4.4
Quality2.8
Difficulty80%
Would Retake116
Reviews80%
Would Retake
116
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
78
4
24
3
6
2
6
1
2
What Students Say
“Lectures were really long and it was hard to focus”
PHIL102 - 4.0 rating“So so boring and way to tough of a grader for a GE”
PHIL102 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
27%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.08 avg changeRatings by Course
310
5.0
(1)22555
5.0
(1)PHIL340
5.0
(2)PHIL620
5.0
(1)PHIL536
5.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
310
4.0
PHILO310
4.0
PHIL400
4.0
MANY
4.0
PHIL350
3.5
Reviews (116)
pretty interesting
very interested in subject, makes class enjoyable, helpful
One of the greatest classes and teachers I have ever had,take his class!
Very helpful. Best class I've taken at State.
must take good notes, great teacher, great class
Not too bad, just study hard for tests, make sure you get the main ideas down
His class's so good, you'll want to change your major
Great teacher!
best class that i have ever taken. i would recommend this class to anyone who enjoys to think. gives a study guide for the tests, know that perfect and you will get a good grade.
I really enjoyed him as a teacher. He pushed me to study harder by telling me nicely he thought I was slacking. He got me to prove him wrong. Got a 92 on first test, a 96 on second and a 97.5 on the final. I greatly appreciated his early scolding. Got A!
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Very interesting dicussions.. teacher really challenges you to think.. 2nd and 3rd tests are more difficult, but if you go to class and take notes it isnt too bad.. TAKE THIS CLASS!
Good teacher. Not to much homework. Very knowledgable.
Great teacher! Go to class, take good notes, and you will be fine. All the material is very interesting.
Clear ideas but all boring and horrible subject matter. Guy has bad speaking skills. Worst philosophy class I have taken to date and I love philosophy. Do not reccomend if you want to learn anything.
Funny professor. It's philosophy... gotta make it interesting somehow. His topics make you think and evaluate your personal values. He's really good about being available for help for students. tests aren't that bad. gives a study guide to study.
One of the most approachable teachers i have had at state so far. He's super smart but he never condesends. Tests are a challenge, but he gives you the questions before he asks them. No HW, and all answers are in the lecture notes.
No Comments
Great professor, very clear and concise. This was a seminar and he is very open to discussion. I highly recommend him.
Take this teacher, never be bored in class! Explains very well. 3 tests, all essay questions, but if you write down what he says, you will have no problem getting an A in the class like I did. SOOOO easy to understand, just make sure you GO TO CLASS!
one of the most approachable professors i've come across. 3 exams- essay format, but take good notes and go to class. helps students and is willing to help you understand the whole concept regarding the lectures and test preparation, take this class!
One of the most awesome teachers I have ever had. He was very clear and precis and explained everything in great detail.
If you come to class consistently and take good notes the class is quite simple. However, he is one of the worst professors I have ever had. This is not a philosophy class by any means. It is a logic class and it does not present multiple points of view.
3 tests, he gives you a study sheet with every question he may ask. Attend class and take good notes. Good teacher interesting lectures
One of my favorite teachers. Funny, interesting, and fair. You need to study for tests, but the study sheet tells you everything you need to know. Don't take it if you like skipping classes though, every absence takes off 1/3 letter grade.
This teacher was completely condesending. He speaks in a way that doesn't seem to teach much. He tries to be funny and approach students in a hip manner but doesn't come across as very professional. If I had the choice, I wouldn't take his class again.
great teacher. presents material in matter that everyone can understand. gender neutral!
Phil of Mind is complicated, but he does a good job of clarifying. His class is fun, but pretty hard. First test is easy but last 2 are tough. Had for Phil 310 also and liked it. Reading is essential, but only assigns a few pages per class. Have to write a half pg. paper almost every class. Nice guy
Professor's very nice + helpful. Subject's awful!If you want to take it for GE, DON'T!I felt that the subjects studied r practically useless.Tests r very hard, you r not allowed to use notes or take a cheat sheet, no extra credits allowed.He gives you a list of possible questions but they r too many
I havent taken a class with him, but I see him sometimes in his office, and he is quite handsome. So take the class if you like cute brooding looking boys with black hair..other than that, no comment.
