2.2
Quality4.2
Difficulty20%
Would Retake132
Reviews20%
Would Retake
132
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
10
4
15
3
16
2
52
1
39
What Students Say
“Do Not take this class”
AST101 - 2.0 rating“His lectures are very boring, however you really don't need to go to class”
AST101 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
15%
Textbook Required
53%
Grade Predictor
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Predicted Grade
B-
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AST431
5.0
(1)AST125
4.0
(1)AST215
4.0
(1)ASTR100
3.0
(1)ASTRO101
2.5
(6)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
ASTRONOMY
5.0
ASTRONOMY101
5.0
ASTROMOMY101
5.0
ASTR100
5.0
Reviews (132)
I've heard a lot of people say they didn't like this guy, but he's really pretty good. And it's easy to get an A, because he curves and people are stupid.
He is just a crappy teacher in general. Sure you can get an A because he curves, but seriously its a waste of time.
No Comments
You can tell he really loves what he is talking about, the only bad thing is that he talks right up until the last .05 seconds of class- with out interruption. He seems like a smart guy, just not too good at relaying info or keeping us awake.
The guy is super knowledgeable about his subject and you need to have the passion for it that he does I think before you can really follow what he's saying. A person needs to be smart enough to follow him too. He holds nothing back information wise. This is a difficult 100 level class.
If you want to laugh at a teacher for the way he looks, this is the gut to take. Dresses straight out of the 70's with his ass long hair and a massive beard. Its a hard class and it sucks.
Looks like a hippie. I have to say I like the guy. His lectures are full of information, and while they’re pretty clear if you know what he’s talking about, the guy refuses to simplify things at all, so it ends up going over most of the class’s heads half the time. If you’re good at abstract scie
Looks like a huge Yonder Mountain String Band fan, but a good teacher.
If this class wasn't curved, no person would be able to get higher than a C. Fortunately, if your fellow classmates are dumb and you're a step up on them, you'll get an A. Eskridge's lectures are informative and you can learn a lot.
Guy has no idea how to lecture, he's smart as hell but does not simplify anything for lecture. Funny looking dude.
People get it wrong: if you show up for class and read his online notes, you're guaranteed a good grade - he asks exam questions straight out of his notes. I'm a business major; I thought the math was pretty easy; aced his tests. Not his fault kids take his class for an easy A and don't work for it.
To be frank: he was extremely intelligent, but he was teaching at a level that was much higher than a 100 course. I learned a lot, but felt like crap after failing every test... luckily the curve (yet again) saved me and I managed a solid B. It's a good class... but don't expect to ace your way out of it, I guess.
eskridge is an extremely intelligent guy, but the class is no rock 'n roll fun -- the material is incredibly complex for an intro class, but (thankfully) he grades on a curve. i appreciated him posting the lecture notes on-line; the material was too boring to show up for.
A fabulous professor! I agree with the other ratings, he's on the ball and knows his material inside and out. He takes his job seriously and expects you to do the same. Put a bit of effort into his classes and you'll walk away with more knowledge than you'd ever realize. Worth the time but be sure to do the work...
This guy is ridiculous. He is a complete **** who moves to fast. He doesnt help at all because he assumes you knwo so much. Whatever it takes i would recomend not taking this guy
He dresses like a hippie. Class is really boring and hard to sit through. Tests are hard if you don't read all of the online notes, but he grades on a curve. I wouldn't really recommend this class.
Dr. Eskridge definitely knows his stuff. Often he covers several topics in one lecture, but still manages to hit the things you need to know. It can get boring but I would recommend showing up to class because it makes things much clearer. The curve allows a good grade as long as you have a basic understanding. And go to the observatory; it's fun!
Not a very clear teaching mechanism.
needs to give better notes
This class in very hard! His teaching is very unclear and helpless. The whole class is just based on your quizzes and exams and that is your grade and the tests are extremely hard!
My gosh get ready to be bored. You dont need to go to class, go for quizes and tests...study the online notes and youll do fine.
