2.7
Quality4.0
Difficulty24%
Would Retake85
Reviews24%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
85 total ratings5
16
4
15
3
16
2
9
1
29
What Students Say
“Spear is the accepted norm in the class”
PHIL151 - 1.0 rating“He's rude & returns graded papers late”
PHIL211 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
30%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.13 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL295H
5.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHIL295
5.0
(1)PHILHNRS
5.0
(1)PHL151AND211
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
151900
5.0
PHIL295H
5.0
PHILOSOPHY298H
5.0
PHILOS
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
5.0
Reviews (82)
Does not teach the expected intro to philosophy curriculum. Expects you to spend over ten hours on his readings and questions. Very arrogant and pompous, always tries to make you look stupid if you question him. Talks like a boulder dash game. The worst of the worst. Stay clear of the course.
This class was hard. What made it worse was the arrogance and vagueness of what was expected from the teacher. Whenever you had a question about anything, he would always point you in the direction of the syllabus. He is a good teacher, but a "jerk" Avoid this class if you can, but if you can't prepare for a rough time and alot of reading!!!!
Probably one of the best professors at the college. Extremely challenging. Be prepared to bust your ass if you have him, however it is some of the most worthwhile work you'll ever get to do. Yes, he is an ****, but someone as smart as Professor Spear is allowed to be an ****. This guy rules, ask any Honors student.
probably one of the best professors I've ever had in my life. he's not out to make anything easy or give anyone a free ride, which is what any good professor should be doing. if you put in the work he's an amazing professor.
Very boring. Talks highly of himself as being always "correct" about everything in class.
Sometimes very grumpy, often condesending, thinks hes doing you a huge favor when he answers your questions,doesnt appear to have a good time in class maybe since hes ready to retire.
No Comments
this class was pretty difficult, you have to really be interested in philosophy to have any idea whats going on.
about half the class will end up dropping this class, but stick with it. His test are very fair and he isn't too hard of a grader, but the papers he's real tough with. His lectures are very boring and hard to follow. He's def NOT a prof i would reccomend, but if you have him stick it out and you'll be fine.
Worst teacher ever. I took his online class any he insisted on you asking questions. When you finally did, he referred you to his syllabus and if you still didn't understand he made you feel like a pompous a**. Very degrading. Worst 7 weeks of my life. Dreaded signing onto webstudy which I enjoy with a few other classes. Would not recommend.
It was hard to study philosophy online but it was worth it. I studied a lot and the teacher was more than fair in grading. Many dropped the class but those who read the books and tried to think rationally, remained and did quite well.
An extremely smart guy.
had via internet Fall 05. You MUST read the 2 books and carry a dictionary to understand the readings. Many dropped, stick it out-very fair in grading and topics interesting and fun to debate via internet. You will need to invest a lot of time into this class, avoid if you don't have the time/energy!
I got an A, but it was work for me. You must be proficient in reading and writing. You have to adjust to the new style of writing and perception, but if you read the books and keep up with the forums you should do fine.
Avoid this class like the plague. You will work your ass off. He is an arrogant pompous teacher. He thinks he knows everything. Avoid him
travels a bit in lecture, but still good. very smart guy, can talk for hours about a very limited topic. he loves what he does!
I'm beyond thrilled to have the Martin Spear experience. He's an amazing professor and genuinely wants his students to succeed. I couldn't have chosen better.
I received a B in this class for Philosophy 151, but it was not an easy B. There were many nights that I stayed up until 1:00 am posting and reading the required books. If you don't know anything about Philosophy you will after taking this class! Over all I will would take him again for another class.
What a hottie! Definately take him. It will be worth it.
I had him for Phil 151 (religions) and liked it so much I took Phil 101 (both online)It's definitely not an easy grade but if you just adhere to word length and hand everything in on time he won't fail you.
Prof. Spear reminded me of a sage from a Tom Robbins novel. He is extremely passionate about philosophy and will break down complex texts and concepts so they can be understood by anyone who is thoughtful. He can be humorous at times and is a lot more patient and helpful than others have given credit for as long as you are serious.
