2.2
Quality4.0
Difficulty27%
Would Retake109
Reviews27%
Would Retake
109
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
109 total ratings5
19
4
10
3
10
2
6
1
64
What Students Say
“If you miss a section part of the test, expect a low grade”
PHIL4310 - 1.0 rating“Avoid Paul at all costs, I'm begging you”
PHIL1340 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
54%
Textbook Required
11%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.50 avg changeRatings by Course
1321
5.0
(1)PHIL4300
5.0
(1)PHIL1300
5.0
(1)PHIL4312
5.0
(1)PHIL3301
4.3
(3)Difficulty by Course
4390
5.0
PHIL4311
5.0
PHIL1340
4.8
DROI13
4.5
PHIL1366
4.3
Reviews (108)
great teacher. really funny ways but his class is easy if you listen to what he says. knows a lot n loves to discuss all points of views. really nice man.
I never went to class because it was sooo boring and still got a B in the class. very intelligent professor kinda reminds me of edward scissorhands ;; he's a little on the weird side!
He's hard. His quizes were really easy though, but his exams are really difficult. Most of the class failed the entire exam shows you how hard he is. He grades reallyy hard on the midterm paper as well. And for the final exam he gives us half of it, but each question has to have an answer 400 to 500 words typed.
He's weird n rambles on randomly switching from topic to topic. When he ACTUALLY lectures correctly, its quite fun. Grading system is a bit different but in a good way. Mid term will make or break u!
I took him last semester for logic and he was really nice and helpful(: he looked a little bit nervous at first but still was very clear, attendance was not mandatory but you should go if you want to have a good grade and the book was very necessary but not expensive at all, i highly recommend him :D! he is very funny too
I don't recommend him unless you like philosophy i got a C and that's because i went to class every day...quizzes are kinda hard and exams are kinda hard too...kinda weird when he looks at you
Dr. Saka really knows his stuff. Attendance and homework not mandatory however very useful. Some of the questions come from his lectures or the homework. I found him to be very helpful on a one and one basis during his office hours.
Dr. Saka really knows his stuff. Attendance and homework not mandatory however very useful. Some of the questions come from his lectures or the homewok.
He's a very nice guy,if you're an okay writer, you'll get A's, he grades mostly on following directions. There's like 3 or 4 essays you have to write throughout the semester which DO require that you read the books but they're only like max 3 double-spaced pages. You can tell he loves what he teaches, very nice guy.
Saka provided all the readings for the class and gave few homework. Saka models how to be an analytic philosopher wonderfully. His word usage is precise and clear. He brings a refreshing taste of linguistics and psychology to the inquiry as well. I will definitely take him for metaphysics.
I did not like taking class with him. He's so confusing, and I didn't understand much half the time. He does make some interesting points, and the class sessions are pointless and boring most of the time. He doesn't give reviews, and its hard to tell what will be in the exam. He was okay, but I wouldn't recommend it.
Worst professor ever. He would go off topic. Essays are easy but lectures are boring and difficult to understand him. Everyone is basically lost in his class. Never once talked about the textbook.
Definitely one of the best professors I have had at UTPA. If you don't miss class you should pass. He was teaching us some pretty tough stuff but his teaching method is interesting and he makes it fun. Actually felt like I learned something in the class.
He bases his grading on points. Very clear on what is expected. He really wants his students to learn. If class doesn't participate during lecture, he'll ask questions about the readings & whoever answers gets an extra bonus point. He does count attendance cause he does remember students names. Doesn't grade hard, just follow directions.
Basically, if you do not think the same way he does, DO NOT expect to get noticed in class. Readings and assignments are easy, but the lectures are extremely boring and out of context. He offers extra credit if you answer his questions, in a way that coincides with his ideals.
Saka is an interesting teacher. He is somewhat awkward, but his discussions can be interesting a times. However, he feels the need to take up the who class period whether it's needed or not. Long boring lectures usually ensue. He gives extra credit based on readings, so read what he tells you. Strict grader,don't expect an easy A. Not reccomended
Dr. Saka is an excellent professor who gives leactures that are thoughtful and useful outside of class. He is a bit awkward , and instructions can be vague but will clarify if you ask him to. not many tests, so every assignment matters. He gives extra credit to students who make good contributions in class. Make sure to take notes!
I do not recommend this professor, unless you do all your homework, do the readings, and are smart in logic. He is a very harsh grader, and doesn't go by how many questions there are. If you miss a section part of the test, expect a low grade. There are 5 tests in logic overall. He will drop your lowest grade though. He's extremely weird..........