No Comments
hardest gen. ed. class out there. prof doesn't seem like he cares about his job or his students. he is very knowledgeable but doesn't do a great job of conveying that knowledge to students. please, save your GPA and avoid eskridge at all costs.
There was way too much informaiton involved - the notes are online, cool right? no there were 40 pages of type written notes! and only 30 questions on the test! the guy is smart, just way too smart to be teaching 100 level classes, every second of every class he is talking about**** nobody but he knows about
This class is extremely boring! I try to go to class and learn but I just fall asleep. He does put ALL of the notes online, with the dates of ALL the quizzes and tests and doesn't take attendance, so basically he gives you a free ticket to not go to class. Graded on a curve. But you should still avoid this class.
Very boring, I couldnt stay awake if I wanted to. He covers a lot of info making it not a good idea to sleep thorugh but you cant help it
One of the worst teachers on campus. Very long and boring class. If you are not a nerdy *** science major DO NOT take this class. He might as well be up there speaking spanish because you cant understand what the hell he's talking about. Eveyone either skips or spends all class on their laptop not paying any attention. Easy grading I guess.
I consider his Astronomy class as time I will never get back in my life. He made no sense. He was pointless. Basically I would say that he consumed my air and should be relieved of his job. His apperance, and his teaching style shows that he goes to the observatory every night to smoke pot. If you can, avoid his class at all costs!
Awful class!!! I try to stay awake but it is physically impossible. I try to pay attention but if my mind drifts for one second I am completely lost! If it werent for the curve I would have probably less than 40%
zzzzzzzzzz. . . . anytime I went to class I would fall asleep! VERY BORING! His notes are online, so are the quiz and test dates, and he doesn't take attendance, so basically it's a free ticket to not go to class. His tests are extremely hard (my class average on every test was about a 19/40. But this is graded on a curve.
No Comments
Contrary to the other reviews here I enjoyed Professor Eskridge's class. The average for tests was around 50% so if you go to class, listen to lecture, and actually read the book you will do fine. You can also earn extra credit to add 6% onto your final grade if you need to by going to the observatory a few times.
No Comments
Um, don't take Astronomy 101, he is a horrible teacher, I went into his office twice, and left in tears. I dropped the class... take Astronomy with someone else if you want it. I heard Pierce is way better. Eskridge is rude, disrespectful, and stuck in the fashion sense of the 1970s.... I had a hell of a time with this dude.
Listen in class, read the notes (which he has online) and you'll do fine. Poor prof has a class largely full of lazy fr. who care nothing about science. If you can't stay awake learning about where everything we know comes from, you're hopeless. Passing 100 level college courses takes a tad bit of effort people. It only gets harder from here!
Worst professor I have ever had! DO NOT TAKE!
He really knows his stuff, he can be kind of dull to listen to at times, but he's a good professor
Do not take this class! I thought I'd learn about stars/constellations/etc but you learn about light years, numbers, masses, etc.. Not easy!!
Terrible teacher, it was like he was speaking another language. This class is a GPA killer.
Oh boy, consider dropping the class before you get sucked in...
Excellent teacher, approachable, stays after class, beard & ponytail. Tests very hard, but he grades on a curve. He lectures: wont call on anyone. Just understand what he writes on the board, little else matters! Dont memorize terms or equations, just understand stuff. Warning: my class average will be D or C ... but the curve means ppl have A's!
Holy Hard....not an easy class, the average grade is probably a D or F! i heard he grades on a curve but not sure yet... i would suggest a different science class. he is approachable but i still have an IMPOSSIBLE time figuring out what he wants. The tests are very left field and it is difficult to understand what you need to study....
He does not teach good. You cannot understand what he says and he rambles on and switches topics often! I wish I would not have taken this class even though he grades on a curve. He does not take attendance and tells you when every quiz and test is.