At first, I was bothered by him. But after listening closely (he mumbles a little) I came to understand how knowledgeable and witty this man is. Great professor. I intensely enjoy his lectures and his tangents. He really wants you to be able to explain yourself in class, so be prepared. His fatherly pride for his daughter is so adorable!
I took him online and he was decent. One of the cons is that he ask questions in a very round-about way which made it difficult to figure out what he was really asking. Also, he did not give feedback on the weekly forum postings, so you have to guesstimate your grade (he did give feedback on the long writing assignments).
Professor Spear is very tough, but he makes you think and ask questions. If you show yourself to be a serious minded student who doesn't say things without thinking, you'll find any pretense of pompousness melts away into a professor who is genuinely interested in giving you the tools you need to succeed. Not easy, but definitely a good professor.
Online I had no problems. I tried to keep up with the readings but juggling another class in the summer this class was pushed to the side. But I still managed to get an A. Just do all your work and it doesn't have to be early all of my assignments were in right before the due date. So make the deadlines and you will be fine. I skimmed through most
I had Dr.Spear as a part of the Honors Program and I can say with confidence, that he is truly a wonderful teacher. He is able to pull information from the texts that we read and bring us up to his level. More often than not, I've found myself feeling like I've come away with a better sense of how to examine academic texts after his lectures.
I love he starts teaching and then wonders off into "When I was bouncing on my mother's knee" stories which actually help with understanding the lesson a lot more (for me at least.) He's a such a cool professor! :D
Online class-Dr. Spear was confusing and even intimidating, however, w/ the support from class mates many of us made it through. I'm not sure of my grade, but I'm sure that I did decent. Suggestions: make sure you always comment on forums, adhere to basic guidelines word # for essays & forums, DO NOT PLAGIARIZE & always submit all work on time.
If you are thinking about taking this class make sure that you have adequate time to put into it. Never wait until the last minute and be prepared to read and reread the material for a clear understanding. This professor makes you think critically and will grade your work with a fine toothed comb in hand. Make time and you'll be fine
It was a bit intense in the beginning the content was a little overwhelming...and I couldn't figure out if I was answering his post the correct way. Did well on long writing assignments...eventually caught on. Stick it out...read the post and post in the forums. YOU WILL BE FINE!
Dr. Spear chooses really interesting readings and topics for this course and encourages you to make up your own mind about them. The readings can be challenging, but nothing a college student shouldn't be able to handle. The workload is reasonable, too. Just follow directions! His are long, but they contain everything you need to know to get an A.
Professor is a bit challenging. 1st online course for me so it was rough at 1st, but I caught on. He is very helpful with giving feedback. There is A LOT of reading. So if U don’t have the time, DON’T BOTHER! Although he is very understanding and fair with his grading it is much work! I was consistent and did better than I thought I would!
Honestly, one of the best courses i've taken thus far! It's pretty fair with the readings and the directions are not difficult if you read them. Professor is quick and helpful with feedback. Overall the discussions is what really makes the class enjoyable and i would definitely recommend his class. You will have a new outlook on life :)
Dr. Spear not your professor, he is something you experience. Have your coffee first because you'll need to be on top of your game to get his lectures, which are heavy, challenging, and always fascinating. He get annoyed if you don't understand, but it's only because you're not trying. He knows your potential and won't settle for less.
Reading the syllabus is KEY for this class. The class requires reading a roughly a chapter from five different books weekly. Questions really make you think and analyze. If you want a challenge as well as remember material after the class has ended, take this. The professor stern with grading but fair.
Dr. Spear was awesome. He was open and up front about his expectations and made the course very interesting. It was mainly based on death, afterlife,religion,and transhumanism. If you participate, read the materials, and hand in assignments on time, there is no way you will not pass. I am looking forward to taking his PHIL 211 this summer.
DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!!! way too much material to read each week. Essay questions get harder and harder each week. cannot wait to be finished with this class it is horrible. I really just want to pass so my credits transfer over my college. HE IS HORRIBLE he will give comments and its just entirely too much and confusing
He did not lead the class, it was more like read this and discuss among yourselves then write a paper. If we could teach each other we wouldn't need a class and instructor. Religion is complex enough without having to learn about them by reading someone else's critique on them. There were too many textbooks - just confusing. Poorly planned.
