The class was very engaging and interesting. He tried to involve in the discussion and the tests were incredibly easy. If you show up to this class and take the tests, you are guaranteed to get a B! If you write an optional essay of 2,000 words, your grade will be bumped up to an A. Very good class.

he goes off topic alot but overall a good teacher with a wealth of knowledge just get the syupid people in your class to shut up because he will awnser their dumb questions

One of the best professors I've ever had, and one of the most engaging. THe whole thing about philosophy is discussion, so who knows where the lectures lead sometimes, but thats what makes it fun. First teacher I had at COD, now I probably will major or minor in philosophy at U.C. Berkeley.

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Incredibly bright man. I think he spent more time talking about physics than philosophy. I guess I was lucky to be interested by physics, most people just seemed bored and nonparticipatory. Oh yeah, and with good reason: he likes to mock students if they

Smith has an amazing cache of knowledge. If you can keep focus, he can really expose you to the vast intellectual potential philosophy has to offer.

explanatory tangents set aside, professor Smith is an insightful teacher. he constantly reiterates himself during lectures, but at the end of the semester, i felt i had a fine grasp (and unique perspective) on the subject matter. although i still have a ton of questions, that's kinda what philosophy is all about.

Although he does go off the subject often, I found him to be very bright and insightful. At first he may seem like an impossible instructor, but I think he kinda grows on you...he made philosophy a totally new experience and it wasn't bad at all. If you take his class, be open minded and give him a chance--you will probably end up liking him!

This class is not your basic class. You learn to THINK not just memorize and regeritate info. Although he can be sometimes difficult to understand, he is clearly very bright. He is also very willing to help all.

I would definitely recommend this class in the winter. He makes it very interesting and is very knowledgeable about the subject. You have a couple test and one paper and that’s all. Overall, well worth the time.

Very interesting, easy to pass this course with a B. Have to put some work in to get an A. Good teacher

Best prof. at COD, for sure. I take at least one Smith class each semester.

Very interesting, uber-intellectual... great lectures, though not necessarily on topic...easy tests- just study what he tells you to...final paper optional, but required for an "A" in the class - SAYS attendance mandatory however never really saw him take role

This is the second class I have taken with Professor Smith and I have to say he is one of the most intelligent Professors I have met. His classes are pretty straight forward; papers and maybe a test or two. Easy A if you just try.

Very intellectual and his lectures were great! Easy A if you put in a little effort.

coolest and smartest guy you will ever meet.

a REAL techer!

if you can breath and just listen to his lectures about nothing then your will surely pass most of his (all) of his test are take home and at the end he gives you a study sheet the day of the final that is the final so yeah yes boring but easy

Prof keeps you thinking if you are willing to think. The whole point in Phil is to think out of the box (trust me he's out of it!), tests not needed, papers show that you are in fact thinking. He is extremely intellectual his lecutres can be confusing or boring to some, but those are the types who are unwilling to think. Amazing Prof and person.

Above average class and prof. He's a little confusing at times, but knowledgeable and willing to spend any amount of time to clarify things. Tests are ridiculously easy, some/most may be take-home (Take-home FINAL). Book may or may not be required, see how you do on the first test. Likable guy as well, if a little eccentric. Would take again.

Wonderful class. Learned alot. Mr. Smith is an intelligent teacher who challenges the mind in his lectures. An honor to be in his class.

This professor facilitates an excellent classroom environment in terms of discussion and discussion accessibility. The teacher is extraordinarily articulate and is well versed not only in his field but in historical events as well.

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This professor is brilliant! You get what you choose to recieve out of his lectures. Boring, never! His knowledge surpasses, his passion for teaching is awesome, and we could only wish to have a tenth of his intelligence...

We're all very lucky that he teaches at COD. No, he doesn't let you out early and he might be boring to some, but if you're in it for mental stimulation, he certainly delivers. Taking this class is like getting a little lesson in everything. I wonder if there's anything this man doesn't know.

If you are taking his Philosophy class with no knowledge or intereset you might be bored to tears. A great teacher to those who participate and care. HMWK is just three essays. Bring a dictionary

Great, To the point no BS.