I was taking this class for GE, big mistake. If you like to listen and regurgitate a teacher opinion on test, then this is the class for you. Yes, he gives you a study guide in advance. Which means you have to memorizes 10 pgs of notes. Good Luck!
I took this guy for Philosophy 310, 525, 531, and 536. I probably would not have had the will to persevere through this major if it were not for him. People disagree over his teaching methods, but the real value of his approach will be felt after you look back on several semesters of study with him.
class was hard bc i've never taken phil b4. just go to class, take good notes. answer questions on the study guides & study. go to office hours b4 tests n papers, he is very helpful. gives you ideas that will help you improve your paper b4 turning it in. great prof, i hated the subject, and i got a B.
Very helpful, makes class material interesting.
Excellent Prof. The material can be difficult but as long as you go to class and take good notes...He is very good at explaining things and his examples are hillarious! He is very helpful so don't hesitate to ask for help. Study your ass off for the exams cause they are weighty. Definiatly take his class!
The prof. has a good bedside mannor however, his lectures are like watching a recording; there is absolutly now interaction. All of his questions are rhetorical. You must answer the test questions exactly how they were presented in class word for word. There are only 3 tests so you better not bomb any of them or you will be screwed. Good luck.
Hard class to get an A in: must go, take notes, and read. If you DO the study guides (thoroughly) then you can EASILY get an A, you just have to have good notes. Critical thinking and logic skills necessary. Helpful, clear, and thought-provoking - I'm taking 422 with him this semester.
Communicates difficult material well. Weekly class writing are tedious. By far the most busy work required by an upper division philosophy class. Mandatory class participation eats up class time with dull commentary.
This guy is definitely an oddball, but he's very helpful and friendly. Class is interesting. Three exams, multiple choice and essay, nothing too bad. I recommend this class! It's not too hard to take as a GE and it's pretty interesting.
As others have said, he's an oddball BUT I loved this class, and he definitely made it! This was my first philosophy class, and I did pretty well. He's very clear, and he gives you study guides before each test--if you take good notes and answer all the questions on the study guide you'll get an A.
One of the best teachers I had at state. First day of class I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but so happy I took his class. This is a great class, taught by a great teacher. You will learn a lot if you try. His tests are essay, but if you know your self you will do very well.
Dr. Bob is the man. Never will someone present a more structured analysis of the topics. very clear in his presentation. Unfortunately, he is equally particular in his test grading. he doesn't want creativity, but just a regurgitation of the facts. all in all, great teacher. but he needs new shoes.badly.
His class is extremely interesting, he's got a great sense of humor, and he explains everything so well. You will never be confused in his class. He is nice and understanding !
Class can be confusing but go to office hours and its very helpful!! Also if you go to office hours before the test he will look over your answers and tell you what to add or what to take out so that you can get a good score. Tests can be hard because there all memorization but office hours are the key to his class. also always take notes !
A great teacher and an good class to take for GE and general knowledge. First day, like a lot of people i thought that he was a bit strange, but having a "normal" teacher in philosophy would be maddening. Take notes, you'll need to review for the tests, which are memorization. If you need help to to his office. And be sure to ask questions
Francescotti is an interesting lecturer, and the classes he teaches are interesting in themselves. write out all your answers beforehand to the study questions for his tests, and start the essay as early as possible, and you will do well in the class.
I had him for an Honors course, he is an amazing professor, great guy. I plan on taking any and every class he teaches.
If you're a philosophy major you must take at least one class of Francescotti's. Personally, he was the only Phil Prof. that kept me engaged in his lecture for the full length of the class. The material he introduces to you is a mind trip and even if you give a half ass effort you will still enjoy it.
