Summary of Student Comments for Phil 132

1. What did you like about the course?

“This course did not step lightly into issues but grabbed the bull by the horns. Rarely in college has a class challenged me to really opinionate myself on polarized issues.”

“I really loved the fact that this course made me think. It wasn’t a course about memorizing and getting a grade. . . It wasn’t a class that ended once the class period was over. This was definitely one of the best courses I have ever had”

“Requires papers to be written for each reading”

“Class facilitated by writing assignments. Although writing becomes tedious, it clearly helped to deepen understanding.”

“Having open discussions rather than lectures during class.”

2. How could the course be improved?

“More lectures.”

“More examples, more speakers. I am more interested in the physical application of the topics we discuss than long, boring treatises.”

“Well, I put more time into this class than all of my major classes this semester (possibly combined). . . maybe that’s a start.”

A variety of requests for more opportunities to earn grades or points, including the suggestion that I give pop quizzes!

3. What are the strengths of the professor?

“Encouraged discussion”, “Animated”, and “a very eloquent speaker”

“Helped students formulate their own thoughts”

“Well read” and “Knowledgeable”

“She is a person. Someone we could relate to and openly talk to.”

“She has an extremely comprehensive knowledge of the subject area. And if she didn’t, like in the medical cases, she would admit it.”

“She never criticizes, but questions our viewpoints, which forces us to either change or further support our ideas.”

“Wendling was a great discussion professor. She clearly stated what she wanted from her students and then would hold them accountable for it.”

4. Do you have any suggestions for the professor?

“Not really. Well done. I thoroughly enjoyed the class.”

“Grade easier? Less reading? Though these suggestions would make the course easier, I believe they would weaken the content.”

A variety of students, as always, suggest that I do both of the things rejected by the last speaker.