4.9
Quality2.8
Difficulty97%
Would Retake86
Reviews97%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
80
4
4
3
1
2
1
1
0
What Students Say
“I have taken 2 of his classes and love him more and more with each one I take”
PHIL205G - 5.0 rating“Honestly, one of the best professors I have ever had”
PHIL205G - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
93%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
2050
5.0
(2)PHIL205G
5.0
(8)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(2)PHIL1000601
5.0
(1)PHIL2050
4.9
(46)Difficulty by Course
PHIL1000601
4.0
PHIL1000014F
3.1
PHILOSOPHY
3.0
PHIL1000
2.9
PHIL2050
2.8
Reviews (86)
Shannon is a phenomanal teacher. Everyone that I spoke with about taking Ethics and Values (Philosophy) told me it was the worst class they'd taken..but I believe it depends on who you take it from. I'd definitely recommend you take it from this guy. He knows how to keep the class interesting and how to keep a discussion going. Very worthwile.
This was an awesome class! Shannon is a GREAT teacher. The discussions we had in class really helped me learn the concepts. I would highly recommend taking this class from Professor Atkinson!
His classes were awesome, his discussions are great, the tests are fair, and not too hard if you pay attention to the review, he is fun, good sense of humor, leads awesome discussions, really knows how to make BORING material interesting, and actually helped me learn something I had no interest in. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this guy. He's the best.
TAKE IT!!! Before I took it, everyone I ever talked to said Ethics & Values was the worst class ever, and the biggest waste of time. With Shannon Atkinson, it was not only my favorite class in all of college, it was super interesting, I actually learned a lot just by showing up to class. If you have to take Ethics & Values class take Shannon!Do it!
amazing teacher! I was actually in another ethics class and he was insane so i dropped it immediately then transferred into this class and I'm so glad I did! probably my favorite teacher so far.
Shannon, is just pure at heart, the class is fun and full of a lot of laughter. If you need a teacher that can understand you and meet your needs emotionally and mentally then Shannon will be great for you.
Shannon is the best teacher I have ever had! He makes the class easy to understand because he uses examples and comparisons. The class discussions make the class stay interesting. He never shy's away from anyone's opinion. He helped me on a paper I wrote, it wasn't clear to his directions. But he worked with me so I could improve. Take this class!
Shannon is an awesome teacher! Class was supper fun and he knows alot about the subject. He makes it interesting and funny. You will need the book for the homework but the homework is the test. He also goes over exactly what's on the test because the lectures are the test reviews. Record them. 2 papers, 4 tests and 10 homework assignments.
I really enjoyed this class. Shannon is a very animated guy. He is very knowledgeable in this field and gives great lectures. 10 handouts that go along with exams, and two 5-7 page papers (one for the midterm one for final).
Shannon is the coolest! He understands what he is talking about and he enjoys teaching. If you have the chance to take him, definitely do it! Exams are sometimes a little tricky, but nothing too hard if you prepare for them. Also, he has you write two 5-7 page papers for the mid-term and final. Work hard and you will pass with an A!
Shannon is a wonderful professor. He knows the material and shares it in a way that promotes learning. He is sharp and funny. He shares great stories to help you understand the material. His grading is fair. His test reviews are super helpful. He is a great teacher. Take this class!!!!
Absolutely amazing prophesor. He gives interesting and compelling lecture while managing to keep any personal bias out of the subject he is teaching. His papers and test are few and far between. They offer a challenge, but will not be any thing a student who attends class won't be able to handle. I plan on taking a class with this professor again.
Shannon is awesome. He is so funny and lectures went by very quickly because class was entertaining. He does expect participation but even people who don't talk get points. He even lets students email in participation comments. Tests are straight from homework and reviews cover basically every question.
The tests are SO HARD. I got a C/C- on the 2 tests he gives. If it wasn't for the tests I'd have an A. He gives good lectures, and the homework isn't too much. But the tests are super hard.
