Joseph Elder
- School: University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Location: Madison, WI
- Department: Sociology
- 4.0Overall Quality
- 4.0Helpfulness
- 4.0Clarity
- 4.0Easiness
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SOC-GWS 20
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Prof. Elder is a very kind man and a knowledgeable professor. His "LGBTQIA" vocabulary is a bit outdated... but he's also 86 years old. Regardless, I've learned a lot from this class. It inspired me to continue to take classes to get a certificate in LGBT Studies. Lots of writing, no exams. Fun if you have an interest in this area of study.
GWS200
Joe is very knowledgeable, really knows his stuff but is extremely outdated... He is 86 by the way. The class was so easy though. If you did well on the first 4 writing assignments, don't have to do the last two. No exams. Watched a lot of movies you could just watch on Netflix. Super easy class. Have Elena for a TA!
SOC200
I would not recommend this class to anyone. There aren't any exams, only written assignments and quizzes. The written assignments are basically the same assignment every time, with a different outside source. The quizzes are really hard.. some questions ask for specific words from a quote in a 40 page article. I haven't learned anything new.
ILS209
He was an interesting guy and gave interesting lectures. He is clearly an expert in his field and actually cares about what he teaches. I would recommend him.
HIST252
Lectures are boring only if you don't like learning about India. He is very knowledgeable. I liked coming to class to hear his amazing stories. Watched cool documentaries every week. Take home exams were a little difficult because they were confusing and it wasn't clear what we should put for the answers. But overall, good class.
HIST252
Terrible class. The only reason I took it was because I thought it would count for 2 requirement, only to find out halfway through the semester that it didn't. The lectures are painfully boring and the course packet was really expensive. Joe Elder is a nice enough guy but I would not take another class with him
Soc252
I respect this teacher so much. All he wants is to spread his knowledge about India through the beautiful movies he shows and he really does appreciate his students. Can choose to write three 15page papers or three take homes and is a very flexible grader so long as you put genuine work into your essays.
LCA252
NOT a good professor. Take home tests were long, boring, and didn't teach you anything, you just spit out facts. Grading was difficult. Lectures aren't necessary at all, just movies and books.
ILS401
One of the most fascinating professors I've ever had. In the global cultures capstone seminar, he just drops these nonchalant stories about world travels that are mind blowing. Also genuinely nterested in his material, as well as his students. By far the most relatable, fair, understanding and interesting prof I've ever had at UW
ILS209
Very interesting professor and lectures. He can come off as a little boring in lecture, but the material he teaches is rich and interesting. The experiences he shares amazing. The course is based largely on writing and grading is generous. It is not hard to get an A in this class. I loved lecture, but readings are enough for assignments.
ILS209
Elder was a very nice guy, but the lectures were extremely boring! Technically, it didn't even matter if you went to class because the tests were take-home. The class was super easy.
ILS209
I took this class without really knowing what it was about and walked away happy that I had taken it. It's sort of like a history class, but it teaches the parts of history most don't talk about. Professor has had a really interesting life and is very nice, but lectures could be a bit boring/ straight out of the notes.
ILS209
Elder has soooo much wisdom. I would pay money to sit down with him and just talk for hours if he didn't have such an insane schedule. He's been involved in so much it's incredible. In lecture, he'll just casually bring up how he mediated a war between two countries like it's no big deal. If you don't mind a lot of reading, take this class!
LCA402
Prof. Elder or Joe, is amazing! he really knows what he is talking about and you can feel how passionate he is about what he teaches. He is so helpful, and can explain anything in more detail. Great class!
LCA402
Very interesting class, Prof. Elder seemed to know about everything on Gandhi. There was no attendance, but he talked specifically to the take-home exams during class and therefore attending class was vital in my success.
ILS209
AWESOME, kind, funny man. He has traveled the world and has an abundance of wisdom to share with his students. Your grade depends on the strictness of your TA; I had Victoria and she was the best TA I have ever had, but definitely a stricter grader than the others. Also, the title of this class is misleading. It's more a philosophy/history class.
