2.9

Rebecca Smith

Philosophy - Cabrillo College

2.9
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
25%
Would Retake
121
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

25%

Would Retake

121

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

16

3

16

2

22

1

34

What Students Say

I DO NOT recommend, she was a great person just a pretty terrible teacher

PHILO49 - 2.0 rating

One of the most long winded lecturers I've ever met

PHIL9 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

41%

Textbook Required

43%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
B (10)
C (4)
Grade Distribution
A(21)B(10)C(9)D(3)F(1)A-/B+(5)
Based on 54 reported grades
A: 18
B: 10
C: 4
B+: 4
Common Tags
Tough grader (15)
Lecture heavy (13)
Get ready to read (11)
Hilarious (9)
LECTURE HEAVY (7)
Clear grading criteria (6)
Test heavy (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.81 avg change
Dec
Jan
Feb
May
Jun
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHILO10H

5.0

(1)

PHIL9753

4.0

(1)

MIND

4.0

(1)

PHILO10

3.7

(15)

PHILO9

3.3

(13)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MIND

5.0

PHILO-49-99122

5.0

PHIL12

4.5

PHIL10

4.3

PHILO49

4.1

Reviews (121)
2.0
4.0
PHILO49
Dec 11, 2007

Boy this class was a doozy. Don't take it with her, she is extremly unhelpful when you have questions, she even gets angry if you have questions. The midterm is crazy hard, most of the class did bad. Even attending every class and doing all the work was not enough to help with this class.

1.0
5.0
PHILO49
Dec 28, 2007

Don't take classes with this teacher, she is extremly unhelpful, and very rude.

3.0
4.0
PHILO49
Jan 29, 2008

Rebecca's a feisty New Yorker. She's sometimes hard to follow and goes off on tangents. But if you accepts her quirks, she's not that bad. She allows open notes on her tests & posts her lectures online. Note: During class lectures, it's totally okay to go off subject & have conversations w/ her, but DON'T talk w/ other students.

4.0
4.0
PHILO49
Feb 4, 2008

Rebecca was an interesting character. She often strays off topic during lecture. The midterm and final were much harder than the quizzes even though they are open book. I liked her because she is empathetic towards shy students and isn't strict about attendance and tardiness. You hardly ever use the textbook so I don't recommend buying it.

4.0
4.0
PHILO49
Feb 8, 2008

Great teacher! Makes a boring subject interesting. Careful on papers, grades them like an english teacher. Midterm and final were very hard, nothing like the quizes. If you do all the work you should get a B to an A. Only negative..did kinda fly off the handle the last class and during the final. The negativity didn't help much during the final

2.0
5.0
PHILO49
Feb 17, 2008

She sucks, plain and simple. Likes to humiliate students, and make tests far harder than they need to be (whats with all the stupid johnny depp trick answers?). She's not very sympathetic or helpful AT ALL. The worst teacher I've ever had, to be completely honest.

3.0
3.0
PHILO10
May 30, 2008

Grades poorly, almost like changing criteria while grading. Her Ethics class is more of a history of Philosophers than an Ethics class. I didn't need a history credit. I needed a Philo credit. She is very unhelpful, doesn't return emails, and almost gets angry when she is asked for help. I would NOT recommend her for any class, ever.

5.0
4.0
PHILO10
Jun 21, 2008

Rebecca is an interesting teacher, she can come across as intimidating, but she is very willing to help if you talk with her in private and show an interest in the class. I was a little surprised that I had to work this hard in a philo class, but overall she's a pretty cool teacher and a nice person.

5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Jul 3, 2008

Rebecca Smith is a GREAT Professor! She is obviously very passionate about Philosophy (She's a Philo geek). If you have a problem with East Coast style then go elsewhere 'cause she loud and will keep you awake. Personally I LOVED the class.

5.0
3.0
PHILO10
Jul 3, 2008

I think shes a wonderfully intelligent interesting woman and a lot of people are intimidated by that!!

2.0
4.0
PHILOBLAH
Aug 15, 2008

Bring ear plugs to muffle her extreme volume.

4.0
4.0
PHILO10
Jan 4, 2009

tests are difficult if you don't study, however if you do do a bit of prep, it's not to bad. she's a really interesting person, extremely entertaining, and she has you watch movies in class, which is a kick.