Awesome professor and really the standard for philosophy professors. Super passionate about his teaching, intriguing and engaging class discussions, and great feedback and care about students. Criteria is clear-cut. Come to class, put in the time (lots of reading), participate in discussions, and study for tests. Makes you work for an A & love it
This professor is seriously incredible! I was absolutely dreading taking this class and it turned in to one of my all time favorites. The time flies by and I have learned so so much. He really cares about the students and ensures that everyone understands before moving on. He is very well educated in this subject and provides great feedback!
Shannon is AWESOME. I did not pass this class this first time I took it. The teacher makes all the difference. Shannon provides an amazing learning environment and makes sure everyone in the class has every opportunity to succeed. I didn't really use the book, but that probably would have been the difference between the B I got, and the A I wanted.
I have never learned so much in a class. Shannon LOVES what he teaches and its contagious. Every class is a discussion and you want to do the weekly assignment mostly so you can participate in the discussion. Do all the work and you'll receive an A. I slacked for a while, never checked my grade and still got a B. Take this class!!!
Best professor at UVU I've had so far. With a tiny bit more effort i would've received an A. You have virtually no homework, except a midterm essay and final essay. As long as you go to class and listen to his entertaining lectures, the test and papers should be easy.
Shannon is a great teacher. If you are stressing about Ethics-DON'T. If you show up, pay attention and do the homework, you will do great and end up loving the class (& Shannon). There are 2 paper and 3 exams + final. Shannon thoroughly goes through everything that will be on the exams so its important to show up and take notes!
Mr Atkinson is an amazing professor. Very easy class if you show up and listen to lectures. Tests on what he teaches.
This was the one class I was dreading most, but Shannon really made the class worthwhile. Get the textbook, do the online reading, and participate in class. Test questions come directly from the homework, and there is always a review before the test. Gives great feedback and will really try to work with you if you need help.
Awesome class! Loved Shannon, took the 2- class but the time flew by with shannon. He was really funny and always had really good class discussions. As long as you do the handouts, participate, and study for the tests you should be able to get an A.
Shannon was absolutely fantastic. Lectures are engaging and thought provoking. I would take every class I had from him if possible.
Shannon is an awesome teacher. He really made Ethics and Value relevant and interesting. He really helped me and accommodated to some of my scheduling conflicts over the summer.
Shannon is a wonderful professor! He is funny, engaging and intelligent. He really helps you think deeply about things. I absolutely loved taking this class from him. He is a great person and great professor! I would highly recommend taking ethics and values from him!!!
He is great at what he does. He gets students to participate (even me surprisingly) and he is very funny. I took this at the same time as my ethics and values class, and he I learned this stuff much better from him than from my other professor.
He's hilarious.
In 10 years of collegiate, military, and professional education, THE best professor I've ever had. Nuf said.
I took this class simply because I wanted to take a second class from Shannon. He worked with me when I couldn't make it to class, and really cares about your wellbeing. Do the readings, do the handouts, and come to class to hear him make fun of himself. Shannon LOVES what he does, and it's obvious. He makes philosophy fun (which is ridiculous.)
Shannon really cares about the success of his students, he's open to feed back just as much as he's willing to give feed back. His lectures are filled with energy and you can tell he knows his stuff, he's passionate about what he teaches. He provides everything you need for proper notes, successful papers and good test scores -just be receptive.
Shannon Atkinson is the BEST choice for PHILOSOPHY at UVU! I chose him because of his Rate My Professor Scores. It was NOT an EASY class or A--but, if you care and DO all THE WORK and really put in all your effort, you can get an A. Show up to class! Participate! Ask Questions, care about your writing. I LEARNED SO MUCH! He's fun and funny too.
Shannon is the best Professor at UVU!! EVER! He gives so much attention and thought to his lectures and during class. He actually cares about his profession and wants to make it interesting and fun all while still teaching! This was the best class I have ever taken! if you want more than a professor, and want a mentor take his class!!!
I have taken 2 of his classes and love him more and more with each one I take. He has authentic care for his students grades along with their well beings. Make sure you attend class because all of the learning will come through his lectures. He is hilarious and intelligent. I have changed my major to Philosophy b/c of him.
