3.5

Jim Eiswert

Social Science - Northwest Missouri State University

3.5
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
25%
Would Retake
91
Reviews
3.5
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
3.7
Helpful
3.4
Clarity

25%

Would Retake

91

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

46

4

7

3

10

2

12

1

16

What Students Say

Condescending, repetitive, and hard to follow

PHIL101 - 1.0 rating

Creapy enough to avoid one on one conversation in a private place

INTROPHIL - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
F (2)
C+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(2)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 2
F: 2
C+: 2
B: 2
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (5)
Participation matters (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Get ready to read (1)
Inspirational (1)
Hilarious (1)
Tough Grader (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.68 avg change
Jul
Dec
Feb
Aug
Mar
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

101

5.0

(1)

PHIL171

5.0

(3)

INTOPHIL

5.0

(1)

INTRODUCTI

5.0

(1)

PHI171

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GENPHIL

5.0

INTROTOLIT

5.0

LOGIC

5.0

39171PHIL

4.5

PHIL101

4.3

Reviews (91)
3.0
4.0
39171
Grade: A
Oct 4, 2001

a lot of writing and reading

2.0
2.0
PHILOSOPHY
Oct 11, 2001

doesnt answer direct questions. you might as well take his class on-line.

5.0
2.0
PHIL171
Oct 12, 2001

eiswert is the liberator of my soul. he has realigned my perception!

5.0
4.0
39171
Oct 16, 2001

Great instructor, really openned my mind; everyone should take this course

5.0
2.0
INTROPHIL
Oct 16, 2001

Great course, made me think, never knew there was so much to think about;

5.0
1.0
PHIL
Oct 16, 2001

great course, challenging but easy once you think outside the box, a must take

5.0
2.0
PHILOSOPHY
Oct 16, 2001

Outstanding course

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Grade: F
Oct 19, 2001

great, a real challenge

4.0
4.0
INTROTOP
Nov 2, 2001

its not grade school anymore, he guides you to answers, he does not give them

5.0
2.0
INTROPHIL
Nov 15, 2001

will definitly give u something to think about.

5.0
3.0
PHIL
Nov 19, 2001

Great class, eye opening,

5.0
3.0
INTOPHIL
Dec 5, 2001

He will challenge you... go in with an open mind

3.0
4.0
PHIL
Jan 15, 2002

Made me see things from different perspectives; still not my favorite professor

5.0
3.0
PHIL
Jan 17, 2002

is it me or is he way in outta space??

5.0
1.0
PHIL
Feb 25, 2002

He is way out in outer space, waaaayyy out, but that makes it great

5.0
3.0
INTRO
Sep 20, 2002

He makes you think about life in a new way.

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Oct 15, 2002

No Comments

3.0
3.0
PHIL
Oct 29, 2002

good teacher, pointless to go to class-all online even though its an inclass cla

4.0
4.0
PHIL
Nov 4, 2002

waaaaaaaay too much work

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Dec 3, 2002

don't take online classes from him!

5.0
4.0
INTRO
Dec 4, 2002

It is a lot of course work for a Gen Ed.

5.0
2.0
INTROTOP
Dec 17, 2002

Cool class, lots of discussion, group tests

2.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Feb 1, 2003

SUCKS!! he has a jacked up grading scale. way too hard gen. ed.

3.0
2.0
PHILO
Feb 9, 2003

Does he shower?

4.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 3, 2003

Absolute riot in class, too much outside work, but well worth taking.

5.0
1.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 9, 2003

excellent thinking course

5.0
1.0
INTRODUCTI
Mar 9, 2003

fun course, if you like thinking

5.0
1.0
PHIL
Mar 9, 2003

good class, very helpful instructor

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 9, 2003

great teacher

5.0
4.0
PHI171
Mar 9, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PH121
Mar 9, 2003

Good course, I think....blew my mind.

5.0
2.0
PHILSOSPHY
Mar 9, 2003

Real cool course....too too too much work, and to hard for a general ed....but good, you learn a lot

5.0
5.0
GENPHIL
Mar 9, 2003

Great course...hated it a first, but it finally made some sense....It is reaaly tough stuff, but interesting

5.0
4.0
PHIL
Mar 9, 2003

great, just great

5.0
3.0
39171
Mar 10, 2003

Mind bending, really cool.