This guy will give you the exam times and quiz times so don't bother coming to class. Just stay home, read the book and come for the exams. If you do go to class, prepare to be bored, confused, and annoyed. Things that annoy me about him: he calls pictures 'cartoons' and he is always wearing sandals with socks. I don't think he has a pair of shoes.
AVOID CLASS AT ALL COSTS. Definitely should NOT be a 100 level class. way too hard an way too much information. He has all the notes online but doesnt tell you what to study for test which are VERY hard and 15% of your grade each.
Awesome teacher. Many complain about the class difficulty, but it's the same with any teacher. As long as you show up to class, take an interest you will do AT LEAST average. Very laid back personality, and really helpful if you go and ask for help. He's a very fair teacher. If you show up, take notes, and study, your grade will reflect this.
On the syllabus he gives you at the beginning of the class, there is a website. All of his notes are posted on said website. I would recommend as each quiz passes, highlight each question in the notes. It will help for the final! His only homework is to read ahead in the book and go to the observatory about 7 times.
DO NOT HAVE HIM! He doesn't answer questions and shows no interest in the students success. Worst teacher if you were looking for an interesting class and trying to help your GPA. Hard to understand the material. He curves the grades,the average on quiz's and tests are about 40%, so your will get a C if you try hard. Also, he looks like a hippie.
worst teacher by far. he rambles on and on and nobody understands a single word he says. the test are impossible. the average grade is about 40%. he talks to you like you're an idiot and doesn't cut you and slack if you miss anything.
If you interested in Astronomy take this class, otherwise it is probably better to avoid. This class is difficult and requires a lot of dedication to do well. You do not have to go to class and the notes are posted online. Eskridge is a nice guy, but his class is just hard. Avoid it for general education.
This class is only for those who can study and learn independantly. He doesn't have much interest in his students' success. Basically shows up, lectures and leaves. If you want a good relationship with your professor, DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS. However it is possible to do well, if you are willing to work.
Love love love this guy! He explains things so well! He uses pictures and puts things in different ways so you can understand the material. He is always open to questions after class, answers his emails, and is more than willing to help during office hours. You just cannot be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Okay.. this guy is like a rocket scientist. Fricken smartest guy ever.. dont take him! SO HARD! 3/4 of the class dropped out before it was over! Doesnt like to help.. if you ask for help he acts like youre wasting his time..
Very intelligent man, but a horrible teacher. Difficult material, and hard tests.
Literally the weirdest guy in the world. I honestly don't think he would know how to use a toaster he's so old school. The class is SO HARD. the only way your going to get through this thing is by finding kids who took it last semester and getting their tests and quizzes. Also its pointless to go to class. The notes are all on his website.
Meh. Very smart man, but definitely shouldn't be a professor. It's almost impossible to study for tests and quizzes. For tests, I've looked at the sample test problems he has on the website and just tried to memorize. There really is no easy way to prepare for quizzes though. Extra credit is 6 observatory visits, each counting for two quiz points.
Paul is really tight, but Astronomy is not an easy class. All notes are online and he gives sample questions that he uses on quizzes and tests. GRADING SCALE IS VERY CURVED. You can get D's on tests and quizzes, but still pull out a low B.
DO NOT take if you are trying to fill your science requirement. I would agree with others...he is not a great teacher, very smart, but doesn't care about overall success of class. You never take notes during lectures and his material is scattered and confusing. He also drags on and on which gives the feeling of being in his class for decades.
Paul Eskridge is BY FAR the worst professor I have had at MSU. He rambles on and on in his lectures about random equations without breaking down the variables or even saying what we are trying to find. We had a cumulative final without any guideline as to what it could include. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR GPA
HORRIBLE TEACHER.If you care at all about your gpa do not take this class. lectures are scattered and confusing, and Final test was a written response to material not covered in class. Paul should have never been hired.
There is an 8 page term paper (30% of grade) for this class, which I think is ridiculous for a 2-credit freshmen gen-ed. All tests are a few essay questions. We will randomly watch a video for most of class some days, then write about it, so attendance is recommended. All of his notes are online, so you don't need the book. Requires commitment.
