3.4
Quality3.7
Difficulty54%
Would Retake126
Reviews54%
Would Retake
126
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
37
4
34
3
21
2
23
1
11
What Students Say
“I would not recommend taking him at all”
PHIL181 - 1.0 rating“i highly recommend him and would take him again if I could”
PHIL182 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
53%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
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-0.43 avg changeRatings by Course
PHIL120
5.0
(4)PHILO013
5.0
(1)PHIL270
5.0
(1)ETHICS
4.0
(1)PLSC353
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PHILO013
5.0
PLSC353
5.0
PHIL185
4.7
CRMJ375
4.5
PHIL270
4.0
Reviews (126)
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The class isn't so bad if you attend the lectures and take notes. He's very patient and you don't even need to read the book because he is so informative in the lectures.
major **** rights activist, very smart man. knows his**** and is very VERY clear, write down what he says, write it on the exam, you have yourself an A my friends. that easy. and go to lecture!!
dude. take notes, write that on the exams and you have an A!! he is very clear and u dnt really have to read cos he explains it all in detail during class. awesome guy. .
samar's the****. he'll tell you straight up if you're wrong, so don't come into the class if you don't have a spine. other than that, if you don't mind getting embarrassed every once in a while in class, go for him! he's super easy as long as you take incredible notes and regurgitate them onto the exam. i got an A on the first exam, and i only read one of the readings out of 6 or 7. his exams are open note and open book, so you can't go wrong. take good notes!!
His class is dope. Dude lays all this philisophical knowledge down in a very concise way. Best of all, this guy was not boring. I got a "B" in his class, but if I had worked a little harder I would have gotten an A for sure. Highly recommended if you want to get your money's worth.
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Knows what he's talking about but insists on pushing HIS beliefs on you. Tests are impossible and he refuses to tell you what you did wrong. I read the book and understood the material and BARELY passed the class!!!
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He is a great professor, very intelligent, but I am furious because I showed up to class every day and worked my butt off and still only got a B. His grading is extremely unfair and he refuses to compromise until NEXT semester, when it's too late to do anything about it. Very good teacher, horrible grader.
The material in this class is extremely dry. But as long as you take notes you'll do just fine. 2 written tests, one paper (and its only 2 pages). The guy is a genius but if ur not farmiliar w/ legal jargon then be warned. Just show up to class and take decent notes. He isn't helpful at all, he doesn't go to office hours sometimes.
EXCELLENT EXCELLENT! I was very intimated by this professor at first with his Harvard Law background he made the class seem very hard ( I even considered dropping it) Glad I didnt b/c readings very interesting, lectures just fabulous, and DOES NOT GRADE HARD. Absolutely one of the most knowledgeable n best teachers at loyola. got a A- easily.
Love his teaching style. He's old school in that he believes in writing notes on the board which I really prefer over professor who use PP presentation and don't give you enough time to write the notes down.
At first he can seem really intimidating, but once you get used to the class, you'll be fine. He explains all the readings in class but it's best to read them beforehand anyway because he cold-calls on people. Good guy-- I'd take him again.
This is the type of class where it's really easy to get a B but hard to get an A. You must produce original thought to get an A, which means analyzing everything on a high level, seeing all sides of the argument (and arguing why certain arguments are more compelling), and then giving your OWN thoughts. Also, he grades you based on how others did.
Absolutely loved this class. This man is an amazing teacher and extremely intelligent! Completely Harvard bred! Take this class for a hard earned A.
This guys pushes you to work hard. Must do readings(which are tedious) as he often calls on people in class. Class topics are very intriguing and controversial. I would highly recommend- opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about topics relevant to current issues.
By far the best teacher I have ever had. Intimidating at first, but if you do the readings and listen to the lectures you really begin to learn a lot. In fact, I've never learned so much or challenged my reasoning quite like I did in this class. Great class, great teacher, 2 open book tests and a 2 page paper!!
