Walker, Ken  

Probably the best instructer I have ever had throughout my educational experience. I recommend him for everyone who is taking a philosophy course- especially if you are one of those ignorant "philosophy is pointless" types. He will definitely open your eyes and enlighten you. He is very intelligent and presents the material very well; plus he loves to talk individually in office hours. Walker rocks.

Hellz yeah. This teacher is the BOMB. I'm not kidding, if you can take him for the intro philosophy courses, you should jump on it. My class gave him a round of applause on the last day of class cuz this guy kicked so much ass. Take him!

He was always available during his office hours to help students and review their papers. Your grade reflects your effort.

On the first day of class, I was more than a little weary about Walker. He seemed strict, with a very dry sense of humor. But,as it turns out, he is one of the best profs i've had at CP. He is SO enthusiastic about philosophy and is totally knowledgable. His sense of humor kept our class rolling all quarter, and his interaction with students is ongoing and amazing. TAKE HIM for intro phil!!!

I think that Professor Walker is probably my favorite teacher thus far at this school. He really makes you think about who you are and who you would like to become. I defenitly recommend taking him if you get the chance.

The most important part of an introductory Phil. class has to be that students really understand what the philosopher intends to say. Because it is an intro. class, the philosophers involved are going to be giants of history and people with ideas that changed the world, so all the more important that we recognize their message. Dr. Walker performed this task better than any other teacher I've had. Not that other teachers weren't clear or concise but Dr. Walker has a knack for making the individual really feel the impact of the material. In his interpretation of Plato, you WILL be inspired. Kant, you will be humbled and introspective on your morality. Nietzsche, you will be angered (or possibly empowered). I'm amazed because these teachers have taught this material countless times before but Dr. Walker always spoke like it was the first time he lectured on it. Grading was fair (expect several short essays). He's always willing to talk to students as well. If you are wondering who to take for your intro Phil classes, Walker is the best in the department.

Dr. Walker is an awesome teacher! From what I understand the philosphy department is full of great teachers who are able to clearly present the material in an interesting manner. Don't get me wrong this isn't a cake class and you do need to know how to write well. But Dr. Walker is interesting and he makes you think. I can't wait to take another class with him!

Walker is an Awesome teacher, even though my grade might not relfect that. He was very helpful and class was very humorous. Take time to talk with him and have him go over your essays, it helped me but too late. Was a FAIR grader though tough to get an 'A' he claims.

Dr. Walker breaks down the material to the easiest levels so that all may understand the world of ethics. Answers in class are often one word such as "Good" or "Maxim." Anyhow, he expects a lot on tests in which students must write four in depth essays on the material. He wants specifics and one word answers don't suffice. Overall, it was a decent class, and I think I might take him again sometime.

Walker totally presents the material in a very clear way. Also, if you're having problems with the essays, he's definitely helpful during office hours. However, do not fall asleep in his class or come late; that's a fantastic way to create a negative reputation in that class. He's fair as a grader, but his essay tests are a little challenging. Overall, he's a really interesting person and he makes philosophy really fascinating and applicable to present situations.

Walker is freakin awesome- He is worth taking a priority to ensure a spot in his class. He inspired me to change majors with just one class and I really hope I get him in others as well. He likes the LA Dodgers which is too bad. (SF Giants FOR LIFE) If you mess with him about that he gets serious! No, he really knows his ish and kinda makes you wonder if you're really a morally good person. Show up for class everyday! (I don't think you'll want to miss class though anyway)

If I had to have an affair with any professor it would DEFINITELY be Professor WALKER! He is so passionate about what he teaches and it just overspills onto you. I actually enjoyed coming to class because everyday seemed like a new day to learn something new about yourself and your philosophy on life. He's tests were extremely fair and his lectures are clear, concise and combined with his own life experiences and outake on life. This man loves life and I loved this professor! I RECOMMEND him to the fullest! What a guy! (sigh) No wonder some gals dig older men:)

why should i reiterate what most people said? walker is one of the best teachers at poly and you should go out of your way to get him...he's worth it. besides doing the reading once for plato, and not even reading for kant or nietzsche, i just showed up to class. his lectures are not boring in the least and i learned a whole lot from them...more than i could've reading the book. definitely take this professor...and go to his office hours!