2.0
3.0
PHILO10
Apr 10, 2009

Despite my somewhat favorable ratings, Rebecca is a terrible teacher, she seems much more concerned with having a photographic memory and memorizing the text, then actually having an understanding of what we are reading. Her worksheets reflect either a poor grasp of the English language, and remember people, writing is thinking, or a complete lack

2.0
3.0
PHILO10
Apr 10, 2009

On the upside, its pretty straight forward class, and relatively easy to do well on, as long as you forfeit your desire to learn for her ludicrous methods. She is energetic about what she teaches, just doesn't seem to have a great grasp on the philosophy of ethics. Its one of those classes that you have to memorize definitions and copy down pass

3.0
3.0
PHIL10
May 12, 2009

she is crazy hands down. goes off on tangents that are somewhat relative to class. but over agreed that she expects reading of txt and knowing exactly what it says, not much thinking for a philosophy test. just sit there and read and be quite and its not bad

5.0
2.0
PHILO9
Sep 24, 2009

Professor Rebecca is an amazing teacher! She is hilarious and knowledgeable, and the class isn't too hard if you read the textbook. She does pick on students, but not in a mean way. She's very playful and explains things well. If you can't handle crazy though, don't take the class. She's crazy, but in the best way possible!

5.0
4.0
PHILO9
Dec 12, 2009

She is a fabulous, somewhat quirky teacher. Just pay attention and no problems! Previous commentator probably can't follow instructions. I really enjoyed her class.

2.0
5.0
PHILO49
Dec 17, 2009

Worst Teacher Ever! If you value your time and money do not take her class. She is completely vague in her teaching style and grades hard. If you are not a strong writer then don't waste your time, because she is insensitive to this. I just got done getting yelled at, in my face, in the most rude condescending fashion by Rebeca Smith.

4.0
4.0
PHILO49
Jan 5, 2010

Awesome teacher. Can get loud and is very opinionated. Class is very writing intensive. Follow instructions on assignments as she'll take off a full grade if you don't.

5.0
3.0
PHILO9
Feb 22, 2010

She's a great teacher, highly opinionated and with a real passion for teaching philosophy. To the timid she may seem a little intimidating at first, but she's merely trying to get you to think so don't be afraid. Participation is key to one's understanding of the class in my opinion as philosophy is not something one has but is something one does!

5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Feb 27, 2010

I had almost no interest in philosophy prior to this class; now, I am debating on whether or not to major in it. In all honesty she was one of the best teachers at Cabrillo. She is loud and opinionated, but if you listen to her, she will listen to you. I wish I still went there so I could take more classes from her.

3.0
1.0
PHILO10
May 4, 2010

Smith is a pretty good teacher, really loud so if you don't like that kind of personality don't take her. The class was really easy, pretty much never needed to go, only on test days. Easy A.

5.0
4.0
PHILO10
May 12, 2010

I adore Rebecca! I think she is a genius! She is super passionate about philosophy. If you do what she asks then you will do fine. God help you if you don't though. She will let you have it if you're a smart ass. Do the work, ask her for help if you need, and LISTEN when she gives directions.Do not stray from her directions and you'll do great! =)

5.0
3.0
PHILO10
Jul 26, 2010

Smith is a damn good teacher. If you want an A,prepare to work for it. Her directions are crystal clear- follow them, give her exactly what she asks for, and if you are not sure,speak with her. She is crazy, and will provide you with a great experience- if you plan to go onto university, this is the caliber of teacher you'll find.

2.0
5.0
PHILO49
Aug 16, 2010

Smith is a very hard teacher. You can tell she loves what she does but does not do a good job of helping YOU understand the material. She is very demanding as far as homework goes and is not forgiving in the least if you make a mistake. Expect to read your homework aloud in class. Only take if you (somewhat) know the material.

3.0
4.0
PHIL15
Oct 14, 2010

Rebecca is completely crazy. She is a great teacher, but often strays off topic. She loves group discussions, and she is usually very loud. She grades hard, but I definitely learned a lot from her

5.0
4.0
PHILO10
Nov 30, 2010

Rebecca is insane, but it's entertaining. She knows her course inside and out. She is very specific: read, answer questions out of text, take test off of questions with notes. If you read, you will succeed. Lecture includes Powerpoints and movies like Pulp Fiction. PS: DONT call her becky!

1.0
4.0
PHILO9
Dec 4, 2010

Picks favorites and won't clarify ANYTHING. AVOID AVOID AVOID

5.0
4.0
PHIL10
Dec 4, 2010

Rebecca was great! I have never been interested in Philosophy and she is passionate about the subject. She does tend to choose favorites, but go to her office hours and talk to her its that simple. If you reach out she is very helpful! Read and take thorough notes and you will do fine. She is loud and crazy, but it kept me interested!I learned alot

5.0
5.0
PHIL9
Dec 23, 2010

Rebecca is a fantastic professor. She knows her subject incredibly well and she intrigues her students. Her lectures are fun and entertaining as she is hilarious as well.