UHHHHHHHHH....... DO NOT take Saka... he is extremely tough on grading... like come on, there is 10 questions, each is worth 10 points... um no he goes by parts of the section..... um really weird professor and weird when he looks at you, always smiling too. Not a mean person, but he will fail you if you don't do good on tests, avoid at all costs!!
Don't skip or you fail. Paul is a tough grader on the tests and I think he may have favorites. Not cool man, not cool. Avoid eye contact with him, or he'll pick on you, or criticize your work. Avoid Paul at all costs, I'm begging you.
You hab to do the homework and read the book if you want to pass. Keeps using examples of frogs are green, which is weird. And he doesnt grade like the normal teacher. He does parts, 5 tests, drop lowest, and can get mad if you dont know the material. I dont know wat possessed me to take his class. Dont take him....
If you want the grade you have to work for it in Saka's class. Not recommended, unless your a brainy type
U hve no chance with Saka if you dont study or understand the material,
Not good
U have to work for it
He's a great professor, if you understand what he is explaining in class you don't need to study outside class, also he drops the lowest test grade and pretty much we don't have homework. Really nice professor and he cares that you are actually understanding the material. Lots of extra credit for participation!
This man expects you to think the way he does. Too many essays, drops lowest grade. Also he seems nice, but not really.
TOo many homework, not good. I dont liek the way he looks at me 2. Also the textbok is long and i dont like it
One of my friends got a D in his class and he did everything. With saka you expect a lot but he can teach you a lot too.
Gives pop quizzes out of nowhere so you better have study ok, also he drops the lowest grade which can be used towards your advantage so u dont have to take the finals test if u dont wont
Hes kinda of funny because hes weird, but anyways he drops the lowest grade which is quite good. thumbs up for saca!
hes okay i guess, nothign too special
he gives a clear grading criteria which enables you to learn further
I It shows how to formalize information in form of logical sentences. It shows how to reason systematically with this information to produce all logical conclusions and only logical conclusions. And it examines logic technology and its applications - in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, and so forth.
he gives ugly lectures like i dont understand wat he is talking bout. he gives hard questions. and i dont like it that he does that, and he doesnt give breaks. u have to work for it and so on so forths
yeah he can be tought but i guess he care sabout us who knows, plus drops lowest grade wihch can be worth it
Paul is a bad quality teacher. He expects too much within a short time period, plus he gives many many essays it is upsetting.
dont take him take someone else if u can he tough grader and he show to pass if u go only
tough is a grader that hard. he sections the parts
dont ake him
he not good. he is bad quality ,,
he can go off topic sometimes, but thats part of the class. anyways, he does drop ur lowest grade and offers extra credit sometimes.
He has a very prestige grading criteria that you must properly follow. Meaning he grades in parts, 5 tests, drops lowest grade. That is all the grades you will get, so study and do the material correctly, you should pass. He is strict, but greets everyone with a "Good monring scholars"
I had him in da afternoon today y nombre real boring man and he goes off topic dont take
This is the second course I've taken with Dr. Saka, he's so brilliant and is a really good teacher in the sense that he explains to make sure you understand. He puts the readings online usually so no buying books. He's super helpful and is always available. He is very specific in what he is looking for, so honestly just ask. Do the reading!!
Frogs are not green but brown. Use common sense paul saka....? Likw wow
He is okay just keep doing the material and pass
His lectures are very informational and the material involves deep thought. You actually have to get your brain going to understand the material and pass.
Took him for Ancient Philosophy, some lectures were dry, and others were super interesting. He takes attendance, has weekly quizzes which are SUPER easy if you just read the thing. Has two term papers, which he grades pretty lenient. Overall, this course is NOT difficult, he is a good professor to work with, and he taught well for a boring subject.
I genuinely think that he tries his best in teaching the course material, but I still found lectures to be pretty boring. You actually have to go to class and read b/c he gives quizzes which make up a 1/3 of your grade. The other 2/3 comes from 2 essays. If you do your work, then you should pass. He was an ok professor, not great, not horrible.
His lectures are very boring and dry; in my opinion shouldn't be allowed to teach
Brilliant professor. Lots of the hate that he gets is because people expect to breeze through a philosophy class without ever engaging their brains. For the logic class he asks that you buy a workbook which has all the material covered in class. If you only listen to the lecture then you will pass, if you read as well is a guaranteed A.
I took him for metaphysics, he explains subjects very thoroughly and motivates you to engage in the discussion, that is how the class thrives and learns. If you want to learn, take saka, if you hate learning and using your brain then avoid him
Keep doing the material and you will pass. Beware Saka can be pretty tricky at times, but he does drop your lowest grade. Lecutres boring and dry.
