Samuel Torvend - Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

Professor: Samuel Torvend

Department: Theology

College: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

You have to read to do well in the course but the reading is the only homework. Never takes more than 30min-an hour

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Torvend's Early Christianity class was incredibly interesting. He is an amazing lecturer - he encourages participation and often lots of laughter. He pushes you to do your best, but if you work your hardest, he'll go the extra mile to help you when times are tough. I will always have a special place in my heart for his class!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Torvend made a required graduation class my most favorite class this semester! He is very organized and clear in directions of what is expected. Lectures were never boring because of his great sense of humor and vast knowledge. Keep up on reading for pop quizzes and to also be ready for exams.(wont need to prepare as long if engaging in class)

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Took as a GenEd Course and Dr. Torvend knew that many students were not religion majors, but made the class content engaging and enjoyable through various modalities: papers/written exams, videos, lecture, outside of class presentations, in class discussion, etc. Introduce youself, pay attention and show up daily and you will not have any issues.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• 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:

oh my god... people said he was a good prof, which is true if you're a religion major. He was so difficult for a gen ed class, it was insane. Insanely hard grader, is very nit-picky and will dock you points on minor things.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great Professor who projects passion into the subject he teaches. Very animated and enjoyable lecturer and he is always willing to clarify any questions. If I needed to take another religion course, I would definitely choose Professor Torvend!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: RELI361
• 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:

Dr. Torvend is by far one of the most amazing professors PLU has. He is an extremely tough grader, but very willing to work with you. He's clear up front on what you need to study for to do good on a test, improve a paper etc. Overall, he's not only a great prof but also a great human being. If you have to take a religion course, take one with him!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: RELI221
• 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:

I'm not religious and this Medieval Church History class that I took years ago was a 6pm-8pm class. Despite being exhausted and not thrilled about the subject matter initially, I loved this class. He's very engaging and energetic, and does a great job of explaining the content and tying it into the reading. The assigned reading was great too.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: IHON0000
• 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:

Great Prof! Take whatever class he offers!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: RELI220
• 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:

Dr. Torvend is a really nice guy and teaches a great class. Read the required readings and you will do well in his classes. Show up to class everyday because he has pop quizzes sometime.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: RELI331
• 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:

He is the reason I got a religion minor. He is so much fun in class and is obviously enthusiastic about what he teaches and is very clear. Take notes and read the material. Lecture based so you need to keep up. Tests are alright -- follow his rules on formatting papers.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: REL362
• 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:

Great professor. Always willing to go the extra mile. He is truly designed to be an educator with a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer students. I suggest taking a course with him. He is not an easy professor, however he will challenge you to work hard and it will be rewarding to you.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: IHON111
• 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:

Favorite professor here. His lectures are crystal clear and well organized, and he is a great person to talk to outside the classroom. He is a tough grader, but if you express a genuine interest in the subject, he will go out of his way to help you succeed. And he's hilarious!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: IHONIHON
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Some of the best lectures I've ever had. Very meaningful and organized lectures, so make sure you understand them! If you do, they will be so interesting and meaningful...not only good to know for tests but for life. Also, he knows students names. Nice person. :)

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: RELI368
• 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:

Dr. Torvend is the best _teacher_ I have ever had. His explanations are clear and illuminating. I have gained a tremendous amount of insight and understanding because of his teaching methods. Plus, he genuinely cares about his students, inside and outside of class. Oh, and he's hilarious.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: IHON111
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Extremely tough grader. Can't BS anything because this prof knows his****.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: INTC111
• 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 professor is by far my favorite thus far. He is very passionate about his subject as well as his students. He pushes you to do more than you ever think is possible. He is entertaining, especially when you get him to laugh. If you ever have any issues, he is there for you and will help you in whatever way possible. Definately recommend him.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CHRISTTRADITIO
• 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:

This was easily the best religion class I took at PLU. Not only was it extremely interesting, but the readings were enjoyable as well, especially Owen Meany. He's a great prof and I definately reccomend him.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: SENIOR
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: MANY
• 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:

Torvend is amazing, he will change your life. A great professor and a great soul. Take his classes, work hard, and you will come out a changed person.