4.0
4.0
PHILO10
Dec 27, 2010

I learned a lot and she is passionate about the subject. However, her sense of humor, loudness, and sometimes **** slant may not work for all students. High-caliber, sarcastic, brilliant, and demanding. I am just wondering how she ended up here with degrees from UCLA and Columbia University..

1.0
4.0
PHILO9
Mar 17, 2011

We took notes in class, but in every class she strayed off the topic so when it came time for the test, half of what was on the test hadn't even been discussed. All we had to go off was the text, which you have to read more than once to understand. She was too disorganized for me to learn anything, other than what i could get on my own.

1.0
4.0
PHILO49
Apr 21, 2011

I don't think the class would be as hard if she taught in a more organized and clear way. Also not yelling whatever the lecture is at you would help.At times she makes no sense at all and when you ask her to clarify she refuses. If you make no sense at all according to her she can care less to hear what you have to say. Avoid if possible.

5.0
3.0
PHILO9
May 1, 2011

Rebecca is a great philosophy teacher. Her personality is unbelievably loud (which would turn some away) but it always makes the class interesting. The subject matter really is TOUGH, and takes a lot of time to understand some concepts, but she is always willing to clarify if you ask. Not to mention the movies we watch are GREAT! Easy grader too.

1.0
5.0
PHILO9
May 3, 2011

She tries to help you way to much. When I would ask for help with the material she left me even more thought less about the class. I would never recommend her class, infect I recommend you not taking this class at all. Her tests are open notes from the hw but some how I manage to get all answers wrong on the test when I got all the hw answers corre

2.0
5.0
PHILO10
May 5, 2011

She is loud which was disturbing. You really have to think about the things she says to understand. Writing papers for this class was a pain in the butt. I got pissed off cause I got my first C and it lowered my GPA. This class is interesting but I dont recommend her.

3.0
5.0
PHILO49
May 12, 2011

she is nuts. definitely a loud one with too high of expectations for this course. If only Claudia Close taught this course, I could have at least come out with a B.apparently she taught at Columbia previously, so that may be why her expectations are so high. highly recommend another professor or course if you aren't down for a tough semester!

5.0
4.0
PHIL49
Jun 5, 2011

Rebecca teaches like a university professor meaning she won't take any BS. She is straight-forward and will push you to excel. She is brilliant and her classes are ridiculously entertaining as she is such a character.

4.0
5.0
PHIL10
Jun 8, 2011

This class requires doing the homework and showing up to class. She makes the class time go back fast. However, she can be really confusing when teaching, which she does from powerpoints only. You have a test or quiz just about every week. I earned a B in the class, but I probably would not choose to take her again.

5.0
3.0
PHIL100
Aug 12, 2011

Agent Smith is a pistol for sure. She will not coddle you, but she cares what her students have to say. The class is great, lots of awesome films like Pulp Fiction. She is the epitome of what a college professor should be.

4.0
3.0
PHILO10
Aug 22, 2011

Prof. Smith knows her stuff. In her class there are stupid questions and she will let you know if you've asked one. Show up, take the tests, do the study questions, write the essays (they're super short) and you'll be fine. She's not an easy professor but she is fair. Very loud too. Can be intimidating at times but you get used to it.

5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Nov 20, 2011

There is no ambiguity with Smith.She explains what she wants and expects- there are never any surprises. If you want an A or B, you'll need to go to office hours- she is personable and patient in them.I worked my asp off- but I am a much better thinker from her class. If you are going onto a 4 year degree- she will prep you well.

5.0
3.0
PHILO49
Dec 15, 2011

Rebecca is an intense, loud, outrageous, amazing and brilliant professor. I loved every minute of this class. She is tough, but it is good for you. Don't take her if you want an easy A, she makes you think.

4.0
4.0
PHIL9753
Apr 5, 2012

She is incredible! I have gained so much from both of the classes I have taken from her. Anyone who wishes to be challenged and expand in their critical thinking and writing should take her class.

2.0
4.0
PHILO49
May 14, 2012

Prof. is very knowledgeable and passionate about her subject. That being said, she is a lame professor. Her lectures are scattered and bolstered by one-sentence power point slides. Half the class is spent listening to her argue with students, and she thinks critically about everything but her teaching methods, despite having to curve every test.