ILS209
One of the best professor's I had this semester!! I really learned a lot for little to none work!!
ILS401
Professor Elder is amazing. He genuinely cares about the students and just wants everyone to come away from the class with an understanding of the topic. He is not a difficult grader, but you will still find yourself putting effort into the class because of how interesting and thoughtful he makes it.
ILS209
Professor Elder is my favorite professor on campus. He is the most interesting, knowledgeable, funny man I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. He is clearly interested in what he teaches, and has a genuine love for humanity. He is the type of man I would love to have as my grandfather.
SOC617
Totally one of the friendliest professors I've ever had. Tells the most interesting stories! He's been to soo many places!! Also, the lectures are fairly interesting most of them time. And all the exams are take home, which is totally awesome. Not a fan of the grader though.
ILS209
Joe is fantastic! He is unbelievably knowledgeable and has tons of "real-world" experience. Go to his office hours and just chat with him. The class is easy. Exams are take home. Make sure you answer the questions and use evidence from the readings, and you'll do great.
ILS209
You want Rodolfo Elbert as your TA for this class. Articles can be painfully boring, but take home exams are laid out so you don't have to be too familiar with all the readings. Some interesting books, but lecture too early and dry to easily attend regularly. Easy A
ILS209
I'm pretty much convinced that Joe Elder is secretly superman in the guise of an awesomely boring lecturer. Good class! You can skip lectures but he tells some amazing stories at times. Take the class! Easy A. Rodolfo Elbert is the TA to have.
LCA402
Joe Elder is possibly the nicest guy I have ever met. The readings he assigns are tedious at times. Just pay attention in class (which you should attend because some of his stories are priceless--this guy is a living piece of history) and skim the readings and the take-home tests should be manageable. Highly recommended to take one of his classes
RELG402
I like Prof. Elder. What he has to say in lecture is definitely worth listening to, but since attendance isn't mandatory, most people don't go. Ever. His tests force you to learn, though, and think through the issues he addresses in lecture. Grading isn't explained and its hard to know what is expected on exams. They are all take home, though.
LCA402
Really good teacher, very knowledgable about the subject and a lot of first hand experience. Kind of a boring lecturer though.
SOC252
He is very passionate about what he teaches, and provides us with a lot of information to write three take home exams. There is no final and as long as you read the material that relates to the questions, writing it up is not that bad.
LSA101
He is extremely boring. Most classes he hands out a sheet of paper at the beginning of lecture then reads off of it in a monotone voice. Exams are take home essays though that are really easy. I put absolutely no effort into this class and easily got an A. It really turned me off of the subject though.
ILS209
A boring class. Really boring. Exams are long and don't require any sort of independent thinking... just rattle off facts and you'll do fine. Elder is a nice man, but this class is painful. Grading can sometimes be arbitrary, so watch out.
LCA252
He is a nice guy but seems like he doesnt really care since hes so old and about to retire. The grading system on the exams really are somewhat random. I helped my roomate with his (one time) and he got an AB and i got a BC. But overall, its a pretty easy 4 credit class. Going to class isn't necessary but it will help you a little on the tests.
LCA252
If you take this class, write the papers. Then you can take it for honors credit and never go to lecture (which are incredibly boring). Plus, Elder grades your papers and he tends to be reasonable with respect to the curve (only the grade seems totally arbitrary). ALSO, you don't need to buy any of the textbooks!!! Save money and get 4 credits.
LCA100
Possibly most boring class i've taken. Reads from papers he hands out to class. No point in going to lecture. Class was really easy in the beginning. Tests aren't bad, at least you don't have to read till the time of the test. Its take home and essay so all you really have to do is find quotes. Some of his test questions were ridiculous though
LCA252
Worst class ever. I'm a 4.0 student concerned about getting lower than an A/B because the grading in the class is totally arbitrary, the grader is a joke, and people who don't even come to lecture get As while those who work hard are randomly compared to "genius answers" when there's not even a rubric. Don't takethe class. If you do,writethepapers.
