Best class I have taken in college. Decent amount of reading but very interesting readings. Class was interactive and interesting-not typical lecture.

Great for Human Nature, mostly participation in class discussions, very few lectures, and notes. Weekly HW but its easy and the guy knows his stuff and is interesting, maybe a lil crazy.

Tough on the big papers, but there are lots of chances to write (weekly one-page papers). The in-class discussions he leads are extremely good though!

Bowman his one of the best men I know and the best teachers I have ever had. The most amazing class I ever had, one that affected my life in so many ways, ways by which I still live today. Take the class if you get a chance.

No Comments

No Comments

all classes are discussion, which are good if you like to talk in class, but if youre like me and are naturally quiet, you probably wont like them. he really makes you think hard. he grades the big papers like a 400 level english prof (you cant use the words be,being,been,is,are,were,or was in your writing). tests kinda hard, study guides are vague

best professor ive had here yet, and one of the best teachers ive ever had. great class, very well presented. he draws the answers out of you rather than telling you. the entire class is discussion, so be prepared to talk. the 2 papers are graded tough but its alright. i believe he only does one class a semester, so try to get in it

He is an amazing professor! If you ever have any problems he is very approachable, and he is always willing to help you. I definately would recommend him!

Bowman made the class! I actually looked forward to going, even if he didn't take attendance. He establishes a friendly environment; it's easy to speak your mind. His assignments are useful and appropriate. Not a big test guy. Make sure you like writing papers. I highly reccomend Bowman- awesome guy!

By far, without a doubt, the single best professor I have ever encountered. There is no debate -- take this class.

Any professor that is willing to come to campus friday, saturday, and sunday to help students with their papers deserves to be praised. dedicated, fun, and approachable. great class.

Extreamly fun class! Bowman was extreamly helpful and is extreamly approachable!!!!!!!!!

He changed my life. Best professor I've ever had. Discussions every day, but he makes them very interesting and relevant. I would recommend him to anyone. Two papers that are a little tough, but he provides clear expectations and lots of opportunity for help. Take this class!!

I loved professor Bowman!! I looked forward to going to class and we always had great discussions. The readings were interesting and he really opened my eyes to a lot of things. One of the best professors at GU by FAR!!!

Great teacher who truly loves philosophy and teaching. Take this and you will gain a love for philosophy and will get some life tips on the way!

Best professor I have had at Gonzaga. I read all of the positive reviews on here and he lived up to every one of them. Highly recommended.

Honestly Bowman is one of my favorite teachers at Gonzaga. 2 tests 2 papers. His classes are later but I would HIGHLY recommend taking his class.

Great philosophy of human nature class. A decent amount of reading and each class a response paper is due (1-1.5 pages-ish), but they are easy and usually are just completion credit papers. In class material is mostly discussion, and it's good discussion! Only one test. Two major papers, which he grades semi-harshly, but I'd recommend it!

I loved this class. Professor Bowman is my favorite teacher at GU. The class is almost all discussion with some reading and dialectics to turn in but very very interesting. He does grade hard on the two analysis papers but its because he wants his students to always write well. I have really enjoyed this class and would highly recommend it.

Honestly the best teacher I've ever had. He uses the Socratic method to teach, so the whole class is discussion. You will learn more in this class than in any other and will have a new perspective on life. And not very hard, two papers, two tests and lots of homework write ups that are easy points.

A word of advice to anyone considering Bowman: as a senior at Gonzaga with one semester left, I can confidently say that this is the best professor I have ever had. I came into PHIL 201 hating philosophy after critical thinking and left knowing I was going to pursue a minor. You earn your grade, but it is absolutely worth it. Great guy, great class

While Gonzaga has many excellent teachers, Professor Bowman is the best one I have had so far. He is such a sweet guy and really is interested in everything that is said. The whole class is a discussion between everyone and is very interactive. It was such a fun class to be in and I looked forward to it every day. Not to mention I learned SO MUCH.

Good in-class discussions that make students want to participate. That being said, he is rather old-fashioned and doesn't use blackboard or utilize technology. Also, very difficult grader on essays and if he doesn't like your writing style you will not get higher than a C. More interested in the style of your writing, than what is actually said. Va

Hated philo until I took his class. Every day was a class discussion with him asking questions to get our class discussion in the direction he needed. AMAZING PROF. Says he grades papers like an English prof but I would say it is harder then that (as an ex-English major). When it comes to papers and tests, take advantage of his group meetings.

Prof. Bowman is a very nice and funny guy. Runs great class discussions that are usually interesting. Very hard grader on papers (especially in regard to your sentence structure and mechanics) Feedback on papers was vague most of the time

BEST TEACHER EVER! I was not interested in taking philosophy at all but was extremely surprised at how much i enjoyed it! take this class if you have any opportunity he really makes you think!