3.0
4.0
PHILO49
May 23, 2012

Rebecca really will make you think critically. Her tests are hard because you have to apply the concepts and not just memorize them. The other work you get full credit on as long as you meet the word count. I suggest this class for anyone who is willing to pay attention in class, open their minds and think critically.

5.0
4.0
PHIL49
Jan 7, 2013

She is an amazing philosophy professor. The course is designed with care and can be considered an introduction to philosophy as well as critical thinking. All of the material was engaging and somewhat challenging. Professor Smith's exams are very challenging but it is possible to get an A by fully understanding and applying class material.

4.0
5.0
PHIL49
Jan 9, 2013

Great professor, very specific about what she wants from her students, readily available during her clearly defined and often discussed office hours. If you are having trouble, go in and talk to her. She is very helpful, will spend tons of time with you; she is very knowledgable, and seemed interested in teaching.

2.0
3.0
PHILO10
Apr 10, 2013

Avoid this woman at all costs. She shouldn't be considered a teacher, in my opinion. Not only is she unavailable by phone/email outside of class (which she claims she can always be reached by), but she designs her tests in such a persnickety and specific format that it is nearly if not impossible to get an A, even with studying. So unprofessional.

4.0
4.0
PHILO10
May 22, 2013

Even though this class was a challenge for me to get through,I learned far more from Professor Smith than any other instructor at Cabrillo, so far. She is loud, entertaining and makes class go by extremely fast. I really enjoyed her teaching style.

2.0
5.0
PHILO49
Jun 13, 2013

Awful teacher. Everything she says gets fallowed by "but that's more advance, you don't need to know that" and completely confuses you. Nobody feels safe to raise their hand, either. She'll mock you and make you feel decently stupid. it was sad seeing so many students afraid to ask for clarification. She tried to break a student's phone as well.

5.0
3.0
PHILO49
Aug 6, 2013

It's simple if you're excited about learning and like thinking critically you'll love her classes. Clearly the people slamming her on here don't take their education seriously. You don't get an A for sitting in a chair. I got more out of her classes than any other professor at Cabrillo. What more needs to be said?

1.0
5.0
PHILO49
Nov 29, 2013

Terrible teacher. She makes you hate the subject even if you enjoyed it in the first place. Also dislikes men.

4.0
4.0
PHILO49
Dec 5, 2013

I love this teacher, she is very engaging and very intelligent but can be a little intimidating. She doesn't hate men, Im a male and she has absolutely no problem meeting with me in her office to explaining concepts I didn't understand. This class is for people who take their education seriously and want to grow intellectually, NOT an easy A!

3.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: C
Apr 22, 2014

The hardest and most confusing class I took at Cabrillo. Her test set you up to fail and she does not make the content clear. Philosophy is not an easy subject to understand and she just makes it even more confusing. She is very unorganized and makes you fear asking questions. I'm pretty sure she passed half my class with C's because we all failed.

1.0
5.0
PHIL10
May 6, 2014

It was a very challenging class, and although the test seemed easy the real answers were very hard to comprehend. There was no clarification when asked for help, and it seemed like a sink or swim class. I was advised that my best option would be to withdraw from the class and take a different professor.

4.0
5.0
MIND
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
May 7, 2014

one of the best teachers I have had. I wish more science could be talked about when discussing the brain but overall she is an exceptional teacher. cares about her students & really tries to help them. its my fav class its also my hardest class. Even with open note I still get low B's and C's, but what I have taken away is far more valuable.

5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
May 26, 2014

Rebecca is awesome!! While the class is challenging and paying attention and taking notes is necessary to do well on the exams, she is very helpful if you don't understand something. You will learn a lot from her. Take her class!!!

5.0
4.0
PHILO9
Grade: A
Aug 28, 2014

Rebecca is totally brilliant. No, her course isn't easy, but it completely prepares you to work at the university level. The reading material is engaging and, while challenging, her exams will transform you into a more thorough reader than you believed possible. The woman got her PhD at Columbia, she knows what she's doing!

3.0
4.0
PHIL9
Oct 3, 2014

Very tough grader and at the same time held herself to a pretty low standard. Maybe something was going on in her life the semester I had the class, but it seemed like she didn't really want to be there, even though it was her specialty topic. We mostly just watched movies. A lot of sessions were canceled. Good lectures when she did them...

2.0
4.0
PHILO49
Dec 29, 2014

I still have no idea what the hell that class was supposed to be about, I asked so many times for help and she would just give me more ridiculous examples that made no sense. I DO NOT recommend, she was a great person just a pretty terrible teacher. I learned everything on google after class to be honest.

