2.6
Quality3.9
Difficulty27%
Would Retake86
Reviews27%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
12
4
15
3
14
2
18
1
27
What Students Say
“Do you love philosophy”
PHIL2003H - 1.0 rating“Only 4 assignments and extremely vague grading criteria”
PHIL2003H - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
56%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.16 avg changeRatings by Course
MODERNPHIL
4.0
(1)PHIL4033
3.5
(2)2003H
3.5
(2)PHIL1003
3.2
(6)PHIL4023
3.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHIL4033
5.0
PHIL2003H
4.4
2003
4.3
2003H
4.0
PHIL4023
4.0
Reviews (86)
Jeremy is an extremely knowledgable professor, however, he can be condescending. While he says that there are no prerequisites to the course, basic intro courses are important to understand the material. In other words, he doesn't explain background very well. Very nice and EXTREMELY helpful.
Philosophy with Jeremy isn't easy, but it's definitely possible to make an A. He gives four exams, all in the form of take-home essays. Make sure to keep up with readings (about 15 pages twice a week). It's easy to get lost in his lectures, so ask questions about anything unclear. He's EXTREMELY helpful outside of class and overall a very nice guy.
Can't communicate what he wants students to do on assignments well. Also has a very harsh grading scale. The combination of these two things makes this intro to philosophy class much more difficult than it necessarily should be.
Jeremy is a harsh grader. To him, a B is good, and an A is exceptional. Most people in this honors class do not receive A's. He is also unclear as to what he expects on the assignments. In class, he is scattered and can be hard to follow. He is always willing to meet with students, but is blunt and condescending. He doesn't listen to the student.
He is condescending. He is willing to meet with and help students, but this does not ensure a good grade. Making an A is quite difficult. This is not an intro level class. If you can avoid him, do.
Descartes expert. Good lecturer. Asks strange questions that can make a student feel silly, but he's very willing to meet with students about assignments.
J is an erudite but in a way that is scholastically obscure and textually fastidious. Cryptic in person too. Read his "professor's Guide to Getting A's for a detailed way he grades. The reason so many students do poorly in his classes is they expect to receive A's for factually correct information. For J you need more than just the right answers.
If you are a Philosophy major, I still wouldn't think you would enjoy this class. He's covers the material EXTREMELY fast and is very arrogant about his knowledge. He grades tests EXTREMELY tough. If you are taking this class just because you need the hours, you better pick someone else. This class is miserable.
Jeremy, as he prefers to go by, is kind of a confusing professor but he offers so much help! I think philosophy overall is just full of difficult concepts but he always writes out outlines and tells you what will be on the tests so you know what to study. Tests are essay style but it's pretty easy to at least get a 'B'.
Confusing, slightly arrogant, a tough grader, but willing to help and a philosophy expert.
This guy is awful. He's confusing and often tries to make students read along while he reads greek versions of the text and translates on the spot. It's difficult to write papers for him since what he says and what the books say do not match. Unless this course is required, don't take it with Hyman. Also, there were only 4 grades all semester.
He really loves Philosophy. I don't like philosophy, but Jeremy made me appreciate it. YOU NEED TO GO TO CLASS. But he is so entertaining it is not bad at all. You have 4 papers and that is all so BE SURE to ask him for feedback before you turn it in and it will help SO MUCH.
He goes by a totally different curriculum than the other professors. He's arrogant and says things that COULD be explained in a simpler way, but instead he puts in extra words and explains things I'm not sure a philosophy major could understand. If you're considering taking his class, wait until you can get a different professor. run the other way.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HYMAN. I'm serious. Don't do it. By far the hardest class I've ever taken. I've talked to other students who take this class with other professors and they actually enjoy the class and understand what they're doing. His lectures are confusing and the papers he assigned are ridiculous. Learn from my mistake
DO NOT take Hymans class. Confusing lectures with long readings and papers. Hard to follow so be ready to learn everything on your own
As was said before, don't expect to get things factually right and get an A. I usually make A's on any paper I actually put any time into. However, with Hyman I couldn't ever seem to get past an 85. He's very helpful if you seek him out, and he's a nice and intelligent guy, but be prepared for his grading. What he expects is vaguely described.