I've taken every single class Smith teaches at COD, and his classes were amazing! I actually changed my major to Philosophy after spending time in his class and talking to him. He is brilliant, engaging, and funny. He teaches so that a student can learn what interests them, and his main goal is to teach us to THINK. Highly recommended.

Great teacher. Loved his class. Sometimes gets sidetracked, but overall very interesting.

Awesome Professor! He loves his subject and that's what makes it great, on a late night his lectures and occasional sidetracking can get tough but definitely worth it! Funny, and Brillant!

Professor Smith's classes should be limited to one hour,as he tends to become enchanted with the sound of his own voice. Leaving a three hour lecture, requires a designated driver and a red bull. He is however a very bright guy who keeps you coming back for more.

One of the best teachers I've ever had. He's very knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. His teaching style is unsurpassed, "Pay attention or don't, it's your grade!" If I could, I would take another one of his courses. In the words of Heraclitus, he has definitely helped in my BECOMING more thoughtful.

Prof. Smith is definetely NOT for the daint of heart. If you believe in philosophy and the interaction with society, this professor is for you! Yes, he uses a collegiate vcabulary, but as a college student, that should not be difficult for a student. He warns ahead of time that he DOES offer intro classes, but Phil.of Religion and Ethics aren't!

If you are here to expand your horizons and truly learn, Smith is for you! Yes he goes on tangents, but EVERYTHING he says is relevant to what he is teaching, it always circles back around. Exams are easy if you take really good notes. Pay attention because you are in the presence of brilliance and should soak up as much as possible!

Smith knows his material very well. Class is pretty much just lecture. So if your not interested you will find it to be very boring. It is very hard to fail this class. There are 3 take home tests and one written final which is also take home. If you need to take any phylosophy class take HIM!!

Smith is brilliant. He is clear the first day of class as to what to expect. Lectures are designed to impart wisdom and to make you think. I would take every class he taught if it were possible. I would like to soak up as much of his knowledge and wisdom as possible. He is a great professor.

Professor Smith is the best Philosophy teacher COD has now and has ever had. Lectures and great and homework and test are not difficult. I highly recommend him.

Professor smith is one of a kind. The only way to find out the quality of the professor is to ask questions. 99% of the people in his class do not ask questions or comment on his lecture. If you want to learn, you will have a better time. If you want a grade, you will be bored. ect...your intentions of taking the class reflect on your grade.

Mr. Smith is probably one of the best teachers I've had at college of the desert. His tests are fair and he is hilarious. Mr Smith is very passionate about philosophy and he really cares about his students

I went to almost every class! His class is very long! And you never get out early! You don't need to come to class to pass he never takes role....just do the homework assignments and the final! Pretty easy class but boring....pretty hard to fail and yes he does have a very high vocabulary! I didn't understand him at times but he's pretty funny

Took his 3 hour class. He tends to get a little off topic from time to time. It was kind of boring because nobody in my class ever participated in his discussions. No homework other than reading. Just a midterm and the final. Pretty funny guy, knows his stuff. If you try to get get into what he is talking about then it is interesting. Easy A

Incredible professor! He is highly intelligent. If you wish to learn and expand your thought processes, he is the only professor for you. His divergences are circuitous, so pay attention. You will learn great things from this great man if you are willing to listen and put the time and effort into his classes.

He is an acquired taste definitely, but I cannot deny his intelligence and his expertise in Philosophy. He diverges a ton. If you take his class sit near the front and pay attention, you will learn a ton of info which seems useless at the moment but is actually great common knowledge. Its a thinking class,not a picking your nose class. Recommended.

Took his class last semester, Professor Smith is very passionate about philosophy.Full of personality, one of a kind, lenient, and cares about his students.His lecture can be boring sometimes but, he does entertain his students to keep them awake. Assignments are confusing at 1st but, once you understand you're good to go.