5.0
4.0
PHILO10H
Grade: A
Feb 19, 2015

Rebecca is very passionate about philosophy. She's brilliant, loud, enthusiastic, and makes her points very clear. She repeats analogies and anecdotes throughout the semester to help students retain the material. If you want an "A", be prepared to do the extra leg work. Visit her office hours, and ask for clarityhelp and she will always give it

5.0
4.0
PHILO9
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2015

Great professor. This class is structured very similar to the other classes that she teaches. She is hilarious and very helpful for students who show that they care about the material. The material is hard to comprehend without some time to just sit and think about it, but she reviews constantly herself constantly. Definitely recommend her!!!

5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
Feb 4, 2016

Rebecca is LOUD! But she's inspirational and engaging. Sometimes can be offensive, totally ignores raised hands, and tests have trick questions. I would definitely take her again, but she surely makes you work for it. writing assignments and lectures are clear, thought-provoking, and valuable. I really feel I learned a lot!

4.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: B
May 12, 2016

I think the poor reviews are results of students who either aren't dedicated or aren't interested in the subject. I've taken 3 of her classes and plan to take more! The classes have not been my easiest, but my favorites for sure. She is very engaging, reliable, and willing to clarify. I kept in constant contact via email all semester.

3.0
3.0
PHIL9
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2016
Would take again

I had no idea what was going on in that class, but I got an "A." The tests will crush you, no matter who you are. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS (PHILO9) UNLESS YOU TOOK AN INTRO COURSE. Rebecca is crazy and embraces it. During the 2016 election she spent an entire period mourning. Goes off on tangents a lot. 90% of assignments were online. Otherwise good.

Hilarious
1.0
2.0
PHIL9
Mar 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

One of the most long winded lecturers I've ever met. Note that her class is not so much of a springboard for your own thoughts/ideas on the subject but a test on how well you can regurgitate the materials in her lecture. In other words, its thinking is optional. Wanna get confused by philosophical concepts and waste 3 units? Take Rebecca's Philo 9

LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
PHILO9
Grade: B
May 1, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She was all over the place and she didn't engage with students at all just talked loudly all class. Also she was suppose to give me credit for two assignments and I talked to her and she told me to email her and she would but she never entered them and I ended up with a lower grade than I should have. Not reliable or accessible

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
5.0
PHILO49
May 8, 2017
Would take again

Rebecca is loud, wacky, and passionate. She will teach you new and better ways to learn and think about the world. She cares about your grade and will support your success in her class with clear instructions and many different ways to earn points (which is great if you're not a good test-taker). Pay attention, do the work, and you'll get an A.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
1.0
3.0
PHIL49
May 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very unpredictable. If you don't mind getting screamed at in your face. She is not very considerate of students

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: B
May 17, 2017
Would take again

This class was one of my favorites. I would highly reccommend, it does require a lot of effort but it is not impossible. Great lectures. The bad reviews are of students who do not follow directions(do not ask questions on exams for any reason) not a hard thing to do but still some people cant follow simple rules or did not do the work or study .

SO MANY PAPERS
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
PHILO-49-99122
Oct 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This woman rambles. Shes a nice lady but she loves to hear herself talk. She speaks briefly on the material and then rambles on and on about the same thing or unrelated topics. Its easy to loose focus. Course work is reasonable but sometimes confusing. Not a strong teacher.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
PHIL49
Oct 20, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Beware, she does lose her temper. It seemed like she gets irritated when people asked her questions, which was discouraging when you don't understand the material. Take her only if you must.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PHILO49
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

2nd worse professor at Cabrillo. Lectures could have been 10 min but she included 30 min of barely related video, doesn't know how to edit, had to listen to her talk to her dog for 6 min. Unclear in explanations. Ironic she teaches crit thinking because she's bad at it. Can't spell to save her life. Will be taking at another college, she's that bad

1.0
3.0
PHILO49
Dec 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE HER CLASS! Most people who are taking online courses, often times work during the day. With this being said, she scheduled reviews during the day time. She was constantly changing her office hours and cancelling reviews with very short notice. Also, her directions are vague for assignments. Truly horrible experience.

1.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
Jan 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is terrible! Absolutely no questions allowed during tests. Don't understand what the question is asking? Tough luck. She personally attacked a kid for asking a question during the final. She is unaproachable and down right rude! Pretty much impossible to reach over email. Tried to file a complaint but the head of the dept thinks she's a saint.

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PHILO49
Jan 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The worst teacher I have ever taken. Yells at students who are just trying to get clarification (because her instructions are so vague). Showed up to class over 45 minutes late (pretty much everyone had left by then) and assigned a reading to the 4 people who stayed, then yelled at everyone saying that they left class early. What? Do not take her!!

