The class structure is set up very well and it's super easy to pass. Class lectures and content is interesting, but can get very boring if you aren't engaged, very you get what you give. Although straightforward and easy to pass, grading on papers is very harsh and it is difficult to score high. Based on your TA's, BEFRIEND THEM.

Korman is a great professor and lecturer, however, the class content itself is nowhere near as interesting as I thought it would be. It became repetitive after the first 2 weeks but attendance was mandatory. TA's can make or break your grade and outlook on this course, most TA's are harsh graders (get ready for B's on papers).

Wasn't that interesting of a class unless you really enjoy arguing. The grade was based on three papers, one of which (the lowest grade) gets dropped. Depending on the TA, papers could be easily graded or not. Finding out exactly what the TA wants before writing your papers matters a lot.

This class is really easy, but the grading is heavily based on essays. It is a really easy pass but really hard A. If you just take it for GE, recommend to choose pnp.

The class is "easy" but the TA's grade so hard for no reason because it is easy to get an A. They would give B- on every paper just because there were too many A's in the class.

Korman is definitely an engaging professor, but unfortunately, the material in Phil 1 wasn't as interesting as I expected it to be. You will learn to assemble an argument but there are no deep philosophical discussions like I was hoping. He's definitely a kind-hearted person though who cares about his students!

The course is really intriguing, but can be a little redundant and repetitive at times. Other than that its pretty easy and there are only three papers the whole quarter that make up the whole grade. He drops the lowest score

I was looking forward to Korman's lectures, which were engaging and informative. That said, his grading criteria is archaic, grading students on their English, thus (not necessarily intentionally) penalizing them for being ESL students. He also gives far more benefit of doubt to the TA over the student, leaving grading disputes unresolved.

This is the kind of professor that wants to see you do well as long as you do it by their standards. Any deviation from it, despite the quality of your work, will result in a poor grade. You can attend every lecture and section, take meticulous notes, but creativity of any sort is frowned upon. Answer the questions like he wants you to answer them.

Korman is a great lecturer, and the content in his PHIL 1 class is like a debate, so if you like persuasive writing and creating arguments, this is the class for you. The topics we wrote about were very interesting and related to controversial topics we face today. Overall pretty fun class.

fun class. cool prof. 11/10 would recommend.

This class was veery good to start out with in the philosophy department. Korman wrote the textbook for the class. Papers aren't so much about research or old philosophical theories. More about making arguments and connections to what he say in the book. Live section and recorded lectures. Korman had like "group office hours" so you could ask Qs

This class is graded on three papers, which can be difficult depending on how harshly your TA grades them. Overall, a really interesting and fun class. This was async with synchronous sections, and Korman is available during the lecture time for office hours.

Dan is a great professor and is very compassionate. I highly recommend taking him because he is genuine and a fantastic educator. He is very passionate about Philosophy and his lectures are very intriguing. Lastly, he is very intelligent and a great conversationalist.

Dan is the best! His lectures were interesting and engaging. I had never studied the topics covered in this course but he explained every concept clearly and answers questions thoughtfully. Such a kind and understanding professor.

Definitely one of the best professors I have taken thus far. Super interesting lecturer and answered every question in depth. Tries his best to help students understand complex topics. 3 papers and no final, pretty complex but you could actually ask him during lecture about potential paper topics and he would give you feedback/help format them!

Good Area E and WRT GE, though not necessarily an easy A. Grade dependent on how lenient your TA is. Lecture slides themselves are concise and organized. He's very straightforward and thorough in presenting the arguments and how to advance a philosophy argument. Knowledgeable and friendly professor, would definitely recommend!

Your grade relies on three papers (1000-1400 words), no final. Korman tells you to read the textbook before lecture but you can either go to class or read the chapter, its all the same information. Hes young, caring and tries to involve his students/get to know you personally. Office hours are always booked. The content isnt hard to understand.

Dan was a great professor that really challenges his students to think about things differently. He sparks good conversation in class and goes over topics so you can do well on the papers. Also provides a wide range of topics to write about, so you get to choose. His class clearly defines what makes a GOOD philosophy argument and how to write one

Very fun class!

Korman is extremely passionate and is always on top of things. His class is super straightforward yet incredibly thought provoking. Take this class if you want to learn how to think meticulously

I don't particularly like Philosophy but he made it fun! His teaching style is definitely unique and you can tell he is very passionate about the class. Do your 3 papers, get your outlines looked over by the prof or your TA, and you'll do fine.

One paper, 2500-3000 words. Scary, but Korman is amazing. He is inspiring, and the most passionate philosophy professor I've had at UCSB. He is witty, insightful and a common sense type of guy. If you are at all interested in the metaphysics of objects, or just a class that makes you rethink the way you think, I HIGHLY recommend. Great in 100E too

Dan was a great professor and was good at making us all question our beliefs. He gave a lot of freedom in our papers. Phil 1 did not have a final, which was great.