3.9
Quality3.4
Difficulty81%
Would Retake124
Reviews81%
Would Retake
124
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
56
4
35
3
15
2
12
1
6
What Students Say
“He really wants his students to pass”
PHIL102A - 5.0 rating“I love Professor Petina”
PHIL102A - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
91%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.32 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL126
5.0
(1)PHIL201A
5.0
(2)PHIL106PHIL102A
5.0
(1)PHI100
4.7
(3)PHIL102
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
PHIL
5.0
PHIL1234
5.0
PHILOSOPHY100
4.7
LOGIC000
4.0
PHI106
3.8
Reviews (124)
Know-it-all. Not very helpful, just puts people down. Smart guy, just doesnt put enough effort into teaching what he knows
entertaining guy that makes the class a little bit more interesting then other teachers. test are a little challenging.
You must do exatly what he says. Watch wording on his tests!
Different guy. Came off bizarre when he said he doesn't sleep much and when he does he has dreams spiders are attacking him, not to metion that he admits he is paranoid of everyone in class and won't turn his back to us or leave before any of us.
He's a pretty interesting professor, however, he doesnt tell you anything outside of the book... so the lectures have nothing to do in respects to your grade. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Expects you to do all the work. answer questions on the reading (orally) exams and essays are everything. grade hard. you should really do the reading more than once!
Makes students feel uncomfortable, rude, cusses, anal retentive.
Get ready to do an end of semester group project that is soooo much work it's ridiculous. I'm learning way more about this subject than necessary. He's a trip, but I would try another teacher.
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good prof. demands quality work and the "right" answer. he will know if you are trying to B.S. and make sure your essays are put together like they should be at a college level.
i enjoyed his class. can be a little odd although i think a lot of it is an act. is straight to the point and his teaching is affective.
Yanni look-a-like is demanding, arrogant, and cynical. Expects much, grades hard, enjoys demeaning students by constantly pushing for right answers. Two essay and two exams equals whole grade, all from book. Attendance affects grade, only two free.
His anal retentiveness prohibits him from holding a normal lecture or even conversation with students. He is also so obsessed with being right that he makes students that don't have the right answer feel uncomfortable for even giving a shot at it.
Hard ass that is more tempermental than a whiny chihuahua. sort of looks like one too. I enjoyed his class only because we got into arguments everyday. Sometimes he took things way too personally though.
All the comments are true but you will learn more from him than any other phil 100 instructor. You have to be on your game or he will punk you, but thats why he is a good teacher, you will learn because you have to. The group project is brutal:)
The only course I took where I didn't miss a single class. Do your reading and homework before class. Not an unfair guy if you know your stuff. The group project was lots of fun, but lots of unexpected work too. A thought-provoking kinda prof.
sometimes rude. makes you uncomfortable to ask questions.
No Comments
no matter what you answer it is wrong, so don't think your going to be right about anything. kind of crazy guy but not that hard of a class as long as you don't mind writting a 10 page paper!!
He grades of three tests and a group project. The group project take A LOT of time out of class like at least 15 hours a week. It sucks. He has a weird personality too.
This person is not meant to be a teacher. He needs to find another job and quit torturing students wanting to learn. Your mom was right dude.
GROUP PROJECT SUCKS!!!!!! Funny guy, but you gotta work hard for the grade
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This person should NOT be teaching. He makes things more difficult than what they really are. He teaches for failure not for success. He is very disrespectful towards students.Makes inappropiate comments in class such as suicidal and death.Disappointing to find a proffesor like him. He will kill anyones interest in the subject.
He's awesome!
He is a cool guy, but dont let him lie to you about the goup project. The Group Project is terrible. It is not fun at ALL!!
THE most awful prof. I have encountered. I am an A student and got A's and one B on his tests but earned a C b/c of the group project. He made us all feel like idiots when we came up with solutions different than his. YUCK
Strange guy and he's rude. He makes you feel stupid if you don't know the answer. You will always have homework, and make sure you have it done before class. Expect to be called on at least once per class. you will learn a lot on your own because you are required to read every single chapter.