The good: Hyman is a sweet guy and very accessible outside of class -- he invited us to call him or email any time to discuss readings/papers. The (very) bad: lectures were extremely confusing. He made simple concepts much more work than necessary. Complex and difficult for an intro course. Grade is based off four papers. Would not take again.
This class was unnecessarily difficult. Jeremy speaks in a way that is hard to understand and expects the student to comprehend it. There are only four assignments in this whole semester and he grades them very toughly. If you absolutely have to take this class, be prepared to show up to every class and take pages of detailed notes.
Do you love philosophy? Are you a philosophy major? Is philosophy inspirational to you? Regardless, you will hate this class. Probably the hardest class I've ever taken, and its supposed to be an introductory course. Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE WITH HYMAN. Not even Plato would understand this man.
Only 4 assignments and extremely vague grading criteria. To do well you must know exactly what he wants and it is near impossible to understand what that is. Was not taught as if it was an intro course. He knows what he is talking about but is unable to teach it in an accessible way. If you are about to take PHIL2003 do not take Hyman. Nice guy tho
The sweetest old man ever. Yes sometimes the way he explains the material is confusing because he explains it quickly before moving on to the next theory. However, upon being asked, he reviews and gives multiple opportunities to understand it better. Tests are easy. He gives tests rather than essays & always has a review session.
Very nice guy, very bad at giving lectures to people that do not also have a PhD in philosophy. I learned more in my drill section from my TA than from Hyman. He does make exams as easy as possible, but the papers are very difficult and he doesnt provide much instruction on how to write a philosophy paper to people who have never had to write one.
Ok, look. One of the main reasons I couldn't stand this guy was because of the papers. They are OVERLY difficult for a class that isn't honors. So if you're not good at papers, dont take. The tests were easy- go to the review sessions he has before the tests. I barely went to class but went to the review sessions before the test and still got A's.
The last thing you want to do it take this course with this professor. He is an extremely hard grader on papers. In certain situations he is highly unprofessional and incredibly rude. He seems like a nice old man at first, but the guy doesn't know how to give a lecture. One of the most irrelevant classes I have ever taken, and many agree.
Hyman is a very nice man; but also a sometimes confusing professor. The course itself is not overly difficult, Hyman just makes it a little more difficult than it should be. You won't have a problem getting a decent grade in the course if you apply yourself when you study for the exams. Overall only 4 tests and 2 papers.
He is a very passionate in his work and knows his stuff like the back of his hand. His lectures are very interesting and entertaining. The way he teaches makes it easy to understand and gives you a different perspective on the way you think. He is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet, and do so much to help you learn.
Dr. Hyman really knows what he's talking about. So much so that it makes it difficult for him to really bring the content to an intro level. The tests are easy, but the papers were much harder, especially if you've never written a philosophical analysis/summary before. If you do some research on how to write those kinds of papers, you can get an A.
Awful. I've taken a few philosophy courses, and I've never seen a person more capable of draining the interest and relevance out of philosophy Hyman. His interest are purely antiquarian. This is an immensely boring literature course. His knack for beating dead horses is insatiable - prepare to have basic concepts hammered into you again and again.
WORST professor ever. He talks in circles and never gives a clear answer for anything. Don't go to the review sessions because they are a waste of time and of no help. The tests are worded horribly. Most of us aren't philosophy majors and the course is unreasonably hard for a 2000 level class. Take this class from anyone else if at all possible.
Philosophy is not a blowoff class but Prof. Hyman made it enjoyable. he is such a sweet man and loves what he does. Only 4 tests and 3 papers during the semester. Attendance on M & W isnt mandatory but the section on Friday is. Go to class and take notes and youll be fine, though. I loved him!
Hyman is a great teacher. If you go to class you will do fine. The reviews do help a lot.
Dr. Hyman is one of the most outstanding leaders and researchers at the University of Arkansas. Anyone who says this introductory Philosophy is difficult needs to stop playing video games or watching Netflix every day. I skipped every other class after the 3rd week. Also, he has one of the greatest catchphrases of all time: "It's True." And it is.