This professor is one of the best teachers ive ever had at poly..he's clear and concise..his classes are interesting too! i definately recommend him

in the beginning of the quarter professor walker kind of annoyed me because he would never finish a sentence, he would want us to finish it for him. but once you learn the key concepts and start participating the class gets really interesting. he HATES when people are late and he HATES when the class doesn't participate. he left in the middle of class a couple of times because he got annoyed that we wouldn't participate. just make sure you follow along with his discussions and go to class because if you miss one lecture it's pretty easy to get totally lost. but overall i loved what i learned in his class and i would reccomend him to anyone who is interested in philosophy or cares to learn anything about morality.

Prof. Walker is such a great teacher. He knows what he's talking about and was able to present all his lecture material clearly. I went to his office hours, obviously because I hate philosophy, and he explained everything until I got it. If you aren't very good at this subject, take it with Walker. He's very a reasonable grader and puts things into persective so you can understand concepts! Make sure you don't put your head down in class... he won't be very happy!

Walker is the man--plain and simple. Many prof's know their stuff, but very few are gifted in teaching like Dr. Walker is. Take him for whatever class you can get with him, whether you need the course or not. His courses will enrich your life!

Simply one of the best and brightest teachers I have ever had on any level and in any course of subject. Though I was unsure of what to think of him at first, his teaching style and passion quickly hooked me and it has become the one class I actually look forward to attend (I know, that feels very wierd to say). Anyway, take him if at all possible and his grading is fair and objective- dont listen to those who are just crying over their grades.

Professor Walker is best professor I have had so far at Poly. Although the reading is difficult to understand on your own, he goes over it in modern day terms so you understand. I recommend going to see him during office hours if you have a problem, or email him, he is more than willing to clarify any concepts or difficulties you have. He always says "Dear Students" its kinda funny, he likes the Dodgers, and he used to be the atheltic director, so he likes to talk about sports. Take good notes and dont miss more than two classes because its easy to get lost, oh yeah, be on time and dont sleep. I recommend taking him for any Philosophy class you need or if you need to take an elective, take this one, but not if you want an easy A, you have to kinda work hard to get an A, he gives them out very sparingly, but its possible!

The other reviewers must be crazy. This guy was a tool. He yelled loudly at the class on several occasions. One girl started crying. He even walked out of a class because a few people came in late. I can't believe he is still a teacher. I would do anything to avoid this teacher. I didn't much care for his textbook selection either. I found out that Hitler wasn't just evil, he is also unoriginal. We read mostly Plato's Republic. There's a lot of disturbing stuff in there. It advocates the murder of undesirable people, like those with disabilities. The stuff by Nietzsche sounded like the ranting of a mad man. I couldn't understand anything Kant said. The translation is horrible. Perhaps it is a word for word translation. If you've done any translation, you know that doesn't work. I highly recommend going to Sparknotes.com. They are like an online Cliffs Notes and have some stuff Cliffs doesn't. They totally saved me. You might want to save yourself the trouble and just read them instead.

If I'm not mistaken, I thought their was a division between church and state. This asshole makes it very clear that he is pro christianity and he will judge you for a difference of opinion. Isn't that ironic. I went into the final thinking there was no possible way I could get less than a B in the class. I walked away with a C+. This guy isn't "fair" as mentioned in another evaluation. Spare yourself the bullshit, take someone else for this class.