The only good reviews on here are science majors themselves.. he talks in what seems a completely different language. Doesn't do an outline or review for his tests so its a guessing game on what you are supposed to study. DROP THIS CLASS ASAP. Complete waste of money and sinks your GPA
I got a lot of information thrown at me- I didn't really know what to process. Couldn't really make a connection with the material given.
Dr. Eskridge is a very smart man and he knows his stuff, however he isnt the greatest at teaching it. Prepare for really long lectures and an 8 page term paper. Tests are 4 essay questions which can be on anything. Overall it's a hard class but if you like the subject and show up and pay attention you should be fine.
I was really excited for this class, but this was horrendous. This was way too difficult for a gen ed. I felt like I was in a 400 level grad school class. There wasn't much homework, but I wish there was. No quizzes, but I wish there was. His exams require too much information. The 8-12 page term paper is stupid, and overall the class was not fun.
Boring boring boring. This dude keeps lecturing and puts you to sleep. The information is hardly relative to the unbelievably hard tests. I got a B in the course because the curve was about 3 letter grades. Would not recommend.
His lectures are very boring, however you really don't need to go to class. On the first day he will give you a course syllabus that says what days quizzes/tests are on. He curves his tests, so you can basically get Ds that get curved to an A. Astronomy is a hard class though, would only take it if you have some interest.
He is extremely intelligent. Although, the class is not what I expected it to be. You have to work to get the grade you do (despite the curve). My class only had 5 A's. But he follows his syllabus and if you read your book and the notes online, you'll do just fine. He utilizes his class time, and expects you to as well. Hard course, but worth it.
Horrible course. The teacher shows no interest in the student andor if they understand the material.
I'll tell you right now: don't bother taking this course. I read some of these reviews prior to taking the class, and I thought "eh, it can't be THAT bad...." However, it was just that. Worst decision of college so far.
Definitely not a class I'd recommend. The tests had questions with a lot of little details and if there hadn't been a curve I'd have gotten like a C. The lectures hardly matched up with the tests or the book, but at least he didn't take attendance and put all the notes online.
Had there not been a curve, I would of gotten a 34% percent or an easy F. I escaped with a C. He's a nice guy but his voice tonepitch goes up and down every other word, He writes little notes on the board, you have to memorize by ear, and his tests had questions you don't recall learning about. Fun course, but disappointing end.
He is awful. Do the extra credit and you will pass. But get ready for a very long, boring. tests have just about nothing to do with what is discussed in class. I failed both exams and only 6 people had gotten better scores than me. He does however curve the class. just go to class and do the extra credit and your survive.
For better or worse, Prof. Eskridge's class is probably the most impersonal experience I've ever had. Attendance is by no means mandatory, and all notes are on his website. He is fun to listen to, but I retained little from the lectures. Tests and quizzes are all multiple choice. He grades on a curve. For reference, I got a 75%, but got a solid A.
No he's not the most personable guy, but if you are here for the credit you'll get it. The subject matter is interesting enough to get you through. AND if you actually pay attention and not go on your phone he can be interesting.
Do. Not. Take.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS..... It is so hard. His lectures are really hard to follow and quizzes/exams are really difficult. Do not take if you don't have to.
This dude is an awful teacher. If this class wasn't graded on a curve, like 3/70 kids in my class would be failing. If you're slightly intelligent and read his website, you can get a C with the curve. But if you want an A, go somewhere else. He's boring, and impossible to follow.
Most of these comments are from freshman who are getting there first taste of what it is like to take a college course. All of his notes and answers to the quizzes are online. I went to class like once a week and got a B at the end of it. Show up for quizzes and the tests thats all there is to it. The class is curved so its hard to fail.
Don't take 101 unless you need it. It's interesting but the lectures made me tired. It's hard to take notes since he really doesn't write on the board & only shows pictures. I needed the class and left with a B thanks to the curve. read a little in the book, what he has on his website for the lectures and study the practice questions and you pass.