Shannon is a one of a kind professor. He is genuine, kind, funny, inspirational, professional, fair, accommodating, and understanding. He gives you the tools and guidance that you need to succeed in his class. His lectures are informative and entertaining. Honestly, one of the best professors I have ever had. Just do the work and you will succeed.
Shannon is hilarious. Worksheets you have to complete before class are fairly easy, tests are more than fair. Lectures/class discussions are amazing and he builds the tests from how you answer his questions during test reviews. I would take this class again just for fun. Get ready to get uncomfortable on some topics discussed, it's ethics class.
Shannon cares most that you learn. He doesn't care how it happens. He'll answer questions in the middle of an exam. You learn from the lectures so attendance is a must, but he'll do everything he can to help you succeed. He's the most passionate teacher I've ever had and I'm really sad the class is over.
This was my second time taking this class and the first time was awful and I learned very little. Professor Atkinson was amazing. His lectures are great, I learned A LOT and it actually makes sense now. Hes a cool guy too. You can be yourself in class and explore ethics in a fun way. Take this class if you can, but go to class and study.
Shannon is by far one of the best professors at UVU. His feedback on the papers was insightful, and the class was great. You have to read out of the textbook and some of it is dry, but he does his best to help you understand the material. If you have questions, ask him! He wants all of hist students to do well. By far one of my favorite classes.
Shannon is awesome! The subject itself is not something that interests me whatsoever but Shannon made it super enjoyable. You definitely need to attend class as attendance is huge but he makes it a fun setting so going to class isn't boring! I do feel that classroom discussions could have been facilitated a bit better but overall it was great!
Shannon has easily been my favorite professor here at UVU. He is very committed to getting all of his students to pass. A lot of the reading can be hard and dry to understand, but he explains the subject matter very well. Shannon was very good at making sure people were comfortable asking questions and answering the questions very well.
Shannon is the best, funny, & easily my favorite professor here at UVU. He'll give feedback on papers & is willing to answer questions in the middle of class & exams. You learn from the lectures so attendance is a must, but he'll do everything he can to help you succeed. He's the most passionate teacher I've ever met. TAKE HIS CLASS :
Shannon is probably my favorite professor. He is able to take difficult concepts and make them easy to understand and applicable to everyday life. He keeps lectures upbeat and fun. He tells you exactly what's on the test, so if you study it's easy to get a good grade. The papers aren't too bad & he's always willing to give feedback/clarification.
Shannon deserves a bigger applause than any other professor I've taken the last 2 1/2 years. He does all in his power to help the students feel comfortable asking questions, and hardly gives out any homework! Always reachable outside of class. If you put in a solid 2-3 hours a week outside of class, I guarantee you'll get an A.
Hand's down thee best Professor at UVU! His class is difficult and it requires students to think deeper and work for it. But, the way he explains things is hands down phenominal!
Shannon made it fun to come to class. He was very straightforward about what was expected and what would be on the tests.
Really good insightful, entertaining lectures. He was a little tough on the grading of the midterm paper, but that's ok. Learned a LOT about philosophy. My only complaint is when we split into groups, it wastes my time and exhausts me, and I can't hear anything going on around me. Leave with a big headache when we do that.
Shannon is hilarious and makes the lectures very interesting. He uses the whole period of class. Two papers 5-7 pages each that he grades really harsh, but gives a good feedback. 2 exams incl. 8 chapters each. Participation matters and is part of your grade. He subtracts 5 p. every missed class. Book provided online, do not need to buy it.
Shannon is a fantastic Professor. He teaches with such amazing enthusiasm, but be prepared to READ. If you don't do the reading yourself you are going to miss all the handout assignments that are due before class and they are worth quite a bit of your grade. His papers aren't to bad to write even though he requires a minimum of 5 pages.