5.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Mar 10, 2003

Great instructor, one of the best. Enthousiastic and thought provoking. Great course, a definite must for your undergraduate program.

5.0
4.0
PHIL
Mar 10, 2003

Kewl course

5.0
3.0
PHILOSSOPH
Mar 10, 2003

Interesting...strange...weird. But entertaining.

5.0
5.0
PHIL
Mar 11, 2003

Facinating...do people really think like this? Strange.

3.0
2.0
PHILOSOPHY
Jun 20, 2003

Bad dresser. Too much busy work - hello i have a life other than philosophy there Jimmy. It's not bad if you have a smart group to take tests with. Expect to put in many hours on this 100 level class.

5.0
5.0
PHIL
Jul 4, 2003

Great course, great professor, but really hard....I mean really hard.

5.0
5.0
ETHICS
Jul 8, 2003

Excellent. I learned a great deal. He was very supportive and helpful.

5.0
3.0
101
Aug 18, 2003

Who cares how he dresses! Did he make you think?

5.0
3.0
INTROPHIL
Nov 10, 2003

DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE FROM ANY OTHER INSTRUCTOR!!! He will take you through a journey that few get to take in life. He'll stimulate your mind and get you discussing every chapter with your friends and family. DO NOT MISS YOUR CHANCE!!!

5.0
3.0
INTROPHIL
Dec 14, 2003

Awsome teacher! This class is tons of fun, but be prepared to work for your grade. If you put in the time you will get a good grade! I will miss this class above all!

5.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Feb 14, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Apr 5, 2004

Avoid Professor Eiswert and his class at all costs.

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Apr 14, 2004

The guy smells like an ashtray. The class is a waste of time. DON'T TAKE A PHILOSOPHY CLASS!! TAKE A HISTORY COURSE!! IT'S AN EASIER CLASS.

1.0
5.0
INTRO
May 17, 2004

Ego very full of self, intellect running on empty smoke and mirrors for the easily deceived

1.0
2.0
PHIL
Jun 22, 2004

ditto the last comment

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Jul 14, 2004

This guy is so hard and even though he lets up work in groups, we can't even get the assignments or tests done because the time he gives is too short. Half of the test or essays we have to write are pointless because what they require isn't what we learn

4.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Jul 31, 2004

Wasn't an easy class by any means; very time consuming and theres LOTS of info. But, if you actually take the time to study and know the material, you can do well. I dont know him personally, took the class online. Good class overall, gets you thinking.

1.0
5.0
39171PHIL
Aug 4, 2004

Way too hard, barely passed. Don't take this class. Professor thinks he is intelligent but he don't got a clue as to what's important to us. He also attacks Christianity all the time. Sick.

1.0
4.0
PHILO
Aug 25, 2004

Very disorganized professor!! Too much time waisted in his teagrities videos!!

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 20, 2004

Barely pulled a C in the class. Hardest class Ive ever had. Most stressful semester ever. This guy is crazy!

5.0
2.0
INTROPHIL
Sep 29, 2004

It is unfortunate that students go to university to drink and avoid intelligent conversations. Eiswert is open minded, intelligent and always available for a talk or discussion. It is true his class is tough, but university is hard. Study and learn.

4.0
4.0
PHIL
Oct 6, 2004

If you don't want to be challenged or have no reason to think about why you are here , then go somewhere else. Great class, learned a lot, talks about God a lot and if you have an open mind you'll fine..Better have some writing ability though!

1.0
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
Oct 6, 2004

Avoid Eiswert at all possible costs. Take another class.....ANY OTHER CLASS!!!! Barely pulled a B, and spent way too much time on a dumb 100 level course! If you do not have ANYTHING else to do, go ahead and take this class.

3.0
3.0
ETHICS
Oct 31, 2004

The tests are pretty hard, everything is online. But you have a choice on how you want to be graded (tests, analysis', just a final, etc.) He makes the class fun though! Have an open mind and opinion if you want to take this class.

2.0
2.0
ETHICS
Nov 11, 2004

PICK PLAN 6!!!!!!! that's all you need to know!! you life will be so much easier... trust me!! it's a lot of paper writing... but a guaranteed A!! just typed more than expected, and you get extra credit!! this professor is a little odd at times, but really he is a good teacher.

