Rene McGraw - College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University

Professor: Rene McGraw

Department: Philosophy

College: College of Saint Benedict & Saint John's University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I found it quite hard to track with Rene at first. However, when I was ready and willing to put the work, it was a beneficial class. This is a difficult course, and there are no free points.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Be willing to listen. It is very difficult to humble yourself as a college student but if you want to get an A in Father Renes class, you must be willing to listen. If you are unwilling to listen then this class isnt for you. Listening entails writing clear notes and reviewing your notes daily. If you do that, you are on the path to getting an A!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Rene is a cool guy but is very unclear with his grading scale. Philosophy is one of those classes where you either get it or you don't. If you do, great. If not, he does really try to help you understand which is great. He is roughly 86 years old (just a heads up). he's very caring, wants you to succeed, and is a good prof but is not a good grader.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• 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: Mandatory

Comment:

Father Rene McGraw is truly exceptional. Of all of the professors and, more generally, people I have met during my time here, I will remember him the most. He has not only spoken to my mind but to my heart and soul.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PHIL343
• 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:

Fr Rene is old school. You have to learn the source material before he really cares to hear what your thoughts are on it. The guy from 101 who commented he isn't open to new ideas didn't get this yet. Fr McGraw is quite amazing. Pay attention to his study guides and learn how he grades his tests. It's different from most other professors.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PHIL343
• 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:

Philosophy of Violence/Non-Violence. First off, Rene is an amazing person. He is very personable and great to talk to about anything. Academically, one could make a good argument that he might be the smartest person on campus. A very tough grader, but this is very difficult stuff. He will help you to become a better thinker. Highest Recommendation.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• 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:

FR RENE IS MY HERO! He is always so excited to teach and it is easy to tell that he is passionate about the subject and loves what he does. Some think his grading is tough and that the tests are hard, but everyone learns so much in his class. His class is fun that i think i want to major in philosophy. He is an amazing teacher and knows his stuff.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PHIL130
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class is basically a mindwarp, so be prepared for that. He is one of THE most incredibly tough professors I've had in 4 years here. I took social phil. 4 years ago in fall 2006; was one of the few freshman in that class. You will struggle for a B, but you will learn an incredible amount, and learn how to learn better. Amazing man, so noble...

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: X
• 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:

I never had Rene as a professor in my undergraduate days, but he was my floor rector during my freshman year; he had a profound impact on my life. I am now an English professor, in part because of the encouragements he gave and the fine example he provided/WAS.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PHIL130
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

great guy. knows so much stuff. very helpful. tests are long and pretty hard for a 100 level course, but the tests are the only thing you have to worry about.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SOCIALPHIL
• 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:

He is actually the man. He is the reason I am deciding to become a Philosophy major. He can be somewhat demending, and hard, but if you study and do all of the homework, and read the notes he gives you it shouldn't be a problem. Very funny guy, and uses great examples that students can relate to.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ALLOFTHEM
• 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:

Fr. Rene is in part why I became a philosophy professor. If I can be half the teacher he is, I will have succeeded. 'We may call our body and soul the sides of this ladder, into which our divine vocation has fitted the various steps of humility and discipline as we ascend.'--St. Benedict on why you should take Rene at SJU.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHIL
• 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:

Rene to me is the epitomy of a College Prof, he is very intelligent in regards to his subject matter and incredibly wise. I got a poor grade in his class but I was ok with it simply because of being around such a great man.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: EXISTENTIALISM
• 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:

No Comments

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHILOSPHY63
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Rene is amazing! He'll stretch your mind like you didn't know it could be stretched. He is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my life. He'll make you think and it'll be worth it! If you're looking to slide by, you won't, he'll notice you sitting in the corner listening to your headphones and make you think! Take him!

Rating # 16

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Fr. Rene is ingenious. His classes are very demanding, but very intriguing as well. He is funny, intelligent, and if he weren't 90 and a priest, I'd totally tap that! He also has odd mannerisms that make class more interesting.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PHIL123
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 18

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Rene is the best prof I have ever had in my life. I've learned more about Philosophy from his classes than in my four years as a major. He is very challenging, and expects a great deal from his students, but it is very much worth all the work!!! Genious!

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Tough class. He doesnt want to hear your personal oppinions. He wants to hear what you take as the meaning of what you've read. He's deep as hell too. Expect to have your mind hurt now and again.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PHIL
• 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:

The best prof I've ever had bar none. Knows his stuff and expects you to make a sincere effort. You can learn from this man not only about philosophy but about almost anything if you care to ask and pay attention. Life changing.