I honestly consider Mark Bowman to be the greatest teacher I've ever had. He expands his subject to encompass so much more than simply textbook materials; we discussed the real journey of life as it pertains to the philosophical teachings of the past. No tests or quizzes, few essays, and wonderful and intriguing class discussions make it worth it.

Absolutely one of the best professors I've ever had. More than just memorization involved in his learning method. Enjoyed class and feel like I actually learned something I will incorporate in my life. Take him!

Probably the best professor and class I have taken at Gonzaga so far. Bowman really makes you think every single day in class. I'm a bio major and wasn't really interested in taking this class but he made it so interesting that I looked forward to attending every day. Grades papers kind of hard but he will work with you until they are perfect.

I really didn't want to take Philosophy, hated 101, but Bowman managed to turn Philosophy into one of my favorite subjects, and I actually looked forward to going to his class. Discussions were useful and I was surprised how much the class made me think. Highly recommend!

The dude changed my life. Single most important class I've taken at GU. Seize the opportunity to learn from an amazing professor in a friendly environment.

Bowman's class is always interesting; every day is a class discussion on the text. The only complaints I have are that he makes essays and tests due on the same week and that he grades essays strictly.

The BEST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD. I didn't like Philosophy prior to this class, and by the end it was my favorite class I have ever taken. TAKE THIS PROFESSOR!

Bowman is an amazing teacher. He is very clear and will go out of his way to help you with whatever you need. His teaching style is discussion based so be prepared to talk in class though the discussions are extremely easy if you just read the sections he assigns. Best teacher I have ever had!!! I even took his class when I was in high school.

The hardest grader on essays I have ever experienced. What is interesting is when you write essays he likes short, tight sentences, which is completely opposite from the way that the philosophy writers write. Discussions were usually interesting and the tests were straight-forward.

AWESOME CLASS! Highly recommend! Likable and funny guy. Lots of work, but I enjoyed it even though PHIL isn't my thing. Readings and discussions for each class. Grade: 3 tests, 3 papers (graded hard so really try), responses for most readings (1-1 1/2 pg usually), participation. Entertaining discussions and some readings were actually interesting.

Bowman is AMAZING! There is a lot of dry material to read, but it is worth the work for the class discussions. I strongly recommend the service learning class. Hard grader on papers, so make sure you try. This man is hilarious and I wish he was my grandpa. Great class. Very strongly recommend!!

Loved this class! One of the best professors at GU. Papers are graded harshly, but he is VERY willing to help you with them. Class discussions are very interesting and made me want to go to class. I would definitely take his class again!

TAKE PHILOSOPHY WITH BOWMAN! I cannot emphasize this enough! A fantastic teacher that makes philosophy interesting, has engaging class discussions, and welcomes all opinions. A hard grader on papers, but he will work with you so you can rewrite them (except the final paper) and will concisely explain what he wants. One of the best profs at GU!

Bowman is an engaging and animated speaker. He loves to make students think about what they're reading as opposed to just telling you the ideas in the literature. He can grade a little tough at times, but nothing unmanageable, plus he allows you to rewrite.

I cannot over emphasize how much I loved this class! Mr. Bowman has been my favorite professor at GU so far. This class was engaging, made me think, and overall benefitted my academic experience. Would love to take this course again to cover more topics if I could!

Bowman is a great teacher who will really inspire you to think deeply. His class is discussion based, so instead of lecturing he will guide the discussion in the right direction. People aren't stressing this enough: His class is SO much work. Papers every week, tons of reading, and essays that are graded extremely hard. Tons of busy work every wee

I was fully dreading taking this core until I met Prof Bowman. He is passionate about his subject. He is an AMAZING teacher and uses the socratic seminar style to draw out deeper thought than I ever believed I was capable of. Three papers, two tests, and daily homework. Grades hard on papers, but he will meet with you and allows rewrites. TAKE HIM!

Take this dude! His tests are tough and he's a hard grader on the papers, but he'll let you re-write them for a better grade. He is super passionate and makes philosophy simple. Well as simple as it can get. I love this man, and wish he would teach 300. He will help you in any way possible, and he truely cares about you.

Bowman's class is very challenging and he is a tough grader on papers (he likes short, tight sentences). I took a lower grade in his class to be more prepared for life. He cares more about students and his job than anyone I've ever met. Will meet you at any time. Old school (in a good way!), papers are printed out. Does not use Blackboard.

I am about halfway through the semester, and I can already tell this is going to be one of my favorite classes I take at Gonzaga. Prof. Bowman is funny, extremely knowledgeable, but the best characteristic is the fact he engages with the class and makes sure everybody takes something from every class. This class is in a league of it's own.

