3.0

Roma Farion-Villano

Philosophy - University of Massachusetts - Boston

3.0
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
60%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
3.0
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

60%

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

14

4

20

3

22

2

14

1

13

What Students Say

Every class is listening to her talk and only her talk

PHILG109 - 1.0 rating

2 Tests (make sure you read because she will not give you a study guide or anything), 1 (7pg) essay, 15 min presentation

PHIL109G - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

67%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

80% confidence
Based on 10 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 2
B+: 2
A+: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Lecture heavy (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Caring (2)
Tough grader (2)
GROUP PROJECTS (1)
Inspirational (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.35 avg change
Jan
May
Aug
Dec
Jan
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHIL224

5.0

(1)

PHIL222

4.5

(2)

109

4.0

(1)

G109

3.8

(4)

PHIL108

3.7

(6)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

LOGIC120

4.5

PHILO109

4.0

PHIL120

3.4

PHIL225

3.3

MORALDEBATE

3.0

Reviews (83)
4.0
2.0
PHIL100
Jun 11, 2002

No Comments

3.0
2.0
PHIL2116
Sep 1, 2003

Easy Grades Seems harder Than she really is. favors females (she is one too)

4.0
2.0
PHIL120
Apr 6, 2004

She was a great professor for Logic!

4.0
3.0
PHIL120
Apr 9, 2004

Don't let the 100 level fool you. She isn't the easiest, but you will learn alot. Don't even bother if you're a slacker. Miss one class and you will be lost.

1.0
3.0
PHIL101
Sep 4, 2004

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Nov 25, 2004

Really Great, one of the best teachers ever; learned a whole lot

4.0
3.0
G109
Dec 12, 2004

She is a good teacher, not much homework, if you want to do well on the tests take notes from the class

4.0
1.0
G109
Dec 24, 2004

Good class, interesting material, boring teacher. Class was easy, no real homework, a good amount of writing.

2.0
3.0
MORALDEBATE
Feb 17, 2005

I really disliked this class. Prof.Farion is a horrible professor, she is very boring and way too opionated. Be prepared to do a lot of reading a writing and you'd better not miss a class. I would strongly suggest not taking this course, simply because of the professor.

1.0
4.0
PHILG109
Feb 22, 2005

I concur with the previous reviewer. The professor was terrible at teaching--too opinionated yet somehow still boring. There was lots of work in this class. I do not recommend this teacher.

3.0
4.0
G109
May 16, 2005

she just wants to say what she wants to say. sometimes she doesnt even care what you say. if you have an opinion she backs it up with hers. doesnt help you with stuff, just wants you to do it. doesnt give you enough time. if she says to do one thing on one esssay, on the next she will mark you off for doing it. she just talk though. boooooo farion

4.0
3.0
PHILG109
May 16, 2005

This professor is clear in her explanations which makes it easier to learn; yet she is a bit too repetitive and boring. She doesn't leave too much room for personal opinions; even then it seems like she has to agree with it in order for it to be correct. Her quizzes are pretty easy if you listen to lectures.

2.0
1.0
PHIL108
Jul 19, 2005

Lectures consist of her practically going through the readings practically line by line. In discussion, she let the people with the least to say speak the most. This was supposed to be a class on current moral issues, yet readings were all over ten years old. Treats students like sixth-graders during exams and class, taking attendance twice a class

3.0
4.0
PHILOSOPHY
Aug 30, 2005

What a bitter woman. She asked us to call her Doctor Farion, and explained that while her name is Farion-Villano, she wants to be called by the name under which she writes her books. Yeah. Shut up Roma.

3.0
1.0
PHILOSOPHY
Aug 30, 2005

Very boring class!! She kept rambling on and on and barely left room for any student interaction..if your looking for an interesting class stay away!!

4.0
1.0
PHILG109
Sep 11, 2005

Awful prof, in my opinion. She treated us like we were little kids and laid down ridiculous rules like not going to the bathroom, no eating or drinking in class, etc. Lectures were boring and she didn't respect some of the student's opinions on controversial subjects. On the other hand, it's an easy A if you're looking for a freshman seminar.

1.0
1.0
PHIL101
Oct 6, 2005

No Comments

2.0
5.0
LOGIC120
Oct 20, 2005

Bitter woman. She just is not very clear in her explanations and is boring. Likes to hear herself talk. Treats the students like they are in High School or K-12. She is actually JUST like my 3rd grade teacher. She puts me to sleep every class, yet I stay awake in all my other classes.