Dr. Francescotti is very good at making difficult material clear and easy to grasp. Class discussion is fun and interesting, and as a bonus, the man is hilarious. You WILL gain from this class regardless of your level of experience. Highly recommended!
One of two teachers I've ever taken multiple classes with. Favorite teacher ever. However you must do the reading if you want an A, or go & pay attention to every class & office hours b4 each test if you want a hard B. If you do ALL the reading (probably about 20-40 pages of hard reading a week) and GO TO OFFICE HOURS you will pass/love this class!
Awesome teacher! Super interesting, hilarious and just a chill guy. LOVED the class. You need to come, take notes in lecture, and participate but that's about it. No hmwk/papers-grade consists of 3 tests only so do well on those! They are all essay, but questions are provided ahead of time. Class pace is great (at most 5-10 pgs of reading a week).
Really passionate about what he teaches however very hard grader and sometimes wants way to specific of an answer on essay tests. Go to his office hours if you want to pass
I loved his class. He taught very well because he makes you question his ideas. His exams are easy if you take good notes in class! He also gives study guides with the answers on his exams, you just have to explain further. He also gives you the the exact question on exams, and he picks from them. go to his office hours! LOVE HIM!
Takes roll so attendance is a must. You dont have to buy the text book you just have to buy two $8 cal copy books that are useful. He is a good teacher and i would take him again. He gives you test questions before the test and in lecture he answers them. So take good notes and regurgitate them on the test and you will get an A.
Lecture class. Buy the book and do the readings. Most readings are only a couple of pages so its easy. He makes the class extremely interesting. Test questions will be given in advance but he grades pretty tough. If you take good notes and study for a day before the test it should be easy.
Francescotti is a genius! But a very hard teacher. Don't take his class unless you want to work hard and think even harder. He knows when you don't really know the subject and are BSing him so don't try it! I started out failing the class but with his office hours he helped me earn a B and learn to write philosophically the RIGHT way. Amazing!
Francescotti is hilarious and genius! i would love to just hangout with him and talk about life. he's super helpful and gives out handouts for everything we learn and study guides a week before tests. if you go to his office hours with a filled out study guide he'll help you out a lot. there are 3tests. easy if you study but really makes you think
Had him for Phil of Language, honestly the best prof I've had. Lectures were organized and straightforward. He focused on the progression of ideas in a precise way, a lot of info but manageable and not all over the place as many profs are. Somewhat difficult, but only one paper. Take good notes and you'll be fine. Also very funny. Calls out bs.
Francescotti is a philosophical comedian. His class is very organized and his way of presenting the material is clear and precise. His sense of humor comes through in his lectures which makes for class to be fun and not boring. Tests are hard if you come unprepared. Show up & read the assigned readings and you'll do fine.
Phil. of mind. This professor is the clearest prof. in SDSU. Very organized, and very helpful. He is quite funny, and he keeps you engaged through the whole class. 3 blue books exams + 1 seven (undergrad) pages. He gives you study guides before the exams, and the questions are exactly the same.
Francescotti is hilarious! There was never a dull day in his class. He requires you to buy a spiral of copied readings from that store next to KB Books. It's $15 I think. The class is really easy if you write down EVERYTHING that he puts on the board. I never paid attention during class unless he wrote something down. His office hours help loads!
Francescotti is hands down one of the top 3 professors in the department. His lectures are clear and lucid as are his expectations of his students. His lectures are never dull, and his random cursing outbursts make the class so much more enjoyable. The class isn't hard if you literally take notes--preferably on computer--on everything he says.
Absolutely great professor. Came to class every day with no notes and talked spot on for the entire class. Extremely helpful and made the class interesting. Course reader from KBbooks is required, but is only like $25. Midterms are fairly easy and all memorizing.
Francescotti is awesome, no questions about it. He is one of the best professors I have had and is extremely engaging and passionate about what he is teaching. Would definitely recommend!
