Great Teacher, Tough Subject

Great guy. Tests are fairly easy.

Enjoyed his class, this is how professors should apporach Gen Ed

Ward cares MUCH more about his students than any prof here

Awww he is sooo nice and will help you with anything - GREAT guy and professor

nice guy, not good at presenting information though. no attendance policy.

I received an A in this course, do well on papers and it will boost your overall

Class can be boring, but its philosophy! He's very nice and pretty easy...

pretty cool guy

Tests are easy if you follow the study guide. Nice guy with a sense of humor.

nice guy, sense of humor... class is boring but easy... just do the test reviews

tests aren't cummulative, a few (usually 1) chapter at a time but class is borin

he's a cool guy....read the chapters thoroughly for his tests and you'll be fine

really nice guy... goes off topic a lot, but with study guide tests are ok

very nice, but a little strange, overall hardly any out of class work

barely any homework...tests are a bit hard...read the chapters thoroughly!

No homework, drop lowest test grade, final is not culmlative, Easy. Nice guy

Awesome, actually cares about what he's doing!!

Very nice guy, cares about his students a lot, always willing to help, tests are easy, postpones things if you feel you aren't ready, easy class

very nice guy, cares about students, knows the material well. lectures can be a little off-topic and sometimes a little boring. tests aren't easy, but aren't too bad. gives review sheet for tests. not much homework.

He is a great teacher, he is a very smart guy. As long as you do the reading, the tests are a joke. Never any HW. Will push back tests. Is reasonable. Can be boring at times.

extra credit for coming to all classes, but doesnt require attendance. will push back assignments. take notes every day. tests can be semi-hard... but its just a matter of reading the text & whatnot- which i didnt do enough. i reccomend him.

He teaches a very stupid class well.... it's not the best material, but he does his best and makes 8 AM not so terrible.

He is such a nice guy and he really cares about his students. He really wants everyone to understand the material and do well. The material itself is pretty dry but he does his best and it isn;t too hard of a class if you just do the work.

He is really a nice guy and cares about everyone in his class a lot. As long as you go to class regularly and study before the tests, you'll be fine.

This is quite possibly the nicest teacher I have come across. I forgot one of my major papers on the friday it was due, but he just let me turn it in the next monday. His tests arent too easy, but it is philosophy. Take notes, and pay attention.

Nice professor. a little vague with his assignments and his tests can be a ****. but study hard and it will be a gratifying grade.

unorganized notes, but is very nice and helpful. tests are difficult, do well on the 2 papers and group presentation on a book to even out grades. very nice, information is hard all around, but he does the best he can with material. enjoyable teacher.

The class is dry but he tries to make it interesting with group presentations this gave the class a little life. He was an kind and considerate, excellent teacher. He was understanding in much and his attendance policy is awesome.

definitely boring material, but he's entertaining and tries to make you enjoy the class. just your average gened.

he means well, but he is sooo boring. His tests are ridiculous for a gened class, but people started to do much better when he posted them online and you could use your notes. He isnt that bad, its just so hard to stay awake!!

Wonderful guy/teacher. Pay attention in classes, and study review sheet, you'll do fine. No attendence but gives random extra credit for being there. One paper, not that hard. Tests are straight off of the review. If you have to take GHum, take Him!!!!!!!

Makes subject matter interesting - obviously enjoys it. Takes time to get to know class. Makes a lot of eye contact, which helps with participation. Funny stories. Has a review for everything on test (anybody who says otherwise didn't try. Do the work = A

He is a "real person" in the sence that he doesn't hide behind his degrees or texts he's written. Very understanding and knowledgable. I wish more teachers took this much pride in their students. It's a rough start, but you'll be fine.

really great guy, knows the material well and tries to make class fun, is very personable and speaks clearly, makes notes on board kind of disorganized, but overall a good teacher

He is such a nice guy- he will work around what the majority of the class wants, and if he thinks that nobody is ready for an upcoming test, he will change the date... he will spend time clarifying anything that is hard to understand about the text. One of my favorite professors!

a little spacy at times, but once you understand his teaching style his lessons are pretty easy to interpret. i recommend reading the book, i read nothing and still got at least a c on every test. grades fairly, usually bumps up test scores, and will help you out in the end if you come to class. fun

Down-to-earth and positive, tests are online (open note,open book), curves tests to fit the class average, final exam optional. def take if you can listen in class and can use a book index! i got a B.