3.0
2.0
PHILOSOPHY
Oct 26, 2005

No Comments

3.0
2.0
PHILG109
Oct 26, 2005

You'd think in a debate class, that there would be lots of debates between students. In actuality, the class was boring! This woman can talk forever about the same thing. She's very opinionated, and when she does FINALLY let a student voice their opinion, if she doesn't agree with it, she'll claim it's wrong. I think she just likes to hear herself talk. She gave us childish rules, no eating in the class. Maybe it's cuz the smell of food will make her fat ass go crazy..

1.0
2.0
PHI120
Mar 5, 2006

She is a cruel human being and is out to make you suffer and fail at all costs. Avoid her like the plague.

3.0
3.0
PHIL101
Apr 29, 2006

Ok Def. do not take this class. It is SOO boring. She takes 1 point off your average each time your absent and .5 each time your late. If you have an oppinion on anything dont take this class because if you disagree with her oppinion you'll probably get a bad grade!

1.0
4.0
PHILG109
May 3, 2006

Keep making the same points over and over again. Requires many things that dont make sense. She's not helpful, and WILL NOT try to help students if they have questions. Worse teacher so avoid at any cost!!!

3.0
2.0
PHILG109
May 11, 2006

Her class is okay, it's not that boring but her lectures get repetitive. She treats everyone like a first grader and thinks she knows absoultely EVERYTHING.

1.0
4.0
PHILO109
Jun 11, 2006

roma was a poor teacher . she acted as if she knew evry thing about all subjects when if fact she knew very little about any. if you did not agree with her then you were wrong. run screaming.

4.0
2.0
PHIL101
Oct 9, 2006

she is great, if you are getting a bad grade go talk to her in the office she will do something. Took G109 and Phil 101 with her A in both of them, Loved her. A+++

1.0
4.0
PHIL100
Nov 19, 2006

She is very unclear and unorganized. She starts off seeming nice/forgiving but shes really a beast who wants everyone to not do well.

4.0
3.0
G109
Dec 7, 2006

Very Good prof.

4.0
1.0
PHIL108
Dec 15, 2006

A big giant "meh" is in order here. Class is very easy--don't even bother buying the books, it's a waste of money, just take notes. She repeats things many dozens of times and drones a lot, reuses examples and just is boring in general, but it's perfect for an afternoon relaxation class. Diversity and humanities are both satisfied by this. Easy A.

2.0
3.0
PHIL108
Dec 20, 2006

This was the class I was so excited about taking. Then my teacher changed, and I got stuck with her. VERY boring and unclear.Takes attendence within .1 second of entering the classroom, so make sure you're there.I would say she "ruined" what couldve been an amazing class. All the class is, is of her talking about HER opinion. Class was easy, though

4.0
1.0
PHILG109
Jan 2, 2008

GOOD TEACHER BUT BORING. CLASS VERY EASY. ALOT OF READING. TESTS ARE EASY IF YOU DO THE WORK & TAKE NOTES. SCALES TESTS. 2 PAPERS, GIVES PLENTY OF TIME TO WRITE THEM. CHANCE TO REVISE. NO FINAL. CLASS IS BORING-CLASS DOESN'T GET TO DEBATE MUCH. CHANCE TO PASS IN LATE WORK. SHE IS FAIR IN GRADING AND WITH LATE WORK. TAKE CLASS FOR AN EASY A.

3.0
1.0
PHIL100
Jan 3, 2008

easy class, you get 1 excused absence, after that she deducts from final grade, can be boring, but if you can do well on the 1st exam and do well on the term paper, you should be all set

3.0
2.0
PHIL100
Jan 14, 2008

She will help you if you ask her, although she is not available for any length of time. Does rambles a bit and repeats herself. So class can sometimes be boring (doodling anyone?). As long as you attend class and take notes you barely need to read the book itself. Tests are easy and she's an easy grader on papers. Not hard to get an A.

3.0
1.0
PHIL100
Jan 29, 2008

Generally nice teacher, but she tends to drone on a lot about certain issues *cough* hard determinism *cough*. She is generally knowledgeable and tests are fairly easier if you come to classes. However, some questions on the test where not in the book NOR did she discuss them in class so I'm confused about that... easy A for most people.

2.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Apr 3, 2008

terrible professor, very opinionated in a subject that one needs to have an open mind

5.0
1.0
PHIL108
Apr 8, 2008

I thought professor Farion was nice. The classes can be a be boring, but on the bright side you don't have to read the text. Just take notes in class and you're all set. She summarizes all the readings. She's an easy grader and helpful if you ask her nicely. Nice lady, but boring.

