Leonard O'Brian - Scottsdale Community College

Professor: Leonard O'Brian

Department: Philosophy

College: Scottsdale Community College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PHI103
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. O'Brian does a great job encouraging the class to think. We definitely used the book every class meeting. There were 4-5 essays about a topic of our choice (from the topics discussed in class) submitted through Canvas. Don't be fooled by his walker, this guy is a genius.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof didn't create safe or open arena for one to speak their truth. I was attacked by another student and he allowed it. Seemed oblivious to class energies. Not open to other opinions/thoughts. Same old circle of nonsense. Boring and not to college level discussion or attitude. I dropped his class after 4th session.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Interesting class to participate in. Len is a very respectful and intelligent man. You honestly do learn a lot in the class if you participate and listen to the topics he discusses, and what students' views are on the subjects. The tests were a little difficult but A is manageable. There's 3-4 one page essays on topics discussed in class, very easy

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHI101ANDPHI213
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Honestly, Professor O'Brian is one of the most full and enlightened individuals I've ever had the absolute pleasure of meeting. I aspire to live a life and become a person as full as him. The papers can be difficult, but you leave the room feeling as if you accidentally ended up in Ancient Greece. I've got infinite respect for this man.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PHI216
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. O'Brian is one of the best professors I have had thus far. The workload is extremely reasonable and fun. The class consists of open discussion about various elements of The Philosophy of Sex. He can be a tough grader for the one-page papers, but his feedback helps you improve. I was sad when the final day of class came.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Thought this would be an okay course to take. All you do is argue in class about irrelevant topics and do not learn anything thats on the tests. His tests are based on "word-for-word" memory and not related to anything you've discussed in class. Expect to teach yourself. Google will be your best friend. Every class I wonder why I ever took it.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This professor is one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. He has a good sense of humor, and he is open minded to all beliefs in his philosophy courses. I would recommend him to anyone who is looking into philosophy and is willing to have hisher thoughts put up to a challenge!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Great guy. I was very excited to take this class but it was pretty much a waste. We used his book maybe twice. His test were mostly on things from the syllabus. Our discussions had nothing to do with PHI. Didn't learn much.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• 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:

Awesome is an understatement; Dr. Oâ??Brian knows his stuff. The best class I have ever taken, bar none! This class will make you think and you will be better for it â?? guaranteed. You will reflect back on the things you learn in this class for the rest of your life.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PHI216
• 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:

Excellent class! O'Brian encourages students to think in depth about topics by engaging in classroom discussions. The entire grade is based off "in class participation" (basically attendance) and a total of 5 one page papers. I would recommend this class to anyone!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PHI218
• 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:

One of my all-time favorite classes to date. Very well-balanced work load, challenging enough to inspire consideration but simple enough to be finished in one evening. Professor O'Brian is a very intelligent, precise speaker and compliments his subject with unforgettable wit and humor. Tremendously invigorating intellectual discussion!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PHI216
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very easy course! Very nice old man professor. Super smart. No test or quizzes just papers. Attendance is important.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Amazing teacher! Easiest philosophy class! Dr. O'Brian is an intelligent man and doesnt enforce any views on you. Little no homework- only 4 one-page, double spaced papers assigned on anything disscussed over the weeks. The book is rarely used but should be had. His quizes are tough! Easy A or B with little studying. Just attened and give your view

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Ignorant old man. I took this class my 1st semester and he was the worst teacher I've had at SCC. I am very into philosophy, but his class was all about politics. He is VERY condescending if you do not agree with his views. We used the book HE wrote, just to boost his sales. The class was a waste of time. I am VERY disappointed I took his class.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHI5341
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

O'Brian's class is wonderful for independent thought.He brings intellect back into the classroom,(no soap box here).Helps clarify when needed.Cares about his job.Socratic style class focuses on your"perspective" so as long as you have an option, write the papers, it's an easy A.Looking for other classes he will be teaching!You will learn something!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PHI218
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

O'Brian is a chill-cool old guy. Very laid back. He listens and is in no way condescending or negative about your expressed opinions. As far as coursework, 5 - 1 page philosophical argument papers. No tests or quizzes. I learned a lot and appreciate him as one of my favorite professors.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PHI218
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Excellent professor, definitely knows what he is talking about. You will be successful if you pay attention, and if you're not paying attention why are you taking the class in the first place? Be ready to examine your beliefs.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

No doubt that Len O'brian is an intelligent man however, I think he believes his students should be capable of writing papers on a graduate student or upper division philosophy level. It's 101!!!! He bases the entire grade in this class off of 4 essays and 1 test. B.S. if you ask me.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PHI101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Grades harshly and very boring. hardly used the text book you do get graded on attendance.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PHI105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Pretty cool professor. Discussions were interesting. All papers were 1 page double spaced. Does grade harshly but does drop 1 bad paper. No tests, no homework other than reading. Just take notes and know what you're writing about and you'll do just fine. I got a B in his class. Not bad.