He's pretty cool. Tests online, don't have to go to class that often. He's interesting and shares personal stories. Lectures are interesting, but material is boring. Drops the lowest test grade, final is pretty much optional.

I LOVE his lecture style-it's full of real life examples-but I didn't like his tests. They're online, but the wording is tricky. Overall a really good class though-I think I pulled off a B. :)

i have him for an 8am so its kinda hard to stay awake but he REALLY tries to make sure you understand everything before he moves on. he's really awkward sometimes but in a funny way.. kinda adorable. you dont have to go to class the day of tests, theyre online.. soo easy, straight from notes and book. reading the book isnt necessary, dont bother

Nice guy, kinda skips around a lot in his teaching. 6 Tests, on blackboard, and one research assignment that you have all semester to complete. No class on test days, and your attendance is a straight %. He's really nice, and doesn't move on until he knows you understand. Make eye contact and try to pay attention, and he'll like you.

I love professor Ward! All tests on blackboard! No class on days of tests- but go anyways for the reviews! He loves his little girl, and seems like a wonderful person. He likes to tell stories, and while some people don't think he's funny, I do. He LOVES class participation.

He's okay, but all he talks about is what's in the book. Read the book, you'll be fine. I find the class so boring. I skip it all the time, and still have an okay grade. A few tests, a little Religious Bio, and one paper. Take this class if you can teach yourself out of the book easily, cuz then you won't need the professor.

As long as you go to class, you'll be fine. Print out the study guides he posts on blackboard and use them as a guide for taking notes in class before a new unit starts and you'll be fine. He goes into these weird tangents that are funny sometimes and awful othertimes. He also has a kid and is clearly about to snap. I enjoyed myself.

you can get a B with almost no effort, but class is boring. Ward is nice, a little unclear is always asking if things make sense

He's kind of corny, but most of us laugh at his jokes anyway. He may be confusing at first, but if you ask him to clarify with a real-world example he will explain it sufficently.

TAKE THIS CLASS. pretty easy class, all test and quizzes are on blackboard and are open book and note. Ward is a real nice guy, at times it's hard to understand material, but he gives you enough examples to where you can understand. Gives examples that you can relate to which makes it easier. Attendance required but you wont mind going.

Ward is generally a nice guy who helps you when you need it. I enjoyed his class and his corny, but humorous jokes. Tries to relate to students which is helpful and give many examples of work before giving you a quiz. Always there to help a student out. Recommend anyone to take this class.

Great class, really enjoyed it. Hes a funny guy and likes to tell stories. I reccomend him 100%

Nice Guy! If you have a problem he is very willing to help.

He is an awesome teacher. He can get off topic but he really knows his stuff. Quizzes are on blackboard and open note, but can still be relatively difficult. If you really are interested in religion he is a great teacher.

This class is good, but you have to get on his good side. Funny guy most of the time. The quizzes can be very deceiving.

I think he could get totally creepy at time when talking about the material. Attendance is mandatory but you can initial your name in days after you miss class. Quizes off of notes both online. I did no work and got a B so out in some effort and youll get an A

If you pay attention, ask questions in class instead of sleeping, and take good notes there is no way you're going to get less than a B+ in this class. Willing to discuss dates/options for assignments/tests in class (we asked for tests to be put online). Lectures are really interesting and you can learn some life-changing stuff. Almost no homework.

Good teacher, have to work for grade

This class wasn't too bad. Yes, Ward can be a little unorganized and the final was hard! I went to Mr. Ward a few times in office hours and he went over my notes and told me what I needed to know for the test. Attend class, take notes, and see him before tests. You'll do fine.

The class was very interesting. as long as you pay attention it isn't hard to do well. He is also very entertaining!

This class is extremely easy if you pay attention in class and read the book the night before the test. He's a really nice guy and easily approachable. Attendance isn't mandatory and if you miss something, its usually in the book. I got an A easily.