4.0
1.0
PHILG109
Apr 16, 2008

Very easy classes. You do not even have to read the books. If you have the education of a sixth grader, you should have no problem getting an A in this class. All the people who complained are probably among the typical idiotic cupcake-eating hot-headed failures that infect these boards with the bile that spills from their weak minds.

5.0
1.0
PHIL224
Oct 27, 2008

She is intelligent and a great teacher, but she is infamous for repeating her examples to death. She does get her points across. She is very open minded and a pleasant professor. She will answer any questions, and leads great discussions. Be wary of her exams. Some questions seem out of the blue. I took 2 of her classes, one she gave a study guide.

2.0
3.0
PHIL120
Oct 31, 2008

Explains things in the most complicated way possible. Can be a little abrasive sometimes.

4.0
3.0
PHIL225
Dec 26, 2008

Prof Farion was a great professor. Philosophy of Religion is a GREAT class. Highly recommended if you are interested in whether or not God can or can't exist. Fair grader. Interesting lectures and class discussions. There is an essay, midterm, and final. Take notes, study, and have fun. I would highly recommend PHIL 225 with Prof Farion.

2.0
4.0
PHIL120
Jan 24, 2009

She is a nice woman but teaching Logic to students who aren't familiar with the subject matter is definitely not for her. I had her for an accelerated winter course and she just blows by material. She does not have reviews, if you asks she looks at you as if you were crazy for asking. Who has reviews? Her handwriting on the board isn't the best

2.0
5.0
LOGIC120
Jul 13, 2009

she is compotent (PhD) in her field but a bad "teacher." a couple times i asked her technical questions, she was very defensive spending 15 minutes defending her style of teaching instead of spending 5 minutes to answer the actual questions--this indicated her level of professionalism.

3.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Aug 21, 2009

Do not take her for this class if you don't want to leave class frustrated everyday. This class has a lot of social issue debates, and if your not at least a moderate liberal she will dismiss your comments, feelings as irrelevant.

4.0
2.0
PHIL225
Nov 15, 2009

I was nervous walking into her class but have found that I really like the subject. She is a fair grader and is very approachable. I would take another class with her. She varies from lecturing to guided discussion, but all in all a great class. The tests are very do-able as long as you study and do the reading. The homework is tough but interestin

5.0
1.0
PHIL109G
May 16, 2010

She is the nicest! I love her! Her work is easy to understand and if you ever need help, she will def. help you and it will get you a good grade. She loves teaching and loves discussion. She is awesome!!!

5.0
3.0
PHIL109G
May 18, 2010

Great professor. A little boring at times, but everything is explained exceptionally well. She knows her material, and does an excellent job teaching. The work load is not too intense, but its not nothing either. Reading the text is optional; she goes over everything in detail, in class. Highly recommended.

5.0
1.0
PHIL222
May 25, 2010

very easy if you come to class and take her notes. She states that attendance is mandatory but she can care less. just come with an excuse

5.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Sep 8, 2010

You must show up to class; attendance is mandatory. You will get a good grade if you do all of your homework. Homework and major essays really play a big role when it comes to your grade. You do have to do a individual presentation in front of the class since this is a first year seminar class. Quizes do not really play a big role

5.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Oct 31, 2010

very interesting topics, lots of assignment but very easy, takes it little by little so she doesnt overwhelm you.. books are absolutely used almost everyday. only allowed 1 absense, shes nice but definitely has another side to her

3.0
3.0
PHIL120
Dec 23, 2010

This professor is a bit out there, but she is dedicated to her subject. Although her attire may be, at times, inappropriate, she is able to teach the subject matter well enough for most, if not all, to understand. Logic requires A LOT of practice and dedication to understand it, and so this class required the textbook. Good class to finish math req

4.0
3.0
PHIL222
Mar 3, 2011

This was a really solid professor. Always had interesting, engaging, lectures that would make for good in-class debates and brainstorms. You need the book to read the cases to be prepared for class discussion, but they were all so interesting that it didn't seem hard. Great professor who explained all ideas clearly. I recommend her phil 222 class!

2.0
3.0
PHILG109
Dec 7, 2011

Horrible teacher, has no constant teaching method ... not very hard, but I guarantee if you take her you will regret it and want to rip your hair out ... she's rude, passive agressive, and jus outrageous ... DON'T TAKE HER !!! I PROMISE!!!