His class is very entertaining at times. He will truly tear down the romanticism to ancient religions that westerners have made so fashionable. Breaks down to the point in modern English. Friendly and shows a sense of compassion. Give him a try you don't have to believe everything he says. I would take another one of his classes if it were required
This guy is great. The first time I took the class and had to drop because of work. But he is very intelligent and teaches you in a way that makes you understand the information. It is worth it to take this class. Do not be lazy or think you will get an A for just showing up.
Tony is an excellent professor that really knows what he is talking about. I have had many other PHI classes and most were not as enjoyable as this one. The course work isn't that heavy, mostly reading and papers which are graded fairly.The only reason one may think he grades rough is because they are not used to writing philosophy.Take this class!
I enjoyed his class, he tells funny stories and is laid back. The work is hard and you must attend and study but an A is possible.
He's very passionate about the subject. Keeps Philosophy interested.Big personality.
Great teacher, lectures are based on the book so they are easy to follow. Test are easy if you have read the book and have gone to class.
THIS IS MY FIRST PHILOSOPHY CLASS, BUT IM HAVING A BLAST! HES A REALLY GOOD TEACHER. HE'S SARCASTIC, WHICH IS FUNNIE, AND HE KNOWS WHAT HES TALKING ABOUT. IF YOU DON'T GET SOMETHING, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK.
awesome philosophy professor. Class is easy if you pay attention and study.
Thought provoking
He's so smart it's hard to argue with him. He keeps it real and keep you on your toe. Two tests and two essays. Not hard, just read book and show up to class. Awesome teacher. Highly recommended.
As long as you READ your text book, and be active in class, you will be totally fine. I loved him!
COME PREPARED TO CLASS OR BE READY TO FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT... HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU READ THE BOOK. HILARIOUS TEACHER AND IF I PAYED ATTENTION I THINK I WOULD HAVE LEARNED ALOT.
Great class! kept me thinking trhroughout the day. Definitely recommend this class if your looking for a challenge. Teacher is hilarious! Never been bored or daydreamed in this class. As long as your involved in the discussions, you will be ok. HAVE TO READ THE TEXT BOOK & ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE BACK OF THE BOOK! overall, GREAT CLASS.
excellent teacher, would take him again anyday. Very helpful, just make sure you ask questions and pay attention. Class discussion is important.
Really smart guy. Funny too, so the class is always interesting. The tests can be somewhat difficult but only if you don't read the material
Its true-if you're not prepared for class,you will feel like an idiot. Pettina is a good guy, just because his class is tough and challenging does not make him a bad guy. Yes, he does put people on the spot. If you didnt bother reviwing the material don't go to class. Stay home and study! Tough teacher, but good guy!
Very funny teacher. Always keeps the class intersting. He is very charismatic and makes you want to come to class. Also he is pleasent to look at.
This professor is hilarious. Just if you take him make sure you read his book because his tests are all on the text material. His class discussions are important too for the essays and they're interesting too.
Mr. Pettina is a pretty cool guy. All the test are from the text so you must read and study the assigned material. He assigns 2 essays and may have a quiz or 2. Class discussions are helpful because philosophy is hard to understand. He is very helpful and wants you to learn something while you are there.
He's a very interesting, funny teacher! I enjoyed the class thoroughly. You MUST read the book or there is no chance that you will pass the class if that's all you're aiming for. He is challenging which is expected from a REAL college teacher =P Here's to him getting a chilly pepper!
A great teacher running a great class, he uses humor well to engage interest in the material.
maybe i shouldnt be doing this in class. heres a happy face for you. :o)
Damn good teach!
He is funny and entertaining!
