3.2
Quality3.6
Difficulty100%
Would Retake100
Reviews100%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
100 total ratings5
32
4
19
3
17
2
21
1
11
What Students Say
“Tom Darby is the biggest beauty in the tiny microcosm of a queef that is Carleton University”
PSCI2301A - 5.0 rating“Doesn't post lecture slides, nor does he use any in class”
PSCI2301A - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.04 avg changeRatings by Course
43100
5.0
(1)47230
5.0
(1)PSCI23000
5.0
(1)POSCIACTO
5.0
(1)PSCI4305
5.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
BPAM1000
5.0
PAPM
5.0
HIST205
5.0
PSCI3709
4.5
58100
4.3
Reviews (99)
No Comments
Great Professor. I WENT DOWN TO THE PIRAEUS.
Looks like Santa and talks like a cowboy!!!
A great lecturer.
He's a perfect mixture of philosophy and politics while looking like santa!
He will challenge you with his wisdom and forceful personality.
Actually bothered to teach & challenge his students
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He brings old texts to life
Incredible content and course organization. Our class was constantly pressed for time, which didn't do justice to the authors of such intense content.
He took us DOWN to the Piraeus. Good job.
Worst prof ever. He's rude and petty when you don't agree with his ideas. Classes are muddled, often off topic, and unstructured. He had some people prepare presents, then cancelled them,making them prepare another. Reading list changed every week.
you really would think that by the time a prof gets to this level of teaching, his communication skills would atleast be minimal - apparently not.
He is one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He makes thing clear and gets his point across , no matter how many times he has to say it.
Admitted, his course was allover the place. However, it was easy to sit through and always had a couple of laughs. The ammount you get out of it probably depends on your TA.
Considering the difficulty of the course material, the professor does a good job outlining the main points. However, he is somewhat intimidating.
No Comments
Excellent prof who knows his classics and moderns. He is VERY clear on what he says and will answer questions, but don't try arguing because he'll tear you apart.
Although highly intelligent, has difficulty structing classes and expressing material effectively. Argumentitive if he disagrees with your opinions
Colonel Sanders meets Santa Claus--that's what this man is.He can be argumentative and mean.He dwells too much on classics-- less time for other important topics.Won't bore you though-Smart man.Hope Alex is your T.A.
Very entertaining class, but completely over your head until the last week, when it all comes together. Vince should be a prof, he lectures like Darby.
The best Proff I've ever had. The course may not seem to make sense, but remember the course is an argument. Thus it only makes sense in its totality. Basically a cumulative effect is seen at the end of the course, bit like a movie. Extremely approachable
A professor clearly uninterested in things as mundane as organizing lectures, checking his exam instructions for questions on books we haven't read or giving any kind of instruction for a 12-page paper. Too busy trying to make publication deadline?
You either love him or hate him, he's smart but can be overbearing
Interesting class, you hate it until the end because you are completely lost until it ties together. Very little guidance throughout though, and if you get Jonathan for a TA, RUN!
Knowledgeable and well-read. He likes his ideas but if you’re having problems, approach him showing that you’ve worked with it and he’ll help you out. SWITCH OUT OF JONAHTAN WISEASS’S TA GROUP.
****! This guy is the most arrogant and demeaning man I have ever met. He ruins BPAM for far too many first years. His lectures are convoluted and abstract. When he is asked to clarify he fails.
Brilliant man, apparently. Doesn't care much about his lectures: they are disorganized and he generally gets his points across by shouting and banging on the table. Reduces philosophers to simplistic generalizations to support his "thesis". Avoi
BRILLIANT!! Love how he is able to truly offer a fresh perspective on the material he is teaching. At times what he is talking about, or trying to get at can be very confusing-but once you understand you appreciate the unique approach. Really gets you thi
If you get what he's saying, then he's amazing.
This class almost scared me out of BPAM when I took it. Confusing and scary for little first years. The stuff we learned would make sense to me now (in 4th year) but was waaaay too confusing in 1st year.
I HATE!!! THIS MAN!!! BUT IF YOU GET DENIS OR GRAHAM AS TA'S UR GOOD TO GO
Clearly a smart man but needs to realize that first year students ARENT at his level of understanding of the topic. Far too vague about his points and needs to tone down the abstract in his lectures, glad the class is over
I hate this prof. He completely ruined my BPAPM experience and I only hope future generations of bureaurats will be spared from this neocon hack.
