in the philosophy dept.

This was the second time I had to take 101 because I gave up my first time. He makes things very clear and easy to understand. He makes the class interesting for everyone. The quizes he has a very easy and the tests werent too bad. No text book required which made it that much better.

Take any class you can ever take from this amazing man! He is hilarious and intelligent and really cares about his students. He will help you to be the best philosophy student you can be. He is one of the most amazing professors at BSU. You can tell that he is doing what he loves, and loves what he does.

Stockton is great. He is certainly a character, and is interesting to listen to. I found Logic to be pretty difficult, but he was very generous in working with me. If you communicate with him, he will reciprocate and help you out. I'd definitely recommend him!

Very interesting to listen to! He is very sarcastic and has many theories. The only thing I didnt like about his class is that he will never look you in the eye... always the floor or the ceiling. (Kind of creepy)

no text book! everything is on blackboard. his lectures clear up all the readings, so go to them.

Even a subject as confusing as symbolic logic is made easier with Stockton. He is up front and honest with his students and gives you great instruction inside the classroom. Plus, he is an expert in landscaping:)It can't get better than this!

Best proff in the dept. Free text book and all the help you would ever need.

He took over my English 257 class when the original teacher got MRSA. He was funny, interesting, and related all of the topics to pop culture references, so it made it really easy to remember all that he lectured on. Hard to score high, but totally worth going to any of his classes

Excellent teacher. Best philosophy teacher by far. No required textbook. As long as you do the readings and go to class, you'll pass. Take notes in lectures.

This was a difficult class for me, but he made it understandable. His quirky humor makes the class fun and palatable. He posts practice exams online and answers questions in review sessions before major exams. I recommend him.

Great instructor. Highly recommend. I?m not much of an English Lit fan, but I found his lectures and class discussions interesting. Provides a balanced ammount of reading and homework.

Walks you through the history of Philosophic thought with passion and excitement. He'll be honest with you in class and it's difficult to get an A in this class, but it's worth it.

I absolutely loved going to this class. Stockton makes Philosophy much less boring than one would think. He is also very invested in his students. He wants them to succeed. Seeing as intro went so well I took Logic from him as well.

Stockton is awesome! Definitely the best prof. in the dept, and he is really funny and opinionated. Makes everything clear and easy quizzes and easy tests.

He's kinda loopy but entertaining and easy.

stockton makes my top 5 all time. funny guy. uses the book in class. he does a great job explaining material in class and no outside homework. show up and you cant fail.

I have had Stockton for Philosophy of Aesthetics, Eastern Philosophy and English Lit. He's casual-but he knows his stuff!-not too demanding, offers interesting and witty lectures peppered with sarcasm, enjoys playing devil's advocate. No textbook, except Lit. Keep up on the reading and don't be afraid to talk with him.

Awesome professor! Made Brit Lit very interesting! I would take another class from him!

Very intelligent. He sometimes goes on rants about random things but its usually funny. The Class is relatively easy and as long as you show up for pop quizzes you'll pass.

This professor is one of my all time favorites. I've had him for a couple different classes and he really knows his material. He is not an easy A, but if you really try you will have no trouble passing. I kinda want to be him some day...

Awsome prof, do yourself a favor and take anyone of his classes.

A great philosophy professor all around.

He is a very helpful professor. Logic is not an easy subject and he really works with you to help you understand. You use the book every class, and it's wise to practice the problems outside of class, or you won't do well on tests. Although not mandatory, show up to class. Reading the book for information does not work, so go to class.

One of my favorite professors! He uses South Park as examples of modern philosophy (I'm sure to keep people like me from falling asleep). He's a very clear communicator, passionate about his subject, and keeps the class interesting.

All time favorite professor! I'm not a phil major, but I take a class from him every semester anyway (4 so far). He is brilliant and funny. His lectures are interesting with hilarious analogies. He will show random videos on youtube during lecture for fun. You cannot walk away from his class without gaining knowledge and a new understanding of phil

Super cool professor. He really encourages students to think outside the box and to analize everything. There is no right or wrong answer in his class - just make your case. He talks a lot and often shares his opinions. Take him!

You are missing out if you don;t take one of his classes! Best professor I've had!

I took my last undergraduate, lower-division class with Jim this past fall semester. I initially thought I would hate the class, but I grew to love his humor and approach to the material. He also won me over with the time he gave to discussing postcolonialism. I'll be sure to bother him in the Philosophy department in the coming semesters.

Professor Stockton is awesome--he requires you to write 3-4 essays but gives you a wide range of topics to choose from. You can focus and learn more about certain things you find interesting. He also gives pop quizzes randomly, so it's best to show up for class. He's got a great sense of humor and can make even the most boring stuff interesting.

Prof stock is the man, he makes it interesting and fun, I learned so much in this class, life changing!

Great prof! He sometimes goes on tangents, but they are almost always entertaining. Nice break from the heady logic we were dealing with. If you appreciate dry humor (or can learn to enjoy it), take his class. Learned a TON too. Grades with common sense (rare find nowadays).

Great teacher, with the lowest student fail rate on campus for logic classes. His explanations are crystal-clear, and he peppers lecture with funny stories.

Failed this class the first time around with another professor, B+ with Stockton. Without a doubt the best PHIL prof at Boise State. It's a tough subject to grasp but Stockton's sense of humor and teaching style make it easier. He's willing to help you in any way, you just have to ask.

Has a condition where he wont meet eye contact but Will do anything to help out struggling students. Provides a tutor for anyone who needs it.

Goes off on a lot of tangents, but is extremely helpful. He'll answer an email usually within minutes and is very understanding of student issues. If you try at all, it's hard to be failed by him.

