2.5
Quality3.8
Difficulty100%
Would Retake120
Reviews100%
Would Retake
120
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
26
4
13
3
17
2
17
1
47
What Students Say
“That's his gift to you”
PHI101 - 5.0 rating“Synnestvedt is too much for Moraine Valley's LAZY STUDENTS”
PHIL101 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.37 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL100
5.0
(1)PHI101AND120
5.0
(1)VALUES
5.0
(1)PHL101
4.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
3.6
(5)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
PHL120
5.0
PHI
5.0
PHIL
5.0
SYNESTVEDT101
5.0
Reviews (120)
easy class if you participate and write decent papers, hes a cool guy too
Don't take the child's view!
Dont take this class, most boring class ever. He is not very nice.
Do not believe what others say! this teacher is really good, the problem lies in the students who do not pay enough attention and are imprudent, it is one of the best classes I've had at Moraine and one of the coolest teachers around.
Great professor, he really gets his students to think for themselves.
One of the best teachers I’ve ever had. Synnestvedt stresses the importance of critical thinking and encourages students to examine their lives. He often questions students’ beliefs and opinions. Some may “find his style offensive.” The class is mainly d
Horrible teacher. never really explained what he wanted. expected you to read his mind for the answers. RUN.
HOrrible teacher and extremely rude. Unclear about what he wants and thinks he is so much better than everyone because he is such "a great critical thinker".
class is very boring, no one ever showed up to class. The worst teacher ever, i advise you not to take him
A horrible teacher, I wound up dropping out of his class after the first day, I had no idea what he was talking about. He did not explain anything, and went on a tangent about different colored blackbirds around the world for the whole class period!
Class just plain out sucks, boring and talks about pointless material all the time
WORST PROFESSOR EVER, i dont know what else to say. He does not explain anything. He has no clue how to teach. Waste of time, money and especially going to class. There is no hw & no tests, which is usualy great but not in this class because hes a jackass
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This guy kicks ass! He comes up with the craziest ideas, but it all makes sense. No homework or tests an all around good teacher.
I actually enjoyed his class, but I enjoy to get into "intelectual arguments"...I wouldn't say it was the best class, but I had a lot of fun times during it. He does go off on tangents though...
No Comments
THIS GUY IS VERY WEIRD. HE CLASS IS A JOKE AND NOT STRUCTURED AT ALL. HE TALKS ABOUT THINGS THAT DOESN'T EVEN RELATE TO THE FINAL AND HE WONDERS WHY EVERYONE DOES BAD. THIS IS EASY, BUT THIS CLASS WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO GET AN A. i DON'T LIKE HIM!!
He was a very arrogant teacher with rude comments directed at almost everyone. I would not recommend him to anyone...take Wolf or Follenweider for philosophy.
This professor really sucks. He does not know how to teach.He picks on certain people and makes them feel like crap.His class was the worst. I would never had taken this class, because he has no structure.My class was in a hallway.That explains a lot!!
Worst teacher ever alive. His class really sucks. It was also very boring. He has no idea how to teach.
No Comments
No Comments
this was tha worst teacher and class i eva had he didnt no wut he was talkin about and he never talked about anything that we actually needed 2 no he talked about 2 + 2 is 4 then said no we were rong and then tha next convo we said no and were rong again
This guy does not beleive in any type of structure in his classroom. Very bad curriculum for an introductory class. If you have already taken his class, drop it.
This guy is a total clown. He has a fried brain. If u wanna continue to be sane do not this guys class. I wish i would of known about this website before i registered for his class.
"If you have already taken his class, drop it." "we were rong" "hes" IQ above 80? Want a real mental challenge and flsfcl eye-opener? Justin's the one. He's hilarious. His class isn't structured, but who cares? We already went to HS.
Please note the spelling and grammar of those students giving poor feedback. JS is tough on morons. He was my absolute favorite teacher at MVCC, and opened my eyes to new ways of seeing the world. We never agreed, not once - but he taught me how to think.
His class can be challenging but if you apply yourself his class can be very enriching. A lot of people complain but it is because you have to put forth the effort to succeed. Nothing worth having comes easy.