He was put there for a reason; he filters thru b.papmer's, hence why ppl are so afraid of him. But he is very smart; of course, he's stuck in his own world, but he indirectly taught me to think for myself and defend my beliefs. don't be afraid to personally disagree with the man; he is only one side of the coin. loved this class!
There is a reason 'the darbs' has a bust of plato in his office; the resemblence is more than merely physical... and he cultivates it to the best of his ability. Very much interested in creating a group of acolytes, but a very intelligent man, and a good and never boring professor
No Comments
Really enjoyed this professor, brought a definite clarity to the subject, interesting text selections provided great backup to the picture he drew.
The Darbs rocks. Originally from Savannah Georgia, never afraid to tell you what he thinks of all the philosophers we're learning about, do not miss his lectures, they are one of the few I actually look forward to going to. He shouts the entire lecture and gets animated. Probably my favorite professor ever.
He is a nice person, but there is just too much reading and not enough time.
Darby doesnt teach the class well at all. He is far too reliant on the books in class and does a terrible job making sense of them.
The essay is extremly difficult if you have not done the readings.
By far the worst prof I have ever had. TA worshiped him like he is a god. Makes you write the same essay in both term - if you don't write it as he would you'll bomb it big time. He will make you loath political theory as he teaches nothing resembling it. You'd be better off taking this class with Prof MacLean.
The whole focus of this course is not to teach students about the ideas of various philosophers themselves (as the course title would suggest) but rather to indoctrinate still impressionable students with his own warped idea of philosophy. The conclusion to this course was embarrassing: we are headed towards a Clash of Civilizations. Honestly.
Amazing teacher. He takes his time with the material which is a good thing, because the material is dense. He really drives the important points and beats them into your head. I love going to his lectures, they are like a play. He gets so passionate with his teaching. If it was anyone else teaching this boring stuff I would have dropped it.
I'd wager he tries his best to grind down your grade as low as he can with the deadly essays he assigns - so it's best to stay on your toes and attend EVERY class. You might like his style if you're a scholar of philosophy, otherwise you'll find he does a terrible job of relating the material to you.
Awesome teacher the best in the school for sure! He is very passionate about his work and he knows what he is talking about, if you like philosophy this prof is a must
Worst prof I have ever had. In a class that is geared towards understanding the evolution of political thought and philosophy the most important focus should not be the prof's opinion or his own cooked up theories. Makes waking up for class a nearly impossible chore.
Dr.Darby's class will force you out of your comfort zone. This course proves that theory can be provocative, radical, uplifting and revolutionary. Dr.Darby is very caring and helpful, if you are willing to make the effort. Excellent course; reshaped my educational path.
An amazing professor that will change your life if you understand him. He's funny, witty, helpful and most importantly speaks with a think Georgia accent. The course is unfortunately very difficult and you will either love it or hate it.
Absolutely ridiculous and holds a very warped view of the world. Yells angrily with every word and proves himself to be a very unhappy man. Do not take this class (at all) but especially if you have any kind of spirituality either. His philosophy and theology is very incorrect. Lots of books to buy and just all around pointless and HARD.
I actually did learn a lot from taking this course, but almost none of it was from him; Rather, it was from the many readings and trying to figure out what the heck I was supposed to write for the quiz/essays. The man himself is almost useless, and his lectures incomprehensible.
While I can see reasons not to take courses with him if you're not into political theory or are in your first few years, he provides a very clear and thought out teleology based around Kojeve's understanding of Hegel. Well worth taking a course with, and extremely helpful outside of class. Would recommend to anyone interested in political theory.
The most I've learned in a half credit course. If you have no interest in political theory it may be boring, but overall he's worth listening to. Lectures should be attended and readings read if you plan on succeeding. Fairly difficult but very interesting! I actually enjoyed this class?
Very smart and a good speaker. Not ideal for first year students though - his lectures were very complex and probably better suited for 4th year students. For first year it was a bit overwhelming and he really didn't seem to care, he just did it his way.
Not suited to first years and he even said so himself. His lectures are understandable if you are constantly concentrating but are so boring that you don't even want to concentrate. He is a nice man, but this course for a first year is hell. If you're gonna do it, be sure to dedicate 65% of your time to it and make sure your T.A can actually HELP!
I took second year History of Political Thought with Darby. 1rst he does not use blackboard/webct. He is difficult to understand at times & does not explain why concepts are important to the development of poltical thought.He is rude & dismissive when you approach him for help & does not prepare students for the exam. AVOID THIS PROF AT ALL COSTS !