Now, as a teacher I can appreciate Francescotti's approach to philosophy. Class was a stimulating conversation that made the topics important to us. I always arrived excited to learn and left deep in thought. He has a talent for making lofty ideas accessible and hiding any bias so that students feel bold enough to voice their thoughts and learn.
Amazing professor! Lectures are very interesting and really makes you think. Go to office hours before the tests, he tells you exactly what he wants you to write. Extra credit on your final grade for participation. He's super down to earth and explains the topics really well.
He is so awkward it's great. I absolutely loved his class. He keeps it interesting and never failed to make me laugh. He gives a study guide (literally the test) 2 weeks beforehand, so just write your answers and memorize them. Simple: Super easy. Great teacher. Great class. Take it.
Great teacher! Highly recommend him. Go to class and write down anything he puts on the board; other than that you can zone out if you're not feeling it and be completely fine. He makes the topics really interesting, doesn't force participation in talking about the topic, and gives a detailed study guide with the test questions. My favorite teacher
Francescotti is a great professor and if you don't skip out on class you're golden. If you go to his office ours he'll be more than happy to answer your questions and clarify anything you're not sure about. Lectures can be mind-bottling, but he's got a good sense of humor to keep you interested. Your grade is only based on 3 exams and participation
Super easy class. Lectures were really long and it was hard to focus. He gives three exams all semester that make up your entire grade. He will give you 15-20 test questions to study and will put 10 of them on the test. Go to his office hours and he will tell you how to answer the questions. Very easy A but lots of memorizing
I took this course because it was recommended by my floormate and looked here. Many students think its easy but for me, it was difficult. 3 tests throughout the semester and he expects you to memorize a lot of information: Most is his version of philosophy. If you are good at English and memorizing go ahead. I was no slacker but bad at memorizing.
A very thorough and concise lecturer. Professor Francescotti is what you would expect from a philosophy professor. He is very quirky, witty, and has a deep intellect. He makes you work for your grade and is adamant on impeccable use of language in regards to this class. I learned a lot. This was probably the most difficult class I have ever taken.
Professor Francescotti is hands down my favorite professor from the Philosophy department. I have taken multiple classes with him and he makes complex readings easy through discussion of the topic. He will leave you thinking that you finally found an answer/solution to a problem in Philosophy, then he will destroy that view by the next lecture.
Great class, definitely take this class if you need a GE. All you need to do is show up to class, take notes and pay a little attention (I slept a lot in class) and go to office hours so he can confirm/give answers. Super helpful and great class. No need to do homework, don't buy the book, just need to memorize a lot for the test. Easiest A I got
Study hard for the exams, he gives a study guide with the questions on the exam. They are non-cumulative but there are only 2 exams and that's where your grade comes from. All of the exam material is discussed through the lectures and he will tell you what is important by saying it a million times. If you don't fall asleep, you'll love it.
the important things you need to know he'll tell you to write down other than that his lecture is explaining and taking questions/arguments. Pretty fun, beware abortion and God arguments
-Entire grade is 3 tests -No homework, but his lectures are based on the readings he assigns so I suggest at least looking them through -Class is purely lecture, but is super interesting and entertaining -he takes attendance but won't dock you for not going -Super funny guy; he is the epitome of what you think of when u think of a philosopher
Embrace yourself because this class makes you think of topics that may be case sensitive for most. You start off with the existence of God, then you move on to free will and end with the mind and body problem. You can easily take this class and pass with an A. However, i just didn't really show up because the lectures were boring.
Francescotti is a great professor. His class is not easy, there is a lot of reading/memorizing/understanding but his lectures all help with that. He's a funny guy and always makes himself available for office hours to help with studying before exams. Take good notes, make a class google doc, and study hard- you'll do well.
3 tests that make up your grade and you get a study guide for each of them. Lectures can be boring but if you pay attention it can be intriguing and funny. You don't really have to do the readings because he goes over them in class. TIP-for "essay" portion of tests thoroughly explain topic and give A LOT of examples it's what he wants.