One of my favorite teachers at Mesa. Tony is a cool dude. You definitely need to learn the material tho, its not easy. But he does engage the students and it makes class fun. BTW this is saying alot coming from me..... ;-)
Great guy, runs an enjoyable class. Two tests and 2 essays make up your entire grade so extensive knowledge of the material is needed. Its hard, but its worth it.
Great teacher. Really funny. Appreciates people that are as sarcastic as him and can take a joke. The class was pretty hard, but if you joke around with him and come to class he will help you out. He gives you a hard time if you don't come to class and a huge portion of class is based on group project, so if you're flaky don't take his class.
Since libelous comments will be deleted, I'll merely say that Pettina is hands down the best philosophy professor on this campus. Keep in mind that this is a trade: you put in effort to get an A, and Pettina will make sure your effort is rewarded. Don't take this class if you don't like philosophy. Or Yanni. Or Gallagher. Or humor.
class was really just too hard. I had 2 other classes that semester that i studied less for and got a A but in here I ended up with a C. He knows his stuff but he expects too much from students. Makes me want to stay away from philosophy
Very good professor, test are easy if u read the sections. Funny and good teaching strategies! Just show up for classes!
Best professor I've had! come in prepared if you put alot into it you'll get alot guaranteed. Tony is a great, funny, awesome guy. if your motivated and particpating he'll pass you. just don't get on his bad side! you deserve this red hot chili pepper tony! thank you so much for all the knowledge you've given me.
Very fun professor and I would recommend if you are a student likes to learn. The class is really challenging though so expect lots of hard work to get an A. Two midterms and a group project. Chile pepper!
Tony is a breath of fresh air in today's education climate. If you want a professor who cuts through the bullhooky and keeps it real than he is your guy. You may learn more than just philosophy. He may open your eyes to some of the strange things humans do in our society today. Very funny. Very thorough. He is a great asset to the education system
Awesome professor! Reading is extremely mandatory, if you do not want to look stupid in class recommend you read and be ready to discuss in class. He is extremely funny and straight up. I really enjoyed his class! btw this class is definitely not for EXTREMELY shy people.
This professor really stresses reading the material before coming to class. Prepared to be ripped a new one if you haven't read and have no idea about the material. If you don't participate much, he will call on you once in a while. Other than that he is hilarious but he can also stray away from the topic.
MUST MUST MUST READ! If you do NOT read, then you're basically screwed. We only have 2 essays to write and 2 exams to complete, BUT if you don't, AGAIN, READ, you will be SO lost. This professor is fun and cool, but jeez. His lectures depend on student feedback and questions, and those are related to the reading. Oh, and DON'T TAKE THINGS PERSONAL!
Entertaining in class and the class is well laid out for you. Comes off as tough in the beginning but hes great. Gives you a chance to retake a test at home. The group project is a LOT of work but if you have paid attention in class previous to this then it is just a matter of working through the problem and then typing lots and lots of syllogisms.
He is a great teacher, but don't expect to float by without doing anything. You need to read and participate in class discussions. If you don't you will be called out. 2 tests that you get study guides for and 2 essays that you are allowed to select from a small range of topics on.
A great teacher who knows his stuff and funny. The course that he teaches is pretty tough, but if you follow his instructions and do the work that he assigns you should be good. There is a final group project which is fun but hard at the same time. Everything you learned would be put to practice.recommend for people up to a challenge and fun class.
Tony is one of those teachers that loves to make sure you know he knows what is going on. He is definitely one of the funniest teachers I have ever had. Make sure you go to class. Every single one is important. The final project will definitely make people that want to be there think and those who didnt want to be there wished they had dropped
Cool teacher. He enjoys teaching, is down to earth but easily gets on tangents. If you have any problems with attention you may get lost. Lectures DIRECTLY out of the book so if you haven't read you are screwed. 5 grades total: Participation, 2 5-7pg. essays and 2 tests. Show up and read, answer some questions.1/2 class dropped after mid term.
