Jacob Needleman

I don't know if he'll be back next semester to teach or not but the man changed my life and I hope to see him again.

Professor Needleman blew me away. To finally find a professor who could intellectually stimulate me and make me ask meaningful questions about this world we all live in! He is not only a great teacher but a fascinating and interesting individual who acknowledges a higher force working in the world and within us. Therefore, if you are not into deep thinking or do not believe in the importance of intuition and experience, this class may not be for you. However, maybe you should take it and perhaps your mind will be changed and a new passion discovered. Needleman believes that many questions in the world have no answers, though that is where the beauty is found. This class is all about asking those questions, not so much answering them. The class can open your mind to many different views and spiritual experiences, and may arouse your soul. The class may leave you more confused than when you entered. But that is the point.

This is a great class to take. It may seem like it is starting out a bit slow, but Needleman is a great teacher. The class seriously changed the way I thought about... everything. There are only two papers, and I got a good grade on my midterm. I never had a personal relationship with this teacher, but he always seemed willing to help his students. He can be a little hard to hear at times, so sit towards the front of your class. And, even though it is easy to skip since he does not take attendance, it is important that you go to this class. You learn by listening to him lecture.

I was surprised not to find more reviews on Prof. Needleman simply because I highly revere him both as a prof. and as an individual. Since taking his intro. course to Phil. & Rel. Studies I have been hooked, and even changed my major because of the interest that was sparked in me by his teaching ability. Needleman is a wonderfully intelligent man who seems to rely more on intuition and experience than on learned knowledge. While some think he may be a little soft spoken and sometimes even dry, it seems that it is due more to a lack of student understanding than an actual lack of skill as a teacher. I have never been more impressed with a teacher as I have been with Prof. Needleman. I would be the happiest Phil. & Rel. Studies major at State if Needleman could teach all the courses. Despite my wonderful review, his classes are definately for those who have a deep desire to study and understand the more mystical, "intuitive" approach to religious studies. I wouldn't recommend this class to those who are not willing to be challenged intellectually. Yes, you will leave his class wondering what in the hell everything means. Finally, a prof. who has passion that transmitts itself to all of his students. Oh ya, the only class requirements are a few take home midterms which take time but cannot be considered difficult. Prof. Needeleman, I hail thee.

He's a very knowledgable professor in the field. He's a published author who really knows his stuff also, but that's what makes it hard sometimes. He thinks really deeply and it's sometimes confusing. He uses the test of William James and he's even MORE confusing, so it doesn't relly help. There aren't many pre-req's to this class, but there should be, because you need to be at a high level to comprehend what he's saying. Overall, it was okay, but I wouldn't do it again. There are only 2 papers to write the entire semester, each bet. 6-10 pages or so. It's not that bad, but it is really hard and sometimes can get frustrating.