Shannon is one of the best professors I have ever had. He is extremely understanding and absolutely hilarious. He is very open and easy to talk to. His class relies heavily on the handouts that are taken, but he makes sure to discuss the handouts thoroughly in class which is why attendance is important. Tests are not hard if you show up to class.
Shannon was an awesome professor. Attending class is super helpful though you can read his lecture online. 4 tests and 2 papers to write. i loved his teaching methods.
Shannon is the most gifted professor I've ever encountered. His class is designed to require participation, but the environment is so friendly and conducive to learning that you never feel daunted. His grading criteria is simple and clear. His tests are designed to test what you understand, not what you've learned or memorized. Would take again.
Shannon is the ideal professor. He lectures in a way that is super entertaining, and can simplify difficult concepts to be incredibly understandable and relatable. He is very helpful to students when they ask for help, and is always respectful and thorough in helping those students.
Shannon is the greatest professor you will encounter while at UVU. He genuinely cares about the success of his students and wishes to see everyone succeed. Students may get hung up on the fact that they have to write 2 papers, but they are fairly simple if you pay attention and put forth your best effort. Not my major, but loved his class.
Standard structure: Study chapters+homework+lectures+exams+two interview papers. Shannon is prepared, experienced, and cares. He reviews all material needed to get a good grade. A rare prof that makes an effort to learn names, notice if you aren't there, offer support and answers, and teach by personal experience and interest in philo. Fun class
Literally created an account just so I could post about how awesome Shannon is. I used to hate philosophy, now I can somewhat tolerate it. I took it 100% online and I legit was actually looking forward to classes, even if I didn't participate a whole lot. You rock Shannon!
OK, so Prof Shannon was amazing. He gives you the book all the HW assignments and due dates & Big writing assignments day. Legit if you are Honest and open, show up to class and turn in your assignments like he says YOU Will get an A. I got just under an A because I forgot to turn in a few discussions lol. He said don't worry and you'll pass FACTS
Shannon is amazing! He is able to teach a info heavy subject like philosophy with humor and modern world application like its instinctual. He treats students equally and respectfully, making sure that you understand the topics. He encourages participation but doesnt make it detrimental either. A perfect class and a perfect learning environment.
HE IS THE BEST! My favorite class ever. He makes class so interesting and makes. you want to learn. Makes you have an open mind. I want to have him be my professor for ALL of my classes. Best Professor EVER.
Shannon is a great professor, he is funny, nice, and is more than willing to help if you ask for it. Shannon made this class very easy to learn in. This class is an easy A, however, you are not graded on much so if you miss something you will get more of a hit to your grade. 10/10 Would take a class from him again.
I love Shannon, but I feel that a good grade is too dependent on participation (which is hard in a large, 2 1/2 hour, online class). My 'A' dropped 10% when participation was graded, yet I felt that I participated. For the final and midterm, there is a 2 hour long test ALONG with a 5-7 page paper, so be warned. It's a lot for an entry level class.
Shannon is an incredible professor, I would take this class again in a heartbeat. He knows the material well and wants everyone to understand it. He wants the best for all of us and he is a great professor!!!
Shannon is probably the best professor at UVU. He is incredible! Not only did I learn a lot, but I had an amazing time doing it!
Shannon is the absolute GOAT. Even though Philosophy is really tricky, he makes it fun to learn about and is hilarious. You will have an absolute blast in this course! 10/10 would recommend, for real!
A real gem this one.
Professor Atkinson is supremely adequate. His lectures were decent. He is mostly enjoyable. He just needs way too much validation that hes cool from his students. The course content was interesting. Its clear hes not an English teacher. He gave bad advice on paper structure and comma use, but was not receptive to constructive criticism.
I would not change a thing about Mr. Atkinson's teaching style. Their ability to convey information in an engaged way online is what made this class interesting, enjoyable and all the more memorable.
I LOVE this professor. He knows what he's doing and his lectures are very well structured. I would definitely advise you to take his class but please know that your participation and attendance matters! If you want the A make sure you attend, participate, and work hard on those papers. Good luck ya'll!