Extremely good and interesting class. I was scared at first because the readings are hard and sometimes confusing, and he calls on random people. BUT after the first two weeks I was intrigued, and happy I stuck with it. I got a B on the midterm without attending half the classes and he's extremely smart, he makes you feel intellectual. Recommended!
an extremely intimidating professor. i almost dropped the class at first because the readings are extensive and detailed and he puts you on the spot in class, but he scares you into being prepared for lectures. 1 paper, 2 essay exams (open book). getting an A is difficult and requires original thought, B is easy.
SO SO SO worth the hard work. Definitely the most interesting class ive taken at Loyola but definitely the most intimidating at first. If youre willing to at least skim the readings each night and take notes in class youll do just fine. HIGHLY recommend
Very time consuming class. Lectures occasionally got pretty interesting, but I would only take this class if you're Pre-Law. There's A LOT of reading each week and most of it is incomprehensible.
I will never take a class with him again. Curiosity about how a Harvard education impacts teaching was the only reason why I took his class, and believe me, the majority of profs at Loyola teach much better than him. It is impossible to study for his exams because he asks the more irrelevant questions...ever.
This guy is amazing. The lectures bring the reading together-which is very hard. You will get better as the class progresses though. He is really smart(Harvard Law Grad)and makes you feel smart. 3 grades-midterm, final, and 2 page paper. Hard to get an A, but a B+ is easy. Oh yeah, only take this if you're interested in law or want to go into it.
He is smart, but he is a terrible tester. He asks questions that are very obscure over 300 pages of legal textbook. His final is worth 60% of the grade and he left for break before letting us look over the test. Do not take this prof!
Really great professor!! He explains all the information very clearly and actually makes you think. You will be challenged but it is absolutely worth the hard work. Going to class is actually enjoyable. He is a little intimidating at first but he is really actually funny and really nice and helpful. Take this class if you can!
Good guy. Makes you feel very smart and knows what he's talking about. Take this class if you are interested, but don't expect an easy A.
In the beginning of the semester he likes to call on students a lot, so be prepared to know the material assigned. However, as the class goes on, more students volunteer and he calls less on random people. The class gets better as it goes on. He really wants students to engage in the material. 1 paper (your choice), 2 tests.
Samar plays favorites, but his excellence cancels that out. I really enjoyed his class; he was clear, concise, and very engaging. His grading can seem to be done with no rhyme or reason, but the class is so interesting and he is so passionate that I don't doubt it in the least bit.
This class is a waste of time...he talks in a language that no one understands..but after a while you get used to it...grades are pretty much out of the blue...wouldnt recommend this professor unless youre really into law
This is not actually social/political philosophy. It is completely philosophy of law. I was so excited to learn what it was supposed to be that I was utterly disappointed. He uses language that is hard to understand, especially for a 100-level core class. Easy B though.
Very interesting class. Great lectures, and although he can be a bit intimidating at first, Prof. Samar is a pretty nice guy. It does seem like he plays favorites, he will call on you at random in class, at least once every class. 3 grades: midterm, 2pg paper, final .. relatively easy. TAKE GOOD NOTES and keep them organized as exams are open notes
Though the readings are difficult, Samar makes them incredibly clear. A lot of notes are taken in the class. He is a good grader, but your work must be original and thoughtful. There are only 3 grades in the class. The midterm and final are a single essay.
Really enjoyed the class. The readings are long and frequently difficult but he always explains them in easy to understand language. Calls on people a lot so be ready; if you usually didn't read (like me) at least skim wikipedia or the internet for the reading/topic and you'll be fine. Learned a lot in this class and open book/note tests were easy.
Easy Course. He has a sense of humor. There is a midterm, a final, and a two paged double spaced paper that you have all semester to write. It's a fun course. I highly recommend Phil 182 with Vince Samar.
Vincent is BRILLIANT. He's a law/PhD/MPH teacher from harvard so don't try to slack on writing for the paper/midterm/final. He knows his area very well and don't be shocked if you get called on often during class. I would recommend finding the law cases online before class if your reading isn't up to par.
Amazing!!! This teacher makes busting your butt extremely worth it. I have never read so much in my life, but it I learned more in one day of his course then some complete courses.
Amazing man. He really knows his stuff. He'll intimidate you at first but once you get to know him he is the sweetest guy. You have to keep up with the readings and the midterm and final are tough. If you put effort in you will do really well.