5.0
1.0
PHIL109G
Jul 20, 2012

Had her for Phil 109G and 120 She totally cares about her students. Attendance is mandatory! Do the work, pay attention, and dont skip class. Easy A! Grading is very fair Knows what she is talking about Fair on everyones view Always willing to listen to her students GO TO OFFICE HOURS it would really help I LOVED HER!

4.0
3.0
PHI120
Jan 26, 2013

I took her Intro to Logic course over the winter break. The course is extremely difficult and I would recommend for folks who are juggling with other commitments to stay away. This course requires a lot of studying and dedication, and should not be taken in a short period of time.

1.0
4.0
PHIL120
Feb 4, 2013

Went to office hours & she was completely unhelpful and downright insulting. Claimed I was absent when I was not & when I asked about the tutors for her class she conveniently forgot who or where I could go. Made me feel like I was bothering her. -___-

5.0
4.0
PHIL109G
May 7, 2013

She has tons of small papers that aren't hard but on both major essays and the tests, her questions will be unreasonably hard to understand. She is very lenient on the due date of major essays and explains all the readings in class very thoroughly.

3.0
1.0
PHIL109
Oct 9, 2013

The worst professor at Umass. Isnt helpful at all, yea homework is easy and small papers are as well but she's so aggravating during lectures and class!! She literally treats the whole class like high schoolers- you cant leave, cant eat ect everything you do annoys her, she is the worst donot take this course with her you will regret it

2.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Dec 27, 2013

Professor Farion is a professor who will continuously talk her way through the class and attempt to say jokes that were not funny at all. There were moments where she would state certain words like "orgy" and cause the class laugh while she is left in awe. If you need to talk an FYS, I don't recommend the class.

4.0
2.0
109
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 27, 2014

She is actaully a good teacher and you can tell she is passionate about what she does however she treats you like a highschooler still lol. She has little attitude maybe because she is older but she is not a terrible person like some people are making it to be. Just do the work, be responsible and on time and everything will be cool! Simple.

2.0
3.0
PHILG108
Dec 16, 2014

The class is opinion based.. her opinion. Her wording on assignments and tests are so confusing. This class made me want to bash my head against a wall.

1.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Grade: B+
Dec 16, 2014

Where do I begin. She says that the class is easy yet takes points off for going to the bathroom, use of electronics, and not paying attention. Tests should be easy but are just plain unfair. She wouldn't tell us what the test are on. The wording for papers need deciphering mentally (they made no sense). She only valued her opinion.

1.0
2.0
PHILG109
Dec 17, 2014

This class had some very interesting and controversial topics, and I appreciate that we always got to share our opinions openly. HOWEVER, Professor Farion is not helpful at all, and all she does is ramble on and on about various topics that have nothing to do with the material. And the tests? She doesn't even discuss what they going to be on.

1.0
3.0
G1092
Dec 24, 2014

Warning! Older students beware. Debits your attendance by half for using the bathroom. No food, computers, tablets. Treats students like it's high school. Professor is ultra left winged, unfriendly, rude, unclear, overly verbose, socially awkward and prides herself on using perplexing bloviated language to propagandize the impressionable.

3.0
4.0
PHIL225
Apr 13, 2015

She really likes to fill the class time with her talking to the students. She does not refer back to the textbook at all. However, the textbook is very helpful for the essays. If you do not take notes while she is talking, you will most likely fail the course. She's a nice person, but just talks and talks and talks. I found the subject confusing.

2.0
4.0
PHIL225
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 14, 2015

Two books, the "textbook" and the "sparknotes" to the "textbook". She discouraged against using the "sparknotes" but that's the best resource for you. She rambles on and on about the same thing for days and doesn't give you clear explanations. She comes from a heavily LOGICLAW based background so all of her explanations are overly-complicated.

1.0
3.0
PHILG109
Nov 12, 2015

Basically if you get her just drop the class while you still have the chance. Every class is listening to her talk and only her talk. She's very disrespectful when anyone gives their opinions. If you do take this class expect to do absolutely nothing except other coursework because you will most likely die of boredom.

3.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Dec 31, 2015

Professior Farion is very intelligent and the subject matter is very interesting, but I would not recommend taking this class unless your commute is 30 minutes or less. It takes me an average of 100 minutes to get to class, and even though I kept up with the reading, I severely was marked down for attendance.

