David Gitomer - DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Professor: David Gitomer

Department: Religion

College: DePaul University, Chicago, IL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Gitomer is tough, to say the least. I was very intimidated in the beginning of the course but his curriculum and style of teaching grew on me. He is tough when it comes to grading and takes the class very seriously. Although it is very lecture heavy, I learned a lot about Hinduism and am grateful for how tough he was.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you're planning on taking REL242 because you think it is going to be a easy A class to satisfy your religious domain requirement, don't. There is so much homework assigned in this class with little time to complete them. Professor Gitomer himself isn't that bad, but the way he teaches this course is terrible.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

It's like everyone's saying: this class is HARD. But if you show that you care, prof. Gitomer will work just as hard to help you. This has been the hardest class I've ever taken, but I've also learned more than ever before. If you care about your education, I'd definitely recommend this class. And if you're struggling, reach out to him!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's a nice teacher but the readings were too long. There's a lot of writing: Monday night posts, short essays, a proposal, & a 10 page final essay. Class was pretty awkward b/c he'd ask hard questions & no one would talk. Very strict. Can't go to the bathroom or get a drink of water/refill your water bottle. Participation is important.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HINDU242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He gives large amounts of homework for no reason, I took an online class and it took me at least 10 hours a week (if not more) to do. The worst part is that its mostly just busy work that could be cut out. He's a nice guy, but I would NOT advise taking his classes.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Everyone is making it seem like it's an impossible class because of how much time & work it requires. Which, I agree is a lot. But in retrospective, it's kind of impossible to fail with the amount of extra credit & assignment redemptions; there's really no excuse. Gitomer really knows his stuff & his passion is evident which I respect very much.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I actually take interest in Buddhism and agree that the workload is crazy - but its not like he isn't aware, hence why he goes above & beyond for students. There's loads of extra credit, exams are open book, & he extended the final paper AND exam by 4 days. Very understanding with issues you may have, so I think he definitely deserves more credit.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The workload is like taking 2 classes. Many discussion posts, a quiz, multi-hour powerpoint lectures every week. 2 big papers, and 3 tests. 3 different books and many online texts you'll need to read to pass. But the prof will meet with you to help and offers a lot of E.C. I went from a 69 to a 90. You just have to put A LOT of work in every week.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Gitomers class drove me to post on here for te very first time. Workload is inexplicable. Ive had 300 level classes pertaining to my major and they dont even compare to whats expected from you in this class. 15+ hours a week is an understatement for this online course. Im not trying to major in Buddhism, nor do I want to learn it all in 10w

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Do not take him. As a senior at DePaul, this was hands down the hardest course I've taken. The class itself isn't difficult, its the pure volume in workload. It's too much, I promise. Take someone else, it's not worth it. In one week you will have 2HRS of lecturettes, 50+ pgs reading, 5-8 pg paper on a 170 pg book, and 3 discussion board posts.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I don't think many people are looking to study Hinduism as a career field. This dude gives too much work for a topic that most people take as a gen ed requirement. Don't take the class. This guy thinks Hinduism is on par w/ Physical chemistry, and assigns so much work for it. It's actually pretty stupid. You can learn about the same from Wikapedia.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HINDU242
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I have never felt more inclined to rate a class and a professor than I do now that I endured this class with Dr. Gitomer. I am a science major and this class required far more hours of my time than any upper level Bio course or Chem course I've taken. DO NOT take this class, he assigns so much work that it detracts from actually learning the topic.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HINDU242
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Spare yourself the time and choose a different professor. Not worth the work load and the little credit you get. MORE time consuming than a face-to-face class

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Gitomer is a good teacher and a smart, logical guy. However, this class just asks too much of you on a consistent basis. You will do the work of 3 easy classes and receive no more credit. Spare yourself.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Whats left to be said? Nothing he is the worst. Stay away!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Gitomer is by far one of the best professors I've had. He puts a lot of effort in his lectures. Yes, he gives a lot of work, but he is extremely helpful, gives students lots of chances to make up their work, and gives a lot of extra credit. If you're lazy, don't take this class. Take it if you want to genuinely learn about HInduism.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I might be one of the worst online students ever. I forgot to do so many assignments throughout the quarter. But DG is a really good guy. He let me make up nearly all of my missed assignments, and genuinely seemed to care about me passing the class. Id never take this particular class again but i would take another class with DG as a professor.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: REL243242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Weekly quizzes you can take multiple times but still impossible to ace. Multiple Essays Each must be written with documented assistance. At least 3 books for course. HOURS AND HOURS of vocal lectures online. By far the hardest online teacher. BUT! if you are seriously interested you will gain so so much. Also if you struggle he will help a lot.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: REL243
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The workload for this course has felt like 3 combined courses. Extra credit is offered, but you have a hard time keeping up with what you have to do already. Due dates are always on weekends. Sundays included. The video lectures move incredibly slow and were not created well. Group work, in person meetings, book review, quizzes, and much more.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: REL242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Ridiculously difficult course. Do NOT take if you have no interest in Hinduism. Assignments due throughout the week AND weekend. If you are a forgetful/unorganized person, Gitomer is NOT the professor for you. Overall, I did like the class, but I worked my butt off every day. He does offer extra credit, which helps.