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R
RICHARD BEGAM
BEGAM,RICHARD J
Email
Position

Professor

Department

English

Credentials

PHD 1989 University of Virginia

Grade Point Average
2.50
Completion Rate
98.16%
A Rate
21.32%
Students
760
Rating
4.4
Difficulty
4.2
Would Take Again
50.0%
Attendance
Unknown

59.4% of students reported.

Comments

He's extremely intelligent and well-read. You'll learn a lot if you're willing to participate and do the required readings/weekly study questions (which I recommend, even though it's a TON of work). However, he's not always the kindest and your grade is based on three assignments. He's also pretty hot, though.

Extremely philosophical topics, background knowledge in philosophical concepts and Christianity is helpful but not necessary as he explains topics very well, one book a week so very reading heavy, study questions, 2 exams, and 1 paper, take this class if you want to learn something, very nice, funny, and absolutely brilliant but intimidating

Outstanding professor. I was a little intimidated by him at first, but he's actually pretty nice and has a sense of humor. That being said, this isn't a class you can really screw around in. But if you do the readings and speak up in class, you'll have no issue. If you like James Joyce at all, take this class.

Decent person outside of class however there were parts that if had been disclosed prior I wouldn't have taken the class. 1. WAY TOO MUCH READINGS - it's overwhelming 2. We talk a lot about religion, so good luck if you aren't religious YOU WILL BE LOST 3. The books you read involve SA - not mentioned and may be triggering NOT WORTH IT

Professor Begam is one of the most pretentious people I have had the misfortune to meet. He leaves passive aggressive comments on assignments, asks for opinions on the books we read then tells us we are wrong and refused to wear a mask during lectures. There are 2 exams, 1 paper, and participation each worth 25% of your grade. Not a friendly person

Best professor Ive had at Madison, and Ive been here 3 years. Intelligent, thoughtful, and offers insightful, clear analyses of the texts. Has a gift of making complicated psychological and philosophical concepts understandable. He is sadly the only straightforward and genuinely good professor Ive had my entire college career.

Professor Begam's lectures are fascinating. He lays them out like essays, presenting different analyses of complex material in clear, easy-to-understand language. Lots of reading (approx. one book/week), and some might not like the weekly study questions, but they definitely help you think more deeply about each work. Highly recommend you take him.

One of the best classes that I've taken in the department. Prof. Begam offers fascinating insight into Joyce's works, particularly Ulysses. Only one essay required, although you write weekly responses to discussion questions and have two blue book exams. This class changed the way I think about literature and life.

A repetitive review, Begam is the most inspirational teacher I've had. Brilliant intellect, thoughtful, compassionate- great feedback. You will get out what you put in to the class. Offers interpretations and readings that will stick with you. He has a refreshingly straight-forward approach, which I enjoyed. Take his class.

Professor Begam is by far the best professor I had at UW-Madison. He assigns a ton of dense reading and requires you to write a response for most of them. He also requires you to participate during every class meeting, so you can't skip any readings. That said, he is the most inspiring professor the English department has to offer. Take him.

One of the best professors at UW. He takes dense theory and makes it clear. The class has a very clear philosophical bent, however, which can be a surprise for people looking for an English class. The grading is fair: you have to read the book, participate, and all that, but it's worth it.

Begam is unbelievable. Despite the advanced level of the course content, he explains it as thoroughly as you need, and you can talk with him further if need be outside of class. His intellect is off-the-charts inspirational; finished the class wanting to BE him. Take his classes if you want to learn and be inspired -- not for an easy A.

An incredible professor. Professional, articulate, and thoughtful, Begam definitely pushes you intellectually but in a completely inspiring way. He makes you WANT to work and understand everything. Easily one of the best professors I've ever had. And he's sexy as hell..

If you can handle modernist literature, and you want to put effort into a class, this is the best course you will take at madison. One of the best, if not the best, professor I had. Please. take this class.

This was one of the best profs in my undergrad degree.

Professor Begam's course was very challenging, and though difficult, I feel like a grew a lot intellectually. I did find him intimidating, but when I was struggling with the course he has helpful and compassionate.

Regardless of the subject matter, Begam is the kind of professor you want to have just because he is so sharp and stimulating. Most professor at UW are good, but on a very intellectual level only Begam will leave you satisfied. This also means that he is very difficult. Only advanced students who want to work hard should take his course.

Teaches and clarifies a difficult subject very well. Good for actual intellectuals.

best professor i have ever come across. if you are indeed interested in the subject there's no one better. if you just want an easy grade and do not care, avoid begam at all costs.

An interesting, insightful professor. Expects a lot from his students, but makes sure you learn a lot so it's okay. Don't be late for his class...and never admit to not doing all the reading.

Begam's Modern Critical Thinking class is THE class I loved most from my undergraduate education. Also the most difficult class I took. Best professor I've ever had.

Begam is the best professor I had at UW-Madison, bar none. His class is hard but the discussions were extremely interesting. Even if you think this class may be hard or not interesting, take it anyway. Trust me.

Definitely makes you work for and earn high grades. Very insightful in class. I found the discussions we had during office hours on paper development to not be extremely helpful. Can be hard, but the class was worth it.

excellent graduate instructor. well-designed assignments. sophisticated theoretical thinker without being dogmatic.

Prof Begam has high expectations, requires active class participation, and is a hard grader. TAKE HIS CLASS RULES TO HEART. You'll love his wit, dark humor and devil's advocacy. Not to mention his butt.

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