Steve Wirls - Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

Professor: Steve Wirls

Department: Political Science

College: Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POLI151
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

In his intensive writing classes, you have to write a daily comment, around 1/2 to 1 page, every class. He is a tough grader and favors more conservative arguments. He won't try to disclose the fact that he tends to be more conservative than liberal. His class is very insightful. He challenges your views and helps you strengthen your arguments.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POLS110
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Best Professor I've had by far. Not an easy grader but will always work with you to get you to really understand the material. Also made me a far better writer. Always keeps class interesting and makes sure you understand what he's teaching. Definitely need to do the readings and go to class, but it is so interesting that you will want to.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POLS110
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Wirls is an amazing professor & I really enjoyed his class. He is so nice & wants to see his students succeed. Office hours are clutch, so use them to your advantage. There's a lot of reading, but everything makes sense b/c his topics flow nicely & he is good about tying themes together. Papers are a bit hard, but you can definitely work for an A!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POLS151
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Wirls expects a lot but also rewards you for work well done. He challenges the way that you think and wants students to argue with him. His lectures are well structured but very interactive. By far my favorite professor, everyone should take a class from him! Go to his office hours!!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLS151
• 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:

Professor Wirls is an amazing professor. His class is challenging and writing intensive, but worth all of the effort. Wirls makes all of the class discussions interesting, and always comes to class with an enthusiastic smile on his face. His office hours are extremely helpful. Would recommend this class to everyone!!!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLS214
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you want to understand why Rhodes has a tradition of hanging paintings of past professors in the Rat, take a class with Steve Wirls.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 212
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This man is a life-changer. If you can take a class from him, I highly recommend it. He is one of the smarted professors I have ever had the pleasure of working from. This was also one of the most difficult classes I have ever had the pleasure of taking. He makes you work for it but is always there to help along the way. He is also a great lecturer

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HUM201
• 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:

Took all 3 semesters of search with Wirls. Favorite professor ever! His papers can be really challenging, but he'll talk with you forever about the subject matter and any confusion you have. He wants what you say in class or write in papers to be aligned with his own opinions, but he also just wants you to think and write well. GREAT personality

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLS151
• 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:

Wirls is an awesome teacher. I would strongly consider taking him. I thoroughly enjoyed his class. This was one of the most thought-provoking, enjoyable classes I have ever had, and one reason is the fact that Wirls is such an engaging and knowledgeable teacher.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLS214
• 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 Wirls is a riot and keeps even the most dense material entertaining. He is honest and that makes him much easier to listen to. As others have said, he can be brutal on your papers. He will sniff you out if you do not put the work in - he's literally called me on it because he can tell. Just do the work and you'll be fine.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: USPOL151
• 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:

An incredible Professor. Very enthusiastic, and very knowledgable. He's a hard grader, but hard in order to make you a better student, not hard in order to give you bad grades. He's always ready to help and always excited about teaching his class.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POLS110
• 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:

Changed my life. Be prepared for difficult and dense readings. Participate in class.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PS360
• 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:

PROFESSOR WIRLS IS AMAZING! He loves teaching, and certainly loves what he teaches. He grades hard on essays, but is very clear about what he wants. He is always in his office and always willing to help. I definitely recommend that everyone take a class from him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HUM201
• 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:

Simply an amazing professor. One of the best at Rhodes and certainly the PoliSci department. He's a hard grader, especially when it comes to papers, but your writing will really improve through out his class. He cares about his students and is always available outside class for help, advice, or just talking. He's amazing.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLS110
• 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:

Wirls is fantastic. He made my first semester of freshmen very enjoyable. He is hilarious if you get him ranting. He also really cares about what his students think and the development of their opinions. He is a tough grader but really helps to improve your writing skills.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HUM201
• 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:

One of the best professors at Rhodes and the best in the Poli Sci department in my opinion. He is extremely helpful and willing to talk with you for hours about the class, papers, or whatever else. He really cares about his students. He's a stickler when it comes to writing and is a hard grader, but he really did improve my writing. So worth it.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLS110
• 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:

Wirls is a highly enjoyable professor. He expects a lot out of your writing skills. He will definitely whip you into shape as a freshman. He grades very hard, but it's worth it. Everyone adores him. He's one of the most respected professors at Rhodes.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POLS314
• 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:

Funny, engaging, passionate about class material. Material is covered slowly and for good reason - he requires you to argue with and understand the texts. Constantly pushes you to ask more questions. Very enjoyable. I think he genuinely wants his students to learn. Class is guided by student questions, which is cool. Also a great adviser.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PS151
• 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:

Great professor! Extremely engaging and extremely clear. A great help outside of class. Made waking up at 8 am well worth it. This man will spark an interest for you in law and government.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POLI151
• 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:

Professor Wirls is one of the most engaging professors at Rhodes College. He will keep you interested for the entire class period. He places much emphasis on writing; therefore, papers are graded rigorously, but by taking his class, your writing skills are guaranteed to improve.