Gives a lot of reading and papers every other week, pretty easy. the books can be boring sometimes.
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. This professor is a little challenging because he uses a lot of 'smart' words, but the amount of work is fair. Just post the assignments in time, do not skip forum discussions, and you will do just fine.
Took his world religions class online, which turned in to be a world religionsphilosophy class. lots of reading of writers opinions. 6 papers, he grades based upon if he hears what he wants to hear, not if you answered the question or not. he speaks with a lot of fluff, took him 4 paragraphs to say "there will be no 7th paper". no exams though.
He is very critical of your work, and can seem offensive if you take it personally, but dont. He just likes to type -lol-If you do not like to read, think about complicated things, or write, do not take his online course. The books are great. You cannot fake reading them though! Post a lot into the discussion forum and you will do good. No tests!
I had to work hard for an A in his class. Be prepared to read and write a lot and if you are not willing to do so, don't sign up for his class. Comment in every forum and do your best on the writing assignments. He's a real college professor so be prepared to work hard! He can be a little harsh on his feedback, but don't let that bring you down.
Took Prof. Spear , Summer. His grading system s reasonable. Be prepared to do lots of reading every week. Although discussions are not graded it is key to getting a better grade at the end of the course. Be ready to READ! READ! READ!
He is very critical. He makes you feel as if you don't understand the material. Just try. Effort is better then no effort at all. Commenting on discussion forums is a must. Turn in writing assignments on time. They were really hard to understand because he asks you simple questions and wants you to write 400 on it. He did curve my grade however.
He is a great professor and gives you minimum to write. His readings are interesting and simple to wright about. Take him he is the best
Spear is so inspirational that it essential to resist, persist, and desist the establishment that backs Spear.
Spear is a most compassionate individual who listens , he is difficult and there are many papers, so he is a rare breed.
Professor Spear is so accessible. The posts require no originality, just indoctrinated and accepted dogma. Sign up for Spear's class, they will empower you!
Martin B Spear and his course are the best courses available, as long as Spear doesn't instruct. The objective to teach is to listen to students, not condescend students about the minutiae of Philosophy. The courses should be bursting with passion, not desperately trying to be the reincarnation of Plato.
why are students bemoaning the fact about Spear, he sugar coats the course with half truths and falsehoods. Spear is the accepted norm in the class. it is what it is.
Our class started out with 20 people, and ended with only 12. He's rude & returns graded papers late. He offers absolutely no feedback on the discussion form (which is 30% of your total grade) so you don't know if your passing until the end of class. Also if you listen closely he reuses global commentary from other semesters. He's critical
Do not take this course with Martin Spear! He is awful
Do not take this course. I'm certainly postive any good review of Martin Spear is written by Martin Spear.
After taking Martin Spears' course I'm not inspired to purse Philosophy. I'm certain he is reviewing himself, The discussion forum does not match the reviews written.
Horrible Professor, dont take him.
Participation in the discussion forums matter greatly with substantial contribution. He also wants you to think in depth about the subject matter.
if you do what you are suppose to do you will pass. Just do the assignment on time and participate in the forums.
Professor Spear was the hardest instructor of my college career. 6 week online course, he made us buy 4 books. He was ridiculous with class discussions, overload in how many. His writing assignments were very difficult & the toughest grader you can imagine. At times I thought I was taking a PHD course in Theology. Stay away.
Im taking Spear online and he is the most harsh grader ever. This is only a 101 class and he expects me to write paragraphs and paragraphs as if I have already mastered philosophy. His syllabus doesnt make sense at all... his entire outline is super confusing. He makes me hate philosophy. AVOID TAKING HIM UNLESS YOU WANT TO STRESS AND FAIL!
He is not up to expectations
It will be 50 years Martin Spear will celebrate spewing out PRAVDA esque news releases concerning a bloated course taught by bloated POLITBURO SPEAR that amounts to students suffering the wrath of Martin Spear.
Professor Spear's class is manageable. There is a lot of reading! My advice to you, find the questions you want to answer and go from there. The class discussions are fun. Don't shy away from them. It's not as sweet as you would think, there is a little bit of work involved. But overall good class. I would take him again.