Without question, drop this class or look for a different professor. His teaching style and mannerisms were rude and insulting. I found myself dreading his class and wished I dropped him. Until taking his class my G.A.A. was 4.0, afterwards it lowered. His thought process and logic is way off base.
he likes to make you feel stupid and riculous. he's unclear about what he actually wants from you. and i think he honesty believes that he IS better than us. even though he works at MORAINE VALLEY. get a clue
Mr. JS obviously comes on this site and rates himself. Anyway, noone would come on a site and criticize grammar except a teacher. And honestly noone would take this class if they knew the teaching style used. It is not a matter of just having an unstructured classroom or putting down others.
I had no clue what his expectations for the first paper were. His grading scale was A, C, or F with nothing in between. The absolute worst teacher I have ever encountered in my education career thus far. Stay away from Synestvedts class. 300 words is not enough to express my hate for his teaching.
he such a bad teacher class was intresting i have to admit but this class truly is unstructered his grading scale sucks and you never know what to expect next.
STAY AWAY!HE HAS TO BE THE WORST INSTRUCTOR IN MORAINE HISTORY.MY WORST EXPERIENCE THROUGH0UT MY COLLEGE HISTORY.EVERY TIME I LOOK AT MY TRANSCRIPTS I SEE NOTHING BUT A'S AND HIS "C" THANKS TO HIM.I THOUGHT I COULD GET BY THIS CLASS WITH MY INTELLIGENCE BUT HE DOES NOT CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT HIMSELF
I am not going to say some witty comment here. Just the truth, I also recieved a C in his class. All of my grades were A's and then his C. This is not a coincidence. We should actually complain to the shcool about him and not just vent on this website. It is fun to see how EVERYONE hates him:)
I had him for 2 classes. I got a B than an A. It's easy for people to dislike them because he challenges them. But being challenged isn't an easy thing. But if you go ahead and step up to it, it's very satisfying. He's a great teacher if you really want to think and expand your abilities.
He is a tough teacher if your not into critical thinking. Also, you must always be paying attention to him or he will call on you out of the blue and make you look stupid. I recieved a C in his class but then again I didn't put forward much effort.
Ok, morons, you are going into a class that studies the ideas of the worlds most complicated people. Justin does a very good job showing you what Plato and Socrates ment with all of thier writings. The tests are hard, but that is because you need to LISTEN. Listen to justin, ask questions. B+
This class was one of the most fun classes i've taken. I always left questioning what i thought, and not deciding untill hours, even days later. That's what philosophy is about, reasoning about life over time, not all at once from a text book.
hes ok but his grading is REALLY!!!!! messed up 1 2 or 3 what is this kindergarden, somebody should drop some laxitives in his coffee when he isnt looking some time, hehe Hi larious
Who in the hell does this guy think he is? He's got a voice like roger rabbit and has the nerve to insult people. DON'T TAKE THIS TEACHER. Philosophy should study why he is such a moron. TAKE ANYBODY BUT HIM, if you want a good grade.
HORRIBLE, dont take him! doesnt review for the final. messed up grading scale 1,2,3 whats that? u have 6 pts total in his class from 2 papers. wierd grader. nice guy but baaaad teacher. he thinks everyone is a C unless u prove better. just talks and talks and talks, its hard to pay attention. lots lots lots of reading. i dont recomend him
I would have never learned this stuff if it weren't for him,he made it very clear and made us think. The final was sooo easy if you paid attention in class. How hard is it to read a few pages and participate a little in class..
No Comments
Very unclear on stuff. Kind of has his own way of doing things that doesn't really go well with anything I've ever done in any other college course. This could be cool in some cases, but in his, it's not.
The worst college professor i have ever had. do not take him. you will earn nothing. and fail all the tests trust me. he needs a new profession.
The absolute worst teaching style ever. Very awkward situation. Everyone gets a C. Peliacans rock dude.
Oh my gosh. He was bad. Sit in a circle and lean nothing. reminiscent of kindergarten.
This class was a joke. He follows his own grading system. Just read his syllabus and you will understand he's not intellectually competent and he is a "College Professor". I take pride in doing my best at school, but this teacher really makes the college system look bad!
justin rules!!!
"What does that mean?"
Hard teacher, likes to pet his ego. Hates me tho, i kinda hurt his ego. proved him wrong. First time i heard, in college, "Sit down and Shut up, before I come over and Smack You." Fun stuff. Took him again, for another class.
No Comments
His teaching style sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone gets a C of F. SERIOUSLY.
