Averages use numerical answers, including the ratings submitted with new reviews. Written comments are shown separately. Missing responses are shown as “Not collected.”
- Available for help outside class5 evaluations
- 4.58 / 5
- Course well organized5 evaluations
- 4.68 / 5
- Stimulated interest5 evaluations
- 4.58 / 5
- Assignments helpful4 evaluations
- 4.43 / 5
- Attendance necessary5 evaluations
- 4.78 / 5
- Course intellectually challengingHigher means more challenging5 evaluations
- 4.53 / 5
- Weekly effort1 is very light; 5 is very heavy3 evaluations
- 2.67 / 5
- Instructor prepared1 evaluation
- 4.85 / 5
- Clear explanations1 evaluation
- 4.30 / 5
Written reviews 9
Student experiences, shown as submitted.
9 of 9 reviews
Semester not recorded
I had Professor Hendel back in 2021 for Philosophy of the Person. When I had him, he was very unapproachable. I asked him a question in class about Socrates & the 30 Tyrants, and he said something along the lines of "Google is free!" in a sarcastic manner, to which the class laughed. I've never been so embarrassed in my life. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
Semester not recorded
Hendel knows his stuff, but he is not approachable, and conducts himself with an air of superiority of his students. In numerous cases, he made me feel embarrassed for not knowing certain things... which, I mean I wouldn't need to come to you and ask if I knew it. Decent class, but on the human side of things, Hendel gets an F in all respects.
Semester not recorded
Very surprised to see negative reviews - he's one of my favorites through 2 years at BC. Readings are tough but he clearly and simply summarizes them every class. Met with him before most papers over zoom for 10mins just to verify that my arguments were correct and he was very helpful. Not even interested in philosophy but he made it interesting.
Semester not recorded
Readings are sometimes a bit long, but they are usually manageable. Hendel is a very good lecturer and explains the readings very well. Final grade based on 3 papers (which you are given well in advance) and a final. For the papers, be sure to properly organize your argument and clearly support EVERY claim/statement, even if it seems unnecessary.
Semester not recorded
Professor Hendel made philosophy more interesting than I expected it to be! Showing up to class definitely matters, the notes I took in class really helped with the essays. Grade is based off of: 3 essays, a final, participation & attendance. I would definitely recommend him!
Read 4 more reviews
Semester not recorded
I was dreading philosophy but Hendel makes it actually enjoyable and it became one of my favorite classes all year. He somehow makes it funny and not boring. Super understanding too, I asked for an extension once and he was more than generous. If writing papers doesn't scare you, then I would 100% recommend him!
Semester not recorded
Professor Hendel is by far one of the worst professors I have had at Boston College. He is inaccessible and does not respond to any email communication, even when you send repeated nudges. He seems so uninterested in our well-being, shrugging & yawning when you ask him to explain concepts and key terms. Please take another Professor for Philosophy.
Semester not recorded
Your grade is based on 3 papers throughout the semester. For an introductory course, you're putting yourself at a disadvantage if you take this guy. Take any other philosophy professor for philosophy of the person if you want a good grade.
Semester not recorded
Professor Hendel is ridiculously boring. His lectures are tedious, and his assignment prompts are incredibly vague. I slept throughout his class and truth be told, I didn't even want to; it was just so boring, I had no choice but to fall asleep. Terrible professor, do not take him for Phil of the Person under any circumstances.