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Feb 5, 2005

Ok, to all you nay-sayers out there, why didn't you like him? He doesn't "attack" Christianity. He just thinks we should believe what we want to believe, but not tell others they can't believe something. This has been, by far, the most interesting and rewarding class I've taken so far.

2.0
4.0
INTOTOPHIL
Apr 4, 2005

I didn't enjoy this class at all. He is enthusiastic about what he teaches, but I was totally lost. Only grade in the class is the final grade. The final consists of two 4 pg written essays and 50 multiple choice questions. Beware!

5.0
3.0
INTROTOPHIL
Apr 5, 2005

If you came to college to actually learn something, and not just for the piece of paper with your name on it, take this class first chance you get! Can be challenging or easy, your choice. Remember, ANYONE who talks about religion will seem biased. Keep an open mind. He's just asking good questions.

5.0
2.0
INTROPHIL
Apr 10, 2005

Jim Eiswert is a GREAT human. One of the most intelligent men I have ever talked to. Great sense of humor too. Take notes, listen in class, and let your mind open; you will love the class. Don't be afraid to talk to him either. Gave me lots to think about. This class, no doubt, changed my life.

2.0
5.0
INTROTOLIT
Apr 30, 2005

Don't take this class! I am warning you. The only grade for the class is the final. Does curve the final. Barely passed the class and I am normally an A student. If you want to take Intro to Phil, consider taking it with another professor.

5.0
1.0
PHIL171
May 1, 2005

The best teacher one can have as a philosopher. He is the teacher. Enjoy the speech for whole of the year and get A at the end. No notes no tests just take the online tests a few times!

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Aug 24, 2005

While he may reek of coffee and cigarettes...the guy knows his stuff! And he forces you to think about things differently than you might on your own. You'll definitely learn something and expand your mind a bit.

5.0
5.0
LOGIC
Grade: B+
Sep 1, 2005

learn it boys, we need it

4.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 3, 2005

His exams are a test of patience and really don't reflect anything you learn in the classroom. He is his own version of the absent-minded professor, oober-liberal, and really makes you re-think your beliefs.

3.0
5.0
INTROTOPHIL
Sep 4, 2005

Interesting class, very strange instructor. He is helpful but confusing. Take the quizzes online many times, I did bad on the final but still got a B since I kept taking the quizzes. Only grade in this class is the final but he will up your grade if you participate.

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Sep 17, 2005

Had a huge crush on him, mostly b/c of his brain, but u kno. He does reek of coffee and cigarettes, but a nice guy, loves to discuss, great man.

5.0
1.0
EPISTEMOLOGY
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Oct 7, 2005

I've taken classes at 2 undegrad colleges and a grad school. Dr. Eiswert is the one of the best and most interesting teachers I've ever had, and one of the most admirable people I've ever known.

5.0
3.0
ETHICS
Jun 9, 2006

Great Teacher.

5.0
3.0
ETHICS
Jun 10, 2006

Absolutely the best teacher I have ever had. You need to work with the program ---- do the sample assessments repeatedly....you will learn a lot.

2.0
1.0
INTROPHIL
Nov 21, 2006

Very, very, very stange and peculiar man. Creapy enough to avoid one on one conversation in a private place. sure, it's a fairly easy class. but what a creap.

3.0
3.0
PHILOHON
Apr 26, 2007

I'm not sure what to think about Dr. Eiswert. On one hand, he's a man who cares little about hygiene and appearance, and confuses you every time he opens his mouth. On the other hand, he's a friendly, helpful, and INSANELY intelligent philosopher. The class had its easy and hard moments. No tests or quizzes, but required journals after every class.

4.0
2.0
PHIL171H
May 2, 2009

He's a bit squirrly but he's funny and tries his best to explain tough concepts and makes sure everyone gets the idea before moving on. We had socratic like discussions instead of lectures for class and no tests or quizzes, just weekly journal reflections on the topis discussed in class. Pretty easy. Go to class and write the journals for an A.

2.0
5.0
GENPH01
Nov 7, 2012

WORST teacher I have ever had! He calls people out in class just to embarrass them. Tests are 90 questions in 50 minutes and essay topics are given to you the day before they are due. The final exam is worth 50% of your grade. AVOID AAT ALL COSTS!

