He likes to poke fun at his students so don't talk unless you want to talk to him regularly while the whole class listens. Sometimes the things he said in class rubbed me the wrong way and were disrespectful. I didn't do any of the readings, just went to all the lectures , and took notes there and got a B+. 20% final, midterm, section, and 2 papers

If you are not particularly interested in religious studies I would avoid taking this class. A lot of reading and writing in this class. Since I was not particularly interested in this subject I struggled finding motivation to complete the assignments. Professor Carlson teaches like he's having a conversation with you, which has its pros and cons.

Professor Carlson is by far my favorite professor. I really enjoy that he does not use slides but rather engages with his students during the lecture. I felt by the end of the year, I genuinely knew the guy. TAKE THIS CLASS. I learned more with Carlson than I have in any other course, you just have to be willing to put the work in.

Many of us took the class after seeing his welcoming personality on day one. But with time, you will get fed up because professor's grading style is very unfair and does not enable creativity. He does not like it when you change the words that he said even slightly. That is a sign that he does not know what he is doing. Take another class.

If you have the chance to take this class, DEFINETLY DO! But if you are anticipating a busy quarter, DEFINETLY DO NOT! This class is very difficult and only rewarding if you are able to put the time into engaging with the readings. Prepare to make yourself into a funny character for Prof Carlson to play games with or do not speak in class.

If you enjoy writing and philosophy, you'll love this class. Took it last year and I still connect concepts we learned with current events and general happenings. Carlson involves students in his "lectures", which are more like talks if anything, making him very personable. Also Shelby was an amazing TA.

My favorite professor. The entire class is set up like a lecture, but is not carried out like one. He doesn't have a powerpoint slide, he just talks to us. But he talks like a conversation, he is extremely open to interruptions to discuss what students think about the topic at hand. He is a lot of fun to listen to. Lot's of reading.

I took this class for a GE and it was quite challenging. However, the key is to do all the readings (no textbook but the reader) and understand the concept of each philosopher. I skipped quite a few classes but I still ended up with an A in class by paying attention in section and doing all the readings. Overall, he is a great, funny professor!

Absolutely love Carlson! He is so knowledgeable about the subject and really explains everything. BUT there was A LOT of material to know/memorize, but I studied and ended up with a good grade. You do an essay instead of a midterm & it wasn't hard at all. And for the final, just study all the concepts & you'll do fine. STRONGLY suggest this class!

I honestly really liked him at first. He seemed funny, interesting, & incredibly smart. Yet, even though I received an A on the midterm, he gave me a C in the class. I e-mailed to inquire if it was due to lack of participation (I have severe social anxiety), or bc my final paper was poor (it wasn't), he ignored my e-mail. Only take if outgoing.

Honestly this class was the most interesting I took all year. It is really tedious though, so I decided to take it pass no pass. if you can sacrifice a p/np this class is worth it. Fills GEs and isn't complete BS. Carlson is kind of awkward and expects people to speak up, even though its in a large lecture hall. The readings are hard, but do them!

I loved this class! Carlson is a difficult teacher but he makes class very interesting. No power points, so you have to attend lectures and pay close attention. TA's were useful and helpful. If you do the reading and pay CLOSE attention in lecture, you will do well!