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
Jun 15, 2018
Would take again

Dr Smith is not for the faint of heart. If you are just trying to fill requirements, go elsewhere. She doesnt take any BS, she reminds me of my Christian school teachers, if you try to make excuses you will be put in your place. If you are committed to learning and working hard, this class will be worthy of your time.

Tough Grader
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: A
Aug 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

THE WORST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN. This professor should not be teaching online classes, i learned absolutely nothing and the lessons are ridiculous! She wastes time by adding pointless clips to the lectures and takes 45 minutes to explain basic concepts. The quizzes are basically asking you to plagiarize and her grading system is inconsistent.

1.0
1.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
Sep 15, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This teacher should not be allowed to run an online class. Her "lectures" consist of her rambling about the same one topic for 10 minutes then the rest is the trailer for jaws or a 10 minute long movie clip because she mentioned that movie. The class itself is mind numbingly easy no critical thinking requires in this critical thinking course.

LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PHILO49
Grade: B+
May 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Terrible teacher. Terrible lectures, very poor examples. Would not round grade up from an 89.5 to a 90. Do not take her! Does not care about students.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: B
May 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Worst class I have ever taken. Her assignments are tedious and pointless. The given lectures are also very bad. How can you succeed w lectures like hers? She is also unwilling to work with students to improve their grades. Does not care about her students and seems to live in a different world and thinks all people think like her. Bad office hours

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
PHILO49
Grade: C+
May 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Lectures were hard to listen to. I wish her notes on her lectures were a little more informative. Tests were not easy. I personally think she gives too little time for tests. She was way too picky about discussion post response content. Gives some extra credit. This class has potential to be good.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: A+
Sep 25, 2019
Would take again

She's one of the few professors who prepared me for my upper-division coursework. I loved her 49 class so much, I signed up for another. We watched a movie in bothshe even bought us pizza, but I didn't tell you that. She doesn't want you to fail, she wants you to think critically. After all, it is a critical thinking class.

Inspirational
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
PHIL49
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Never take her online courses. She over-complicates everything and her grading is absurd. She like things done in an exact way and if you deviate in the slightest you will get a zero on your assignment. No forgiveness for making any mistakes when you post something in the wrong spot by mistake.

Tough grader
5.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: A+
May 11, 2020
Would take again

This is the second class I've taken with Rebecca and I enjoyed it immensely. The in-person lectures are fantastic. Rebecca is very vocal with her opinions and does not shy away from a good argument. The online lectures are decent, but nothing compared to the real thing. She is very clear about what she expects from you. Wonderful teacher.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
PHIL49
Grade: A
May 18, 2020
Would take again

I took the online version of this course, and thank god. However, she uploads video lectures for you to watch and they are drawn out with a lot of unnecessary filler. That being said, it is a class you can easily get an A in just by doing the homework and quizzes. She is very accessible through email and out of class. Odd, but a great teacher.

Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
PHILO49
Grade: B+
May 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class should be avoided at all costs. Professor lectures via video with no transcript. You cant look back at course material without re watching hour long videos of her droning on in intensive vocabulary that is past comprehensible. This class does not address those with visual learning styles who need to be able to read the material to study.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
PHILO49
May 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

SO much ego involved with this one. Please spare yourselves the headache and DON'T take any classes from this professor. SO many mistakes in the curriculum, oh yeah, and her dog barks during her recorded lectures and doesn't make a new recording. If you call her out on her mistakes she responds with psychobabble to demean you with instead of help.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
PHILO49
Grade: A
Sep 4, 2020
Would take again

I won't say she's an easy A, but her class is structured in a way that offers a low-friction path to getting an A. She can be a tough grader but her expectations are clear. Not sure I'd recommend her if you are a philosophy major and really want depth, but if you need the credit and/or need to fill a semester you could probably do a lot worse!

Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
PHIL49
Grade: B
May 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Is accessible through email, and other means, but is rude in her responses. She does help to understand the material through her weekly lectures and the work itself is pretty understandable. The course is very work-heavy and she grades strangely. I can tell she has a big ego and I would not recommend her as a teacher.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
PHILO9
May 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Smith was okay. The actual material isn't bad, but her lectures are long-winded, a bit strange, and I feel that the actual 'meat' of our topics gets lost in her analogizing. If you're a phil major looking for depth, I'd avoid. Otherwise, and so long as you can put up with an eccentric professor, go for it.

