Phil Atlakson - Boise State University, Boise, ID

Professor: Phil Atlakson

Department: Theater

College: Boise State University, Boise, ID

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

meet with your ta to specify because Phil doesn't give any precise answers, or anything that could be passed off as an answer when reviewing practice assignments and the real assignments. 5 things in your grade book 4 assignments and attendance for a total of 100 points. mess up an assignment your grade probably won't bounce back from it

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: THEA105
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I only had two other people in the class, so I had an intimate experience, and I really feel like he focused on my success of understanding the content. Go to class, and participate, and you will do well.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: THEA105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took this class this semester for my major. I was wary to do so after hearing mixed reviews. Phil is definitely a tough grader. Also if you do not TRY in this class you will not pass it! He makes you work for your grade, however he wants to see you succeed. If you participate and do the homework and ask questions, you'll pass the class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: THEA105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I'm in Phil's Play Analysis course this semester. I had a lot of hesitation after hearing reviews from other students about him and the course itself, but was encouraged to take it anyway. I'm really glad I am. This class is hard, not going to lie, but I've already had to stretch out of my comfort zone to grow as a student and as a person. Thanks!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

If you want to experience failure, take one of Phil's classes, and you'll see how it's done. Phil is the ultimate example of, if you can't do, "teach". Phil has been fooling people for quite a while, stupid people, but fooling them, nonetheless. Phil really believes that he hasn't been recognized for his "talent". What a joke, Phil is.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: THEA350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was hesitant to take his Screenwriting class because of the bad ratings on here, but gave him a shot anyway. Overall, the class was extremely challenging but made me a better storyteller in the end. Phil is a serious professor for students serious about writing. His feedback is helpful bc he is no BS. He isn't there to hold your hand.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I hear crickets chirping, Phil. Second, out of two. Quite impressive. Where is your braggadocio now?

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: THEA340
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

As a freshman, I tried to take a class with Phil. The first serious class session didn't go well (his teaching style was vague and frustrating) so I dropped the class. Two years later, I went back and tried again. In 2 years, Phil had done a complete 180 - he now seemed helpful, jovial, clear, interactive. Maybe it was my maturity level?

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I expect this comment to be deleted, as have several other truthful comments. Are you watching, Phil? Phil thought he would become famous, and he still believes that he deserves fame, even though he is an egotistical failure. The last time we spoke, you called me less than good. (I had to clean this up to get by the auto-censor) Pretty funny.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: THEATRE105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Philip is a very blunt person but he knows what he is teaching. His direct nature may offend you... but if you want to be in theatre you need to get over it. You will get out what you put into the class.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: THEATRE105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Philip is a terrible human being. All of his assignments are incredibly vague and he grades with no objectivity. It's as if he creates vendetta's against his students and is set to fail them no matter the quality of work. I would never recommend Phillip as a professor ever. He also treats his students as if they are complete idiots.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: THEA105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

ANNOYING! I can't stand being in that class!! Just because I'm quiet, doesn't mean I don't understand the material, which I don't, but still. WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS WOULD I ASK IF EVERYTHING IS CONFUSING?! Not to mention that I can't stay awake, no matter how much energy drinks I have!! Play Analysis with him... is... it's too... philosophical!!!!!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: THEA105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Terrible professor. I absolutely LOVE theatre. I had been in theatre for 4 years before I took Phil's class. It was my first semester in college and I thought it was just me- I didn't know why I couldn't do his assignments right and why I didn't understand his concepts. It's because there is NO right way you're probably just wrong according to Phil

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: THEA340
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

When you first meet Phil its hard to get past his harshness, but once you realize that it is not directed to you but just an aspect of his personality then you can relax and enjoy the class. I learned a lot from the class. I understand that playwriting is tough and he did his best to clarify what we needed to do to be better writers.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: THEATANA
• 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:

I took his Theatre Analysis class the fall of 2011. He gives practice assignments before the real assignment comes along. I find the only problem was it was difficult when he didn't clarify enough of what he wanted in the practice assignment to actually get ready for the real assignment. Expect to attend because he grades harshly on attendance.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Took this just for last area III and honors credits. I'm an engineering major, and I like to think I can understand anything if I really work at it. Not this dude. Spring 2010 for me: Math 175- A, Physics 211- A, Engr 120- A, Theatre 101 with Phil- B. Nuff said.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Doesn't except any excuses for absence (bad weather, sick, kid sick) he doesn't care. Frustrating and debates during class. Not an easy grader.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is a terrible professor. Talks poorly about religion and is not understanding whatsoever. Has claimed to be "self taught" and it shows. His class is a joke and he takes it way too seriously. I recommend finding another professor if you wanna take this course.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: THEA101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He does not help whatsoever. Do not take his class! He never tells you what to study for on tests or how you should right a review and he then gives you an automatic F for not knowing it. Highly recommend not taking his course.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: THE101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

It's funny that the true comments about this egotistical failure are deleted. I hope my IP address is logged. Check out his whining self from the Village Voice letters from May, 2009.