I would recommend Professor Ward for anyone looking to take GREL101. The guy is a little off the deep end (he does some weird facial expressions and is just goofy all around), but his tests are straightforward and he covers the information in the lectures. Next to zero out of class work (1 easy presentation) and not much stress here at all

I think this guy is hilarious. He pauses for dramatic effect and makes some weird faces (sort of a strange guy in general) but overall is a really competent GREL instructor. His notes are all over the place. A B is really manageable but you have to fight for an A. Five multiple choice tests, drops the lowest test grade and no homework. Easy GEN-ED.

I absolutely loved this class. Professor Ward is a little quirky but his lectures are very, very interesting and there is no homework. I received A's on all the tests with very little studying. Other comments have said how his notes are all over the place but these people must have been bad note takers because he is not hard to follow at all.

He's a great professor! I LOVED his class. Tests are also fairly easy. No homework (besides pre-tests before learning about a new religion- NOT GRADED). No projects. Some online exams. Super nice, goofy and smart.

Professor Ward was a great professor to take, he really challenged his students to go beyond the typical range of thinking and made some intriguing arguments. The book is boring to read but his lectures are a little easier to understand, although he can be all over the place sometimes. His tests aren't bad and the last 3 were online

Professor Ward keeps things interesting. I knew nothing about religion before taking the course and I learned a lot from him. Online tests are a bit difficult and notes are unorganized. Overall an easy course if you attend class.

Ward is a interesting guy. His tests are relatively easy and there are 5 of them. One is dropped, two were online. His final is noncumulative. You need to go to class as he tests mostly on lectures. Buy the recommended book and it makes the class really easy as it sums up the historical conent. His required book is useless.

I don't know what everyone is talking about in the previous comments, because my class we used the book a fair amount and it was necessary in order to do well on his tests. Philosophy isn't an exciting subject, but it is very interesting. It's not so much about "God, Meaning, and Morality," but the class was definitely worth taking.

He's super nice and pretty quirky. We had five tests, and he dropped the lowest one. No cumulative final. It's a ridiculously easy class if you show up and take notes, because his test questions mostly come from lecture. Love this guy!

He's such a nice guy, and he really knows what he's talking about. It's easy to pass if you take notes during class, but it's a very dry lecture. He tries to make it interesting, but honestly, if you take it- make sure you have some coffee.

He is awesome!! Lectures can drag on a little bit but overall he tries to make things interesting and is very funny. Always tells cute little anecdotes about his experiences and life, Easy A. Must take.

Super nice guy. Tests are free response, right out of lecture, so you need to take good notes. Only 3 homeworks out of the book, share with a friend. Same for the lab guide.

Professor Ward is amazing! I absolutely loved his class and I would take another by him in a heartbeat. The class is interesting and engaging and the tests were really not that hard. Great professor!! As a side note, if you pay attention during lectures, don't buy the text book. If you pay attention, you won't need it.

Let me just start by saying that Professor James Ward is the reason that I decided to declare a religion minor. He is a kind of boring lecturer and it didn't help that I had his class as an 8am but he is passionate and knowledgeable about what he is talking about and if you ever have any question or concerns, he is always more then happy to help.

Professor Ward is amazing! He knows his stuff about the religions we talked about. His tests are straight forward and come from lecture and the chapter reading.

Attendance is not mandatory or even needed; however, being at class would help with some of the test answers. You have 5 tests and he drops the lowest to find your grade.

He is a bright professor who is passionate about religion. Some of his analogies are weird to say but they will become commonplace after a few classes. One of the hardest things to do in this class is to have structured notes since his lectures are all over the place however their is no attendance policy and he only has four test.

Such a great teacher for an easy class Professor Ward is obviously very knowledgeable in the subject matter but can sometimes make long and semi-confusing metaphors. There's no attendance policy but his tests are heavily based on his lectures so I'd recommend not skipping class. There's only 5 tests including the final and he drops the lowest grade

Class is not mandatory, but it's worth going. He's goofy and nerdy but he knows what he's talking about and he inspires you to really try in school. He understands his class is gen-ed that we don't really take seriously, but he makes it worth while.

I honestly loved this class. It's not the easiest GenEd, but it definitely wasn't hard in my opinion. Ward is funny and sarcastic, and tried to make the material relatable

If you need to take this class, TAKE WARD! He is an amazing professor and goes through ALL the notes needed for test on the board in class. 4 tests and a final. There are reading quizzes that he normally announces. your RQ score is out of 40 and he gives you 52 questions so there are like bonuses. Drops lowest test grade. He makes it interesting!!!