ILS209
Very boring lectures. But he is an interesting guy and seems really genuine and nice. They lectures are just so early and they are completely unnecessary for your grade! I'd take the class...the workload is fine. Two midterms, no final.
LCA252
Worst class ever. Terrible professor, has no interest in the class. The grader is a joke, doesn't even go to UW-Madison. All my answers match the "genius answers" yet I still don't get A's. Ruined Poli Sci and ruined India for me, good job Elder, you are the best! Not...
Hist252
How does this guy still have a job? He has three take home tests that don't pertain to anything he says in lecture. Also, I don't know what kind of idiot grades these tests but Elder's so called "genious answers" are close to mine, and yet I still get points off. Unless you really love India, don't take 252, and hopefully you get a better grader
ILS209
He is a very good speaker. Sometimes the lectures get long when he reads directly from the handout, otherwise lectures are fairly interesting. A lot of reading. Essay midterm and final exams. Very interesting.
WMST200
Interesting class, but Joe pretty much read from his notes most of the times. Essays (graded by TAs) were actually kind of hard- sometimes the TAs even expressed uncertainty over them. Also, DOUBLE CHECK YOUR GRADE. My final grade in the class was wrong!! [no explanation provided, although it was changed in a few weeks after my efforts]
ILS209
It is not possible for this man to have done everything he claims to have done in his lifetime. I swear he photo-shopped himself in to half the photos he showed. Boring lecturer, but fascinating individual.
SOC200
Wow, Joe is quite possibly the worst lecturer on campus. That being said, the materials covered in his classes are pretty great. What you take out of this class depends entirely on your experience with your TA. Mine sucked. Therefore, the class, too, sucked. Also, if you're gay or know a lot about gay news/issues already don't expect to enjoy.
Soc200
This is the second course that I have taken with Elder. Like the other one (Soc 252), you don't have to attend class at all. I did not make it to class the last 2 months of the semester, and I still expect to get at least a B in the course.
SOC200
Good class. Six synthesis reports (3-4 pages long), with two 10 pg. take home exams. So, it's a little heavy on the writing, but overall a good class. Take if you're interested and have the time to write quite a bit.
SOC200
Easiest class I've ever taken. The papers do seem like kind of a lot of work, but they're super easy. Take home midterm and final. Joe is a little dry and reads directly from his notes, but it's still worth taking.
LCA100
Elder is truly a UW gem! He manages to make the content that a typical high school curriculum never covers interesting and easy. As noted earlier, it is not vital to attend lecture to do well. However, the content he covers in class IS NOT necessarily in the book. His handouts are amazing to use as sources, and listening to his lectures is a gift.
LCA100
Joe Elder is AMAZING! Easy easy class. Do not need to attend lecture or do any of the readings. Take home exams are easy but time consuming. It is not about what you know but how good you are at looking up information in the index! Highly rec this class for everyone!
SOC200
He's very monotonous in his lectures and reads from his notes. Lectures are really dry, unnecessary for papers/exams, and early!! A LOT of readings. Load seems too heavy for a 3 credit class. Wouldn't really recommend.
LCA252
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. I took the class because it seemed like it was an easy A. A grader grades all the exams, and grades are totally arbitrary. My friend and I turned in the same paper, precisely and had a difference of 15 points on them. He also lost 1 of my exams, totally unorganized. hard work will get you a B
HIST252
Simply amazing! He's very accomplished and knowledgeable and inspiring to listen to. But I barely went to class because the 3 take-home tests were only based on the readings. Got an A by doing most of the readings, and spending adequate time on tests. Not much work, low stress, and 4 intermediate credits? take this class! Elder's great!!
ILS209
Indeed an interesting man, but boring lecture. Still, lectures are good for your own sake, not so much for the grade. Exams fairly easy. WARNING: ASK FOR THE RUBRIC. My TA never talked about this, and this blew me out of the water on my first exam... Although lectures are boring, I found the overall course thought-provoking.