Mr. Smith is highly intelligent, full of all kinds of interesting facts and information. He doesn't just read from the textbook during class, in fact, he doesn't do that at all. He walks around and talks on all sorts of subjects. I loved his class and learned way more than I ever expected to. Totally worth it. But speak up! He's hard of hearing.

This teacher is a living proof of what philosophy is all about. He assigns no homework other than reading. You have to read the book and He will talk about the different Philosophers. Great class. He knows his material.

This was my first semester with M. Smith. I thought he was a very intelligent and passionate professor. Philosophy of Science is NOT an easy A class. If you don't like discussion, big words or science than don't take this class it is heavy on all three but very informative if you know how to listen and want to learn. great prep for grad school.

Smith is a very intelligent person. He mostly lectures throughout the course, and sometimes he can be hard to understand but if you ask a lot of questions he will clarify. He has a great sense of humor and is a very fun class... if you can keep up! :)

he knows everything in this world, and I swear I'm not kidding.

Professor Michael Smith is truly one of the most intellectual instructor in this institution. If you have an interest in Philosophy, I recommend you to start from Phil-006 under this man. His lectures are both informative and constructive , his knowledge is very in depth, and his exams are of a challenge that only a dedicated student can pass with

I enjoyed the class. The only downside was I had the class at night so beware of taking night classes. He lectures pretty much the whole class and sometimes goes off topic. He's kind of funny. Whenever he went off topic for a while I would just read the textbook, which helped me when it he gave us study guides. Very few tests. Final was easy.

Prof Smith reminds you of the nutty professor sometimes his lectures can be sidetracked by students not interested in staying in topic. You must read before class so you will be able To participate in class. His lectures take the entire time. He does enjoy debate And is not offended when you disagree as long as you can tell your side. Funny

This is my boy!!! I swear this my first time in collage and my man is straight #chill. Got dat swaggin lecture that almost made me go to class!!! Aye if you tryna take some philosophical class bruh take my boy!

There is no homework, however, it is very important to read what is relevant from your textbook in order to understand the lectures. Just as he is a very intellectual instructor he is also very humorous! He does get off topic but the information given is background information to the main topic that we are discussing. I highly recommend Mr. Smith!

Smith is a great professor, though often misunderstood due to use of extensive vocabulary. It's a difficult class if you can't follow some heavy, academic conversation. The papers are graded fairly, considering most of the papers I've read that received B's didn't really exhibit an understanding of the topic discussed. Smith is the best professor.

The lectures are very long, but if you take notes and pay attention you won't really have to read much of the book. He goes over everything you'll need to know on the tests, even though he doesn't tell you what will be on them, so pay attention. If you miss class just make sure to read the chapters and you'll do fine.

Smith is an excellent instructor who does not just show up to class to teach an assigned curriculum. I am happy to say that I gained knowledge I previously did not have about a large variety of topics thanks to this instructor, and he is easily one of the best instructors on campus. If you struggle with school, he may not be the instructor for you.

he is great, very smart, full of knowledge, if you are part of the sheep herd don't take his classes, if you are open minded and want to learn about philosophy and religion, he is the man for the job, show up to class pay attention and do the 3 papers which is your whole grade, it the easiest A's i ever got, took 3 of his classes all A's.

This class is all lectures, however, he does his best to keep you interested. He knows a lot about the stuff he teaches but can be slightly opinionated. Participation is highly encouraged and will remind you of that. The midterm is very easy but the final definitely takes preparation. If you do the midterm and show up for the final, you'll get a C.

Take his classes easy B if you get chance

If you love philosophy and in depth discussions, you will have a wonderful time in his class. If you are just trying to fill a requirement, it could be boring and confusing. His lectures are at the level of Socrates or Plato, intriguing, complicated and sometimes pure madness! Must read chapters, no homework.

Smith is one of the best professors in COD .. I like his class so much

Great teacher, pay attention and go to class, if you don't understand read the textbook and or due your own research. Ponder what he says and you will learn alot.

Smith should be teaching advanced philosophy classes in a postgrad program somewhere distinguished. Instead he has ended up at COD, where maybe three to five undergrads even appreciate-- much less understand -- his lectures. If you're into philosophy, you'll love him. Otherwise, take your reqs from a teacher that wont go way over your head.