Lectures are long and boring. Our grade was based on three exams and six quizzes. His lectures follow the textbook for the most part, so it's good to have to study from. Tests are somewhat difficult, some of the questions feel like trivia questions, but if you study you should pass. Extra credit can be earned by visiting the observatory.
Eskridge seems like a good guy; I didn't mind the lectures, I just did not get astronomy! What disappointed me was that I showed up for every class & did the extra credit, too & I ended up with the same grade as people who were never there, even for tests. My attendance & effort counted for nothing & I ruined my 4.0. Avoid if you hate math.
You are graded on 6 quizzes (10 points) and 2 midterms (40 points) and your final (80 points). Lecture was boring and i didnt really learn anything from it. He posts his notes on his website and the test and quiz questions all come from that. If you study those notes its fine. Also go to the observatory for extra credit. That and the curve helps
Very difficult class.
If you don't want to work then leave college. It's not the easiest class, but if you show up, pay attention, read his online notes and do the extra credit there is no reason to not pass this class.
Dr. Eskridge teaches a class that is 90% lecture, and doesn't use D2L. I wasn't signed up for the course the first week of classes and missed a few classes for military service and he blatantly refused to help me understand the material, or makeup quizzes even though I was gone for military duty during them.
Mr. Eskridge is very enthusiastic about what he teaches, but he expects you to know things he already knows. He doesn't use D2L, but uses his own website which is just the script he uses in class. In his lectures he doesn't seem to cover anything that is on the quizzes or exams. He seems to focus on space equations and doesn't even explain them
His lectures were unorganized and difficult to follow. Read the notes, they are more reliable and easier to understand.
I have to give credit where its due- this guy is very smart and enthusiastic about astronomy, but is not good at teaching it. Every class was 100% lecture from start to finish except for test days. Every class i tried my hardest to pay attention but he just put me to sleep along with about 10 other students. Thank god for the grading curve.
The lectures seemed to be very long and weren't enjoyable. Often times felt like material on exams/quizzes was different from what was lectured on. The use of the textbook was minimal. Lecture notes were posted online and that was usually somewhat helpful. Extra credit is available and is not too hard to earn.
It was an okay class for Astronomy 101. Eskridge was rather boring overall in his lectures, which is the only thing covered in class. The textbook is needed almost not at all. He clearly knows what he is talking about but is rather hard to follow in some of the material at times.
Incredibly boring. He reads straight off the notes that he then puts on his website. No need to come to anything except quiz and test days.
Professor Eskridge is very passionate about the material he teaches on, his lectures are non-mandatory but I would highly recommend going to if you intend on getting anything other than a C as your final grade. I thought this class was going to be an easy A, it was anything but that.
If youre thinking of taking this class because it covers your goal area. STOP. turn back and change your schedule. This class is a GPA ruiner. I beg you never take a class by this guy. He will never tell you your overall grade, even if you ask him. He is by far the worst teacher ive have in my entire LIFE. I dont care what your excuse is. DONT TAKE
He is by far the worst. He fights you on grading even though you did things correctly. He is very specific on answers. He also is really rude. He thinks that he is always right. He makes everything more complicated than it needs to be. DO NOT take this course even if you need more credit hours. It is pointless.
Dr. Eskridge knows what he is talking about, but in a lecture fails to convey it in a way that speaks to the students in lecture. The course is graded on a curve which had benefited me greatly. On his website he posts notes about the course, which are highly beneficial. The midterm and final were short answer questions only.
Very knowledgeable but doesnt know how to teach effectively. Definitely passionate about astronomy, just doesnt go about it the right way. I took the class because I love learning about astronomy, and I just feel like I didnt learn anything and was constantly stressed, even with taking thorough notes, never missed a class, and read the text.
He knows astronomy so well and very interesting. You need to get as many observations done as possible as it is factored heavily into the final grade. It's a fun class with observations of the stars but the tests are on the hard side. Memorization of constellations, math problems, etc... I would say if you love astronomy, take him.
