Damian Stocking - Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA

Professor: Damian Stocking

Department: Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture

College: Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CSP8
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Lots of reading but great lectures. 10/10 would recommend.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CSP13
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Turns out, philosophy and CSLC is not my thing. It would have sucked to have any professor other than Damien in a class where I was so out of my depth. But he was encouraging, and funny, and engaging, and turned a class I could have easily hated into a great experience. My writing also definitely improved.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CSP55
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Most incredible teacher I've ever had! Totally changed how I look at and approach life in just a freshman writing class. His teaching ability and interesting topics that he brings up are unparalleled and he made me fall in love with higher education. Seriously, take a class with this guy you wont regret it!!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CSP11
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Absolutely amazing guy! Would recommend anyone at Occidental to take his class. It provides an incredibly valuable perspective that many will see insurmountable value in.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CSP11
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I ended up in his CSP class by pure chance. Greatest thing to ever happen to me academically. He is one the most charismatic, kind, and inspirational teachers you'll ever have. Whether you're interested in what he's teaching or not, he'll blow your mind. Take Stocking's class.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CSP2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Stocking was heavy on theory and philosophy which really complemented his essay style. His class is for students who are really interested and fascinated about learning in general. I highly recommend it.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HELLENISTICLIT
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He was a high school teacher, and it shows. He is Mother Love--everyone comes and cries on his bosom and he comforts and nurtures you until you feel ready to read Pindar, Melville, and Aristophanes without fear. Do not expect a drill sergeant, and you will have to discipline yourself.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: CSP2
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof Stocking is incredibly interesting. His philosophies are intriguing, and they will make sense when he explains them in class. You may have difficulty outside of class, but going to Stocking's office hours is the best way to understand any issue you have.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CLASSICS222
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He really knows his material and loves what he does. His energy is infectious. Everyone loves him, and even though the material is sometimes confusing, he usually does a good job of clearing it up. I would love to take more classes with him, and I'm not even interested in Greek.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CSP2
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Everyone loves Professor Stocking and for good reason. His concepts aren't the easiest to grasp, but he will go over them with you as many times as you need. I always left his office hours feeling pumped-up and excited, even if I didn't know why.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CLAS222
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is very funny but the lectures can be quite tiring. Opened my eyes to Greek Mythology and I am loving the class.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ECLS300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took every class I could with Stocking. I am currently pursuing a Phd at one of the top five schools in the country, which I owe entirely to his instruction. It's true he's the most fun you'll ever have in class, but it's the quality and the profundity of the thinking that stays with you. His ideas measure up to anything i've encountered since.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CSP
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Stocking is the bomb. I'm in his CSP right now, and he's really interesting. He's understanding if you don't do the reading, and is open to any ideas. Really funny, really laid back, and really interesting. Take him if you can.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CSP11
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very, very, very insightful. Easy to approach and ask questions. Friendly, funny, and laid back. Class can be a little boring as it is all lecture, but the lecture is always really interesting.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ECLS286
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Stocking is the best teacher I've ever had. He generates enthusiasm among students about topics and subjects that might seem unappealing and makes his lectures interesting and understandable. He takes a genuine interest in his students and invests himself in their success. Oxy students should take at least one of his classes.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ECLS286
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Best professor at Occidental. Dedicated to teaching you things that will help you as a person, not just as a student. Changed my life, to be honest. TAKE HIS CLASSES, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. Fantastic prof, fantastic guy.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ECLS286
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Best professor I've had at Oxy, by far. I read Confessions (Augustine) in a previous class and hated it. But I read it in Stockings class and loved it. You won't be disappointed. He changed the way I look at ECLS and reminded me why I love being an English Major. My mind was blown in every class. Heavy textbook use, but very, very worth it.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ECLS302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I attended that 302 course years ago and it changed my life. Some people are bitter about his teaching style and how open-ended it was. He taught high school, and in some ways it shows. He is very well meaning and helpful and teaches in a much deeper and more complex way than almost any high school teacher, or college prof. for that matter.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ECLS300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I was part of Dr. Stocking's first class in 2001-2002. He was a tremendously talented professor then and I am sure he has only matured well into one of the finer professors that Occidental's ECLS department offers its students. He was quick-witted and "with it" - I am very lucky to have had him. ~ Lee

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ECLS302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

i've taken a bunch of classes, and each time his teaching style makes more sense. he is NOT a lunatic, he's just passionate and has a different approach than most profs! i give him mad props for being so damn passionate about his subjects and really thinking in innovative ways. i've never had someone so excited about his/her students learning.