Seriously, do NOT listen to the two ignorant opinions submited below. Keep reading down the line of comments and you'll find much better descriptions of who Walker REALLY is. The class I had with him last year was by FAR the best class I have had. First of all, he is extremely fair in how he presents his views - for example, in my class we read Plato, Kant, and Nietzsche. On the last day of class we asked him which philosopher he sided with most. He then asked us what we thought. The results: one third of the class thought he was a Platonist, one third thought he was Kantian, and the last third thought he sided with Nietzsche (who, by the way, is VERY anti-Christianity). Furthermore, his grading system is totally fair and if you actually try you'll do fine (only slackers and students who fail to show up consistently claim otherwise). Lastly, he definitely has a passion for what he teaches about and especially for the students. His office hours are totally helpful and he really does want everyone in class to understand the content of the class - just dont be afraid to ask questions!

I would like to adapt a line from a Dr. Dre song in honor of Dr. Walker: When you dis Walker you dis yourself!

Walker is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a true love for his students and his job and that is very refreshing. He is very passionate and unique and really clarifies the material well. He inspires his students to be better people and that is very profound. If you have a chance to take this guy, do everything possible to do it and you'll see what I mean. Awesome professor.

This guy was awesome. He coveyed the material very well and his tests were based on the lectures in class. Definitely take this guy.

Ken Walker is one of the most interesting and passionate people I have ever met. He really cares about philosophy and his students. I would recommend going out of your way to take this class. If you have any interest in the "good life," take this class. It will open your eyes!

Dr. Walker is an amazing professor - the best teacher i have ever had in any subject. I have never had a class like this before. He doesn't stand in front of the class and tell you what you need to know - he makes you figure it all out and guides you until you do. He's interesting, funny, very helpful, and extremely fair in grading. His class is a huge reason i changed my major to phil. There is no homework other than reading and one paper, but don't take his class if you think it will be easy. The only bad reviews he gets are from people that undoubtedly didn't show up to class or read the books. Take his class and love it.

Dr. Walker is by far, one of the best professors I've had at Cal Poly. He truly cares for his students, though it may be difficult to realize on the first day. When you walk into his class, plan on leaving everything on your mind at that moment at the door, because his lectures will capture your full attention. While keeping the class involved in his lectures, he thoroughly and repeadedly clarifies and emphasizes the complex philosophocal concepts, which would be left completely undiscovered from merely reading the text. There is a good deal of reading involved, and his tests are challenging. Keep up the reading and be sure and ask questions both inside and outside of class. He is very eager to answer questions, but you have to work on your part - don't expect to be spoonfed the material. There are two midterms and a take home final, weighted 25%, 25%, and 50% respectively. In response to some of the previous insulting evaluations, Walker does not like it when students show up late - and he has every right to! Walker does not waste the students' time, and there's definitely no reason to waste his. True, he will cancel class if several people show up late; but this has proven effective since after the beginning of the quarter, students will seldom show up late. Show up on time, or don't show up at all, simple as that.

Professor Walker is one of my favorite professors ever. When he teaches philosophy, he puts himself into the position of that philosopher and does an excellent at teaching all of the material. I went to class everyday and didn't read one of the three books, and I got a B in the class. As long as you go to lecture and take notes, then you're fine. He is also very repetitive which is helpful because it's hard to forget or not understand any of the material that way. He is somewhat of a tough grader, but he is fair, so just attend lecture and take notes and you'll be fine. He's a great professor.

Dr. Walker is an AMAZING teacher. His teaching is interspersed with great humor that adds interest but often structure and reenforcement to the class. Its a very personal class through which he shows his care of, and dedication to his students. Instead of an i write notes you take them style class, walker teaches primarily through narrations of personal events and exaples from his own life. its an amazizing method that forces each student to walk out of his class with a firm and interested grasp on the subject. there is little work required except for test studying and reading that i never did beucase it was always explained more throuroughly inclass. his class is VERY hard to get into, but DEFINATELY worth it. p.s. if you're 21 . . . bring him a new caslte brown ale . . . (you'll get it once you take him)

He assumes the role of the philosopher he's teaching about, it helps students understanding a lot. He opened my eyes as dumb as it sounds, and made me want to become a philosphy major. The best teacher I've ever had. Take him at all costs.