This guys is awesome! He is a little intimidating at first, but if you keep up with the reading and participate in class it is well worth it. Tests are open book, but that only works if you know your stuff, so read and pay attention. He is an awesome professor and is very helpful. Its a hard class but you will not regret it.
He's a great teacher. Breaks down the readings and calls on people alot. Pay attention to what is said & come to class. The readings are hard but he makes them relatable. 3 open book essays and he's a fair grader. I loved this class because it pushes me. Take it. You will love it!
Samar is just an awesome guy. He loves what he does and that is reflected through his teaching. Not bland at all and really gets you thinking about Philosophy and Law in a completely different manner, Would suggest anyone who is remotely interested in law take him. He knows his stuff.
WARNING: This class is not social/political phil but rather philosophy of law. I have a 4.0 GPA at Loyola and dropped this course - it was incredibly confusing to someone with no prior law knowledge, and the readings were impossible. He teaches it like a law class where he walks around and calls on you at random - made me too anxious.
I'm a junior and Vincent Samar is easily the coolest and most memorable professor I've had. Yes, his courses will kick your a**, but if you work hard it's incredibly rewarding. Dude makes you feel like your IQ is increasing just by listening to him speak.
Vincent Samar is easily the coolest and most memorable professor I've had. Yes, his courses can be terrifying, but if you work hard it's incredibly rewarding. Dude makes you feel like your IQ is increasing just by listening to him speak.
Samar is great IF AND ONLY IF you LOVE philosophy. You MUST read and he cold calls for answers in class. There's only 2 exams (essay format) and a final, and he grades tough, so be prepared to have this class be the GPA killer. He does know his stuff, though, & lectures well. However, if you don't have a passion for the subject, DON'T TAKE IT.
The class is advertised as Social and Political Philosophy, but he puts his own twist and turns it into Philosophy of Law. Exceptionally difficult for a core class. Do not advise taking this course unless you are aiming at going to law school. Very intelligent man, but this class is not for most people.
From day one he tells you this is going to be the hardest class you've ever taken, but don't let that scare you. You will have to put in work and the material won't come as easily to you if you don't put in the effort to understand it. I wouldn't recommend this class if you have a lot on your plate, but it can be a very rewarding class if you care.
SO much reading and it takes forever. It's supposed to be a social and political philosophy class but he changed it to a Philosophy of Law class without any mention. He lectures so quickly and I didn't find them to be particularly interesting. To be fair I have not experienced a lot of the class - I dropped out as I am not interested in law at all.
PHIL 182: Philosophy of Law. This is a law course- that said, he's an amazing law professor who knows his stuff and wants to share it! Lectures break down the reading in a relevant, understandable way, but do expect law-esque cold calling and grades based on 2 case analysis exams+ 1 paper. You don't just learn law, but how to write/speak as well.
Dr. Samar is a real gem. Took his PHIL 182 class as a freshmen my first semester and it was intimidating. However, he breaks down the material and makes sure that you understand what he is saying. He does not push his personal views, instead he lets you express your own. i highly recommend him and would take him again if I could.
I ended up with a 100% on the midterm, & a 95% on both the final & paper, which are the only 3 grades you receive in this class. The book is a law book & the reading is hard, but he covers it wonderfully in his lectures. I did about 5% of the readings, & still did as well as I did; I don't know if I was lucky or just really good at arguing.
I took Dr. Samar's block Phil 130 class once a week. You need to show up to every class as they are all lectures and he provides no online notes. You are assigned a long reading every week that he will lecture on and call on you at random during class to make sure your read. 2 midterms and a cumulative final. Pretty hard professor.
The reviews here are too negative. Prof Samar's intelligence and passion show in his lectures. Honestly, just show up, take notes, make sure you know what he's talking about, and back up your statements. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, you can still pass, although he does teach with a liberal bend. Good luck!
The hardest thing about this class is the professor. He doesn't do a good job explaining things (imo of course) and the only grades in the class are 3 open book open note exams where he gives vague questions that you have to take detailed notes to understand. His voice is also squeaky (annoying) and his handwriting is hard to read.