He should be teaching the other professors how to lecture. Although he never looks you in the eye, he's still hilarious. His Eastern Philosophy class is fairly easy, so it's a good class if you've never taken upper-division before and you have the chance to just dip your toes in.

Stockton's Philo 102 class was one of the easiest classes I've ever taken, he rarely gives out an A+, except for exceptional essay writing. In fact, in the class I was in last semester, not a single person got an A+, but nearly everyone got a B+. He is hilarious as well. And no textbook! But he does use clickers.

He is a great teacher, and he is the funniest I've had ever. He is very clear, and he makes his lecture funny as heck. I loved going to that class, he is a easy grader. Just listen, and make sure you go to class, he grades attendance. I missed 65% of the class and I still passed. He is fun to take, and the easiest class ever. FUNNIEST GUY EVER!

Fantastic professor. Absolutely recommended.

One of the best professors I've had at Boise State. Extremely fair. Hilarious guy.

Awesome professor with a great sense of humor, given that you're not offended easily. Very fair. Keeps you awake. Lots of reading, texts were hard to understand but his lectures made them very clear. Definitely recommended.

He is a great lecturer. A lot of fun and a good sense of humor.

He is a great professor. Only 4 tests and a final all semester. Tends to get off track and ramble on but other then that great class.

Great professor, very helpful and amusing. No extravagant book was required for his 101 class, he supplied everything. He was highly recommended by another student and I too recommend him.

Stockton always made class enjoyable if you kept along. If you engage with him the conversations get interesting and highly entertaining. He is a great guy and an outstanding Philosophy teacher. He was recommended to me from a student years ago and I will recommend him to anyone who actually enjoys Philosophy.

Great old school professor.

He is a funny and kind of awkward but and endearing old professor. Class can get a little boring sometimes but taking a philosophy course was a personal choice for me. I thought it would add to my liberal arts education and I did not have to take it but it was alright and I learned a lot!

Professor Stockton is a great guy. He just wants his donuts, and honestly he deserves him. Took this class because I was looking for something fun, easy, and interesting and got exactly that. He has a no electronics policy, just so you know.

I took philosophy as an extra class for fun and Stockton was by far the best teacher I have had. He is funny, blunt, and knows what he is talking about. If you take notes in class he has you turn them in for extra credit. I always ended up getting A's on the test because of the extra credit.

Stockton's philosophy 101 class is a hoot. He makes things fun and interesting as well as provoking interesting questions and ideas. He's a really nice guy and the class is very easy to pass if you just show up.

This guy is super funny. He is easy on the eyes too and he is a great professor. Beware, he doesn't look at you in the eye. Don't know why.

I loved this class to say the least. Stockton was hilarious and had great lectures and he knew what he was talking about. I am a health science major but this class made me want to learn and love philosophy all thanks to Stockton. Great experience!

The easiest class I have ever taken. We met three times a week, but attendance was not mandatory. I showed up for the first two days of the semester, and never showed up ever again. He has three exams all semester (all essays) and they are really easy if you go to the LA session right before the exam and you will get all the info you need. Easy A

He gives 4 tests that are essay tests but he gives you the questions before the test so you know what to study. You dont have to show up for class but if you do you learn more for the test. He is easy going and not hard. Yes you have to study for the tests just like any college class but other than that it is super easy I recommend it

Hands down the best professor I have ever had. Made me look at the world in a completely different way and changed my life!

Really awesome dude, made his classes entertaining if you showed up to them, but participation wasnt required so I slept in a lot.

Anyone that says this guy isn't great simply doesn't get humor. He is hilarious in a very intelligent way. So awesome to see the world of simply education in a way that you have always been aware of but never been able to experience for yourself. The most relaxed class, and yet I learned the most and had the best grade.

Professor Stockton is amazing! I always looked forward to going to class due to his zany nature, good humor, and the interesting lectures. It is evident that he really knows his stuff. There's no required textbook and attendance is optional, but I never wanted to skip class. Even if you're not a philosophy major, take Phil 101 with Stockton!

Phil 101 was super easy with Stockton. He doesn't take attendance, and other that the 3 tests, the only work you have to turn in is notes when he calls for it, and it's extra credit. He has a learning assistant that holds review sessions right before the tests that are almost verbatim of the tests which are super easy anyway. Super easy class

Stockton is much more laid back, understanding, and accommodating than he first seems. His lectures can get boring sometimes, but overall he's a very funny dude. I barely read the material and would miss class on occasion, but his LA, Kortney is AMAZING. Go to her sessions and you will do fine. I would highly recommend Stockton.

Best professor around! His philosophy 101 class was my favorite class. Cannot not recommend anyone else but him.

This guy is the best! If you're looking for an easy philosophy class this is it. It doesn't get much better than this. He has 3 exams and no homework (except the reading which is not required but if you want to get good grades on the test is highly recommended) He gives great examples in class and is available for helping after.

I would take one of his classes again in a heartbeat if it pertained to my major. His lectures are easy to listen to because of how funny he is. I had trouble with the multiple choices on tests sometimes but always did well on the essay portion. Hardly any homework- just reading articles from time to time. Definitely a class for the logic-minded.

Easy A as long as you show up or at least know what hes lecturing about. Sometimes hard to follow, he loves to talk- most of the time not about subject material

The lectures are pretty interesting if you're engaged. The tests are super easy if you properly prepare and study. HIGHLY recommend going to the test review session before an exam, they'll help you so much.

Prof Stockton is awesome, and is such a caring and hilarious man. He is well seasoned and it was great to hear some of his life stories in between the philosophy lectures. I will definitely be taking his classes in the future!