I am giving him an 0/5 because he is no help at all. If you email him a question he will ask you a question back. He gave me feedback that was not helpful in my opinion. I had to drop because on the last assignment he gave me a zero out of 10 points before finals which made me have a 60 percent in his class. I wouldn't take him if I was you!!!
It is 2021 and this is an update on how Professor Spear manages his class. In short he does not, he makes outlines on his syllabus that makes no sense. He is a harsh grader with no helpful feedback. I asked him for advice and he pretty much just said figure it out on your own. On the module he has a passing grade there when your really failing.
Spear is fine. Tough grader. In my opinion, expects too much from a 101PHL course. Especially bc we don't get introduced to any basic philosophical principals. Seemed like we would just study phil. he found interesting instead. Very basic dad philosophy (my opinion). But If you do poorly, email him and just take his advice, itll help your grade.
The class was super easy . Follow instructions they are clear and precise . You must read . You must participate in class discussions they say optional but they are not really you get graded on them . You have weekly writing assignments do them on time . In order 4 you to pass you need to read read read . Simple right ! Read , participate , write !
The work itself is easy and understandable yet he makes it difficult. Basically hes one of those instructors who are never satisfied. You can literally answer the question he asks and he will still find something to critique or say is off or wrong. I wasnt about to play with this man, my gpa or mental health so I withdraw, not worth the stress
Professor Spear, while an intelligent man, is a transphobe. He openly decried my use of gender-inclusive language in a writing assignment that I received an A on. I would never recommend this professor. He doesn't give good feedback, his class intensity is ridiculous, and he gives no guidelines on how to succeed in his course. No help at all.
He definitely requires a lot of work for a 101 course but it's doable. I'm shocked by the other reviews saying he isn't clear on assignment directions. This man could not be more clear. You have to post in the discussion forums regularly or you won't pass the class. A LOT OF READING. Stay on top of the readings and discussion forums and you'll pass
His classes are difficult. No extra credit, any of his assignment you do after the due date does not count and will not be graded
The professor is actually not as bad as these comments make him to be. Do the readings before attending his class and DONT BE LATE. Although attendance isn't necessary, you should go to his class as it will help you with what to say in the weekly assignments he gives every 3 weeks. He gives you 1 week to do his work so make sure you submit on time.
I was taught by professor Spear in the 2017 honors program. Professor Spear is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had, he taught me how to take harsh criticism. Spear is challenging, witty, honest, and a no nonsense type of man. Those who are purposely disinterested, and crass are the ones he deals with accordingly.
I really enjoyed taking World Religions with this professor! The reading material is really good, it was a 7 -week course but prof. Spear definitely helped our class make it over the finish line. Fair grader, although his criticisms can be a bit tough.
Get ready
Don't recommend this teacher at all, don't take this class unless you absolutely have to and if so beware of him
This class was easy I took the online course but our discussion participation counted as our attendance in a way. We had 3 assignments the entire semester all of which were only about 400 words. But if you were to fail one assignment or miss one you would've failed the class.
This was an awful course and awfully put together. I honestly didn't not learn or retain anything from this class. There is so much work involved that you won't believe it's an intro class. He is stuck in a time and can't be wrong. He uses AI tech to check if students are using AI tech and it literally claims everything to be AI generated.
Currently taking his online course class and it is crazy! Never have I had a professor who hides the grade like what?! I am begging everyone to not take this man course. Wish I looked at rate my professor before hand.
Never satisfied- no matter how good you think your work is, he will find something wrong with it. His approach to grading/answering questions is restrictive. He wants answers in a very specific way, which leaves little room for individuality or personal understanding. Also very little effort to connect with students. DON'T DO IT.
Why is Martin B Spear still a so called professor?
He is useless!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
85%
Textbook Required
30%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.13 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL295H
5.0
(1)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(1)PHIL295
5.0
(1)PHILHNRS
5.0
(1)PHL151AND211
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
151900
5.0
PHIL295H
5.0
PHILOSOPHY298H
5.0
PHILOS
5.0
PHILOSOPHY
5.0