He gives very good lectures and likes to teach. He is very fast at responding about projects and assignments outside of class. He loves validation from his students and says a lot of weird jokes but he teaches the material well. Going to class and participating matters.
This class was AMAZING! Probably one of the best Philosophy classes I have ever taken. He cares about his students and is so knowledgeable about what he teaches. He is very detailed with how he teaches. The textbook for this class was free, but you have to read 1-2 chapters per week, so be prepared. Grading is lenient but put effort into your work.
Shannon was a great teacher! There were 2 seven page papers due. He grades papers tough. He gives great feedback on tests and papers which were very helpful. Participation matters. You have to go to class and participate in discussion. He does a review the class before the test which helps a ton. Know what he reviews and youre good. Hes great.
I enjoyed his class a lot. My only complaint is that I very much felt like an outsider with my opinions, which for an ethics class felt weird. He did a good job of covering all sides of each argument, but occasionally I felt like my argument/opinion was invalid. Otherwise he did a great job and if you do your homework you will do great in his class
Prof. Atkinson performed an amazing job. Lectures, homework, modules were structured and provided the knowledge we needed. There is a lot of reading so plan accordingly. He is passionate on Philosophy but also the success of his students. Attendance is mandatory and participation is graded heavily. My advice: comment and answer questions in class.
I love this professor. The exams were exactly what we talked about and he would go over everything the week before. He was very funny and easygoing and while some of the assignments took a bit of reading it was a really great course.
Professor Atkinson is a great person, but unfortunately my experience in his class want the greatest. Due to it being a live streamed class, it was hard to follow along on some of his lectures. His exams are overly difficult for being an introductory class, and he grades very harshly.
I have nothing but good things to say about Shannon. By far the best professor I have ever had, he is hilarious and loves philosophy. Every class is interactive and entertaining. He responds super quickly outside of class and is always willing to help you if you need it. Shannon is a homie, take his class and I promise you wont regret it.
Shannon was very clear with his expectations early on. If you come to class, participate in discussions, do a handful of modules/reading and write 2 papers outlined by his rubric you will be able to get an easy A. Low effort for a good grade. Very enjoyable classes.
He some how managed to make the subject easier to follow and grasp. A lot of readings for the chapters but his lectures really supplement it better so its not as confusing to navigate. Highly recommend
Don't be afraid to participate in Shannon's class! He is caring and will remember each and every one of his students. Shannon makes the criteria for the class very clear. We have a handout every week, and then two 5-7 page papers due at the midterm and the final. The workload is very little if you be proactive. I have not one complaint.
he always keeps class interesting and is funny
Best professor I've ever had. 10/10 would take another class with him!
Grades for attendance/participation, a weekly handout(first one takes forever but rest take about 2-3hrs) with short discussion board, 4 exams(STUDY!), a midterm paper and a final paper(5-7 pages, not hard but start early). Tough grader on mid/final so meet for feedback before handing in! Hilarious, understanding, caring! BEST EVER! TAKE HIM!!!
Was very understanding when I missed a bunch of class. Very entertaining
Shannon has tons of energy and passion for philosophy. He loves your input and participation. He set up the lessons beforehand on the white board and would write as he taught, which was interactive and helped me focus and learn. We do read to prepare for class, but it's only about one assignment a week. Highly recommend PHIL 2050 with Shannon.
super funny! but teaches you everything you need to know for the course.
Shannon is an incredible philosophy professor. He has been easily my favorite this semester - he makes an effort to get to know every student by name, he keeps everyone captivated using very relevant stories, and simple and informed language. I would 1,000,000% take from Shannon again if I could; he is excellent at explaining topics in his field.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
93%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
2050
5.0
(2)PHIL205G
5.0
(8)PHILOSOPHY
5.0
(2)PHIL1000601
5.0
(1)PHIL2050
4.9
(46)Difficulty by Course
PHIL1000601
4.0
PHIL1000014F
3.1
PHILOSOPHY
3.0
PHIL1000
2.9
PHIL2050
2.8