RELG 2650

What makes this class great is discussion. I had Farley as a TA, he is a really chill guy who doesn't assign extra work, but he's also really nice and cool. His discussions are great. The lectures for this class can be kind of insufferable, the powerpoints are really boring. However, if you need a class that doesn't require much work week by week, this is a good one to choose. Three really short papers and two exams. The course pack is actually really interesting too.

The topics in this class are SUPER interesting. The lectures can be dry sometimes, and discussion wasn't always as great as other reviews claim it to be, but overall the content was engaging and thought-provoking. There is a LOT of reading, and it's actually pretty interesting, but DO IT. Otherwise midterm and finals time turns into scrambling, and that's not fun. There is a lot of emphasis on remembering which author said what (rather than just remembering the principles/ideas) which is kind of annoying, but take notes on each article as you read during the semester, and studying for the exams will become less daunting. The midterm and final are each 40% of your grade with the other 20% coming from your participation in discussion and writing 3 essays. I personally thought the midterm was much easier than the final, and your grades really depend on your TA. Don't be afraid to approach your TA and ask about grading or go to Childress's office hours!

Content is interesting and readings are fairly easy to do. There are only 3 short (1-2 page) papers due the entire semester and due dates are lax.

Definitely take if you are pre-med; this class helped me immensely for my medical school interviews and applications. Lots of reading - but use this to your advantage to help you prepare for the verbal reasoning section of your MCAT. Exams are easy if you have been keeping up with the readings.

This course is overrated. The material is interesting because it makes you think about moral issues that doctors may face, but his lectures were kinda dry and weighed less on the midterm and final than the readings. The class is easy because he gives out a study guide with all the necessary knowledge. Would not recommend unless interested in healthcare / medical dilemmas.

This class was by far the best class I've taken at UVA thus far. The lectures weren't that engaging but the TA I had, AJ, made the experience great. I would advise that you do the study guide for the midterm and final!! SO helpful! The midterm and final are each worth 40% of your grade but it's not hard to do well if you study for them. The essays are short, 2 page response and are really meant to boost your grade. Don't miss discussion. I learned a lot of very valuable information and if you're thinking of doing Pre-Med, this is a wonderful elective class to take!

Dr. Childress frequently uses anecdotes to illustrate his points, and is a decent lecturer. There is a movie instead of a lecture most Fridays. Discussion sections really help understanding the material IF you do the readings.

Great course that examines medical issues through ethical principles and several religious perspectives. Childress is very renowned in his field and is very approachable. Discussion is fun.

Such a good class. Lecture is pretty pointless if you do the readings. Discussion is definitely the best part of this class. It really makes you think. Plus the prof gives a study guide for the midterm and the final so if you just study those you'll probably be fine.

Great course, great professor. Midterm and final are not hard if you know what to study. As long as you pay attention to the principles in the readings you will be fine.