RELG 2650

Great class. highly recommended. Learn a great deal about bioethics.

even though many people say that this is a great class, lecture is downright boring. However, love discussion section because you debate topics. Do the readings and the midterm and final have study guides so its pretty easy.

Childress seems like a really nice guy and he certainly knows what he's talking about, but I thought this class was a little disappointing. I'm pre-med and a religious studies major so I thought this would be right up my alley, but if I learned one thing it's that I really dislike principles-based ethics. I'm not entirely sure that this class should be housed in the religion department because there is virtually no theology presented. It's the first word of the course's title but the last in practice. If you are interested in bioethics and want to learn how to talk about ethics in a practical, secular setting, it's the perfect course for you. If you are interested in religious ethics, meh, take Mathewes' class in the spring. Oh and the midterm sucks, not because the material is hard, but because you have 1/2 the amount of time you need to write what you need to. Good test of your ability to pencil down a bunch of bullcrap as fast as you can. Nelson's a nice dude.

Easy yet mentally challenging class. I highly recommend it for anyone thinking of studying medicine.

Interesting class that touches on controversial topics doctors may have.

Great course, great professor. Midterm and final are not hard if you know what to study. As long as you pay attention to the principles in the readings you will be fine.

Such a good class. Lecture is pretty pointless if you do the readings. Discussion is definitely the best part of this class. It really makes you think. Plus the prof gives a study guide for the midterm and the final so if you just study those you'll probably be fine.

Great course that examines medical issues through ethical principles and several religious perspectives. Childress is very renowned in his field and is very approachable. Discussion is fun.

Dr. Childress frequently uses anecdotes to illustrate his points, and is a decent lecturer. There is a movie instead of a lecture most Fridays. Discussion sections really help understanding the material IF you do the readings.

This class was by far the best class I've taken at UVA thus far. The lectures weren't that engaging but the TA I had, AJ, made the experience great. I would advise that you do the study guide for the midterm and final!! SO helpful! The midterm and final are each worth 40% of your grade but it's not hard to do well if you study for them. The essays are short, 2 page response and are really meant to boost your grade. Don't miss discussion.
I learned a lot of very valuable information and if you're thinking of doing Pre-Med, this is a wonderful elective class to take!