Very clear speaker, but themes are nebulous and hard to comprehend.
While I can understand why Darby would seem like a 'good' prof., he only caters for students who already have a background in philosophy. I hated that class and had no idea until the day before the exam when somebody explained it all to me. Nice guy, though.
Great prof and is very helpful if you ever have any questions. It is absolutely critical that you attend every lecture though and read every reading otherwise it would be very difficult to understand what he's trying to explain. You have to go in with a very open mind and ask questions constantly. DO NOT MISS A LECTURE AT ALL COSTS.
Very very difficult to take notes due to obscene yelling and subject matter that is all over the place. Highly entertaining though. Attend every class and it will make studying for the exam much better.
Although I did fairly well in this class, I ascribe it to having to go the extra-mile to understand course material (former students, other sites). He does not use WebCT. Although engaging, he speaks in metaphorical language. Taking notes was very confusing. The readings weren't bad, but your notes will make no sense. He's near useless.
Former U.S army- from Georgia - thick accent. Most entertaining man I have ever learned anything from. I have to restrain my laughter most days. Most memorable class ever.
Took his History of Political Thought class. BEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN!!! Extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about subject matter. If you want to know anything about political thought take his class!! A+++++++++++++++
Most interesting prof I've had this year! Once you get over the accent, the random yelling and the range of topics he talks about, Darby's a great prof. Make sure to read key texts, but some are easily avoidable.
Get ready for metaphorical bull. I went DOWN, not up, DOWN to the Piraeus. What are the conditions that must apply to go down, then TURN around? You must SEE the LIGHT. Pedagogay. Pedagogay. That is a Greek term for "turning around". You brush the dirt to make a surface, then look UP - towards the LIGHT (fyi: I'm not exaggerating).
Incredible. Great gateway in to some complicated political theory and philosophy or, as Darby would put it, radical anthropology.
Professor Darby is a legend in his own right. He can speak and read Ancient Greek, and knows Socrates better than Socrates himself. He does teach some of his own ideas -- which are hard to grasp at first -- but if you stick with it until the end, it all comes together rather well. If you like being challenged, I certainly suggest taking his course.
Had him for the second year class, too. It's not a hard class, but the guy is way too metaphorical. Yes, he's been teaching for 30 years but to the point where he has lost any sense of reality.
Attend lecture and do all the readings, he's tough but so dedicated and involved. Great professor.
Best lecturer I've had. Every class was entertaining and interesting.
Too often I sit in Darby's class and wonder what he is talking about. He goes off with his own ideas, which are interesting when they are not borderline tasteless jokes, but it's hard to learn anything from his tangents. Darby's got personality, but my notes in his class are poor and it's not for lack of effort.
If you can get that he shifts between points of view a hundred times a class and expects you to know what perspective he's using, everything fits perfectly. His class will not be what you expect.
Great man, lots of insight and experience. Sometimes hard to follow, yet once you understand his language knowledge comes easy.
Very lazy professor. He's floating around in his own world and presents the entire course as some kind of story. You won't understand the course content until the final week when everything links together. He uses lofty terms and yells for no apparent reason. I found more clarity and understanding in my tutorials then in the lectures.
Hard class. Very exiting lecturer. If you are interested in classical philosophy there is nobody better. Intimidatingly intelligent. Very funny. Essay worth 75 percent of mark.
Professor Darby is a man among men. A true knight of the political theory roundtable, often seen slaying the dragons of nuance and discourse. Prepare for war, because that's what politics is.
Outstanding professor with a well deserved reputation around Carleton. I only took his course because it was required, but quickly found his lectures so interesting that i never missed a class. His class seemed a little intimidating at first, however his bark is worse than his bite. Mr. Darby is among the finest teachers i've ever had at Carleton.
Professor Darby is the best of men. He loves his classics and passionately throws you into his world. The class is a lot of work but the concepts are so often repeated and tied together that it's difficult to fail if you pay enough attention. Darby sounds like an American sergeant but he's super helpful and won't stop until he knows you've got it.
One of the best philosophy teachers out there.
Darby is one of the best profs I've had at Carleton. He makes class so interesting, I didn't miss a single lecture. Also very clear with what he wants on the final exam. Gives out a good review, and told us the essay questions at the review lecture.