Pretty easy quizzes but wasn't on lecture content. Lectures feel very long and most people skipped classes and showed up for quiz days. Class graded on a curve so most people did fine and got a fairly good grade. Lecture notes are impossible to read and doesn't use D2L at all. Skipped class but still did okay without studying.
I have never dropped a class in my life and this one was the first. If you try to ask him for help he is rude about his answer and he basically with talk down to all his students. Even if you think your paper is good he grades them incredibly hard. There is no way you can pass with this teacher.
ast 101 is an extremely challenging class. almost every single person received a C as their grade, and I pulled a lot of all nighters reading his website and memorizing his sample test questions to get an A. His website is your bestfriend, the textbook is useless, and lectures are hard to follow. refused to use d2l. graded on 6 quizzes and 3 exams.
Really good guy, not so great professor. As an intro class, this was very difficult. I'm an average "A" student & ended up getting a C. If you take this class, do all of the observatory visits you can, it will save you. There is a textbook, but you won't need it. His lectures are very intense, but super boring. No homework, only quizzes and tests.
Do not take if you dont have to. He lectures the entire class period and it is impossible to grasp what hes talking about unless you already know what he is talking about. The tests didnt even cover what he did in class and I dont think a single person got a 100% on one the entire semester. He is ridiculous in his standards and is arrogant.
Nice guy and he really knows his stuff, but this class is very difficult. The textbook is totally useless- his website is much more helpful. Based on 6 quizzes, 2 midterms and a final. He literally does nothing but lecture- I almost wish he gave homework cause I feel like it would've helped me understand the concepts better.
he seems like a nice guy but a very very confusing teacher all he does is lecture and he mainly just spews random astronomy facts and writes equations that don't matter . the textbook required is absolutely useless and with no homework or reviews this class is basically just memorization of his random words he shoots out in a really confusing way
This class is extremely difficult even as a stem major. Chem202 is easier. He grades on 2 midterms, 1 final, and 6 quizzes (+ extra credit). Class average is 40-50% before he curves it. Got an A but only after countless hours of studying every day. (3/50 got an A) If you do take it, rely on his website for info because lectures are hard to follow.
He was very accessible after class/outside of class. 'Was full of information.
He only made exams and quizzes for this class, which made it really tough. Also, he does do notes, but it's more like he's talking at you and will write things on the board once in a while. Makes it hard to study since you won't really know what the text/quiz will look like. Also has not graded anything and we're past midterms.
Intense, hard-to-follow, boring lectures. No homework, only exams and quizzes that are based on lecture. No slideshows to go off, he just talks and occasionally writes random equations that no one understands. Quiz and exam averages are in the 50s. Doesnt use d2l, instead uses his own outdated website. Do not take this class unless you have to.
He lectures for the entire time so be ready to listen. He hands out homework and a class discussion problem set every week. Do them. They will prepare you well for the tough mid term and final exams. He uses pictures and animations to drive home the point. It is a very interesting but tough class that probably will make you humble.
The subject matter in this class can be quite boring however, professor Eskridge found a way to make it interesting. You can tell that he is very passionate about his work and is a fascinating character. Overall I really enjoyed his method of teaching. Show up, listen, take notes and you will be just fine.
DON'T take this class, I originally thought all of the reviews of the professor were bluffing. He grades based off a curve, class average was about 50%. Don't bother buying the book, never used it. Only studied his website because thats the only way to get a good grade.
I made the mistake of ignoring the reviews. Super nice and passionate about what he teaches, just unfortunately not a good teacher. No PowerPoints or homework. He just stands up front lecturing the whole time, and the lectures feel like their aimed at a 400 level class when it was a 101 class. Unclear what information would be on the exams.
Professor is very passionate about what he's teaching but its directed towards 400 level student instead of a 100 class. lectures are super long and hard to follow along when he's basically reading out of the textbook. Do Not take this class.