The only class I still enjoyed by the end of the semester. Sometimes the topics were boring but he encouraged class discussion to keep it interesting. I would say he grades the tests too hard, you have to have strong arguments and very clearly state the material on the written portion to get an A. I'd go with this one for your Humanities GE though.
Learned a lot
He is absolutely amazing. explains every detail of every argument sometimes up to 3 times to the point that not understanding is much harder than understanding.
Your grade is only made up of 3 test and if you don't go to class you will definitely fail them. I did not understand the class at all so I went to his office hours and ended up doing really well on the tests. You have to put in work but over all the classes not that hard.
Super sweet guy and really funny. His voice is really monotone, though and it was hard to stay awake in that class. Not really any homework (he goes over all the readings the next day) and all you have to do is memorize the study guide he gives before each test and you will do fine. Only 3 tests and attending class isn't really mandatory either
FUNNY GUY. Teaches extremely well. Difficult not to get an A if you show up. Basically gives you the exams beforehand and all the answers as well. Francescotti is well-respected in the Philosophy department and will give you a very good introduction to logical reasoning, etc. He also asks for students' opinions in discussions so that's cool.
Francescotti is my favorite professor at SDSU - he is funny and smart! It is an upper division class - a lot of work and critical thinking, so be ready for that! You are expected to read about 10 pages (tough reading) before every class. 3 bluebook exams (he gives you a study sheet with the possible questions) and 2 essays of 2-4 pages.
Francescotti's class is the only one I actually get excited about going to. Topics are interesting, he's super funny and easy going which makes the class more comfortable to discussion. Take good notes, the exams aren't difficult but you have to memorize alot to do well on them. Definitely recommend this class
Really interesting guy. For my class, your whole grade was based on three tests, totaling 300 points. Overall, the class wasn't that bad. The topics were very interesting and thought-provoking and he explains them well. Pretty much just do the reading, take good notes, do some studying for the tests, and go to office hours to pass.
Super nice and funny guy. Go to class, take good notes, and study well for the exams and you should pass. The topics are very interesting and he makes them easy to understand. I always looked forward to going to this class.
Pretty boring class but also very easy if you pay attention. He goes over topics enough so you understand well. Make sure to take notes because you'll use them for the study guides which he gives before every exam. 3 exams which are half multiple choice and half short answer. STUDY. MEMORIZE.
This class is very interesting for those who don't like questions with definite answers. For others, this class is pretty easy as long as you go to class, take notes, and study. Take advantage of office hours, because he will help you a lot.
Class was relatively easy if you do the readings (he wrote the "textbook") & go to class. Francescotti is an absolutely AMAZING professor, he makes the class incredibly interesting and is very very funny. Him & this class actually ended up being the reason I declared Philosophy as my major. If you like thinking deeply, I highly highly recommend!!
Grade only depends on 3 exams, which are very easy; that is, if you go to every lecture. Study guides contain exact test questions. This professor has wits, and also explains the material very well. On top of that, he makes the class engaging (in my opinion), so I would strongly recommend him if you're just trying to get a GE out of the way.
Robert is the best Phil teacher out there. His lectures are intriguing and he is hilarious. Graded only on 3 tests but he gives all the questions beforehand so if you study those you'll do fine. Take this man.
Professor Francescotti is my favorite philosophy instructor at State hands down. Unfortunately Ive run out of classes to take from him, however. He spends all the time students need on every point he makes until they understand it. Class act.
LOVE THIS GUY. If you're reading this then you haven't heard about him in person. Everyone respects this guy because he is a brilliant man and a wonderful professor. Reasonable, accommodating, and his teaching style is clear and easy to understanding (especially for such a difficult subject). Honestly, I take classes just because he is teaching...
Really easy class if you pay close attention. His class is based on 3 tests so if you don't study you probably won't pass, but his lectures have some humor to him. Don't be afraid to ask questions even if you think they're dumb since he always makes it a point to tie into the lecture and makes you feel confident about it.