3.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Grade: A+
Dec 31, 2015

Read & understand the material in the textbook, & you should be okay. I don't recommend this class if reading and writing are your weaknesses. She gives water-downed summaries of the readings in class. Take notes: points in lectures are on tests. She assigns small papers about every week, and there are 2-3 tests interspersed throughout the semester

3.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Grade: A+
Dec 31, 2015

Re: Moral Debate in Soc. Somehow, she managed to make super interesting topics a little dry. Not much debate goes on. She usually monopolizes classroom discussion, and the overall dynamic of the classroom is dull and negative. However, it's still an easy class if you read well. Use the textbook.

2.0
3.0
PHIL109G
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2016

Horrible professor. Lectures were painfully long & all she did was sit at a desk & talk for the entire time. She was very unorganized & just had no idea how to interact with students. Her tests were based off of things she never talked about in class & were frankly impossible. I highly recommend to never take this class.

5.0
4.0
PHIL108
Mar 13, 2016

Very nice! Only take the course if actually interested in the subject.

1.0
5.0
PHIL109G
Grade: B
Apr 6, 2016

2 Tests (make sure you read because she will not give you a study guide or anything), 1 (7pg) essay, 15 min presentation.

5.0
3.0
PHIL101
May 24, 2016

The people complaining are most likely students who would rather sleep through class and have no intelligent bone in there body. Professor Farion is great! one of the smartest teachers I've had a umass dealing with really interesting and often tabboo subjects. If you're actually interested in the subject take this class!!!

3.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Jul 31, 2017
Would take again

She was nice but boring, most skipped or slept in class. Couldnt hold attention and just ate a ton of cough drops the whole time. She was understanding, a super easy grader, and easy to get a hold of outside of class. An easy grade honestly. Though she really didnt like the debate part of her Moral Debate class.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Sep 15, 2017
Would take again

Prof. Farion is the one of the best. She is incredibly knowledgable. Her style of teaching is engaging and straightforward. Sign up for her class only with the want to listen and learn. She is a kind-hearted human being and UMass is lucky to have her.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
PHIL109G
Dec 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I personally do not like this class and I dread going to it everyday I have to go! She is really boring and even if you do the readings you might fail her tests because they have nothing to do with what she talked about.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
1.0
PHIL108
Grade: A
Jan 23, 2019
Would take again

She talks a lot and raises her voice here and there to wake us up. Skim and read the chapters she gives you; if you don't want to read then take notes when she is talking about the readings in class (HELPFUL). Two straightforward exams, the written essays are worth 80% of the exam. It's easy. DON'T SKIP, rather... just nap in her class!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
4.0
2.0
PHIL100
Grade: A
May 3, 2019
Would take again

I almost didnt take this course after reading the ratings that Prof. Farion had. However, I am glad I did. You must have an open mind and be willing to sit and listen to lectures. If you pay attention, take notes, and give eye contact you will pass. There are 2 test and 1 essay, if you defend your points, you get an A.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
PHIL120
May 20, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I honestly knew I was bad at logic and I took this class & passed. Participation matters and we had to write our homework on the board. I didnt do well but it was outside of my major so I am grateful she gave me the credit for it.

Clear grading criteria
Participation matters
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
LOGIC120
Grade: B+
Aug 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

As a person, she's a nice person. She isn't the best professor. Do take the course only if you need it for your major.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
PHIL109G
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Overall the class was decent, she is really nice and was pretty lenient but if you survive the lectures the class won't be that bad.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
LOGIC120
Grade: A-
Jan 15, 2021
Would take again

Professor Roma is great. She explains the material easy enough to understand it. Do your homework and you will not have problem.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
2.0
PHIL109G
Dec 17, 2021
Would take again

I agree with the other reviews; very good person, not the best professor, but I still rated her highly because I think her class is very straightforward and reasonable. The only drawback is that the lectures can get quite dull. Textbook isnt necessary because all of the essays are famous. Just read the material for the tests, otherwise easy class.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Caring
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

88%

Textbook Required

67%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

80% confidence
Based on 10 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
Not sure yet (2)
B+ (2)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 12 reported grades
A: 4
Not sure yet: 2
B+: 2
A+: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (6)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Lecture heavy (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Caring (2)
Tough grader (2)
GROUP PROJECTS (1)
Inspirational (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.35 avg change
Jan
May
Aug
Dec
Jan
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PHIL224

5.0

(1)

PHIL222

4.5

(2)

109

4.0

(1)

G109

3.8

(4)

PHIL108

3.7

(6)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

LOGIC120

4.5

PHILO109

4.0

PHIL120

3.4

PHIL225

3.3

MORALDEBATE

3.0

Similar Professors