The class covers some difficult material but Prof. Pettina keeps the class fresh. Hilarious dry sense of humor. You will have your beliefs questioned and learn some good stuff. Just make sure you read the material otherwise you will not enjoy the class. Also, Prof. Pettina is a pillar of the community.
just take the class it's worth it sometimes i can but what you learn and the fun had in the class balences it out
This class requires a lot of hard work and intelligence(imagine that lol). Tony is not for the weak hearted, he’s very straightforward about everything. I realized mid-semester that he will be better off teaching at a Law School than a junior college. Tips: Read, Study, & ask Questions! Oh and Most importantly READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE TEST!
First off, he is hilarious. The class is super easy and interesting. Just PAY ATTENTION in class and in the reading (which isn't a lot). He goes over everything that you will be tested on until it is crystal clear. Great teacher
He's hilarious. He'll give students a hard time. He can get even the most loathsome student to like his humor. The tests are easy if you study, but his final project is SO HARD. Pick a group of people who will actually do work. It's time consuming. In the end, you walk away with a new understanding of logical propositions.
Would definitely take him again! loved this lectures and he has a good sense of humor. Easy to pass if you pay attention and ask questions.
Whenever I contributed to class discussions, he said I was wrong. Not a problem, except he'd correct me by repeating what I said... I wrote the best essay of my life in this class, but received my lowest grade ever (65%). After having another professor analyze it, they were shocked it didn't receive an A. Avoid or choose Pass Fail.
Pretty funny and awesome lectures. Like many others have said, READ THE BOOK. If you do that. show up up to and participate in class discussions, it will be an awesome class. Don't wait until the night before to write your papers either.
By mid term half the class dropped. The class is WAY too difficult for such a low level class. Simply was not worth the effort. He needs more assignments thru the class so your grade doesn't only ride on 2 test. Great guy. Incredible lecturer, i just think he is over qualified. Not worth it if it is not your obsessionmajor
He really knows Philosophy and he does everything he can to relate and get through to his students, his greatest weapon is his humor. Make sure you read the material before class because this isn't a subject you just learn easily, you have to dissect it and he expects group discussion. Also, make sure you can write. two exams, two essays.
Tony is hilarious. He is an old school type of guy that doesn't want to hear your excuses. He expects you to work hard and participate in class. He absolutely killed me with his dry humor. Do what you're assigned and you wont have an issue with him. Skip class or show up late and he will roast you. I loved having him as a professor.
Tries to weed out the people who aren't willing to work for their grade. Took a little bit to figure him out but enjoyed his teaching style and sense of humor. Pay attention in class and study a little outside class and you can do well.
Professor Pettina is a funny guy who expects alot out of his students which is reflected throughout the course. Tony is very knowledgeable about the material and is always willing to help. His teaching style makes it easy to follow and he actually makes you chuckle.
Professor Pettina is a swell man! I loved coming into his class and learning. He makes it worth while. He's very old school as well, can't go wrong with him.
Second time taking Professor Pettina! He is definitely a no nonsense teacher. You take 3 tests and that's basically your entire grade. He loves it when people participate and will try to get something out of you if you don't! Absolutely hilarious and thought provoking as well!
I wish I could give Tony a ghost pepper. What a swell, intelligent, man. Make sure you read the material and actually contribute to the class conversation and you'll be fine.
Tony is without a doubt one of the best professors I have ever had, and actually plan on taking him again next semester. He is crazy intelligent and beyond funny, attending his lectures was something I genuinely enjoyed. The tests aren't hard if you actually do the readings, Tony helps make the content fun. Give tony ALL the chili peppers.
I've taken two of his classes and if you want an A do two things, read the material and participate. He's an awesome guy who teaches a very interesting and entertaining class,. Highly recommended!
Great teaching style! Makes lectures tie into everyday life and relatable for the students. Pretty hilarious at times as well, I really enjoyed and looked forward to coming to his class. Seems like a tough grader at first but in reality he gives you more than everything you need to receive a good grade. He really wants his students to pass!!