Three grades that's it . Three tests the last one being the final worth the most essay format. Makes you read every day and then cold calls on people in class to answer stuff. Makes you use name tags literally on your desk. He posts nothing online no power points nothing writes on the bored worst hand writing can't read it . Beware !
Prof. Samar is really interesting and invested in his work. I took his class my freshman year and was really intimidated in the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying it! The only grades are two tests and the final - If you take good notes you'll have no problem at all! Everything builds so go to class prepared+dont be afraid to ask questions!
Calls on students not raising their hands constantly, didn't bother me but was embarrassing for people who had no idea how to answer his intense questions. Learned a lot from the class content itself but the way it was taught was sometimes overcomplicated.
Tests are in class essays (that are open note and book) and are not that demanding.
He was a very tough teacher who asked for too much work each class period and makes you drop around $250-$300 on textbooks. Hard of hearing so always yells at people to speak up and only wants right answers so don't try to guess on an answer in class. That being said he did make the readings much easier to understand when he did talk through it all
If you love your life RAN AWAY. Only three grades no extra credit. If you cannot understand phil well do not even think about joining this class.
Probably one of the best lecturers I've ever encountered. He breaks down complex ideas into manageable pieces during class. That said, you NEED to show up to class, as it's actually challenging. His tests are low key unreasonable, and we do very little to prepare for it. You are expected to read, analyze, and argue a case in a little over an hour.
This class is not that hard. He doesn't take attendance so you can miss every once in a while but notes are important. Rarely read, he explains it well in class. He does randomly call on people. There are 3 grades, final and midterm are so easy, open note/book and you simply argue a case given a scenario. He's a good teacher, a little odd but nice.
Was scared of him at first but warmed up to him quickly. He expects a lot from the readings he gives but I didn't do the readings every time and understood just as well. My textbook had notes in it which helped a ton with understanding the material. Three grades but not that hard and you can prepare easily for them.
Vincent Samar is the most brilliant, engaging, fascinating professor I've ever had. His class is challenging, but for me it's been 100% worth it. I know that years down the line, he is going to be one of the professors that I'll always remember. Positively inspirational.
When I first started Philosophy I honestly was going to drop the class because I thought I would never ever pass but with time, I was able to better understand the concepts. Dr. Samar can be confusing at times but if you ask him questions, he will help you. He's a really nice and understanding person.
Dr. Samar can make the lectures interesting at times, but they can be very dry and confusing. I read the book at the beginning of the semester, but stopped because the notes you take in class are WAY easier to understand. Only 3 tests, so it's hard to make up your grade. You definitely have to work for it. He's a nice guy, but would not take again
He is extremely smart and well-versed with regard to the syllabus' content. Although there are a lot of readings, he breaks them down in class in a clear concise manner. Even though the criteria for your responses in the midterm/final/paper may appear to be slightly vague, he just wants sound reasoning and sufficient evidence.
Prof. Samar isn't really kidding when he says that his PHIL 182 class is going to be one of the hardest classes you take in. The course material is difficult to understand, yet, he is a great lecturer. The class doesn't allow much room to breathe when it comes to grading (3 grades) but if you work hard you'll pass. Great Professor.
Every class is a lecture but he gets his point across and uses good examples. lots of reading and his voice can get extremely annoying but he's a good teacher. I didn't like him or the material at first but by the end of the semester it was my favorite class! Graded by a midterm, a 2-page paper, and a final. fair grader, too.
at the beginning of the semester I really didn't like professor Samar and I wasn't sure how I would do. However, I ended up learning A LOT and ended up enjoying the class. he is a challenging professor but a very fair grader as long as you go to class and know what you are talking about. I never read before class and still got an A. Great professor
solid professor who really knows what he's talking about. his voice is extremely annoying but I gained so much respect for him throughout the semester because he is always prepared and always willing o help. very tough class though
Samar is really clear during his lectures and really helps with any misunderstanding of the reading, He's intimidating at first but he's actually a really nice guy. The class is based off two midterms and a final (essay exams) which are all open note/book and he's a really fair grader.