Prof Bowman is the best professor I have ever had here at Gonzaga. He is the sweetest man who truly cares about his students. He has come in and met with us on weekends before to help us on papers that are due. He really wants his students to succeed. Expect homework every night, but its not terrible. A few papers, that he lets you rewrite.

Loved this class and Bowman. Easily one of my favorite classes and professors to date. Every class is a socratic seminar/discussion, but he makes every topic super interesting and relatable to us. 100% recommend. Only thing is he grades his papers solely off of grammar errors, which is annoying, but he lets you rewrite any paper for more points.

The class is discussion based with no participation grade. If you attend class you will know the information needed for the 2 tests(I never took notes). Bowman has specific guidelines for the 3 papers and is a tough grader. However, he is extremely willing to work with you. I loved this class and I grew as student and person.

My favorite prof at gonzaga so far- Definitely take him!

He is by far one of my favorite profs here. The class is lecture based, no note taking require, it may be helpful, but as long as you show up and participate you will do awesome. He loves what he does and his students. don't be surprised if you end up changing majors, JK, he may just change your views about philosophy.

Mark Bowman is a clever, funny and inspirational professor. Required to read a lot, write papers to high grammatical and philosophical standards, and participate in class discussions daily. Must do the reading. He is a seriously tough grader on the papers, but I would take any class just because he's teaching it.

Mr. Bowman is a very great professor. His lectures were discussion based which made the class incredibly interesting and engaging. Although, the three papers were graded very hard, he does allow for feedback and redo. I would totally take him again as he is a very nice guy.

I love this man, and he genuinely cares for his students. A lovable goofy dad would be the best way to describe him. So easy to talk to, and he doesn't seek to force his views on his students, but rather aims to make them critically reflect and form their own ideas while being confident in their choices. Daily hw, but not overwhelming or difficult

He's a great guy! Super interesting class discussions and easy reflections on the readings every class. Only hard part is the papers are graded hard.

Good professor who assigns interesting texts to read. Leads engaging class discussions and definitely knows his stuff when it comes to philosophy. He is a very tough grader on papers; I received my first D on an essay in his course. However, you can definitely manage to receive at least a B with manageable exams and assignments.

Favorite teacher, better person. Small homework assignments after every class, but very manageable and worth it to have this guy. Always looked forward to going to class and time flew (and I HATE philosophy). Funniest guy and really engages the class (discussion based, we aren't lectured at). Tough essay grader , but rewrites are allowed. THE MAN.

Bowman is a great professor. One of the best for Philosophy by far. You have several books he asks you to buy and then you have to do a half page to page response due each class but most werent difficult. Two big papers where he grades super difficult but the final portfolio is an easy way to bump your grade. Hes a great prof for phil.

As an incoming senior, Mark Bowman is my favorite professor at Gonzaga. His lectures are inspiring and his demeanor is approachable and kind. Despite his age, he has a wonderful understanding on what its like to be a young adult, and helps guide his students through the works of the great philosophers. Please take him, your life will be changed

Prof. Bowman is easily the best professor at GU! He leads very in-depth discussions and he always takes care to make sure no one is offended. There is a lot of readings and short reflections due, but after midterms it slows down a lot. There is a lot of work, but it's pretty easy and very helpful in discussion

The GOAT. I'm not a philosophy guy but this might legitimately be my favorite class at GU so far. It's a decent amount of work but it's so worth it. The material can be complex but he makes it SO interesting. This class definitely changed the way I think. He's absolutely hilarious too. We're lucky to have him.

Bowman is an AMAZING prof! He's a tough essay grader, but he offers meeting times where he goes over what he wants to see in students' papers. The combined lecture/discussion setup of the class has really helped me to stay engaged, and has helped me to learn so much during class. Highly recommend :)

If you have the chance to take Mr. Bowman, 100% take him. He is so sweet, his class is very engaging. Its mostly disscusion based on the readings. But not even gonna lie, i am gonna miss this guy. He is a G

I loved this class. It. was one of my favorite classes at GU. Dr. Bowman's approach was the best way to structure a philosophy class. He uses class discussions and the class is FUN and entertaining. He is a kind man and a hidden gem at GU. He's a hard essay grader but meets with everyone one on one to help. DON'T HESITATE, TAKE THE CLASS!! 100/10

I loved this class. It. was one of my favorite classes at GU. Dr. Bowman's approach was the best way to structure a philosophy class. He uses class discussions and the class is FUN and entertaining. He is a kind man and a hidden gem at GU. He's a hard essay grader but meets with everyone one on one to help. DON'T HESITATE, TAKE THE CLASS!!100/10

Mark Bowman may be my favorite professor at Gonzaga, and I don't even like philosophy. His class was socratic style but it was never nerve wracking to speak out. Dr. Bowman welcomed alternative opinions and really took the time to deeply reflect on new perspectives which I feel like is rare for a Phil professor. TAKE HIS CLASS!