2.0
4.0
INTROPHIL
Dec 10, 2012

Very hard to comprehend what he's saying. Attendance in manditory each class period. Final test along with two 1,500 word essays are 50% of grade. Calls on people in class and makes them look stupid. AVOID THIS CLASS.

2.0
4.0
INTROPHIL
Dec 20, 2012

He's a very intelligent man and knows what he's talking about but lacks the ability to effectively teach it. The class was difficult and one has to be highly motivated to do well.

2.0
3.0
PHIL101
Jan 2, 2013

The course material is very hard to follow. He tried to get his points across effectively, but his methods were lacking. The homework isn't terrible, I just didn't learn much at all.

2.0
3.0
INTPHIL
Nov 5, 2013

He is a nice professor but VERY confusing. Not a class that I was every interested in and had a tough time actually wanting to pay attention. His online tests were 80 questions in 50 minutes and pressed for time. If any other teachers are available I suggest taking it with someone else.

3.0
4.0
PHIL391704
Grade: F
Nov 9, 2015

Very tough class. More advanced thinking. I wouldn't recommend taking this class as a freshman, at least not your very first semester. Hard to get your grade back up if it drops, as he doesn't have many things to grade. Tests are very tough.

1.0
5.0
39171PHIL
Grade: C+
Jul 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Eiswert is the worst professor I have ever had at Northwest. I took his philosophy class over the summer online, you have up to 5 video lectures you have to watch everyday and take a quiz. He doesn't care if the videos don't work he will not reopen quizzes. He does not respond quickly to email. Overall an awful class!

3.0
3.0
GENPH01
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2016
Would take again

Eiswert is very passionate about the field of philosophy, which I admired! I thought he expected way to much for a general education course. There were quizzes the had to be completed before each class period, must participant 10 times in class, at least 2 essays, 3 tests, and accumulative final (EXTREMELY DIFFICULT). It was "do-able", but hard!

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
39171PHIL
Grade: C+
Feb 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

2 essays. 3 Online exams. 1 in class final worth 20% of your grade. You have to go to class to pass. Takes attendance. Weights everything in his class. And is very anal in the way you have to use the course site. WOULD TAKE ONLINE!!!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
GENPH01
Grade: B
Feb 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Awful. Have to go to class. 3 Exams. Final is 20% of grade. Course site is a joke. Reversed Classroom. Take online. 2 Essays 48hr window to do each essay (Friday-Saturday night)

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PHIL171
Grade: A
Feb 27, 2017
Would take again

I don't understand all the low ratings for him. He is such a knowledgeable professor who knows what he's talking about. His course is the only course that I actually learned so much out of it. His material might be overwhelming at first, but if you get used to his tone and activities, philosophy gets easier and more interesting. highly recommend.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
PHIL101
Aug 7, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Condescending, repetitive, and hard to follow. That's only the tip of the iceberg. I was hoping to debate, but no luck. Encourages group work on all tests except final so not much to prep there. If you have the bible for the class you can relax a bit.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
39171PHIL
Grade: B
Mar 30, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely one of the worst professors i've ever had. hates athletes, would not take him if you are one. attendance policy is trash, if you miss class he expects you to either write a 1000 word essay or go to 2 SI sessions to make up. extremely hard to follow and just an annoying person to listen to. if you have to take him, find the bible.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PHIL101
Grade: C
Dec 6, 2022

This professor is awful. I am a CS Major and took this class online in order to fill in my Northwest Core requirement. It was an intro to philosophy class and he treated it like a high level class. We had multiple 2 hour lectures a week, with between 30-50 questions in each. There were also 10 discussion posts due every other week. Do not recommend

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
A (2)
F (2)
C+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(2)A-/B+(2)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 2
F: 2
C+: 2
B: 2
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (5)
Participation matters (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (3)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Get ready to read (1)
Inspirational (1)
Hilarious (1)
Tough Grader (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.68 avg change
Jul
Dec
Feb
Aug
Mar
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

101

5.0

(1)

PHIL171

5.0

(3)

INTOPHIL

5.0

(1)

INTRODUCTI

5.0

(1)

PHI171

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GENPHIL

5.0

INTROTOLIT

5.0

LOGIC

5.0

39171PHIL

4.5

PHIL101

4.3

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