The only reason most people get C's in his class is because they are not capable of critical thinking. If you like to jump through the educational hoops you are use to then don't take his class. If you are capable of thinking for yourself then this class is for you.
No Comments
he seemed smart, but his class really didn't involve any "work" but was more what you thought, which makes it difficult to assign a correct grade. i dropped him fast
He always talked about his cat. i think he was interesting. it was intersting to hear about how he made apple cider. i think it must be fun to teach. i wish he could always be around me to teach me. cool. anyway he talked and that was a plus. i like teachers that know how to talk. he was smarter tahn me.i want my teacher to be smarter than me
I wish I lived on Mars. Then I could understand what JS is talking about. Those aliens are sooo lucky. If I only had 1 wish it would be to be taught by the big J. He teaches understairs, like a dragon=COOOL.We sit in a circle+like the knights of the round table.he puts down your inadequcies inellectually=He is jerry springer and you r the gueets
i loved his long walks n the park. You were right he does teach under stairs and in a circle. Isn't that great.He is like a big fluffy panda you just want to squeeze. i would take any class he has. except if it was a philosopy class. he doen't know how to teach that.Yeah I would nvertake phil. with him You always get a c Always a C or f.
Justin is very unclear. Unclear as to what he expects from you! You are not going to be able to understand what hes talking aboutin class.Nor will you understand writing, or his grading system (123) no b or d's in the class. Most students get a 2(c) 1(f). I think he has been teaching so long that he forgot that hes teaching 101! Think twice!!!!!!!
i DON'T THINK YOU WANT TO THINK TWICE. eVEN IF YOU THOUGH THIRTENN TIMES HE WOULD PUT YOU DOWN. hE HATES PEOPLE AND STUDENTS. The las person is 100% correct with the grading. You were right on the money(wasted to take this class). I think that Phil 101 should be eliminated from the curriculum if there even is any. Mr. S = Stinks
I must admit that Justine is a little different in his teaching styles, but change is good right? I thought at first this class would be a blow off class, but I was wrong. I have learned so many interesting things in this class. I beleive that Justin set out to do a job and a well done job It was,...Thank You!
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No Comments
Worst teacher ever. Grade is based on only 2 papers and final. He doesnt know anybodys name either.
I hated this class. Basing a class on 2 papers is ridiculous. I always went to the writing center to help do better on my papers and nothing helped. I would NEVER reccomend taking him...an awesome guy but not a good teacher.
The class was tough, but I enjoyed it. You have to read all of the readings in order to keep up with it and actually comprehend what he's talking about though and most of the reading is quite challenging. It felt like an actual college-level class, and I was proud when I got a good grade because I had to work for it and earn it, unlike some classes
probably the easiest class ive ever taken. never have to read anything. write 2 papers that have to be under 3 pages that take about 5 minutes to do. i probably went once a week if that
Even though he gave me a 'C' I still really enjoyed the class. I really enjoyed learning how to open your mind to different things. Alot of stuff that I though I knew about, I didn't. He teaches to think about something before you come to an immediate conclusion. The C or F thing is true. If you want an easy A, do NOT take him.
WARNING!!! DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS!!! THIS GUY IS SO UNCLEAR AND VAGUE IN WHAT HE EXPECTS FROM HIS STUDENTS. THERE IS NO STRUCTURE AND NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU DO...HE WILL GIVE YOU A C.
Justins classes require a different kind of effort than is expected in most classes. It is important to participate in class discussions. Unlike History or Chemistry participation isn't about having the right answer. However, it is best to have some thought behind the answer.
Only stupid people don't like his classes...
If you're looking for an easy "A" or superficial knowledge, then this guy isn't for you. If you like challenges, thinking critically and learning things in depth then give this professor a try. I never saw him being condensending (he's a pretty nice guy actually). His teaching style resembles Cicero's to a degree.
Very unstructured class. Also has a condescending, "my way or the highway" attitude. For a philosophy teacher, he is far from open-minded, and he does not come off as a credible, authoratative source of information. I was sorely disappointed by this class and would not recommend this particular "teacher" to anyone.