Don't miss class. Read. Chapters short, easy to read. 20 pages or less (some less than 5). Read chapter/day when assigned, he goes around the section. If you don't like him, CHANGE THE CLASS. Questions (theoretical and from book) and get an A/not feel intimidated. Study guide on exam. Swell guy. Sarcastic. PUT VOCAB ON PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE. DO IT.
I love Professor Petina. He's a very funny guy and will make you look forward to going to his class. However, he will also make you dread going to his class. He calls on absolutely everyone. It is very nerve racking especially if you're having a bad day and just don't want to speak out. It makes you anxious and not want to go to his class!
Pretty easy class. Ready the short textbook, show up to class, talk for a bit, and work on the study guide. He allows for study guide and textbook for the exams. The classes gets really boring at times as he goes on random tangent that is not philosophy relate. More like complaining about things or technology.
I absolutely love Tony. He can be hard on students, but it's out of love. He truly wants the student to develop insights into the human condition and the outside world. He is super funny, and isn't afraid of making fun of students. Just read the textbook and you'll have an easy time getting a good grade.
Tony teaches because he loves it. He thrives on student engagement and is not there to lecture, but rather to engage with the class in discussion. However, this only happens if the students are engaged and willing to speak. You make the class what you want it to be. Come prepared to engage and his class will reward you many times over.
This is my 2nd time taking philosophy. You have to get used to him. Pettina makes lectures interesting. He really cares about his students and will explain things to you & make things interesting. READ THE BOOK or you wont have any idea what is going on & do the study guides thats an easy A. I have to say hes one of the best teachers Ive had.
Dude I completely love this teacher. Hes hilarious, doesnt care to cuss, will call out any student, and is always getting off topic about how much he hates technology or the science department��. All you need to do is make sure you do the study questions and read through the book & its an easy A!!!! Love him
Loved this class with Tony!!! it was the most difficult class ever when it comes the reading material. If you enjoy philosophy you won't mind the extensive reading. Tony tells you everything that will be on the test and gives you study questions way in advance that you can use during tests. This class is difficult but was very proud of my grade!
Tony Pettina is the best professor Ive ever had at Mesa, his class taught me so much about the world and how to think critically and abstractly. He gave me really good advice when I was dealing with personal issues. Hes one of those professors that makes you hungry to learn and eager to live life thoughtfully. Hes a hoot and the lectures rock!!
Pettina was an outstanding professor during my time at Mesa. His perspective is refreshing, and although he has his own views (at times extreme) he doesn't shy away from addressing hard questions. He may look intimidating, but he really is soft at his core. Highly recommend him. Get to know him - his friendship is invaluable.
Comes off like a hardo but he is actually super cool. Classes are super enjoyable and engaging. Just pay attention and read the book and you will have no troubles. Would not recommend the class for the introvert as he does randomly call on people and get up in your face for answers, but not like in a creepy way. hope to take more of his classes.
Boring material, the textbook is hard to understand the first pass so you have to re-read a couple of times to really understand the material, he goes off on tangents, he expects a lot of participation but you're scolded if you do, he will challenge you (which is good because he makes you think but discourages you from wanting to participate more).
DO NOT TAKE A CLASS WITH THIS PROFESSOR. HE WILL NOT SHOW YOU ANYTHING. THE ONLY THING HE WILL TELL YOU IS "read the book." YOUR FINAL GRADE IS BASED OFF OF ONLY 4 ASSIGNMENTS. AND HE IS NOT FLEXIBLE IN ANY WAY. AVOID HIM COMPLETELY!!!!! DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO TEACH!!
Professor Pettina is a hilarious professor. It is an easy class if you don't skip and do all the reading. Literally all that is asked from you is to read the book a couple of times and understand each topic which he goes over in each class. If you are to fail this class it is because you don't care or don't know how to follow simple directions.