Good prof. Make sure you do not miss lecture because every single one is important. Not much homework. Reasonable Exams.
Samar was a good teacher and kept the class involved. He gets offended if you question his logic and theories. Very lecture heavy and the tests are all long essay questions.
I absolutely loved Samar. He explains everything so concisely and writes on the bored a lot. I never read any of the texts from the book (so don't bother getting it) and just listened to his explanations. You have 3 in class essays which are his exams and thats it!
He's a very lovely guy, his voice kinda catches you off guard but you get used to it pretty fast. He breaks down everything he teaches which is good for people like me who don't understand Phil/ethics. Take notes, everything he writes down and says, all exams (essay questions) are open book open note. I recommend, as good as Phil profs can be.
Great professor, super nice. Tests are all open book and open notes so good notes are crucial for the tests, but pretty easy grader. Interesting class, interesting lectures he keeps you engaged.
Very lecture-heavy based classes, but he explains everything really well - even concepts that are hard to understand if you don't have any background in philosophy. All tests are open-note, and if you have a basic understanding of the concepts explained in class, he grades fairly. Just show up.
For a class that no one would willing take ethics core, it was not bad at all!! I didn't do a single reading just took a ton of notes in class and I have an A-! There are only 3 in class essays that are open book. He doesn't take attendance but his lectures are super helpful! The material is easier as the class goes on.
He's great at lecturing, but you have to write every single word he rights down. Doesn't utilize the board much other than to make charts. The only grades are 3 essay-based open note exams. He's a good choice as the exams reflect his lectures well, but only if there aren't better profs available as he doesn't give you much of a grade buffer.
I have no idea how this man got good reviews. He's honestly one of the worst professors I've ever had. There was a reading for every class, he's really lecture heavy and doesn't do that well, and is super arrogant and annoying. I actually dreaded going to this class, it stressed me out so much.
a very blunt professor, but an easy grader. It's somewhat difficult because when you're in the classroom, you're tempted to right down every single word he says because it's a lot of information. Never really figured out how to take good notes in this class. 2 exams, 1 paper which is intimidating each assignmet/midterm is a huge chunk of your grade
You really have to be able to make a solid argument, you got 3 essays that count for 30%, 30%, and 40% of your grade and to get an A in the course you have to ace all of them. As long as you can make a good, strong argument and strongly connect course material (and have legible handwriting) it is very possible to score high in this class!
At first, his class will be intimidating. Take notes on your computer and you WILL have to study(2+ days). He only gives three tests (open book essays) with no homework so don't slip up! You'll get used to his lecture style and will appreciate his class a lot more as the year goes on. This is not an easy A class, however, this is a good challenge!
I would not recommend taking him. He is lecture-heavy; you do readings every day; there is one midterm, one paper, and one exam and no homework other than readings; attendance mandatory. His lectures were very interesting and educational; however, it did not make up for his arrogance or the stress of the class.
Prof. Samar is interesting and credible. Of course as anyone he has his faults and sometimes teaches as if you are a master of the material. Some of the lectures can get dry though. You get used to his teaching style. There are only 3 grades (2 exams and final). I would not recommend for those who are not into intensive reading.
Professor Samar is a nice man, but his class was rough. Very long lectures, and if you doze off for a second, you're immediately lost. There were only 2 tests and a final exam for grades. If you end up taking his class, it's okay, but buckle down because there's a rough ride ahead. Otherwise, I'd really try to avoid his class. Good luck everyone!
Dr. Samar is extremely smart, but he assumes everything he knows is common knowledge. He explains things very well. However, he is extremely arrogant and belittling. He docks points for not participating, but then interrupts you while you talk. If you need to take him you'll be fine, but if there are other options then go with that.
Your grade is made up of only 3 things. Lectures were so insanely boring. Do not take him.
Just dont take him. He is a sweet man but the class is graded by 3 exams including the final. I didnt read the book and just took notes during class and it was fine. If you read the book Im assuming its easy to get an A. He cold calls on people. Interrupts people in the middle of them speaking. Occasionally made me feel dumb asking a question.