This teacher sucks!! he didn't help me at all!! he grades his papers horrible. not even that my friend overheard him talking to another teacher about me. He was calling me a stupid ****. DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER
he is not a teacher that you would want. i dont know where he base his grades. you buy a lot of books but only read 3 pages or so on each. i got a on all my papers but i ended up with C. there are no quiz so i think he only guesses ur grades. i dont even think he knows my name or so my other classmates. he should not even be there teaching.
Its a shame that so many people get stuck in the pattern of thinking that every class should be exactly the same, regardless of what it is. It is obvious that many of these people deserved the grade that they got, seeing as the average (C) person knows nothing of critical thinking. Give yourselves a pat on the back; you have proven Justin's theory.
How was his final
I took his class about 10 years ago and it rocked. Round table discussions, outside classes, and free thinking made this course worthwhile. Brilliant man. =)
Very arrogant. His way or the highway. Also, very unclear with what he wants--almost like he wants to fail you or see you do poorly. And, the class is extremely boring. He'll also make a few comments that seem to belittle certain people; aka he's insulting.
I didn't have a bad experience in his class, and I'm not a brown nose either. He kept the lessons interesting and there was a lot of free exchange of ideas. He will challenge you though, which is good for those who like it and bad for those who don't. If you like to put your brain to the test, then take this guy. Otherwise, don't bother.
Took him for a summer course, and loved him. Got an A, so anyone who thinks he doesn't give more than that is nuts. You have to learn to think and work hard. Philosophy is not an easy subject, which is almost obviously known, yet people are offended at the idea of not getting an easy A. He is an awesome prof - I recommend him if you want to LEARN.
THIS TEACHER IS VERY EASY GOING. HE IS NOT STRICT AT ALL AND YOU ACTUALLY WALK AWAY WITH SOMETHING! I RECOMEND TAKING HIM.
VERY BORING! I HATED HIS CLASS. ALL HE DOES IS TALK FOR AN HOUR. MAYBE ITS JUST ME, BUT I DIDNT FIND IT INTERESTING.
i hated this class. it was so stupid. all we did was talk about the bibles from each of the religions. i learned nothing about the religions themselves! what was the pt in taking this class? i didnt know how or wht to study for the final. his essays are really stupid. his class was so boring i fell asleep 95% of the time or txt. do not recommend hi
horrible do not take pretty boring and hard to comprehend does not care about your grade knew no ones name
Boring as hell. He doesn't know anyone's name and doesn't tell you what's on the final. He bases his grades on two papers and a final on which you have no idea how to study
It's really annoying when people say they hate this class- most people don't like it because it actually requires staying awake. Just write the papers the way he wants them and try and participate even if you have no idea whats going on.
Great teacher, he knows what he's talking about and if you are intelligent take his class. When you are in it you will see that the majority of the people are ignorant and just took it to get an easy "A." Maybe they should look elsewhere.
guy is a loser, work your ass off for a D.
dont get me wrong, he is a great guy and if you ask questions he is more then welcome to help you out and answer them to get you to think. the only problem i had was sitting in each class period listening to him talk the whole time. other wise i think i would have enjoyed the class.
I did all the papers and i did what he said and he gave me an f u have no clue what he is talking bout i tried to get involved but he is alway insulting your intelligence and is always putting you down
Hes a good guy. funny. little nuts though.
The thing about Justin is that he's going to make you think and will put what you know to the test. When I first met him, he blew my mind. Outside of class, we talked a lot. We had one class outside and that is etched in my mind. I passed his class with a C, but I got something out of it, and he taught me how to think. I kinda liked his class.
interesting usually but occassionally hard to follow
likes you to attend class has several paper assignments is occassionally hard to follow
Justin is a fun guy to talk to. His thought provoking discussions make for an interesting morning. He is a tough grader but you get something out of the class. For those looking for an easy a, look elsewhere.
Class is extremely boring. You suppose to think on things but it usually leaves you lost. You dont do any work and u just write 3 papers the whole semester, which u most likely will get a C on. You dont do work in class but is it all worth you getting a C or failing and not getting the credit. Its not worth it even though I did pass the class. N
Worst instructor ever, I cant imagine there is anyone worse than him. Most boring class ever, just lectures the whole time. He is extremely creepy. There are like no assignment so you if you mess one up its over. He doesnt make any sense and doesnt explain what he is saying. he is too opinionated and what he thinks is the only right way to think.