AWESOME PROFESSOR - super funny and although he grades papers tough, everything else is based on completion so as long as you show up to class and are engaged you will be fine!

I can't express enough how amazing Professor Bowman is. His class is all discussion based and it is always so enjoyable. He is hilarious and does an incredible job of integrating his own experiences with the content. Please take this class because it will most likely be one of the most impactful classes you will take at GU.

80% discussion-based class, super funny (and occasionally offensive, but it's worth it), sometimes roasts students. Grades like his life depends on it, so if you care about your GPA, skip this section, but if you want to learn & broaden your perspective, take it.

Legend

Professor Bowman is such an awesome professor. His class is honestly such a joy. I assure you you'll have some good laughs. The course is mostly discussion-based so you won't have to sit through long lectures or take notes. Lots of short reflections that are graded basically on completion and then a few medium-length papers graded critically.

Quite possibly the GOAT.

Professor Bowman was great, highly recommend. There is a fair amount of reading at times but lectures were always entertaining and usual pretty funny. This is the one class I can honestly say I was never bored in. He is a tough grader on essays but gives lots of opportunities to revise.

Mark! The man the myth the legend. Great professor overall. His lectures are very focused and you must be engaged. While he does cold call, he won't shame you for not knowing the answer. There are usually one-paged (double-spaced) typed assignments, but they're easier than you think. Overall great professor, just be aware of the analysis papers.

He is the GOAT, but that doesn't change that if you think Philosophy is boring & repetitive, you will be bored by the material. I believe he is better than any other 201 Professor, and because it's mandatory, I would even consider waiting a semester to take him (which I did). It's Bowman or bust!!!

Love this king! Brings up interesting topics but approaches them sensitively. I thought I would never raise my hand to share to the class but he made it a welcoming environment that makes you want to talk. He is super lenient and understands we have other classes so he gives us ample time for assignments. There are a lot of books you have to buy.

Bowman is fantastic! Its a discussion heavy course, so it is fairly important to come to class. Most days have a daily reading and about 1 page of homework to turn in with it, but it's never too hard. He grades the papers kinda hard, but overall he is fantastic. I truly enjoyed coming to his class and would recommend him to anyone!

One of the best professors I've had. Fantastic lectures, really got everyone interested. Usually, daily responses you have to print, 3 essays, and a test. The essays are graded pretty harshly (get ready for a B or C at best), but he lets you do a rewrite. Made me look forward to a philosophy class.

I think professor Bowman is a great guy but his grading is wack. He takes off points if he doesn't like the structure of your paper, even if your ideas are clear and well-articulated. I was confident in my writing ability before taking his class (my worst grade this semester). Overall good professor but not worth rewriting each essay three times.

Mark Bowman is an absolute legend ladies and gentlemen. He grades fairly harshly on the three essays and so if you're a GPA warrior I might advise taking someone else, but if you care about your education and not just the little number on your transcript, TAKE THIS CLASS. I'm no philosophy major but after Bowman's class I might just switch. Legend.

Professor Bowman is the sweetest man ever! He is also hilarious. I learned so much about human nature while always having a good laugh in each class. He is the most precious man and such a fun and knowledgeable professor. Highly recommend!!

W professor. His classes mainly consist of discussions based on the assigned readings, and there's always an accompanying assignment, which you'll get 100% on if completed. For the three papers, he is a tough grader and never gives 100%, but he does allow rewrites. In my experience, I only had to redo specific parts of the paper.

Dr. Bowman is the GOAT. He grades papers pretty tough, but is willing to work with you to get the grade that you want and is SUPER helpful with that. He is very discussion heavy, but he always found a way to make the discussions interesting. I would highly recommend this class to anyone that still needs to take phil 201

Such an amazing Professor, I would immediately take his class again. Professor Bowman is a tough grader on the papers, but his lectures are so funny and engaging. He is the best!

If you want to grow as a person, take a class with Professor Bowman.

Goated class, I really enjoyed that way he presented concepts and the readings and assignments were very easy. He is a tough essay grader, but there is a lot of cushion in the grade and he lets you rewrite. The final project will take a ton of time if you take the CEL section so be prepared for that and start it as early as possible.

Really interesting class but CEL version of 201 has way too much extra work added onto the 20 hours of service. Try to take the normal version unless you want to write several more papers.