ILS209
Boring as all else, but deff. has some interesting things to say and his exams are definitely doable, I got an A on both without doing half the readings
ILS209
You should avoid this class like the plague. Joe has this really monotonous voice and always reads from his notes. He never looks up or is engaging so it really easy to fall asleep in lecture. Most people gave up on lecture two months in. The books were interesting, but it is a bit of reading to do when you include the other book of articles.
ILS209
Professor Elder has so many cool stories--really a cool person. His lectures can be deadly boring, especially when he decides just to read a hand out the whole time. Readings are usually interesting. Some weeks there is a lot of reading. Take home essay exams are very low stress.
SOC252
This guy's the man. Lectures aren't particularly important, but I go anyway because they're interesting and personal. And, unlike most professors here, Elder is completely accessible. Great stories, great exams (take-home) and a thorough overview of Indian history.
SOC614
this class was nothing like the course description. intro to islam should be a prereq; we spent so much time going over the basics of it. elder is definitely a nice guy, but he is also a terribly boring lecturer. i had to force myself to attend.
Soc411
Delightful human being. You will find no better a person on the planet. No one should leave UW-Madison without taking a class with Prof Elder!
ILS209
basically the most amazing man ever. whenever me and my friends see him walking up bascom hill...its like the heavens have opened and he is being carried by angels he knows so much he chills with the dalai lama nough said
ILS209
This was the easiest class ever. I literally never went to class and still did well. Depending on who your TA is there can be a lot of reading, but I didn't have any.
LCA401
He made me like learning. Probably one of, if not the, best professors I've had. Just as simple as that.
ILS209
Joe is a really nice guy and has had a very interesting life. However, his class is extremely boring. My roommate and I were both enrolled in the course. My roommate never went to lecture and I brought him back all the handouts. He was able to get an A. The course work isn't that difficult. There are take-home midterms that do take some time.
ILS209
Elder is good professer. He really knows the materials he teaches, although he does read directly from his notes. A LOT OF READING. The actual amount u have to do depends on ur TA, but definitely read the books, skim the course reader. 2 take-home exams take some work but not bad. Easy to get an A with some effort.
Soc252
Elder was a great professor. His class consisted of three take-home exams, and everything you needed came in the course materials assigned for the class. There is no need to show up to class, but I really respected him and would show up for a few of his lectures just because I felt bad about skipping out. An easy 4 credit class.
ILS209
Professor Elder is a very nice man who has real life knowledge on most of the things he lectures on. The enjoyment of lecture depends on your passion for the material. There is a lot of reading, but it is fine to skim over it. There were 2 short essays due a month(very managable) and the only 2 exams were take-home. Not a difficuct class to Ace
ILS209
Joe Elder has lived an incredible life and is the kind of guy who'd make a great grandpa, full of stories. So many Mondays I showed up to lecture only to receive a handout from which he read aloud during class: waste of time. What makes the class worthy are the discussion sections (try to get Robert Schoville) and what you're willing to put in.
ILS209
Only take this class if you like writing about philosophical topics. The reading gets a little heavy, with articles and numerous books. Good lecture topics, but exams are time-consuming.
ILS209
Joe is a great guy and very laid back. He likes to read right from his notes the whole lecture, which may at times cause the lectures to be boring. There are, however many interesting ideas he brings up. This class has a considerable amount of reading each week. The take home exams are easy and so is the class.
ILS209
Probably one of the most interesting professors at Madison. He has lived everywhere and knows a lot about his subject matter. Going to lecture isn't necessary, but go anyway b/c he is so interesting. Great professor.
SOC 200
He's very good - but his lectures are useless. I attended less than half and got an A.
ILS 209
Very nice guy and a total legend in Madison and in his field. The lecture was early and pretty much useless, so sleep in. Just do the readings and you'll ace the 2 take-home exams. Easy credits.
ILS 209
This was an easy class, take it if you need some easy credits...I found the class to be quite enjoyable, and very laid back.
