Reviews for HONR359B

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Colman McCarthy HONR359B Expecting a P Anonymous 05/10/2016	This course is one of the most powerful classes I've ever had the pleasure of taking at UMD. I made me discuss topics I had previously never given much thought about and forced us to explore different perspectives on complex issues of our world. Professor McCarthy is a delight. Because the class is so small (mine had only 7 people), he took the time to get to know each of us individually and genuinely cared about us. He's one of those professors who brightens your day and his students will remember him years beyond the end of the course. The only out-of-class assignments include short weekly readings and a final essay (2,000 words). I kind of wish there were more assignments for us to reflect on the course content.
Colman McCarthy HONR359B Anonymous 02/12/2013	McCarthy is a wonderfully sweet person- he's been around a long time and seen a lot of things. Astonishingly spry at his age. He likes to crack cheesy, and at times redundant, jokes, but I think the consensus is that he is a very likable, respectable fellow who really sticks by his guns when it comes to the topic of peace. I took Alternatives to Violence with him, and while it wasn't life-changing (nor did I by any means agree with everything presented), it really did challenge my views/perspectives on a number of issues (particularly the segments on war and animal rights). I consider myself a fairly skeptical, pragmatic person, and his class was the first time in my life I actually contemplated veganism (for entirely logical reasons, not even on the basis of not wanting to eat animals!). It was really good to hear perspectives you don't hear publicized often. The only things I would note about this course is that McCarthy is a bit 'stuck in his ways' so-to-speak; he always hears people out, but I noticed he never budged an inch from his personal opinions, even when the argument presented was sound. The quality of the class is also strongly dependent on the discussions among students- so if you have a dead silent classroom, you really won't get as much out of it. It's when people say what they really think you start getting the full benefit of their views and experiences. As others have discussed, this is a P/F course- just show up once a week and write a 6pg paper on nearly anything peace-related by the end of the semester. Someone in my class made a movie, which he accepted as well. Very easy, and enjoyable. It's definitely a what-you-make of it class too- show up and participate, and you'll be surprised by what you learn.
Colman McCarthy HONR359B Anonymous 12/23/2012	Colman was easily the most influential professor I ever had at Maryland. He has some very unique viewpoints that he shares with the class and let's you come to your own conclusions. He is very open to discussions and loves it when students challenge his ideals. Class is P/F and it really impossible to fail unless you don't do the paper. The final paper is very simple and can be written about pretty much anything. Take this class if you have the opportunity.
Colman McCarthy HONR359B Expecting a P Anonymous 09/23/2012	Terrific. This professor and course will open you up to a previously-unfamiliar set of peace-related topics, as well as some creative perspectives on a few more familiar topics. Classes are discussion based. They are initially driven by readings that you are supposed to have done ahead of time, but you can just briefly skim them and get the basic idea so that you can contribute to lecture. This is a P/F class, and your grade is basically just based on completion of a 6-ish page paper at the end about whatever topic you're interested in. If you never want to attend, you don't have to, and the professor will not mind (and often won't even notice); he will give you a Passing grade regardless. If you want to attend, you will benefit from the interesting discussions and viewpoints that you (guaranteed) have not gotten (and never again will) in any other class at UMD.
Colman McCarthy HONR359B deoaro 04/27/2010	I took McCarthy last semester and I agree with every single comment above. He is probably the most influential professor I've ever met. This guy has met so many famous and important people that its amazing that he purposely chooses not to be some kind of politician. He is an incredible advocate for peace and is morally opposed tests quizzes or any kind of academic assesment. The class can get kind of boring because he is old and his speech has slowed some but he is at least worth listening to. I personally don't agree with his way of thinking but I don't think anyone should be robbed of the opportunity to listen to him. Great class! Great Professor!
Colman McCarthy HONR359B Expecting a s Anonymous 01/21/2009	This class is excellent. The professor is an awesome older guy who has seen a lot and is a wealth of information. The course opens your eyes to a lot of things and challenges your beliefs and standpoints on a lot of issues by showing you a new side of the argument. The only written assignment is a final paper basically on any topic you want to write about as long as it somehow relates to the class. Besides this, he only asks you to read some essays for the next class. Also, if you really want to take this class and can't get into it for some reason, go to the class and talk to Mr. McCarthy, he won't turn you down and will try to accomodate you as best as possible.
Colman McCarthy HONR359B Expecting an A lomobecks 12/04/2008	Absolutely phenomenal. Professor McCarthy is a fascinating individual with an incredible wealth of knowledge of events and people. This was a highly enriching class, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone. He never takes life too seriously, and you get a great sense of community within the classroom. His approach to peace and conflict resolution really separates it from the negative stereotype of peace-loving hippie counterculture. Take this class.