Rambles in lecture, never gets to the point. Quizzes are completely random questions that lecture doesn't cover.
Ast 101 is considered to be the hardest gen ed course. He teaches it in the most confusing, unorganized way imaginable. I never knew what to study or what to take notes on. He rambles on the whole class and you never know what content is necessary. The one benefit is he grades on a curve. He isn't approachable or flexible. Avoid him if you can.
The material covered in the lecture rarely correlates to the quizzes and exams. Although the class is free of homework, I would not take a class with him again.
He rambled about off topic subjects not relating to the course and didn't simplify anything into terms that students could understand, which made notes taken in class useless for studying for tests.
Be aware this is for AST201 - Spherical Astronomy. He assigns homework every two weeks, there is a star cluster project due at the end of the semester, and a mid-term and final exam. That's it. The rest of class is pure lecture. It is extremely recommended to know Trigonometry before taking this class. Overall, worth taking if you have interest.
I dont, he doesnt explain things very well. Dumps a ton of information on you and expects you to know everything.
Tip for anyone who takes this class: don't listen to his lectures, just study the notes. None of his lectures have information you need for the quizzes or tests. He doesn't use D2L, and has his own website. Also, you will never see your grade. You have to email him to see it, been waiting a solid week to see mine and he still hasn't posted it.
it was ok. Nothing he talks about related to any of the quizzes. So, I sat in his class for an hour and a half taking pointless notes on a class I find interesting but will never do anything with. And when it came to the first quiz I knew nothing. Best off to study the sample questions he gives.
There is no homework in this class, only quizes and exams. I would not recommend this class because the lectures dont have anything to do with the quizes. Also he does not use D2L and I didn't even know there was study material until i double checked the syllabus. He's a nice guys but the teaching style was not for me.
If you are trying to finish up your last credits to graduate, or an incoming freshman... just don't take this class. Astronomy 101 has very difficult material because the professor makes it hard. He does not use D2L, he uses his own website that is very confusing. TAKE GOOD NOTES! The quizzes and tests are VERY HARD, and the material is random.
Do not take astronomy 101 if you can avoid it. The professor does not go off of the textbook, does not use D2L, and just rambles on throughout lecture. He teaches the class like it is a 400 level class and does not give you anything to study. Our class average on quizzes is usually about a 4/10, however he does grade on a curve.
Even if it delays your graduation, do not take this class!! He uses his own outdated website, where all the lecture notes are. There is extra credit so please take advantage of it. Spews nonsense that isn't related to the lecture. There are only quizzes and exams. He does have sample questions but are completely useless. READ THE LECTURE NOTES
Professor is passionate but lectures are disorganized. Quizzes/exams don't align with material. Textbook unhelpful - try Unstuck AI instead for better prep.
He's a smart guy, knows what he's talking about. So long as you pay attention and/or take notes at home you'll At least get a B.
He is a smart guy I can't lie. But the way he goes about teaching and providing his students with information is some of the worst I've ever seen. He uses his own website rather than D2L like just about every professor does. The lectures he gives in class relate to the exams and quizzes MINIMALLY. If you want to pass you need to read all the notes.
He is super nice and knows his material I have taken this class a few times and have struggled in this class both times. try to avoid him if you can. I have yet to actually talk to him but doesn't seem like he is willing to change anything about his teachings, his lectures are him rambling and writing nonsense on the chalkboard.
The lectures are very boring and long. Dr. Eskridge is also a hard person to work with. He doesn't use D2L, which makes following grading and scheduling unreasonably difficult. He's also nearly impossible to reach via email outside of class. If there's another professor available, choose them.
Even though this was a 2-credit class, it ended up being the most difficult class I have taken yet. Professor Eskridge is overall a nice guy, but he is a TOUGH grader. Luckily, he accepts revisions on short papers, but in all honesty, if you're expecting something easy, DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS. (I am typically an A student but will end up with a C+)
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
15%
Textbook Required
53%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
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