ILS 209
Nicest man in the world. I stopped going to lecture halfway through the semester because they were early and you didn't need them to do well in the class. Do the readings.
ILS 209
Not difficult, but the nicest gentleman. You'll learn some. He is a legend in Madison.
Modern Ind
ia
Didn't need to go to class but wanted to because it was so interesting. Even the pointless videos still got me to attend. Don't have to take a final exam, just 3 papers.
ILS 209
Easy class, easy teacher, if you want to take a laid back class take this one, just 2 take home exams and that is it, and the exams are easy.
ILS 209
This guy knows his stuff. He is full of information on ANYTHING remotely related to 209. I highly recommend him, any course taken from Joe Elder will be an excellent one.
ILS 209
Elder is an AMAZING person, has done INCREDIBLE things, and knows the Dalai Lama as a personal friend. His lectures are sometimes boring, but usually are interesting. I had the class at 8:50 in the morning, and it was hard to stay awake some days. I think if it's at a later time in the day, I would have loved it. I'd recommend the class.
Geo 252
Joe Elder is a ****! He's funny and although at first the class seems very difficult, once you get the take homes you realize it is not. Highly recommend this class, for 4 credits all you have to do is write 3 take homes tests.
ILS
Great guy, who gives very interesting lectures and really knows what he is talking about. He made me want to go to class despite the fact that it meant getting up earlier than I wanted to.
Soc 252
Great prof. Lectures not necessary for tests, which are take home, but he makes class fun and interesting, and teaches well. He is inspirational, and the best prof i have had so far. I would definitely reccommend taking one of his classes.
LCA 252
Silver fox, indiana jonesish type character...makes class really interesting and the most accesable nice prof i'v had during my time in college.
ILS 209
It was completely unnecessary to go to lecture for this class, but I went anyway - partly b/c I am a nerd but also b/c he's got some really interesting stories and is a really inspirational guy.
soc 200
I expected a lot more out of this class. I did learn quite a bit though so I'm pleased. Everything is graded super easy by the TA's. There is a lot of reading but you can get away without doing it.
SOC 200
Material was way duller than expected. Great lecturer, and tests are group papers. The TAs were really disorganized so grading was really vague. In all, an excellent professor who needs to spice this class up just a little bit more.
ils 209
good teacher, he knows a lot and the info. is pretty interesting. the lectures are boring tho and there is really no point in going to them. the take home tests are kinda annoying and u dont really need to do a lot of the reading.
ILS 209
Lectures were pretty irrelevant, do the readings, and you're fine. No need to really even go to the lectures, get some sleep instead.
ILS 209
Awesome guy who has been around the world and knows his stuff. Lecture not so fun in the morning, but has guest speakers once in a while (like the Dalai Lama's teacher!).
ILS 209
cool dude. he loves his work and is a very likeable guy. ils 209 is a fun course that takes little effort. only offered in fall this year so check timetable. very personal growth type class. interesting stuff. oh yea, lectures you dont ever need to go to cuz only things graded are on reading
ILS 209
Prof. Elder is a great guy. He's very passionate about the things he teaches and he is very helpful. This class takes motivation if you intend to get anything out of it though... take it for the knowledge and the grade will come easily.
ILS 209
Easy class, but a real yawner. You really don't even need to show up. Feel free to sleep in.
POLI SCI 2
52
He is very passionate about his subject, he doesn't mind helping out his students, and makes the lectures interesting. He shows films on lab days. For this class, he currently assigns 3 papers, which consist of your entire grade. He grades on curve, with 75% of the grades between A - BC.
poli sci 2
52
Great guy! He's interesting, accomplished and fun. He's the type of person to make up a question just to go and talk to him! Group tests and a wonderful sense of humor, along with great stories and experiences are reasons to take any class he's teaching.
ILS 209
Great prof. very passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable about his subject. has actual global experience in India. lectures are very straight forward, interesting, but sometimes not helpful for the essay tests. very interesting books!
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