As the years have passed, my opinion of him has changed drastically. I hated his second year philosophy course when in 2008, but it turned out to be the most useful and enlightening course I ever took at university (and I'm not a poli sci major). He's a brilliant, confounding, difficult man who helped change my approach to life and politics.
Professor Darby is a drill sergeant. He'll repeat points often, and will help you if just don't get it. There is a lot of reading in the class, and if you're not into the course material, you will struggle. Go to class. Lectures are not mandatory, but you get a large portion of your grade in tutorial participation.
Students tend to either love or hate professor Darby's classes. I am proud to say that I fall in the former category. I have had the pleasure of taking two of his classes in my time at Carleton and I loved every minute of them. He assigns the best reading material and has a gift for bringing that material to life.
This professor is very difficult to understand. It was hardly ever clear what the main idea of a lecture was. He treated the course almost purely as a philosophy course so it was VERY metaphorical and unclear. I went to every classlistened intently but I found I was always very confused. He should probably retire so lives can be saved.
Doesn't post lecture slides, nor does he use any in class. Lectures consist of hour long rants with little to no guidance on what the lecture is covering. Beyond these short comings, he is very passionate about his area of study, and has great insight into the topic at hand, but could use a kick-in-the-rear to use more modern teaching methods.
Put it this way, if you don't go to class you really won't pass. His lectures are only an hour long and they go by fast however his clarity is confusing. I often found myself getting lost in the middle of his lecture because he switches from topic to topic. There is no lecture slides either so be prepared to take lots of notes and read.
Very nice to his students. His lectures are a little confusing and sometimes tough to follow. Get ready to take lots of notes as there are no slides. I'm amazed at how he draws perfect circles on the chalk board though...
Darby is tough to follow in his lectures and just rants the whole time. Doesn't put up lecture slides either. When you take notes make sure you keep up. He is passionate about philosophy but he teaches the course like it is a masters course when it is a second year course.
Professor Darby was a fantastic lecturer. He makes you learn. His repetition of important terms makes you realize themes and ideas in the readings that you never saw before. His course actually made me think more carefully about the things we take for granted in our world. %30 grade was tutorial participation %30 final essay %40 final exam
Tom Darby was an excellent professor. Although he did not use CuLearn, that did not affect the course at all. That being said, participation at lectures was essential, and especially in tutorials as 30% was allotted for it. The only downside is that the paper and exam were at the end of the course, therefore, you do not know any grade until the end
A wonderful. Inspiring professor who teaches you how to think. I feel sorry for anyone in the humanities at Carleton who doesn't get a chance to take one of his courses. If you are just interested in getting a credit, don't bother though. You will get out of this course what you put into it.
Most engaging and passionate lecturer I've ever had. Happy to answer questions in class, and very quick to respond to emails. Expect most of your mark to be based on very few tasks. For us, 30% participation, 30% final essay, and 40% exam. Very important to keep on top of readings from the beginning. If you read & go to class, marks come easy.
Tom was a sweet man. He may come off as intimidating but when you meet and talk with him he is a joy to have around. He may seem confusing during lecture but simply ask your TA after or before and you will get a more clear understanding. I thought this class would be horrible but I ended up enjoying it. Show up, read, and ask questions.
So many people told me to avoid his course, and I'm so glad I didn't listen. I think Professor Darby is an acquired taste, but if you listen and put in the work the course really is a breeze. His lectures may not use slides and he may not post on CuLearn, but that's because he doesn't need to. If you show up and listen you'll be more than fine.
Absolutely unreal professor. Kind of intimidating at first, doesn't use technology for the class and is asking us questions in the first class. I quickly learned to love his teaching style because you could tell how passionate he was about the subject. The man is a genius in the subject and is always willing to help. He makes the subject easy & fun
Tom Darby is the biggest beauty in the tiny microcosm of a queef that is Carleton University. Do not transcend his boundaries or he might send you down to the Pyrheaus, where you will co-penetrate with Glaucon, son of Ariston.
Tom Darby is a phenomenal professor; I had him for 2301 and I loved the content and his style of teaching so much, I took his third-year course. It was a three-hour 8:30-11:30 seminar but Darby was always ready to teach and to get us to engage with the text. The course is very reading intensive.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.04 avg changeRatings by Course
43100
5.0
(1)47230
5.0
(1)PSCI23000
5.0
(1)POSCIACTO
5.0
(1)PSCI4305
5.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
BPAM1000
5.0
PAPM
5.0
HIST205
5.0
PSCI3709
4.5
58100
4.3