Professor Samar is very nice, but I cried over this class way too much. The material is insanely hefty for an undergrad class and at least the class section I was in had actual law students in there too so everything is at their level. It is extremely intense for a core class.
Great professor, he really knows what he's talking about. Class can be a bit intimidating so make sure you've done the readings. Super interesting guy and it feels great once you start to understand the material.
Very condescending to his students. Does not always treat students with respect. Expects everyone to be an expert philosopher like he is.
Disclaimer: I dropped the class on like week 2. I was trying to take a CORE Ethics class and somehow ended up in a course crosslisted with a lvl 300 Law course. All the reading was court cases and extremely confusing. The teacher was probably not terrible, but he wasn't great and I ended up withdrawing because it definitely wasn't suitable for me.
Professor Samar is credible, intelligent, and kind. His lectures, despite moving quickly, are always thought provoking. While it is *possible* to pass without 100% attendance, you're dead meat if you don't read. I've found the reading can generally be done on the train WTC>LSC if you're in a pinch. If he calls on you: TALK AS LOUD AS YOU CAN!!!
Vincent J Samar, while very intimidating, is still a great professor. He knows what he's talking about and wants you to learn. There is a lot of reading assigned for each class, however as long as you get a slight understanding of the topic, you don't need to read it all. Not an easy class, but put the effort in and you will do fine!
Samar is a very kind man and he wants to make sure his students understand the material, which is much appreciated, but he's also very intense and cold calls on people. This class takes a lot of brain power, which is not a bad thing, just make sure you're prepared for it. I think this class made me a genuinely smarter person, but it's lots of work.
His class is built of a midterm which is in is in class and its an essay response worth 30% and the final is a 7 page paper of your choice worth 70%. He grades off of his own 4-pt scale. The class is all lecture off of the textbooks which he expects you to bring to every class. He can be a bit confusing, but the material was interesting.
His lectures are long and can be boring but he often tries to engage the class, using demonstrations and real world examples. He knows how to make people understand more than memorize. Insanely knowledgeable. His class is the only one I felt challenged me and I would take again. Best class this semester! Loved the grade break up of three things.
1 midterm, 1 short paper which he gives you the whole semester to write and then the final. Mid term and final a straight forward, tells you what is on it. Only homework is the readings, which is a lot, and is very important to the course, but besides that it your basic lecture class, very interesting.
I really enjoyed Professor Samar's class, the content is really interesting and even though it may feel really difficult at the beginning of the semester, it's totally worth it. Highly recommend doing the readings as he does cold call, his personal input on the subject matter brings in a realistic and insightful perspective which is awesome.
Professor Samar is a very respectable man. His lectures are interesting and you learn a lot every time you go to class. He does not take attendance, but you better keep up with the readings. Expect to be randomly called on. He only grades you on a midterm, paper, and final so make sure you do good on them. His class is a challenge, but a good one.
Samar is an amazing but challenging professor. He calls on students randomly, but his aim is to teach, not humiliate. This course feels more like a 300 course, so be prepared. However, with high risk comes high reward. Understanding the material is crucial, so ask questions if you're confused. If you can, take his class. Be prepared to read a lot.
I took this class as a Loyola core class and it ended up having more work than my classes for my major. I would not recommend taking him at all. He is not accommodating to anything and doesn't have notes that he posts. If you miss class he does not help you catch up whatsoever.
Vincent is easily one of my favorite proffesors at loyola. He is dedicated and loves teaching. He does require some reading but it is possible to get by without it. The only assignments are 2 papers. One for a midterm and one for a final. Easy grader too.
He is not great at answering questions in a way that undergrads would understand (he's also a law prof so make sure that you are ready to be in a class with level 300 law students)... You don't have many opportunities to get an awesome grade as the class is only based on 3 assignments. He is super good at 1:1 feedback if you reach out! Nice guy!
Vincent Samar is clearly a very intelligent man. But he makes a core ethics credit feel like a 300 level PHIL class. There is so much reading and the language is so hard and inaccessible to beginners .It's co-listed as a law class so unless you're planning to be a PHIL or Law student, DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS. so many easier ways to fill the credit.