Prof. Pettina is hilarious. This class is fairly easy if you have a decent amount of common sense and you study and memorize a few key "formulas." The tests can be tricky with trick questions but I never felt ill prepared. I really just enjoyed this class for his presence and I recommend his classes if you need a class to enjoy/ boost your gpa.
Professor Pettina is easy going, you genuinely have to do absolutely nothing in order to fail this class. He provides clear instructions + responds quickly. In regards to corrections for hw he will provide the pg. in the textbook where you can find the info you need but he won't just hand you the answers. Just put in the work and you will do fine.
Unfortunately, he does not want to teach. Just ready the book. There are only 3 zoom lectures. It's better to find some other teacher that would provide video or zoom teaching.
Tony is a great guy and thoroughly explains the material in class. Only three exams and six homeowork assignments for the whole semester. Textbook is mandatory but cheap and available online.
great class discussions and you can tell he genuinely cares about his students, 10/10 would take a class from him again
This class was amazing and Professor Tony Pettina great person and truly cares for his students understanding the material the Exams are very easy as long as you read the book he provides helpful practice exams.
Professor Pettina genuinely looks to have good discussions involving the entire class about his favorite subject. Very light on the work so long as you stay caught up with the textbook.
He likes to discuss what's in the textbook and he'll go over it but you'll need to read it to get a good grade. Tests make up the majority of the grade but there are study questions which help a lot.
What a time to be alive. This professor will work with you beyond reason. Great guy and he cares about his students.
The course is asynchronous but encourages all students to do Zoom meetings with video. He curses in lectures. I kind of regret taking this course.
His method of communication is somewhat abrasive. In his lectures, he created hypotheticals of hitting people and calling people a p.o.s.
Professor Pettina is very smart. He's a great educator. He's very good with people. I get why people call him the g.o.a.t.
He's really smart and also high in empathy and emotional intelligence. He's a great educator.
He gives profound feedback. He's very sharp. Learned a lot from this class.
Are you ready to get treated like an adult, have genuine and meaningful conversations, and further your understanding of mankind as we know it? TAKE THIS CLASS! Prof Pettina is the real deal. He treats you with respect, doesn't make you feel like an idiot, and creates an environment that makes you want to actually raise your hand and speak. Legend.
Participation is important in the class, debates are important to get involved in. He truly cares about teaching and making sure everyone understands the objective of the class and each individual lesson. By far one of my favorite classes.
My first semester and this was quite a memorable class. He will work with you, and he genuinely does care about his students. He swears, but I dunno who's gonna get bothered by that nowadays. Participating in class discussions are important because they weigh heavily on your final grade. I don't like talking at all but still ended up getting an A.
Professor has a bad attitude at times. Often goes on tangents and lectures on information that lacks clear connection to the text. Writes few notes in lecture and the textbook must be heavily relied on for understanding. Course generally lacks structure and class discussions are largely unmonitored, disruptive, and unproductive.
Professor Pettina is an enigma. To the untrained eye, he may seem abrasive and difficult, but attending his lectures twice a week has shown me something else. Pettina is an assiduous and caring teacher who is equal parts stand-up comedian as he is pedagogue. I believe he would have thrived in Ancient Greece. Take this class if you have a brain.
Professor Pettina promotes engaging discussions, though his tangents can lack focus. Attending lectures and reading the textbook are crucial to succeed. unstuckstudy proved helpful for efficient study prep.
PHIL 102B Values Professor Pettina was one of the coolest professors I've had. He made philosophical concepts engaging and encouraged great discussions. As long as you participate and turn in work on time, it's an easy A. He values student engagement and doesn't accept late work, so take this class only if you're committed to being present.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
91%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.32 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL126
5.0
(1)PHIL201A
5.0
(2)PHIL106PHIL102A
5.0
(1)PHI100
4.7
(3)PHIL102
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
PHIL
5.0
PHIL1234
5.0
PHILOSOPHY100
4.7
LOGIC000
4.0
PHI106
3.8