He is a good professor and don't take him okay unless you do nothing on weekends
Paul saka can be good for you. If he contains your lucky element, I highly recommend you take him. If you like to learn and do a lot of studying, and learn, take him definitely.
Paul De Saka is a very popular professor. All the students know him and know what he does. He is a harsh grader and he does not give you a chance even if you try. You need to be studying at all times and make sure you keep doing the material.
I was failing Ancient Philosophy and at the end of the semester I told him If I can do extra de credit. He said I had to survey 200 people and write 10 page essay on how ancient philosophy is important. He did give me a D, so props to that. This is only a last resort, so make sure you actually show up and take notes in class
Paul De Saka can be good for you if you want to actually learn. Just keep doing the material and you will pass without a doubt. He doesn't understand emergencies though and if you need to be somewhere.
No good. You will need to pray everyday so you can get a good grade. This class is rigged too. He give's grades based on if he likes your or not
IF you are going to work with Saka, you will need to tap into his bad vibes. He can be extremely tough sometimes, but the workload is a lot.
I took Dr. Saka for Phil 1366. I can tell you that if you take his class be ready to read and write. Attendance is mandatory. He only gives 2 exam papers, 4 homework assignments, a handful of quizzes and no extra credit. Be ready to think critically in his class. If you want an easy grade Dr. Saka's classes are not for you.
Paul Saca can be tough at times, but he wants everyone to learn. He also provides a safe learning environment and attendance is mandatory. He does not drop you, but you will fail considerably if you skip his class. If you show up each time, and take notes you have a chance to get an A plus. Be prepared and on time in Saca's class.
Paul's class doesn't intimidate one bit. Saka can be a tough grader though, as he is extremely calm in situations regarding lectures. It can be viewed as boring and dry. Knowing how to read and write is all it takes to pass.
Paul Saka is one of the toughest professor's I ever had. If you know how to read and write it's not good enough for Paul. You must abide and strive for beyond! Read like there is no tomorrow.
Paul Saka can make special things happen. He also can be a harsh grader when it comes to quizzes and tests. I would have to be neutral on whether or not you should take him or not. It's up to you. Not too good, not too bad. Just neutral.
This is the worst professor you can ever take. The quizzes are 2 minutes long and he reads them out loud and you write your answer, in other words it's open ended. I don't recommend unless you read every day the textbook.
You are going to need vital transportation if you are going to be taking Saka for class. He makes class interesting.
Yes sometimes Saika can be hard at times but he wants you to learn the material and exceed
Dry lectures are at an all time high in his class. The homework assignments he gives out is not specific enough making him a tough grader
Saka is inspirational yet hard on the class subject. His dry lectures can be somewhat boring yet intriguing for the most part. Would recommend to philosophy majors who know their stuff
Okay so if youre taking him for 1301 you will do okay. There is no quizzes, midterms, or final exam. He will just ask you to do some reading he uploads to blackboard and write a journal entry that you understood it. His lectures can be boring. You can skip his class and still pass. Overall if you have him just keep him and deal with it.
He is so boring. I wish there was more something more fun about the class
Overall he was a perfectly okay professor. I had very little interest in the class, but it was an easy A. There is a group project and an essay that count for most of your grade with a handful of homework assignments and quizzes. If you put effort in you will do fine.
The material is too hard for the class that is being taught. Homework every week is very hard. He is boring with the class lessons
He is okay but is hard in some classes. Other classes are easy with him but not always. Have him twice this semester
He is very respected and one of the most popular professors UTRGV has to offer. He knows his stuff, but the class is too hard for me. Homework and book assignments each week. It's not that he is bad, it just that it's too much work for me
In class it is only lecture, no powerpoint or anything. We had to read 30 pages of our little textbook every week. Hes very intelligent and knows what he talking about, it was interesting but boring at the same time. We only had 3 papers & a final exam. Hes a really tough grader. Pay attention in class, read, do the papers & youll do fine.
I highly recommend to take Dr. Paul Saka his class was an easy class, his caring and respectful. His not a tough grader he gives students opportunities to turned in late assignments besides he gives a two week to work on an assignment and even if for any reason you managed not to turned it in he gives you another week to completed. Easy class!
I took him for philosophy and science he gave three essays and those were the only assignments he took besides the final. He never posted grades. I would not recommend taking his class, unless you feel like stressing out the whole time.
He doesn't care if you have personal problems. Very apathetic towards others.