Dr. Walker's goal is to make you think. If you expect him to just explain Nietzsche to you, then you might be disappointed! Class was interesting everyday, he kept things interesting by ending class if nobody had questions or scolding students for sleeping or coming in late or having too much to say. He actually told us that the class is boring if he doesn't have at least one person to tease. His tests are pretty fair, they are all essay exams. He gives you a bunch of prompts to choose from and we usually wrote on 3 on them. So that way you can choose to write on what you know, which is nice if you only know a few things! It was a great class, but it's philosophy and that means you can't just soak it up and squeeze it out, you have to put yourself into it.

So Walker is ok, but not as great as everybody raves. Just because a professor is enthusiastic, and sometimes gets angry and walks out on class, doesn't mean he's an excellent teacher. Just as a coach who yells at you and makes you run all day, but doesn't teach you the skills you need might not be the best either. Sometimes people get this mixed up. He does a pretty good job of assuming and supporting each viewpoint, but I just didn't learn much in this class. I actually learned more philosophy in english and political economy. This was not an "eye opener" unless you are totally unexperienced in this area.

Oh, and to add to my comment just before this...just think about it. He asks for 4 or 5 essays and grades just 1 or 2? He picks your best essays to grade and does you a favor without telling you. He just wants you to put an equal effort into every question. Brilliant idea really, exactly like something he would do. I suppose I shouldn't have said anything, but take it as you will, maybe I'm wrong.

This class was definitely the most enjoyable I've had so far at Cal Poly. I had it at eight in the morning, but even at that hour I still looked forward to it every day because Professor Walker was such a great teacher. He taught concepts that were not hard to understand if you listened closely to his lectures, and he was always helpful after class if I had questions. The class itself was challenging, and was by no means an "easy A," but the time that you have to invest will prove worthwhile. Philosophy made me think about things in different ways, and I think I'll retain some of the material from this class for a long time because I found it to be so interesting. Cool side note- I talked to a former computer engineering major who changed his major to philosophy just because he was so inspired by Professor Walker! If this isn't incentive enough, I would strongly advise anyone reading this to take his class no matter what. This is one of those classes that you will remember forever.

My mind was racing every time I left this class. He lectures on the great philosophers and truly makes you think. Don't show up late and remember, this is an INTRO to philosophy course. I recommend this teacher for PHIL 231

Took him for 231 and can't wait to take ethics with him. The bad reviews are courtesy of those who feel that Dr. Walkers teachings intruded on what they THOUGHT they knew. The class will definitely make you reassess how your living your life, for the better. I see him around on campus a lot and he'll stop to talk, not just give a limp wave. He genuinely cares about the students and you will not find a better man on campus.

Walker... Hmm, everybody raves about him like he is some god or something.... he is OK. If you have no previous philosophical insight or ideas of your own then 231 could be enlightening, for those of us who have a somewhat distinct philosophy of our own... it is just alright. it was a cool class and all, but people act like he is some revolutionist... all he does is recite the ideas of Kant, Plato, and Nietzsche. Would I take him again... probably, but only if I had to. Talking to him in office hours sounds like a really awkward idea...

flat out, the man. if you let him, he will enlighten you. take his class to become a better person.

Professor Walker is an amazing lecturer. I was dreading this class, but everyday I was excited to go and listen to him talk. Don't bother reading the books because they are impossible to understand...just read Sparknotes and be sure to go to class. Every midterm is a couple of short essays and the take home final consists of several short essays. Overall, the class wasn't too hard. I would DEFINITELY recommend Professor Walker. He is also very approachable.

Biased, stereotypical, rude, yet on the other hand he does know how to teach it pretty well. Kinda weird though.

