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Didn't think I'd like the class. Loved it. Could tell the professor loved teaching and enjoyed the material. Highly recommended.

Awesome teacher. Can be confusing, but he'll clarify if you ask questions. He's funny and the class was pretty fun. He's clearly very interesting in what he's teaching. A really cool guy, I definately recommend him.

I agree with the last person that he is an awesome teacher. The class was tough, but well worth the effort. Loved it. Take this class. He's cute too.

Professor Wilson was an excellent instructor. He was incredibly detailed in his lectures and always provided excellent information. If you take good notes and study both the text(s) and the notes before each quiz, you should have no problem. Pay attention. Would highly recommend him to anyone.

Mr. Wilson’s class was great because he did an overview of all the major religious thinkers, while explaining their deep concepts and ideas in a way that was both interesting and understandable. He was a fair grader and interested in teaching religious studies, so the class wasn’t extremely difficult or boring and it got me thinking about religion

I really enjoyed this class, I think Professor Wilson was a great teacher, laid back and easy to talk to. He answered any questions- in class or out of them, and was always willing to give extra help.

This was a class that I enjoyed very much so. Mr. Wilson was a great teacher who was always there to help or clear things up when things got a little confusing. I appreciate teachers like him.

Loved this class

This class was my favorite my first semester at college. Professor Wilson really inspired me to think about the world and its people. I'll probably take another one of his classes again in the future. Just be sure to take notes and actually be interested in the subject.

Awesome prof! Attendance not required, but best way to get a good grade... take notes! Uses a good mix of books instead of textbooks! Always willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask!

My favorite class. Prof. Wilson is knowledgeable, caring, humorously irreverent and hot.

I really enjoyed this class, I didnt want to take it but in the end learned a lot and enjoyed it. If you are willing to learn he will take all the extra time to help you and make sure you get a good grade and understand the material. He is very funny and laid back as well!!!

Great Class. Great Prof. Learned more than I'd ever expected.

Prof Wilson loves his subject matter, and really cares about his students. Take the time to talk with him, esp. if you have difficulties with the material, which can get complicated.

Prof. Wilson is an awesome teacher! his class is hard, but he's game for setting up meetings and explaining things one on one. He's really sarcastic, so if you think he's being offensive, he's probably not. He loves his subject and really cares about you succeeding! TAKE HIS CLASS.

Awesome teacher. Really passionate about his subject. Always wiling to help. Big focus not on the facts of religions, but rather the underlying beliefs. Great class!

This is the best class I've taken yet, from the best professor I've had. Take this class, even if you've already had upper level courses in Rels...

must go to class so you can take notes and get to know him: if you take notes and set up time to meet up with him in order to clear up any confusions from the lecture, u will be fine in the class.

You will need to attend class if you want to do well. It is a very interesting course and he seems very passionate about the subject and teaches it well.

Not a hard class but you have to study. The mid-term and final are extremely easy if you study, they are based off of the previous quizzes. I did not like him at first but I know think he is one of the best professors at VCU. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone, regardless of what major they are in.

I was really worried the first day he was going to be miserable, I actually considered dropping...his sense of humor is sarcastic and dry which is hard to know on the first day. But now I can say he is truly one of the best professors at VCU, so intelligent, helpful, and informative. The class was never boring I highly recommend this professor!!!

he was kind scary the first day of class but he dd it cuz he really would like to have less people in the class.He's really nice and is welling to help you out or answer and question at any time. He's fair with all his tests and really wants his students to do well. Go to class and TAKE NOTES!and you'll get an A =)

Wilson is no friend of slackers, but if you attend and work hard, he will do all he can to see you understand and do well. A great class by a great professor

GREAT TEACHER. At first I thought "oh no, all he does is talk." But if you take good notes, you'll be absolutely fine. Whatever he talks about and emphasizes is on the tests. Attendance not required but you should go to every class if you want to pass the tests. His sarcasm is his humor. He's pretty cool.

This professor is really passionate about what he teaches and it shows in his lectures. He is more than happy to answer questions in class and to meet with you outside of class. I think his tests are too easy, though. It's kind of insulting. I like going to class and learning about the material, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Wow. Professor Wilson is wonderful. I did not want to take this class. Instead I find that it's quite interesting. Even better, HE is interesting. His sarcasm and somewhat offensive humor are definitely things to look forward to, especially if you are taking the 2+ hour class. He is fair and helpful. Take him.

Never dreamed I'd learn so much in an introductory course.

Prof. Wilson is the greatest teacher. I had him for RELG 101 too so I am very used to his teaching style. He is more helpful than any professor I have ever had. He is passionate about his subject area which translates into his lectures. Tests are easy as long as you pay attention and study. Wilson is definitely the way to go. A-m-a-z-i-n-g

Awesome teacher! The material he presented was generally clear and the test were very straight forward. His sarcasm is hilarious and he knows what hes talking about. TAKE HIM.

I don't understand ppl who say this class is hard. He basically tells you exactly what is going to be on the exams. The true/false and multiple choice sections are a joke. He wants you to pass. If you are having trouble grasping the material, I've never known a more helpful guy. I doubt the work ethic of people who say he is a difficult professor.