Lecture heavy
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
3.0
PHIL49
May 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Extremely repetitive in lectures she goes over the same concept a hundred times never going more in-depth makes them drag on forever with little learning. Grades entirely based on length of response instead of content, very frustrating when she has you make 2 100 wrd responses for every discussion and has no regard for if you show crit thinking.

Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
PHIL9
Grade: Not sure yet
May 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I didn't understand this class at all. Quizzes are open note but sometimes there is no way to know the answer. Lectures are very long and boring, with very little helpful slide information. She is willing to help if you reach out and is nice in her response. If you love philosophy you probably will enjoy it but I was just lost most of the time.

1.0
2.0
PHIL49
Grade: A
Jul 22, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Least favorite class I ever took in college. Her lectures were super repetitive and surface level. When students asked questions, her responses often felt rude and dismissive. After the first test, I did the math on how little I could attend and still get an A in the class and I skipped it as much as I could get away with. Avoid this class.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PHIL49
Grade: C-
Dec 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took the class online & she seemed nice at first, nope not the case. She has her lectures pre-recorded & is very old school. She uses old school movies for examples. You either do the word count for the papers and responses or don't. You only get two attempts on the tests and quizzes. The answers will be hidden. Be ready to be frustrated.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
PHIL12
Grade: B
May 8, 2022

Examples she gives in lectures and homework are nothing like the questions on the tests. All tests are timed and though you can skip questions on some, you cannot go back to those you skipped. Difficult and unclear lectures.

1.0
5.0
PHIL12
Grade: F
May 20, 2022

Not what I signed up for. I though we would be doing essay assignments and stuff along those lines, but all she gave us was statistics with words. This has been the only class I've failed and I wish the way she worded the class was more along the lines of being a logic course instead.

1.0
5.0
PHIL49
Grade: D+
May 21, 2022

Rebecca smith is a hard grader and only grades well if you use fancy unused words like she does. this class is lecture heavy and she grades so tough. none of her assignments made sense to me because she used old English words to explain them. I will NOT take her class again, do not take her class unless you treat it as if her class is top priority

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
PHIL9
Grade: B
May 23, 2022

Professor Smith was very knowledgable about the course material. There were lots of reading assignments that were sometimes difficult to follow/understand. Grading was fair and feedback was helpful.

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
PHILO9
Grade: A+
May 15, 2023
Would take again

Rebecca is hilarious and crazy in the best possible way, but not for everyone. Her lectures are a little disorganized, but they always get the point across and are captivating because of her energy and passion (and volume!). Grading criteria is very clear and assignments are comfortably paced.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
PHIL12
Grade: C
Aug 10, 2023

The lectures were pretty disorganized and sometimes confusing. On the multiple occasions that I reached out and asked for help beyond what was in the lectures, she would either tell me to just figure it out on my own or she would repeat the same exact things said in the lecture, despite them being unclear to me.

2.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: C
Dec 13, 2023

Her directions were not very clear regarding what she wanted. She wanted a total of 4000 words through journals by the end of the semester but gave nothing to work with to achieve that goal. I didn't learn anything.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
PHIL49
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2023

PHILO 49 - Lots of reading / tests, not able to go back on the test to double check, some tests are timed, some only have 2 tries. 5 Journal entries are required, w/ a minimum of 100 words each, but need a total of 4,000 words by the end of the semester. No feedback on the journals until the end. All A's on tests, but on journals? No idea.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
PHIL9
Grade: C+
Dec 16, 2023

Rude when reached out for help and graded tough. Many assignments were worded at a professional level and hard to understand. Would not take if you're looking for a class you can understand

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
PHIL9
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 20, 2024

Pointless class to take. Wasted so much time attending all of her "lectures" where she just plays youtube videos. Wish I knew to just take this class online to receive credits because attendance is a huge part of your grade, probably since she knows no one would come to her class if it wasn't. Defiantly would NOT take again. Waste of valuable time

Participation matters
5.0
2.0
PHIL49
Grade: A
Jun 25, 2024
Would take again

Fun teacher, fun class. Quizzes/exams aren't timed and open note. Most you can take as many times as you want so it's easy to boost your score. Recorded lectures with transcripts on Canvas but also lecture notes. My friend used the lecture notes and he did just as well as me. I watched the recordings because she has a savage sense of humor.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
2.0
PHIL9
Grade: A
Jun 25, 2024
Would take again

One of the best classes I've taken. Covers wavy mind-bending stuff. You watch cool flicks and she's really open-minded about different takes and alternative ways of looking at issues. Prepare to be challenged but in a fun way. She'll get you to think. In class time is more about asking questions, discussion, group work. Lectures are on Canvas.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
3.0
5.0
PHIL12
Grade: C
Aug 29, 2024

Rebecca was one of the most caring professors I've ever had, and was so accommodating. I truly appreciated how she went above and beyond. However the way the class was set up was a nightmare. The lectures were hard to understand and not very helpful, so be mindful about that when signing up for this class.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
1.0
4.0
PHIL100
Grade: B
Oct 12, 2024

This professor makes very little sense and her lectures are literally impossible to understand. She grades extremely harshly.

