The Slave Driver We Loved

Dr. F walked into our introductory philosophy class and unzipped her jacket part way then let it drop to the floor and stepped out of it. The class collectively gave her an odd look. She told the class to get used to it, she was not going to get it fixed this semester, she did not have the time, nor the want to get it fixed. The next thing that she said was, "The first thing that I am going to tell you about this class is if you do not want to do a lot of work, LEAVE now or do not come back. This will be the hardest philosophy class you will ever have." Not the thing you say on the first day of class. Then she gave out the syllabus. There were more than 7 books on there plus a course packet. I immediately thought about walking out of the class. I did not. That was one of the best things I did not do.

Dr. F was not lying when she said that we would have to do a lot of work. Every class there were readings and follow up papers that averaged about 2-3 pages. But I never learned more in a class than that philosophy intro. Dr. F's teaching style was the best I ever was the subject of. Every class a member would present the readings and explain what was going on. The presenter had to make up handouts to help the rest of the class and lead the class in a discussion of the reading. Dr. F mainly listened to what we were saying, did not interject much, except to ask a question that would make us think about the reading in a way that would steer us towards the point of the reading. It was great. Everyone got into it and learned, because 60% of our grade was class participation. It did not matter though, everyone wanted to talk and voice what he or she got out of the readings. Dr. F made us do a lot of difficult work and like it.

-- Andrew Lemerise