Amazing professor! Honestly if you are not majoring in philosophy than you wont like the class. Easy class to pass by all means. Look he is one of the smartest professors at COD many will disagree because they do not understand what he is talking about unless you read your text book and have a little knowledge of philosophy. Keep it up smith!

Proffessor Smith is awesome!

Took Professor Smith previous semester, He is an awesome professor no homework in the regular class. Now this semester ended different due to coronavirus. Either way he is awesome 100 percent recommend him. Be respectful and do what is expected! Do your work and you'll be fine!

He inspired me in life.

Mr. Smith teaches perhaps the most interesting courses at COD! Even though I took Intro to Philosophy in 2010, I find myself wandering into his classes at random just to hear him tear apart some unfortunate students belief system, only to build them back up with much more substance and perspective! If you don't get him, you don't get it! Take him!

He gives great long lectures you have to be open minded to understand and reading the textbook will also help. He breaks down belief systems. He assigns two written assignments and does grade late so expect him to grade your papers at the end of the semester. It's an easy class. Lectures and thinking for yourself is pretty much it. Take it.

Prof. Smith is an MFing genius. This is life-changing stuff, no joke. I signed up for all 5 of his courses with no idea I even liked Phil at the get-go. You're usually graded on just 2 essays, and if you legit try, you're golden. Ask questions! He'll help you understand some of the most enthralling POVs in history. Take anything that interests you!

What I learned? I learned *this site is absurd*. There's LITERALLY a comment below that faults The Teacher Who Tried to Help for enjoying a GD park. 13 PEOPLE gave [an "anonymous"] thumbs up. Nice ppl? Smart ppl?--not this vindictive (Information Bias). Let others enjoy a Brilliant class from a Brilliant man. Now to give my-own-self! a thumbs up.

I had the pleasure of taking multiple courses with Professor Smith(way back 2008-2012). He changed the trajectory of my life. I ended up going to law school and now I am pursuing my PhD at a top ranked PGR program. I am sure that some may find his style or methodology unorthodox, but from my experience, this is a benefit.

I took Philosophy of Science with Smith as well as all other courses he teaches in previous semesters. He grades off of a written midterm and final (4-6 pages each). This is not the most important thing to get an A. You need to participate actively in class via asking questions and making comments. His teaching style is very enjoyable so have fun.

Many of the poor reviews here mention being lost or unable to follow, but IMO he is brilliant. Its not hard to get an A; just show up, interact, and make an honest effort on the midterm & final essays. I found Smith hilarious, although I can say that if you are not an intelligent person, his joke will likely not land. Thoroughly enjoyed his class.

Professor Smith was amazing. He is hilarious and very entertaining. You must participate in class however, so if you are introverted, this class is not the best for you. He is very easy and his assignments are cakewalk if you pay attention in class.

great professor! lectures r super long so staying focused is important. he only gives 2 assignments so its a pro & con. he is funny which helps, however I wouldn't take him again bcus I cant focus, if it was shorter lecture then maybe. overall is great prof if u wanna learn and gain knowledge

Twas a frustrating semester since no readings were given in the first month or two, then many readings were laid on us. I was ready to talk about a reading but it was not discussed for almost two months and by the time he talked about it, I couldn't contribute much. Great teacher otherwise, just a bit unorganized.

While Professor Smith has an unorthodox style, his class is engaging and rewarding. The midterm and final essays are key, so engage in the lectures and utilize resources like Unstuck study for prep. With effort, an A is attainable.

I feel like professor Smith's class was very strangely structured, and poorly paced, but hes a funny guy and the work load never felt too crazy. I just wish he would give a heads up on assignemnts sooner becuase usually we had a week to write our Essays that require us to use information that could take a while to find. A safe pick though

Those who rate Smith negatively are not competent enough to understand real philosophy. He's one of the smartest people I've ever known and every other faculty member at this college is a joke in comparison. He is outrageously witty and communicates lecture content with cutting precision and depth. His courses will change your life if you let them.