Francescotti is amazing. Although at times his class could get boring it overall was very interesting and sometimes intense. The time goes by faster when people participate and he often leaves the floor open for discussion. There are only 3 free response tests that are easy if you take good lecture notes, He says exactly what is on the tests.
One of the best professors I have had thus far. He is very kind and his lectures are extremely interesting. It is very important that you show up to class because he passes attendance sheets down the rows and the tests are solely based on lectures. Great class and never really had homework. Grade is just based on exams.
Very passionate about his work. Engaging lectures, amazing examples, caring human, I loved his class. I really enjoyed hearing other students in the discussions. Kind of makes you rethink your perceptions of life - at least for me it did. Mandatory attendance, no homework really except to read some short passages in the textbook. Memorization heavy
One of the best profs ive ever had. Takes intricate and confusing topics and makes them simple; inclusive, makes all students feel intelligent and understood. Three exams each with a written extra credit opportunity after; one quiz in the beginning of the sem. 100% take this class.
This professor is the most interesting character you'd ever meet at state. He's got peak dry humor, and an amazing way of simplifying the most abstract philosophical concepts. I learned so much in this class. Not gonna lie, you really have to hyper focus during lectures bc the tests are hard af and word for word what he says. Take good notes! e.c 2
Such an amazing professor. He really cares about his students and what hes teaching and makes you want to learn. Class is only graded on 3 tests and they are based on solely memorization of what you learn in class. Go to class or you will be confused.
Amazing professor! Does a great job breaking down difficult concepts. Test heavy, and solely based on memorization from lecture content. Rounds grades if he sees your participation or you have an increased effort in the class.
Super cool teacher, some of the best lectures I've ever had. Would definitely recommend taking him. Class is graded on a few tests, but they are pretty easy if you pay attention in class and put in an hour or two of studying.
This class sucks. So so boring and way to tough of a grader for a GE. Mandatory to take notes.
Very boring lectures that you will fall asleep in. Grades hard on essay portion of tests. Memorize your notes on the arguments in class. Do not take his class if you need an upbeat learning environment.
Extremely clear in his lectures, essays, and assignments. Might be an easy A if you have good memory skills. Great professor through and through
The only thing in the grade book are exams. The exams are mostly free response, and he looks for very specific responses, if you dont respond with exactly what he wants he is a very harsh grader. His lectures are repetitive and scattered and not in an order that makes sense. I dont recommend him.
Do not take this class for a GE credit, harder than every business class I've ever taken. Grades on 3 tests, answers must be perfect recited word for word from his lecture to even get a half decent grade. Class is super boring and almost mandatory just to get a C. Do not take this class
Very test heavy and this class sucks. Do not take it for a GE. The class is boring and he does not put your grade into canvas so you can't even see what grade you got until the end of the semester. Class is very hard because the study guides are not helpful.
Professor Francescotti is absolutely excellent at what he does. He is incredibly knowledgable on all things philosophy. Your entire grade is based on 4 exams so study hard for them. Everything on the exams is in the study guide and as long as you took good class notes you will do well.
Tough grader, but engaging lectures. Use unstuck study and study guides to prep for the exams. Attendance is mandatory, so don't skip class.
The lectures were so boring. Harder than my business classes, and was my worst grade. Only 4 tests and the grading is almost subjective. Attendance is mandatory. Office hours was not very helpful, and was an unapproachable teacher. Never posted grades on canvas, so I had no idea what my grade was. Don't take this class.
He is an amazing professor but he is complex. He is very knowledgeable. If you have trouble, you need to communicate with him; otherwise, you WILL be lost. He is a great resource for serious Philosophy students. He is tough, but fair.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
78%
Textbook Required
27%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.08 avg changeRatings by Course
310
5.0
(1)22555
5.0
(1)PHIL340
5.0
(2)PHIL620
5.0
(1)PHIL536
5.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
310
4.0
PHILO310
4.0
PHIL400
4.0
MANY
4.0
PHIL350
3.5