Kenneth Pomykala - Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI

Professor: Kenneth Pomykala

Department: Theology

College: Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: REL223
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I started taking Pomykala's Letters of Paul class but found he was more caught up in criticizing the Scriptures than reflecting on them. He stated that Jesus made mistakes, and constantly focused on the flaws of Paul. In addition to this, he seemed to think that the Bible was full of mistakes. Don't take this class if you believe Jesus is perfect.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class was supposed to be an introductory class, but it felt like I was a seminary student! For not knowing a lot about religion, this was hard for me. For people that know information about religion beforehand, it's easy! 2 papers and 3 tests (including the final) is all he grades. Tough!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH Grader (especially on papers!!! DO proofread the crap out of your papers, or someone else read it). Otherwise, a good lecturer. Very clear, does do review sessions!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: 121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Quirky guy. Dry material but tries to make it fun, doesn't always work though

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Pomykala knows theology like the back of his hand, but grades harshly. I learned a lot in his class, even after not coming from a strong religious background, but it wasn't easy. I went to the ER during the semester and he was understanding, but didn't give me extra time to catch up. Take his class if you LOVE reading and long lectures.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Very difficult grader. Grades a 100 level intro class like it's a 300 level course. Lectures are pretty boring, he clearly knows his stuff but it's just hard to pay attention. Offers exam review sessions, Go to them, write down everything he says, and then write that down on the essays on the test.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's a very difficult professor, but it is possible to pass his class. Pay attention to his boring lectures and take notes. Read the bible verses and chapters he assigns. Participate in class discussions; he'll eventually get mad if the same people answer questions everyday.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: REL223
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One of the worst professors I have ever had. Very tough grader, his lectures are not interesting, and you must know more than a seminary student to do well in the class. The course requires you to write a ten page paper in the class, and he does little to explain it, just expects you to write an incredible paper. Would not recommend him at all.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• 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:

He is hilarious. 'Nuff said.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Write exactly the same with his notes in the test and you'll get a good grade

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Horrible professor. He isn't helpful outside of the classroom and has crazy high expectations for students. His tests are over pages and pages of notes but only 3 questions long and he grades papers very brutally. If you're signed up for this man's course, drop it now.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: REL223
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Brutal grader, expects you to write 3+ perfect long test essays in 50 minutes. I felt that I had to have the knowledge of a seminary student to do well in his class. Not very willing to help you outside the classroom.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: REL223
• 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:

Nice guy, knows what he is talking about. Very helpful and very understanding, and the lectures were clear. Easy class with a minimal workload. I highly recommend him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

His lecture are extremely boring. He always has to be right and destroys anyone who thinks differently! The content is interesting most of the time, but if you feel uncomfortable with him going against the Bible than don't take this class!Your faith might be tested in his class. He wasn't very helpful either. Don't take this class!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He knows his stuff alright, but he's a brutal grader. He's incredibly nit-picky and expects absolute perfection on exams. Look for a different professor for this class. It's one of the core classes, so you're gonna have to take it anyway. Just avoid him. Also, his personality is not nearly interesting enough to give him points for that.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: REL221
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Decent Prof. Knows his stuff, but not especially interesting. Class is all lecture, definitely has specific views on topics. Fairly tough grader.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: REL233
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He always thinks he is correct and funny. If you pretend he is funny he will like you. Pretty easy grader. He fits in well with the religion dept, which isn't a complement. Took an interesting topic and solely flushed it out without attempting to bring any other perspective in. Very knowledgeable, not very creative.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: REL223
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He's the man. Pretty easy, just pay attention in class. I didn't do the readings at all and it doesnt effect me. His tests are all essay, but they arent too bad. You also write one big paper but thats about it. He was fun to listen to and the material wasnt too bad. I would recommend him for sure

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: REL355
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took Pomykala for Judaism and Gospels. His lectures are somewhat dry, and he's a tough grader. I recommend Pomykala if you're interested in the subject. Pomykala really knows his stuff, he's just not the most exciting lecturer.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: REL121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great Professor. Tough, and he will take you out of your comfort zone, but he knows his subject backwards and forwards. If you're scared of having your beliefs challenged, stay away. If you want to learn, take his class and pay attention.