He's not hard, as long as you take notes and read the books you're fine. I didn't like him because sometimes he made comments that you could not distinguish if it was content he was teaching or his own opinions and some comments were offensive.

Very sarcastic, little bit controversial (which is good). You will pass if you go to class and study. Very helpful, actually attended our exam study groups to answer questions. Attractive in a geeky sort of way:) Overall, an awesome dude. TAKE HIS CLASS!

where to start...not a bad teacher by any means. he knows what he's talking about and he's clear. he even says "I WILL BE TESTING YOU ON THIS." so..sometimes he does like to ramble though and things do get confusing. the tests aren't normally that bad. also, he makes your peers give you the notes if you miss a class or he'll deduct points. bonus.

He is an awesome teacher. He cusses like a sailor in class and is just a raw dude. i didn't read a single book the whole semester and just went to class and got a B. definitely a class worh taking.

Awesome class from a great professor who really wants you to do well as long as you're interested enough to do the work. Quizzes and tests are very easy if you simply pay attention.

This is a very easy class for anyone who goes to class regularly and does the reading. The professor is super interested in the material and more than willing to help. I don't know about geeky, but definitely cute.

Professor Wilson is a passionate professor whose passion leaks out into his work and students. He is extremely helpful in and out of the classroom. The material he teaches includes out of class field trips and sensible readings that will always leave you prepared for class. He is a must if intrigued by the subject matter.

Dr. Wilson is a great professor. I took him as a sophomore and I did great. As long as you pay attnetion, take good notes, and keep in striking distance of the readings...you'll be fine. Plus, he is definitely willing to help you if you don't understand a concept. He even used to meet with people who formed study groups in the library before a test

Prof.Wilson is a great teacher. He is easy to take because he's straight forward about what he is testing on. You can tell he's passionate about what he is teaching and makes it interesting to learn. If you need help, he is extremely easy to talk to and tries to help in any way he can. His quizzes are fill in blank and t/f. It's on you to do well!

I wasn't sure I'd like this class, but it has turned out to be interesting. It can be a little hard to follow, but he is very open to questions if anyone is confused. Tests have extra credit. It isn't difficult to get an A with a little effort, but you have to come to class and take good notes.

Prof Wilson is really passionate about what he teaches. It's not an easy A, but if you go to class and take good notes you should be fine. He tests mostly from his notes. He does take attendance most classes. There are also a few field trips to places around richmond so take that it to consideration before you take the class.

If you refuse to look at faith through a critical lens, do NOT take this class. That being said, James is a teacher cut from a different meat. He acts more like a peer and you need not fear asking him whatever you desire. I am convinced he would sell his soul to help a total stranger.

I'm a Rels major, and this is the best class I've taken from the best prof I've ever had. He certainly has a different take on things than some others, but he backs up his views and it totally open to questions and other points of view. If you wanna really think about religions, take this class!

I wanted to take a Human Spirituality class to learn of diff. religions and what it means for each to be spiritual. He wasn't able to fulfill my expectations. His class is more on his own opinions, which tend to be negative. He uses the f word which I find to be uneducated/unprofessional. I missed 2 classes & he was helpful in getting me caught up.

Easily the best teacher I have EVER had. The class was challenging but easy if you study and go to every class. The tests are always about what he lectures on, not necessarily the material provided in the books. I will definitely be taking more of his classes. I recommend him as a teacher to anyone who is open to religious beliefs, if not he'll probably offend you, A LOT. Plus, he's absolutely adorable. :)

Attend class regularly and you'll do well. I got a B+ in the class. I didn't read and the only notes I took were the things he repeated twice or wrote on the board. If liberalism and profanity severely bother you, don't take his classes. I found his lectures interesting, while some in the class found them downright offensive.

very intelligent. sometimes has difficulty connecting students to his lectures because of his vocabulary. tests are verbatim, fill in the blank. you must read and attend lecture! very willing to help students as long as you attempt to help yourself. extremely friendly.

Lectures are boring one week and interesting the next. He uses an extensive vocabulary so unless you are well read or know how to use context clues then he may be difficult to follow. His tests and quizzes are easy and he drops the lowest quiz grade. I would take this class again.

Really great teacher, knows what he is talking about. Points out everything you need to know for exams and is really engaging and funny. My most enjoyed class this semester. He's very willing to help students, answer questions, and clarify if needed. He does speak very intelligently, which you have to be aware of and willing to pay attention to.

Smart man, very helpful. Really knows what he is talking about. Just pay attention and you will do fine, attendance isn't mandatory but you really must go if you want to do well.

Professor Wilson is a fantastic teacher. He genuinely cares about his students and is extremely helpful and willing to listen. It isn't mandatory to attend class, but very recommended, since he gives quiz information through lectures. I would definitely recommend professor Wilson!

LOVE HIM and he makes this class very interesting! To get an A, you must attend all classes because he will point out in his lectures what will actually be on the quiz. Take detailed notes for the quizzes to get A's. IF YOU DO NOT GO TO CLASS, YOU WILL FAIL OR DO POORLY, attend every class! PS midterm answers given in the study guide! :)

Mr.Wilson is a good teacher in the sense that he will go over the materials necessary to get an A on the quiz/Test. He is very intellectual so he can be a little hard to understand for some people. He is passionate and stays engaged in his class. Good teacher,who will teach new perspectives.