He is SO nice and sweet. Go to the reviews before class, and you will do well on the tests. He wants you to be tested on if you understand the material, not actual facts. THE PAPERS ARE DIFFICULT. He makes up his own subjects for you to write about, and it is specific to what he wants. Do not take it if you don't know how to write a good paper.
He is a nice guy and clearly cares about what he is talking about, but it not very good at articulating his points. The section meetings help a lot
Hyman is one of those free-spirited professors that are all over the place during the lecture. I never understood what he was talking about and would pick up little explanations of things every so often. The review sessions are okay, but I am happy he had TA's to help him out because they are the only reason I passed... + SparkNotes.
Hyman is a great professor who constantly keeps us entertained, very passionate about his work. Class is kinda hard just cause it's philosophy but he makes it a lot easier to understand.
Professor Hyman is a great professor and explains things very well. I highly recommend taking this course, as it is easy and an enjoyable class.
i would die for this man.
He clearly knows a lot about philosophy, however he is not good at teaching it. You will have to look up a lot of stuff on youtube or sparknotes to understand what's going on in the class. While I didn't have a bad experience with him, he told multiple people in my class to drop out of college.
Professor Hyman is a super sweet man but I would not take him again as a teacher. For an Introduction to Philosophy class, this was ridiculously hard. Only 2 tests and 2 papers for the whole semester and he is a hard grader. If there is another teacher open for this class, I would choose another.
I got an A in this class, but it was probably the most difficult thing I have had to do. Mr. Hyman has a great understanding of philosophy, but the way he teaches it is incredibly difficult to understand. I was scared to ask questions, as he had told multiple of my classmates to drop the course or they would fail from lack of understanding.
This is supposed to be an intro-level Philosophy class. I showed my friend, who is a philosophy major, the work we are doing, and it is the stuff he was doing as a sophomore philosophy major. This class is the hardest class I have ever taken, Professor Hyman loves teaching and knows what he is talking about, but he is not easy to understand.
I would never take this class again. I am a freshman and I have no clue what is going on, neither do any of my friends. He is very hard to follow during his lecturesHe has two TA's but only one of them actually helps go through the material.
I had to go home for the funeral. He suggested since the services would only last an hour or two I could do my 5pg paper then instead of giving the one more day of extension that I asked for (Tuesday instead of Monday). He also insisted I take some time off of work on top of this to get it done like my paper will pay my bills. Hard pass.
This class seems too hard for the level that it is. Professor Hyman is not very understanding about how hard the work he gives out is. He gives out papers to do over breaks. Right after you finish the tests there is a paper assignment to do over the next few days. The papers are also very difficult to understand. Wouldn't recommend this class.
I hated this class. I hated going to class because I would walk out of class more confused than when I walked in. He seems like a nice guy and is very smart but can't teach at all. If I could rate this class a 0 I would. The TA's were cool and they are the only reason I am barely passing right now. I would never take this class ever again.
Dr. Hyman is a great professor and is passionate about his teachings, but unless you are very interested in this topic then you will not do well. The lectures are not mandatory but the Friday drill is. This class is mainly tests and they are not hard if you really study. I do regret taking this class but it isn't the worst option because he is fun.
The lectures were pretty interesting and he spent the first 15 minutes of each class reviewing the previous lecture to reinforce it really well. The tests are pretty easy as long as you take decent notes in class but the essays can be a bit hard. Call or email the man at any hour with a question and he will answer it though.
Lectures are optional, but they do help to go to because he does review previous topics for at least 15 minutes at the start of class. Lectures in my opinion weren't overly helpful if you keep up with the reading and go to the drill sessions on Friday's you should be fine. He's a good person, but the lectures never helped much for me.
I'd give UARK parking services a 5-star rating before I'd give this guy one
This class is called Intro to Philosophy but is not treated as so. Hyman is very knowledgeable about philosophy but doesn't teach the class well. You have three tests, two papers and a final for your grade which is not enough especially if you fail one test. No way you can make an A in this class unless your major is philosophy. His TA's suck also.
