Joseph Church - Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY

Professor: Joseph Church

Department: English

College: Binghamton University (SUNY), Binghamton, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ENG450M
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very intelligent and wise professor who cares for his students and has a very dry, witty sense of humor. I was worried I wouldn't do well in a 400-level course, but he made the class very engaging and was an all-around kindhearted and supportive individual. This is what an English Professor should be like. 11/10 take a class with him at least once!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ENG380V
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

The only reason I got an A- in the class is because I screwed up the midterm. I was concern I would get a B in the class, but I went to talk to him and he was nice about my concerns. Just such a genuine person. He really cares about his students and he is so smart! Overall, the class was pretty easy. I would take his class again.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ENG380V
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I audited this class to fulfill a req and it ended up being my favorite class that I have taken in this university. Joseph Church makes the class super engaging with his good sense of humor and thoughtful questions. You will leave the class thinking about things in a different way. You will WANT to attend his classses. Its seriously amazing.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ENG370C
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Church is without a doubt the most intelligent professor I have ever had a class with. You will leave this class thinking differently about every novel you read, and how you view the world. He is such a sweet man, and made what seemed like a boring requirement absolutely fascinating. Every English major should take a class with him.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 370C
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Visions of Reality was more of a class to validate the prof own hypothesis on the Identity vs. Freedom issue he brings up in all the readings. Everything he says is on the exam and you will pass with flying colors if you literally regurgitate what he says word-for-word. Lots of reading. Horribly boring. Class discourages thinking for yourself.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: 370C
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

enjoyed his class, has good taste in material you read, pay attention in class because what he says will be on exams

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ENG
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Church had plenty of interesting things to say about Modern Drama, but had annoying requirements for participation through constant email assignments. Sometimes it felt like pop culture and contemporary topics were over his head--he was more interested in romanticizing existentialism and modernism than giving definitions for the course

Rating # 8

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

BEST PROFESSOR YOU WILL EVER HAVE! Joe Church is the man, and you will wish he was your grandpa. He has a hilariously dry wit and makes class fun. He loves the Spice Girls and genuinely cares about how all of his students are doing both in class and in life in general. I wish he taught more classes!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ENG380V
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof Church is one of the guys who you'll remember your whole life. If you are at all interested in society and the way you and other's look at things, then Symbolism of Pop Culture will change your life. As somebody who was already a deep thinker, I still find myself changed. He is hilarious and extremely interesting. Down to Earth. Awesome guy.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ENG450
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Church is nice enough but I couldn't stand how he made us email him "deep thoughts" before every class. It's difficult if you work and/or are taking a course overload, and sometimes there's just nothing to say. The class is a misnomer, it's more about vague concepts of "happiness" more than pop culture. The ideas discussed can get ridiculous. If you don't like Freud you're out of luck. The class is like Philosophy for Dummies. Not worth the hassle unless you need the credit.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENG450T
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Possibly one of the greatest professors out there. Soft spoken but knows exactly what he's talking about. He WILL challenge you and WILL take you out of your comfort zone to make you think differently.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ENG370
• 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:

Challenges you to use literature as a means to think introspectively -- why you are who you are, the subconscious motivations for your behaviors, and the reasons why relationships with others are often confusing and turbulent. Humor and affability are his tools to relate to students, but it can feel a bit contrived at times. Rewarding for some.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENG370
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Church will leave a lasting impact on your life. Work hard in his class and I guarantee you will walk out on the last day with a deeper understanding of yourself, life, & literature. As one of the best professors at Binghamton, he is not to be missed! You will be captivated from day one. Very kind, warm, funny, and easy to approach!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ENG450T
• 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 have loved being in a class taught by Prof Church. In a university where professors have a tendency to not respect their students, Prof Church stands out in my mind as one of the kindest, clearest professors. Not only does he completely respect students' points of view, but he encourages his students to come see him if they have questions.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ENG370
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

one of the most enjoyable classes I've taken at bing was with him. very interesting, tries to relate to students with humor, and seems to really know his stuff. i would take another class with him in a heartbeat-just an overall great experience! highly recommended

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ENG370M
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

joe church has been like a father to me. his knowledge and interest in the subject matter is unparalleled, and he imposes this onto his students with great passion and poise.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ENG370P
• 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:

Great professor. This class is interesting, intellectually stimulating, and entertaining. He doesn't impose his own views on anyone, he makes his thoughts clear, but also makes it clear everyone's entitled to their own and seems genuinely excited to hear students' responses to the readings.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ENG370P
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This is my second class with Professor Church and I think he's great! He really knows the subject matter and is open to other people's opinions and thoughts, even if they don't necessarily correspond with his own. He is very funny and clearly enthusiastic. He is also incredibly helpful and really tries to get to know his students. Amazing guy!

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

An extremely intelligent instructor, tough but worth the effort. He expects a lot from his students but if you work hard you will gain valuable feedback which will benefit your writing, critical thinking, and public speaking. A++

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ENG575
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very good professor, intensly interested in the material and honestly tries to spread that interest to his students. Open to questions, and does his best to clarify points of confusion. My only criticism is that in trying to cram so much into so little time, there isn't a lot of room for student participation. Sincerely recommend him.