Daniel Kolak - William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ

Professor: Daniel Kolak

Department: Philosophy

College: William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHIL110060
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: No
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He is late for every lectures. Your grade will be based on the midterm and the final (no study guide). He is an atheist and will call you stupid if you tell him that you believe in god. For him saying to an African American girl in class "If we were in 1865 you would be in the plantation not be in this class" is okay. He is just rude

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PHIL4200
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Phenomenal teacher, phenomenal human being. Sorta like George Carlin if he lost his mind, dropped standup, and went into philosophy. Doesn't grade hard, but grades very honestly. You can get away with not doing much work/hw; as long as he sees that you understand the course material, and you can communicate that to him, you'll pass.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He is a great lecture based professor but the major grade it the final or midterm. There is homework every week and I suggest to do them. They are fairly easy and they to boost the grade up. At the end of the semester, there is an extra credit paper as well. Notes are very crucial when taking this class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He is a funny guy. Do everything he posts on blackboard!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

constantly laughing in that class.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He was cool, you didn't really have to show up for class, but if you didn't you would be lost on the test. So I advise you do. Wasn't really strict at all just enjoys participation. Test heavy grading, final paper heavy grading, but provides extra credit. Homework 10% pretty much extra credit to. Midterm don't count. He can be a little annoying doe

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

very comical and one of a kind personality. you will learn a lot, some of the information may be difficult to understand but as long as you go to class, pay attention, take notes, do the homework and watch some youtube videos about the readings... it will be a piece of cake and you will have total clarity and a new perspective on life!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I have had a lot of professors and he is by far the most memorable and inspirational professors I have ever encountered in my life. He guides you to the answers you already know that you have no idea that you already know. After having him I read his book, and it was difficult to not read it in his voice. Very comical man!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: LBST4800
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

For a 3 week summer capstone class, demanding isn't even the word. While conducting your own research, you comment 200 words on EVERY classmate's work. Day 1: called those who hadn't logged in losers, 0s in the making. His comments are degrading and not constructive. I have a 4.0 GPA and he asked me if I learned anything in kindergarten.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1500
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

If you like a conventional professor who sticks to an agenda, Kolak may not be for you. The man is brilliant and if you give the topics he teaches a chance, you really can challenge your own thinking. But he's not gentle about it. Follow the readings and make your writing known on blackboard, this will be more important than standard test taking.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PHIL2200
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

His class was one Wild Ride

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CONCEPTMIND
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Honestly like a couple reviewers here Kolak has changed my life for the better. The guy is vulgar, a bit strange, and really funny (George Carlin brand of humor). He's way overqualified to be a William Paterson instructor and has a bunch of interesting stories to tell. He'll open up your mind to a lot of scientific as well as ethical world views!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHIL4080
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Took Philosophy of Language with him in the early 90s. Hardest and best class I ever had. Changed my life, and my brain. He *is* obnoxious, vulgar, etc. But he wants you to WAKE UP & REALLY THINK. A lot of the concepts were "slippery" to the brain. This was over 20 years ago and I'm still thinking about it. I've also bought his books since then.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: LBST4980
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Rude and belittling to students. When asked to clarify he just doesn't. If you can avoid him, do.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHIL101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This guy is hands down the best prof I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. If you want to know what this guy is about check out his Wiki page.. he's way overqualified to be at WPU. His style is intense and overwhelming but only if you're a religious idiot. If you have any balls or a sense of humor, you need to take him. Changed my life forever.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PHIL1100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Attendance isn't mandatory, but there is no text book so you better go. Not only does he joke around, he makes learning fun. Only class I have ever received a 100 in. The only teacher I have ever met who made learning fun. Best teacher ever!!!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HIST2500
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Kolak is the man. Easy class and if you need to skip for whatever reason or you aren't feeling good you can skip and he never holds it against you. Just show up and look like you are comprehending what hes saying and you'll be fine.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PHIL101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

okay im literally listening to this guy right now and he looks like a quack but his tone of voice makes you know he doesnt mean to be offensive yet he uses offensive language, he seems like he is passionate though im just shutting up so he doesnt pick on me

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PHILO1100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Warning, do not take his class, avoid it like a plague. He is rude, late for every lecture, inconsiderate, and is the worst professor I have ever had. He bases your entire grade on the final exam which makes no sense. He has no respect for any of his students and is a full on atheist. If you already registered drop it, trust me you will regret it.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PHIL2200
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

here are your chili peppers Kolak, your handwriting is atrocious. This guy is seriously one of the smartest people I've ever met, even though he makes you feel like a d-bag every time you ask a question. Also he's really, really funny and obscene which I find to be a REALLY big plus in a professor.