I think Justin is a good teacher and yes hes kinda weird & does things diff but if you read ahead of time & go to class you will want to participate and you will understand what is going on. The only people who don't like this class are those who didn't come to class so they were lost or those who just sat there the whole time never saying a word
this is thw worst class i came across during my enitre education. he always wants u to think the way he wants and often absues students by insulting. i worte a paper of my very own words and thoughts but still he gave me a 0 ending up that i copied it from elase where. if you can get anything else then sit better at home but don't take this class.
He is a very knowledgeable professor who hosts an extremely interesting class as long as you are willing to participate.
at first i thought he was a little weird but he actually turned out to be really cool and understandable..attendance isnt mandatory.his final is true/false and he only requires you to write papers on the religions you review..its and easy A
Don't take ANYTHING he says personal.I think he's a over opinionated jerk on a power trip that tries to get you to think different, yet all he does is waste your time.Don't show up everyday, just do ur reading ,write ur papers and take ur finals on his almighty views....i never missed a day 4 what and it truely was a waste!!!
The material covered in this class is dry but Mr. S is extremely interesting to listen to. Students didn't get his different sense of humor, and he only insults people who make no sense and truely are stupid. I didn't like being forced to talk and the A-C-F grading scale. Just read the material ahead of time and you'll know exactly what's going on.
If you pay attention, class sometimes gets very interesting. Sometimes extremely boring. He really picks at your brain. Read the material, write your essays and you will do fine. (Make sure your answers have logic, or you will look like an idiot in front of the class)
Justin overall is a fun guy. His class is rewarding and enjoyable. However, his grading scale is a bit rough. The only people who don't like him are those looking to get an A without effort.
The class itself is easy. His grading is so HARD! Its impossible for majority of the class to pass. 3-5 of the whole class will pass (no joke)Your essays pretty much have to be professional...NOT DONT TAKE!!!!!!!!!!
HE was the most laid back person ever..but when it came to grading almost everyone failed. Toughest grading scale ever.Make sure you do not choose this teacher.
One day, many years from now, things you heard Justin say in class will enter your thoughts and you'll find yourself thinking...really thinking. That's his gift to you. Savor it. Count yourselves among the lucky few who have had this marvelous professor.
justin is a way of life. great teacher but difficult
Ok...at the first class..he pretty much said that 90% of the class will fail. way to boost our confidence. The class itself was interesting, he wasnt. He was high all the time and graded roughly. I do not recommend him unless you like failing
in order to enjoy mr. s, you have to understand his sense of humor. nothing he says should be taken personal, and everything he says makes sense.. you just have to think outside the box. this class is rough, practically impossible to get an A, but it was definitely entertaining to think about lots of the things he says!
He was a very laid back teacher. Sarcastic at times. But only had 3 papers and a final. I got a B on all of mine and only had 1 page and a 1/2 for them. I missed like ten classes. But definitely keep up with the readings! He'll ask u questions knowing u were absent. Overall... pretty good.
Did all my papers and got a C on the final and he failed me, First I wasn't thinking outside the box enough, and than I was thinking way too much outside the box. Graded hard and it was stupid. I think he got high before every single class. Waste of my time and dropped my GPA.
Justin is the man. All you need to do is add a little to the discussions, read the sparknotes summaries instead of the readings, do the papers and you're pretty much guaranteed at least a C. Definitely not an "easy A" class, but if you put forth some effort you will pass. If you sit in the back corner and play on your phone, don't take him!
Justin obviously rates himself on this student web-site. Shame! Shame! Any human being with a sound mind would have nothing positive to say about his unfair approach to teaching.
Dr.Synnestvedt is too much for Moraine Valley's LAZY STUDENTS.His students are at Harvard or U.of Chicago. He never pampers the students like other instructors do.If you sleep or text/play games in the classroom, then you'll fail.But if you carefully listen to him, participate in discussions and do the readings regularly and get at least a B+.
Note that this is my opinion looking backward through a 35 year lens - I had a couple of courses with this professor back in the early 80's. He is the Prof I remember most when I think about my time at MVCC. He was extremely engaged with the students who wanted to learn, and by far the most interesting teacher I had in college. Recommended.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.37 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL100
5.0
(1)PHI101AND120
5.0
(1)VALUES
5.0
(1)PHL101
4.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
3.6
(5)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
PHL120
5.0
PHI
5.0
PHIL
5.0
SYNESTVEDT101
5.0