The class consists of 600 points: 4 tests worth 100 points each and 2 papers worth 100 points each. His lectures were hard to engage in and consisted of him rattling off intense philosophical theories of different philosophers in depth. Everyone I talked to in my class felt confused 24/7. He's a nice old man but didn't teach well.
Very charismatic and you can tell he loves what he does. He tends to go off on tangents in class, but overall it's enjoyable. Paper Assignments are stressful, but doable. Definitely take this class with a Drill. My TA was really good at explaining everything in a simpler way. Exams aren't hard if you take good notes.
Jeremy is an excellent teacher. He's very good at grabbing obtuse philosophical concepts and bringing them down to earth. He's also very funny, whether this is intentional or not I can't say.
The TA side classes were the highlight of this class. The professor does not interact with students at all, and only lectures over the readings. He gets side tracked pretty easily and makes weird jokes throughout lecture. Not an intro to phil class, he starts the class expecting you to have past knowledge, or at least that's how he treats it.
Mr. Hyman shows no tolerance for students who are having a hard time understanding the course. He has called students "stupid" and "bone-headed" for missing a single lecture. Philosophy is a hard subject and he does not make it any easier. Your grade is based solely off of tests and and two papers. I would never take him as an instructor again.
Terrible
hes a really really sweet guy but as a student i did not enjoy this class. i hate when professors get distracted easily or go on tangents that arent relevant and he did that almost everyday. the lectures are hard to understand and hes not one to explain it any other way. i eventually just stopped going to class and got a tutor
he is super nice, but this class was just not it. definatly wouldnt recommend unless its major required. the lectures normally dont go anywhere and dont teach you much, i learned more from the drills tbh. its all book based tests and writing papers for grades since no homework is given, which makes doing well hard if you dont understand class
I do not recommend taking philosophy with professor Hyman. There are other professors who are way easier. He is an extremely tough grader, rude, and doesnt provide much help to students who are having a tough time grasping material. The entire class is graded off of two papers and tests.
Hard to take notes from lectures. Attendance for the drill is mandatory. The tests have around 50 bonus points on them so it makes it practically impossible to fail. If you just go to class and listen you should be fine. Essays aren't that difficult if you get help from the TA on the first part. If you do this you will make a high grade on them.
Jeremy is very knowledgable about what he is teaching. It can be hard to understand, but he holds two hour review sessions before each test which SAVED my grade. Go to class and attend the review sessions and you're guaranteed a B in this course. Jeremy can seem tough and intimidating but he's so nice and TAs are very approachable and helpful
This class is WAY too hard for an intro class. It is so confusing and doesn't make sense. There's only papers and tests.
This is by far the most confusing material that I have ever had in any class. Professor Hyman does not attempt to translate the complex required readings into something more easily understandable. He seems to revel in the fact that he knows more about the subject than his students do. Your final grade depends on only a handful of assignments.
has to be losing his mind or something because nothing he says ever makes sense. the TAs are the only reason I am passing this class. jeremy sucks at explaining things and getting grades in, basically have to teach yourself everything and hope it lines up with jeremys opinion
genuienely one of the most confusing professors I have ever had, He is terrible at clarifiying any and all of your questions his lectures are confusing. You need four books for the class and the bookstore only carrys two of them. The two essays you have are analytical and very vauge in the directions. Jeremy is one of the most indirect teachers.
There are only 4 exams throughout the semester along with 2 papers, and those are the only grades you will have in the gradebook. There is a book to read per unit, but you can still pass the exams without reading it. If you've taken a philosophy class before, you'll be okay but try to not have Jeremy. He is super confusing and super hard to follow.
He is very knowledgeable, but the information gets boring pretty fast. He can also get sidetracked during lectures. You have 4 exams, while aren't that hard if you study, but are on lockdown browser. Have to write two papers, but the TAs and him give you lots of help on them. Attendance is mandatory in drill, but you can miss two times unexcused.
A very confusing professor and lecture, that I've had so far. Jeremy knows what he is talking about but his lectures get super long and confusing because he explains them in a way hard to comprehend and gets off topic many times. Your grades consist of 2 papers and 4 tests and the papers are super long.
