Arie Griffioen - Calvin University

Professor: Arie Griffioen
Department: Theology
College: Calvin University
Rating # 1
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: B-
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
Hardest class I've ever taken. This is a core class and it will ruin your GPA. Shouldn't be a freshman class. I would say its difficult level is that of a Religion major class. I would say do not take, but unless you're an engineer, you have to.
Rating # 2
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: C-
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Top notch professor at calvin college! The best crotchety Prof. you always dreamed of. Grades hard, makes some assumptions about students, but willing to admit he was wrong, and willing to take time to discuss material outside of class. Awesome prof. Very challenging course very rewarding.
Rating # 3
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
A lot of pop quizzes, so reading is essential. Overall, not too hard. Definitely take good notes. Enjoyed his dry humor.
Rating # 4
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He might scare you at first. He's old and knows it, but this translates to him being that funny, crotchety old prof in class you always dreamed of. He knows his stuff really well. His lectures are straight forward but by no means boring; he's easy to follow once you and him are on the same page. Go in with an open mind and you will learn a lot.
Rating # 5
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: A-
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
as long as you listen during lectures you'll be fine, if you miss class, good luck on your exams. the exams are basically recitations of his lectures. also be ready for pop quizzes on the readings, you actually have to do them.
Rating # 6
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I thought that he was very clear about what he wanted. Although the class was hard, if you showed that you were interested, he was willing to work with you. Readings are super important--pop quizzes often and used on tests. However, he was engaging in lecture and I found the class to be worthwhile. I learned a ton.
Rating # 7
Overview:
  • Course: REL231
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 2.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He was confusing to understand during most of his lectures. Which made his essay tests hard. He was a difficult grader. Nice guy, funny, but but a bit boring.
Rating # 8
Overview:
  • Course: REL151
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
SUPER hard- I'm a straight A student and I nearly failed every reading quiz, even though I studied hard. All lecture. DON'T BE LATE. SUPER opinionated - he judges/trashes Reformed theology, chapels/LOFT, pastor Mary, and any church that's not his ideal style (uber-traditional and robotic). Take him if you like challenges and feeling inferior.
Rating # 9
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Really great prof! For REL-131, he grades on improvement, so if you do badly on one test, if you improve your study skills and do well on the next test, he will curve in favor of the good test grade! I highly recommend this class.
Rating # 10
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
This prof is great! He is extremely clear in his lectures. If you take notes during class you will do fine in the exams, since they are all on lecture material. He has review sessions for the exam the night before which is really helpful. He is an overall great guy and would totally take another class with him! Great for REL 131!
Rating # 11
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He'll scare you at first, and you'll think it is going to be the hardest class you ever have to take. It is pretty hard, but I'll assure you that you'll eventually come to respect him greatly. He is extremely intelligent and straight forward. I'd say take him especially if you're interested in theology.
Rating # 12
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He has really grown on me and I've come to like this class a lot. Classes are very discussion-based and hard to take notes from, but note-giving isn't his main objective. He lets students get very involved in class and the subject. He's blunt and open which can be refreshing. Strict but helpful and funny. I'll definitely miss it next semester.
Rating # 13
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I love Professor Griffioen. He's seems very intimidating at first and demands a lot from his students but he has a great sense of humor and is willing to work with you if you seek help. Tests come directly from lecture material. Tough grader but he's reasonable and he made me really enjoy a class I was dreading. I would recommend this class!
Rating # 14
Overview:
  • Course: THEO131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 2.5
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He is a very hard teacher. His material is very hard to understand unless you have previous knowledge. He lectures the whole time and has a very weird sense of humor. Hard to get a good grade in this class.
Rating # 15
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
First day of class I thought I was going to hate him because he seemed so strict. But he is a good teacher and sometimes really funny. Just don't take this class in the morning...so hard to wake up for.
Rating # 16
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
At first I was hesitant to take him. He seems strict in the beginning but loosens up later in the semester. He is intentionally rude to be funny, but he does it lovingly. Engaging yet quirky. Pushes you to do your absolute best. I learned a lot and now surprisingly would not mind taking more classes by him. Good guy in his own way.
Rating # 17
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I have never taken theology but he takes time to make sure you understand it. He's hilarious. I almost cried a couple of times. He is unexpectedly rude which makes it soo funny.
Rating # 18
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.5
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I LOVE THIS PROF! You get to learn interestering tidbits of Theology like Transubstantionalism! This class somewhat demanding but completly do-able as long as you pay attention in class and DO the readings.
Rating # 19
Overview:
  • Course: RELIG131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
this class was amazing, i learned so much!
Rating # 20
Overview:
  • Course: REL131
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 4.5
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I did NOT think this class was going to be this GOOD! Get yourself a cup of coffee and don't be afraid to answer his questions! Loved this course! Excellent prof!!
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