Passionate and intelligent, a real intellectual. You don't see many teachers like him these days. If your close minded or want to be spoon fed material through powerpoint don't take this class. If you do poorly in his class its your own fault, listen and don't be lazy. There are no surprises, he really wants students to learn and think differently.

He isn't a bad teacher at all. The subject matter is difficult for non-introspective thinkers, and if you are easily offended, skip. Be prepared to question what you believe. He's honest and completely frank about what he thinks, which is perfectly fine by me, and he does his best to explain difficult concepts.

On the plus side, Prof Wilson is very helpful in giving quiz and test retakes. His lectures, however, are very dry and opinionated. He bashes religions which can be very offensive depending on your temperament. I wouldn't recommend this course although I heard he is good at teaching 100 level courses.

Best class I've ever taken; Prof Wilson is funny, engaging, and unbelievably smart.

Judging by the comments, I can tell who studied and who didn't. Wilson is perhaps one of the most eloquent and thought provoking professors you will ever encounter in your lifetime. I never read the material, just studied notes 20 min before class.He repeats concepts that will be on the exam in different ways, so pay attention. Don't skip!

This class was a life changing experience and challenged me on many different levels. It was a pleasure to take this class, professor Wilson is eloquently spoken and brilliant. If you are up for the challenge this class is not to be missed.

Smartest man i have ever known. Every class blows your mind. Also dont take this class if you are deeply in love with your religion because he will tear it apart and make you feel bad for being religious. But the class is really great. He also tells you during the lectures basically the exact questions that will be one the quizzes and tests. 10/10

Very, very smart and knowledgeable man. I thought his REL 108 class was on of the most important classes I ever took. Show up and pay attention because you can learn a lot of things from this man. Don't take his class for granted, value the knowledge he is giving. Loved his class.

At first I did not like this class. I thought he was bashing religion but actually he is just teaching reality people. He is very smart and has really pretty eyes(irrelevant but true). His tests are based mostly on his lectures so take notes, what else are you gonna do for 2 hours anyway? I thought his tests were straight forward, take him!

Most eloquent and thought inducing lecturer i've encountered. Strict experiential thinker and will openly bash religious beliefs not grounded in fact so be wary if you're sensitive to that. Test questions not always highly relevant to the material which can be irritating but if you listenskim books you'll do fine. Take him. You'll end up smarter.

Perhaps the best professor I have ever had. As for the people saying he isn't helpful, ignore them. Smart, funny, knowledgeable and as helpful as they come. Tough, yes, but worth every moment. You WILL know more when you leave than when you began. If you are religious, prepare to be challenged. Don't get butthurt because his classes can do that.

One of my favorite professors at VCU. Some people seem to think he's kind of a jerk, but if anything he's too nice--he engages with inept people in the classroom just as much as those who actually had something to contribute. Wilson is a natural lecturer, and it is fascinating to hear him speak. Highly recommended!

Have to be open-minded. A very long-winded, intelligent man. If you respect him than he will respect you. If you care to much about your faith than you will feel attacked. He is just a rationalist with a strong, strong grasp of rhetoric. Please listen to no one who condemns a sincerely dedicated professor. Deserves to be taken.

He is highly smart and inspirational. His lectures do feel long. But if you are a RELS or PHIL major, you should bring popcorn to class, it's very INTERESTING. His tests are mostly from lecture. Make sure you write notes and review them, that way you will do VERY WELL in weekly quizzes .+you grantee a B in Mid and final, and you'll know why!!

Professor Wilson has a very powerful grasp on the material in the course. If you're going to take more upper level RELS courses, then his course will prepare very well for them. He approaches the topics very analytically and critically, and his tests are pretty much from txt with some stuff he says in class. Make sure you take notes for that reason

Dr. Wilson is the best lecturer I have ever had. He's very intelligent and really enjoys engaging with students in thought provoking conversation. If you argue for your own religion for the sake of being "devout" you have missed the point of the class, and will be dismissed with flair and finesse. Listen carefully; remember you don't have to agree.

Professor Wilson is truly passionate about the topics he teaches, and it shows in his lectures. Some of the existentialist philosophy is hard to grasp, but Professor Wilson spends three hours a week discussing it. At first I was unsure about this class, but I'm glad I took it.

Professor Wilson is the best professor i have had yet. He teaches Religion 108 as a completely different class from the other professors. His class is all about human spirituality and what spirituality means. There is a lot of reading to do but the textbooks he uses are interesting and never boring. He is an awesome professor!

Very fun class, he focuses mostly on philosophy and existentialism, connecting it to secular spirituality.

I took Human Spirituality as kind of a random class, and ended up really loving it because of Wilson. He's kind of an intense guy in general, but his passion for the subject is palpable and as long as you do the reading (a couple short chapters a week) then you'll get an A. It was a great experience and I would totally take him again.

Gifted lecturer. Great passion. Fascinating and challenging ideas. Papers help you understand the readings.