Jeremy Hyman has to be one of the most confusing professors I've ever had. He often will ramble during his lectures and generally will not make sense, which isn't a good thing to have for philosophy, which relies on elaboration and explanations. It's incredibly easy to get lost if you are not paying attention. I suggest finding someone else.
Philosophy 2003 has only four exams and two papers that count to your grade. There's almost no room for error if you want to have an acceptable grade, and Jeremy's lectures do not make it any easier on an already complicated subject. My best recommendation is to find a different professor, or even a different humanities course if you have to.
The sweetest guy ever!! Grade is completely based on tests and papers so I recommend studying before the tests. He explains the readings in class so technically don't have to read if you go to class. Not hard if you pay attention or do the readings. Takes attendance in class most days, especially at the beginning of the semester.
Prof Hyman is a really sweet guy who cares about his students. He gives out his phone number so you can call him if you have questions. Yes, he is old and goes on long tangents, but he is really passionate about philosophy. You have to get like 6 books, but they are cheap at the bookstore. The class is all based on exams, so take good notes.
Prof. Hyman is eccentric and a bit peculiar, and this is why so many think he is difficult to understand. But he absolutely knows his stuff, and is an extremely kind/understanding person. He sincerely engages with students who want to know more about philosophy. I appreciate this since most other professors seem too busy.
Professor Hyman is a very kind man who really cares about his students. There are three mandatory books to read, but if you go to class he explains them in depth and hosts review sessions before the test. He can be confusing at times but I think it's because he's very smart. He is very funny.
Philosophy is a subject most 17-19 year olds have a hard time grasping anyway, and the few who DO get it are deeply existential and have likely already given much thought to the topics that are presented. Just read, do some real thinking about the material, after lecture for maybe 20 minutes, reflect. Your grade will match your effort.
Took this class during an intersession, talks way too much and tends to get off topic. He gave a paper assignment that is worth 15 percent of your grade with very weak guidelines on how to complete it. His lectures drag on and asking him questions are never given clear answers. 1/10
This class was very difficult but he was the best teacher I have ever had. He just does the main tests and had a review to go over everything the day before. He even takes time the morning of the test to take calls about the test. He truly truly cares about you and I would 100 percent recommend.
I took this class during intercession and it was by far the worst class experience I have ever had. He is a sweet old man, but he got off topic and how he structures his class is very confusing. He also made us get 3 textbooks we didn't even use. Just find someone else for Philosophy if you want a blowoff class trust me.
Dr. Hyman definitely knows his philosophy, which makes lecture interesting but also a little overwhelming at times. For such a huge class, he tries his best to make it entertaining with jokes and skits. There are only 4 exams and a couple of papers that make up your grade, so work really hard on those. Put in the effort and you will do fine!
Jeremy is the absolute greatest of all time. You get 47 free points on every test, so you basically have to try to fail or be illiterate to not pass one of them. None of the readings are too confusing either, and he'll repeat confusing material constantly so as long as you listen everything should make sense. Absolute joy of a professor.
Most unnecessarily stressful class to take as a freshman. Lectures were hardly ever ended before the class ended, only four exams are put in as grades, and lectures were 30% useful information and 70% random stories/facts... had zero ties to ANYTHING in the class or outlines. If you have the option NOT to take this course with Jeremy Hyman, don't.
He seems like a very caring person, however he is an awful teacher. You only have 4 tests that are each worth 25% of your grade and he doesn't give out attendance points but if you miss more than 2 lectures than you get a full point deducted from your overall grade. He is very difficult to understand in class and tends to go on off topic tangents.
Anything over two absences drops a letter grade. Long-winded and unstructured lectures
Jeremy is a very sweet, intelligent old man. His tests are extremely hard. His lectures are hard to follow because Philosophy is hard. He loves when students ask questions or give their own input. You get candy if you volunteer for readings! No homework, only 4 tests each worth 25% of your grade.
I filled a tittle 9
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
56%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.16 avg changeRatings by Course
MODERNPHIL
4.0
(1)PHIL4033
3.5
(2)2003H
3.5
(2)PHIL1003
3.2
(6)PHIL4023
3.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHIL4033
5.0
PHIL2003H
4.4
2003
4.3
2003H
4.0
PHIL4023
4.0