Attendance mandatory. He does like when you are tardy. Lecture heavy and bizarrely lectures ensue
Read your book and be on time. He does not like when you are late and unprepared. Expect to work for your grade
He can give F's so I heard. Do the work and engage with others. Read your book
He is the hardest professor I have ever taken. Would not recommend, unless you are smart in philosophy and think like him
Bad techer
You need to be reading at least 20-30 pages each week of the book. He also assigns you to do homework and other activities too. He is a very harsh grader and will deduct a letter grade for excessive tardy and for being absent. He doesn't take much grades though, but he doesn't upload them either!
Super boring professor, but he knows what he is talking about
Don't take his class, he is very strict in his essays if even you try to plagiarize on an essay, he will give you an F for the entire course, DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!!
Hes awkward and very boring. I dropped the class because I hated his lectures so much.
If you skip class you will get an F. He will also take off points for basic things like spelling and format. Super strict
Very inspirational man right here. He is very intelligent in the area of philosophy and always has interesting lectures about many things
Don't take him. He wants everything from you to be perfect
Professor Saka is a nice man and his class was very interesting but it will get boring really fast. He didn't give any exams, but there were discussions, a group project, and two papers. He is a tough grader, but if you follow his directions it will be an easy A. I didn't so I got a B :/. You will have to participate as well for grade. Recommend:)
His class philosophy and science fiction is very interesting really does combine all aspects of philosophy to the readings selected. If you have questions he is accesible. Very intelligent man. Lots of reading, but do the readings, pay attention to his lecutres, and you will pass the class
Dr. Paul Saka is a very good professor. His lectures are very interesting and I recommend everyone take his course. He also allows you to turn in one paper late without any penalty throughout the semester. All of his lectures are always posted on time and he encourages you to take an active part in your learning.
The way he graded my essays actually made me sad. I missed two assignments which is my fault but after that there was no way for me to get higher than a 70. & he says you can turn in essays at a later date then says you'll lose a letter grade for it. & super long lectures and readings
He is a great professor, I've always enjoyed his lectures. Im not sure why he's got such a low rating, I guess people who do bad on essays don't wanna hear the truth? however id like to repeat that Professor Saka knows what he's teaching, he can be blunt, but it will only make you better.
He's awesome! I learned a lot from Professor Saka's class this semester. Minimal homework, just a few summaries & two 3-4 page papers (midterm and final). You do have to read a 450-page book for this course though. 7 posts on the discussion board & 7 replies. 1 hr and a half lectures posted weekly. He's knowledgeable & accessible outside class.
There was only 2 papers that needed to be completed, which he graded leniently. Those two papers alone made up for about 95% of your final grade. The rest consisted of easy individual assignments worth 5 points and weekly discussions (only 7 needed to be completed throughout the semester, and 7 responses).
Took the course asynchronous and I was initially very worried because of his low score on here. The class turned out to be a breeze and I do not understand why his score is so low to begin with. He is very passionate and gave amazing lectures. He gives plenty of time to submit papers and assignments and gives clear feedback. Highly recommend!
This course consists of 7 HW assignments and 2 major papers. Instructions are minimal and unclear. As someone who thrives in essay writing, I was excited about this class, but he is a harsh grader, and the feedback is extremely unclear. The feedback I received didn't even match with my paper & classmates got the same critiques. Take someone else.
NEVER TAKE THIS GUY
repspetfully, don't take his class. he's very biased on how he grades all of his work, even takes off points and criticizes you for things that have nothing to do with the assignments. assignments are simple, but he makes you do "group work" even though the class is asynch. very unclear about assignments too.
God awful lectures, dry and long. DON'T TAKE HIM, I REPEAT DO NOT TAKE HIM. Easy work, VERY preferential grading. Unless a last resort, avoid Dr. Paul Saka like the plague. Thank you and good luck.
Honestly, not a bad professor. If you do the work you'll pass. There's just so many other professors where you can show up to class and get a free A. If you want to make things easier on yourself just go to another professor. If you would actually prefer to spend multiple hours learning about philosophy over your major though, then take him.
Professor Saka's class is a mixed bag, but Unstuck AI can help. The work is lightweight, but grading can be inconsistent. Engage with the textbook and lectures to do well. Overall, a manageable course if you put in the effort.
Not a bad professor in my opinion.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
54%
Textbook Required
11%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.50 avg changeRatings by Course
1321
5.0
(1)PHIL4300
5.0
(1)PHIL1300
5.0
(1)PHIL4312
5.0
(1)PHIL3301
4.3
(3)Difficulty by Course
4390
5.0
PHIL4311
5.0
PHIL1340
4.8
DROI13
4.5
PHIL1366
4.3