Walker is a great lecturer. He's fun and funny and completely summarizes the reading for you. You could probably pass the class without doing any of the reading. Your grade is almost entirely 2 in-class essay midterms and the takehome final. I didn't really study or think too hard for any of them, so I got a solid C. If you take it CR/NC, you'll pass without trying. There is one thing, though: he has an annoying method of engaging the class in a dicussion that really isn't a discussion. He will turn every statement into a question by putting "what" in the middle. It's like Philosophy Madlibs. "The three parts of the Platonic soul are what, what and what?" I seriously lost count trying to keep track of how many times he said "what" in one hour of class. It was over 30.

He is by far one of the best teachers at Cal POly.

One of the best teachers I've had at Poly. I would take him for anything he taught....

One of the best teachers I've ever had. I highly recommend him.

From reading the other reviews I get the impression Dr. Walker teaches his upper division classes very differently from his lower division. Your entire grade is based on a midterm and final, both essay. As someone else mentioned, for each exam you are required to write 4 or 5 essays but only 1 or 2 will be randomly selected to be graded. This is probably the worse test format I have ever seen because all it end's up doing is wasting your time. It also means a percentage of your grade is random chance. When he grades your essay's he writes a huge long response on what he thought of it. This means it takes forever for the midterm to get back. His lectures in my opinion weren't very helpful. For each selection we were to read it he would give almost the exact same lecture everyday, usually just going over the first two pages or so. When we moved on to a new selection he would start giving a new lecture. Also his lectures were always around 30-40 minutes. I don't think he ever used the entire class period.... when he actually showed up to class that is. I would avoid him, at least for upper level classes. There's better philosophy teachers than this at Cal Poly.

Professor Walker was an excellent teacher. The lectures were in very interesting and I actually enjoyed coming to class and listening to them. The tests were all essay, and provided a chance to take part in the subject matter. Grading was fair. One of my favorite classes, and one of my favorite teachers.

I read the reviews of this guy, and I am really sorry I ever looked at Polyratings.com. This is how he grades: You have to write 12 essays, and he will basically throw out all of them but four. That's it. Your grade is based on the luck that he will pick the essay you wrote the best. The first time I wrote for his "midterm", I worked for 8 hours+ for each of the three essays, and then the last essay, I still tryed hard, but maybe spent like 5 hours on it only. Basically, he fliped through all of them and picked the one I wrote the most poorly. He wasted so much of my time, I can't believe his grading. It's like, write all these essays and I will just toss out 3/4ths of all your work and grade the worse part. No tests, no quizzes, totally unorganized lectures. Funny thing is, I really knew the stuff, never missed a class, but still only got a B+(I have a 3.9). Really, not very fair to his students. For your Ge course (C3), I recommend taking an English class, even though it is 4 units. If you must take philosophy, take a teacher how grades a little less "subjectively".

Walker was the best instructor I have ever taken. He seriously love the material he teaches in 331. One warning is to understand his passion for the course and be prepared to "dance." He can't stand people coming late, sleeping, or eating while he is performing. Other than that, sign up, come early, and enjoy the show.

Bar none, the best professor I've had at college. I loved Walker in 231, so I decided to take this class for no other reason than that he was teaching it. In your other classes you will learn about the world, but in this class you learn about yourself. Don't go to this class expecting to miss every other day-- if you do that, you're screwed. The material is hard but understandable. He teaches by the Socratic method, so if you like to be spoon-fed answers or don't like to speak up in class, this class probably isn't for you. You either love him or hate him, but he will grade fairly depending on the quality of your work, not your opinions. I disagreed with him on numerous points but still got an A. It's a shame that we only have to take one philosophy class at Poly because this class will enlighten your soul.

i often say to myself and others that Dr. Walker is onto something big. i have taken him twice (Ethics and British Phil) for required courses and in each often i can just sit in the back of the class and smile at what this philosopher is pointing at. His expressions reveal an acute insight into the implications of the philosophical theories he teaches, then, with sermonic-like subtlety he reveals the truth to those that "have ears to hear". This is not to say that he is preaching the dogmas of any religion in particular; instead, he is highlighting the disastrous (and highly unintuitive) implications of the dominant and prevalent philosophical attitudes in the mainstream intellectual world: Materialism and Atheism. That said, take him if you want someone to open your eyes to the importance of philosophy and its practical pervasiveness. You will be inspired and somedays even walk away with a kind of tightness welling up inside as you want to do good (ethics) or overthrow contemporary philosophical views that result from the empiricist movement in philosophy (British Phil) that try to reduce us to "things". Let the eyes of your eyes open. A+.