Honestly one of my favorite professor here at JMU. Ward presents his lectures almost in a story telling like style and really paints a picture of the material you need to know. You definitely should attend class and be sure to take notes on what he says, not just what he outs on the board. More than willing to work with you if you need help!

I absolutely loved Dr. Ward. You primarily receive your grade through 4 multiple choice tests, with an optional final. There also are in-class reading quizzes, but he sends out an email specifying what you should read, so the quizzes are no surprise. If you do the readings and attend class, you shouldn't have any problems.

He's a great guy would highly recommend taking. He is a really understanding teacher if he sees that you show up for class.

Professor Ward is really really great. 5 tests throughout the semester, each on 1 religion you are studying. (Some are online!!) He knows what he is talking about and makes it easy to understand. Don't let tests or few small papers scare you!! I loved this class and he is one of the better REL101 Professors.

Ward is a good professor. Sometimes it is hard to pay attention in class but if you stay on task and take notes you will do fine. Drops lowest test score, gives online tests and paper options for tests as well. Definitely lecture heavy but the class was super easy, interesting, and fun to go to!

extremely nice and friendly but very very lecture heavy and often boring. no textbook but the reading he posts is very helpful. tests are way harder than the lectures prepare you for. attendance is taken but no deductions in any way if you miss class

Ward is a pretty good professor. His lectures are long and aren't the most interesting, but he likes to tell stories which are sometimes interesting. His tests are fairly easy. He gives four tests and then there's one exam. He drops your lowest test grade which is pretty nice. If you show up to class, pay attention, and take notes, it's an easy A.

you have 5 exams but he drops one at the end. class isnt mandatory. he posts the slides kinda late, but they are super helpful for the exams. he was a super caring guy that actually seemed to care about his students. no mandatory textbook! reach what he posts and you will be ok, and he will personally help you make a study guide if u reach out!!!!!

He's a fun guy, lectures can be dry but he genuinely cares about his students and the class. 5 tests, lowest one gets dropped, including the final exam. Doesn't post lectures online so show up to class.

Dr. Ward is a wonderful human being. The roughest part of the class is that it's mainly based on tests so try your best to attend and study hard. His lectures are funny and personal, and even though they can be hard to follow at times, I always thought they lined up perfectly with the tests.

Ward really knew what he was talking about and seemed to enjoy teaching. He got off topic a little bit but would end up tying it somehow to the lecture to get back into it. He makes a lot of jokes and likes to talk to his students. He posts the chapters you need on canvas so no need to get the book.

his class is kind of difficult to stay focused but he moved tests back and online often. you have to study for tests and you have to out some work into it if you want an A. I used my laptop to take notes and I often did other class work in his class. he doesn't count attendance and there is no textbook. He drops your lowest test grade.

Professor Ward is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always is extremely accessible outside of class and in office hours, and while his lectures arent always extremely clear, he posts slides to the lectures which you can study for exams. All in all, he made the class a pleasant environment, and one which I didn't dread going to.

This class was fine. Lectures are boring and he gives reading quizzes but they're easy. I studied so hard for this class and still got B's on tests because they are so detailed and it takes so long to read each question. I would take a diff professor if you can. Definitely go to office hours and he will help you.

I really enjoyed this class with Professor Ward. He cares and is passionate about the content. Tests arent the easiest - but they are not too hard to do well on. I think people are salty because they actually need to show up to class to do well and wont be able to learn everything from the PowerPoints. I would recommend him to anyone.

By far one of my favorite professors! His class was a little difficult, but he is very passionate about religions. His lectures were sometimes not very clear, but his PowerPoints helped to stay on track. He is such a sweet man, and I definitely recommend him. He doesn't give reading quizzes. As long as you study, you'll do well on the exams!

The class definitely is one that you have to think about, but he seems to understand that so he gives a lot of opinion based mini-assignments in canvas which eases your grade. He also drops the lowest test. It's not a class that is an easy A but its not made unreasonably difficult like some.

Professor Ward's lectures can be a bit scattered, but he's passionate about the subject. Tests are challenging, so stay engaged and utilize tools like unstuckstudy ai to supplement your preparation. Overall, a rewarding class if you're willing to put in the effort.