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
PHILO49
Grade: B+
Oct 31, 2024

bizarre class. Easy to pass as long as you read (the majority of assignments are just word for word what the textbook says, so not too hard to pass) but Rebecca has some of the strangest hot takes i've ever heard. none of the lectures make sense- they're kind of just rambles while everyone half pays attention. At least it's not too hard to pass.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
PHILO49
Grade: C-
Dec 10, 2024

work assigned for finals are ridiculous. sporadic rambles. A subject that is already difficult enough to understand, is just made worst. Don't take this class if you're not ready to be frustrated, and if you're a full time student with a busy schedule, you're screwed. Rather write a 4000 word paper about this class for my final instead.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
PHIL49
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2024
Would take again

Interesting lectures, covering interesting issues, more like I would think you'd get at a 4-year university. But not really difficult. If you just do the work and pay attention, follow instructions, you can do well. Gives you lots of chances to boost grade with quizzes you can take as many times as you want and writing journals.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
3.0
PHIL100
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2024

the most unorganized professor i've ever had. lectures make genuinely no sense it's not wonder the class was empty by the halfway point. extremely harsh grader w very nonsensical assignment set ups and outlines. for a beginner course it was extremely inaccessible and hard to follow.

So many papers
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
PHIL49
Grade: B
Jan 13, 2025
Would take again

Rebecca's class has a fun vibe, but the grading can be tough. Quizzes/exams are open-note, and lecture recordings are available. Unstuck AI was a lifesaver for preparing. Manageable workload if you stay on top of it.

1.0
5.0
PHILO9
Grade: A
Feb 24, 2025

Rebecca is by far the worst professor I have encountered in my academic career, and that statement carries immense weight. In her class, I constantly felt disrespected, talked down to, and treated as less than human. Her teaching is incompetent, and her "lectures" are irrelevant tangents. Do not take this class, for the sake of your intelligence.

5.0
3.0
PHIL49
Grade: A-
May 29, 2025
Would take again

She has a good personality and incorporates a lot of movies into her lectures which helps make the material more understandable and relatable. I appreciated that she supplies you with all the questions to the quizzes and as long as you are willing and able to find all the answers within the reading you will be able to answers the questions.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
PHIL100
Grade: B
Jun 2, 2025

Astonishingly, not a great teacher. Anyone who takes her class will be so confused. The lectures are nonsensical ramblings. Where is the teaching? Is it in the room with us? The greatest philosophy question: how is she a teacher? A lot of her comments are snarky and rude. Do we need to remind her it's cabrillo, not the Roman amphitheater ?

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
PHIL12
Grade: C+
Jun 3, 2025

I didn't believe the reviews on here about her, and I regret it. I have never had such an astoundingly bad prof, or even close. The material would not be difficult if there was a prof to explain it, but Rebecca is not that person. Disorganized, boring, condescending; confoundingly bad at speaking with clarity for someone teaching a class on logic.

2.0
4.0
PHIL12
Grade: A
Jun 9, 2025

She's a quirky and overall nice person but as a professor she's not the best. Her test questions are confusing and her lectures are barely helpful. Unironically one of the test questions that I failed on both retakes was "Remember when we discussed locking a student in their room and boarding them inside?" Like. what. We did not talk about that????

Clear grading criteria
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
2.0
PHIL49
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 3, 2025

I find myself getting lost a lot during the lectures, and when she elaborates on a certain topic I still find myself lost, though that could just be me. Her class isn't too boring though, and honestly the work can be pretty fun at times. She is pretty funny though and she's a good person to talk to about anything, especially sports.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

41%

Textbook Required

43%

Grade Predictor

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Predicted Grade

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95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
A (18)
B (10)
C (4)
Grade Distribution
A(21)B(10)C(9)D(3)F(1)A-/B+(5)
Based on 54 reported grades
A: 18
B: 10
C: 4
B+: 4
Common Tags
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Lecture heavy (13)
Get ready to read (11)
Hilarious (9)
LECTURE HEAVY (7)
Clear grading criteria (6)
Test heavy (6)
Tough Grader (5)
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