Do the readings, take lots of notes on the lectures, and participate in class. The material gets more interesting as the class goes on and really makes you think, though it can feel like a 300 level course. This class ended up being good practice for not being embarrassed when you get a question wrong. Samar can be intimidating but means well.
If you are not a law major student, DO NOT TAKE HIM. There are much easier ways to get the credits. He is a good professor but its too much work for easy credits. I felt this was the toughest class when it should be easier than my major's classes. If you are a law major, take him, you will learn a lot from him.
Very friendly Professor. You have to get the textbook(s) and bring them to class because he uses them and asks students to read from them. For most readings, you can find summaries online. He uses a notes sheet in class which has all the answers he's looking for during class discussions. Classes are recorded to go back for whatever you miss.
Tests are easy enough if you took notes. Picks on students randomly and if you don't know the answer, he waits until you struggle to find one- even gives you name cards to call on you. Expects you to read a lot and know exactly what he is talking about. Only good thing is that you can take the tests wherever and is easy enough.
Cold calls. Says attendance is mandatory but never bothers to learn names. He assigns 50-100 pages of reading every week. Tests are online, and you can take them wherever you want. However, you only get an hour or two to write them. Your whole grade is based on these three tests. If you're going to take him, take 182, not 181.
Grade is made up of three exams and that is it. He assigns at least 50 pages of readings each week. Cold calls in class. Makes students use name tags on their desks including preferred pronouns yet he does not bother to read preferred pronouns and misgenders students constantly as a result. Take notes during lectures.
Lectures a lot, sometimes hard to follow but he will help explain it you just have to ask. Only grades are 3 exams (including the final), but as long as you do the reading and take notes in class you'll be fine. Sometimes it's hard to participate in the class as he doesn't really ever stop talking, but if you ask questions or comment it will help.
Definitely one of the best teachers I've had! I should also mention that his lectures were quite heavy, so attendance was important for success. But the workload was manageable; we only had like four quizzes, and they were all take-home. I would definitely recommend his class to anyone interested in philosophy.
Cold calls, odd voice, long lectures. Never did the reading and got an A. Hes too smart to be teaching this class. Get a study group. Nice guy tho, really smart
He was an amazing professor and so passionate about what he teaches! He is so genuine and caring about his students! I loved his class and absolutely recommend
you can tell he really knows what he's talking about but as a first sem freshman I was very intimidated as he treats this basic core class very seriously and it was really hard to keep up with the language he was using. I would not recommend this class without having a law background or being a law major.
Sounds like Donald Duck, yells at you for not having the textbook in class, cold calls, his grading criteria doesn't match the questions he asks, and your grade is based off of 3 exams, 30%, 30% and 40%. That being said, attendance isn't mandatory and he posts all the recorded lectures online. I don't skip classes except his.
I really enjoyed Professor Samar. I will say though if you are not pre-law DO NOT take him. There a law students in the class and it is a lot of material. To me it was really interesting. I will say his tests can be scary with the time limit and the length of it, but it really wasn't bad. He says he's a harsh grader but he's really not.
He knows what he's talking about, but as a freshman who didn't know anything about ethics, it was hard to keep up. The textbook was also confusing, and I get the idea that it expects you to already be familiar with ethics/philosophy. There were only 3 exams, which your entire grade is based on, and he says he rarely gives out As. He cold calls.
He was genuinely tweaking.
Yes, you will only be graded by 3 exams! No, you will never get an A! Yes, he can and will remove all your final exam points for whatever he deems as lack of attendance or participation. >_<
Professor Samar has a deep understanding of the material, but his class can feel more like a 300-level philosophy course than an introductory one. Staying on top of the readings and actively participating is crucial. Unstuck AI helped me prepare for the challenging exams.
if you arent pre-law find an easier ethics course. It's doable but might cause you a little stress. Samar didn't take attendance but I suggest showing up as much as you can handle. There's alot of reading but rarely did everyone do them so the whole class was equally lost which was a little more comforting. $200 in mandatory textbooks
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Attendance Mandatory
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Textbook Required
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