Is Philosophy 101 usually a hard course?

Question

I'm a junior English major looking to fill a block on my schedule, so I picked Phil 101. I've never taken philosophy before though.

Answer 1

It's only hard if you let it be.  You MUST show up for class every day.  In beggining PHL courses, the teacher has a way of explaining the complex ideas that you'll be reading about so you'll understand.  That said, if you study and work moderately hard, it's not difficult at all.  I took PHL 101 my first semester in college and got an A.  Don't be intimidated, it's not as tough as some people will tell you.  They are only telling you that because they wanted to sleep in instead of going to "boring" PHL.  It's actually really facinating.

Answer 2

This is actually difficult to answer, because something can be actually "x" but to our self it may appear to be not "x". For instance, in math students typically have difficulties with understanding theorems and equations of various kinds. But, when something isn't understood well we usually say it is not clear. Now, the theorem or equation in mathematics is itself clear and cogent, although not clear to the individual trying to understand it. I venture to guess that this has happened to all of us one time or another, especially in mathematics. An equation seems unclear, but only because we have a deficiency in understanding it--the equation itself is really clear and actually makes sense. Or, to put it another way the equation itself makes sense but we have a hard time making sense of what makes sense already, and because of such it seems unclear but really isn't.

For this reason, it would be almost impossible for anyone to answer this question. Further, observation tells us that what's difficult for one person isn't necessarily difficult for another and what's easy for one may not be easy for another. To give you answer, based upon my own experience alone, would be a grave mistake on my part and a grave mistake on yours for accepting it.

My answer is this: take the class and introduce your self to the reading material a couple of days prior to the class' start. Do what's called an investigatory read (which means look over the table of contents, read the blurb on the back of the book and skim over some of the chapters that look particularly interesting to you). Then experience the class for a week or two. If neither of these appeals to you, then drop the class and get your money back--no harm has been done, right?

However, as a philosophy major myself I can say that philosophy is a very useful study, especially for anyone who has an interest in the history of ideas and how they have shaped societies.

Answer 3

I think you will enjoy it  History knowledge helps and it will give you a varied knowledge about the thinking of mankind and Womankind too

Answer 4

It really depends on your professor.  The professor who teaches that course at the University I attend was a total jerk.  We had to purchase eight books for the class (over $150 all together), none of which were actually discussed in depth!  His exams were stupid hard and he never wanted to answer any of our questions! ugh.  

You should check your professor out on Ratemyprofessors.com

Answer 5

You're either going to love it or hate it. But you can just get by if you want. I loved it. You'll also be surprised how much English skills are needed for philosophy classes.