Dr. Walker is a child. He throws hissy fits on a regular basis and punishes the entire class for the mistakes of one individual. When the class is not understanding a concept, rather than taking time to explain, he dismisses the class in frustration. On many occasions, he either failed to show up or dismissed class early because he was upset and in the midst of a temper tantrum. His testing is a waste of time (5 one page essays per mid-term are required and 1 is "randomly" graded) I would recommend someone else.

Dr. Walker was an excellent instructor. I initially took him to satisfy an upper division gen ed req, and just loved his teaching, so I took him as my 'fun' class every quarter thereafter. He is a totally energetic lecturer, and knows his philosophy and makes you think. His tests are all take home essay. He will give out a list of questions and you usually have to select the four you want to answer. He will then grade two of those at random and your grade is garnered there. You must know how to write well and defend your position if you want to do well in his class. He does have a temper and there are some things he will not tolerate. Do not be late to his class. If you make a habit of being late, he will definitely toss you out on your ear. Do not be uninterested in class, and for heaven's sake do the reading he asks. He will ask questions in class, and if no one has done the reading be ready for a quiz, and for him to dismiss class. He feels he is wasting time talking about stuff that no one has read about. Be involved in the class and he loves questions that have thought to them. I enjoyed all my classes with him immensly. I learned a lot and he made me think about things I didn't think about before. Take him, you will enjoy him, but be prepared to do some work and don't try to skimp on the required reading.

Great professor! The class is very enjoyable and his teaching is superb! No matter what your major is, you will enjoy his course. If you have a chance to take professor Walker for any class...TAKE HIM! I plan to take as many classes as I can from him.

Easily the best professor I have ever had. This class msde me think hard about what I thought I believed as far as ethics and morality. He is funny, brilliant and very cool to talk to in office hours. Everyone should take this class. This is the only class I have ever looked forward to going to in all my years at Poly. If you let them, the concepts and things you learn in this class will honestly change your life.

This class will make you look intently at the things you believe. It's reassuring to have a seasoned "trailguide" lead you through the different texts. He knows when and where you should take a closer look at this or that. But the impression is not one of manipulation, but of shared discovery. I don't know how he manages to stay so excited and fresh to this material, after all these years. Take him while he's still here.

Really cool professor, makes his students think, lets them express their opinions on exams, low amounts of reading, and encourages discussion in class. The only thing I didn't care for was his grading method... picking ONE question out of five you answered on his exams and basing the entire grade on that one answer is fairly arbitrary. However, he's one of the best profs I've had at CP.

I wasn't too impressed with his threats of not hesitating to fail everyone in the class because some stupid guy was playing with his ipod and text messenger during lecture. If you are an athlete then this is the class for you. He's approachable during office hours and will help anyone understand anything covered in class. I liked his choice of the 3 books for the class so much that I will keep them for future reference. He's one of the few philosophy teachers at Cal Poly that I feel are fair graders. There are no in-class tests. We had to write four essays (one was randomly picked to grade) for our first midterm, two essays (one was randomly picked to grade) for our second midterm, and five essays (two were randomly picked to grade) for our final exam. They are turned in on the date that he says -with the option of turning them in early. They weren't too difficult, and I enjoyed writing them. I highly recommend taking him for any philosophy class - you'll learn a lot from him and enjoy his class.

Professor Walker is probably the most entertaining and articulate professor I have encountered at Cal Poly. There isn't too much work, and tests are take home essays. Make no mistake, they require some serious thought however, and if you aren't a good writer, this class will be difficult. I'd recommend this class to anyone needing an upper div. GE. His class is hard to get into though.