Kenyon College Top Questions

Academics are really challenging, but that is the main reason why I came here. I enjoy the classes and professors. I have really been able to get to know my professors personally, which I do not think I could have done at a larger school.

academics are of utmost importance at kenyon. the professors push every student to reach their potential. this also results in heavy work loads. the classes can sometimes become so intense learning is not fun anymore, and becomes a burden. the competitiveness of the students depends on the class. some classes work together to become better acquainted with the information while other classes have students who gloat at others' misfortunes.

There is no better place for academics. You won't really appreciate how outstanding the teaching really is unless you have taken classes at other universities. The professors are excellent teachers, as well as enthusiastic about their subjects and their students. There is a lot of discussion in class, which can make the classroom experience laid back and enjoyable. Even in the lecture classes questions and discussion is encouraged, and the classes are small enough to let every student voice an opinion or question. Professors are readily available outside of class and encourage you to go see them. They love to speak to students and I couldn't write of them more sycophantically if I tried. Basically, I am currently studying abroad and greatly miss Kenyon professors. Only by taking classes away from Kenyon can I truly appreciate how amazing are Kenyon classes. Many of them are especially interesting as well- from critiques of Roussea to problems with renewable energy.

I'd say education here is geared more towards learning for its own sake and to become and more well rounded and intelligent person. Professors definitely know your name, and usually they know it by the end of week one, even in a lecture class. The professors are extremely nice and helpful in office hours. It's just dumb not to go to them and get help on papers or studying for finals. IPHS is a really sweet department. Some Faculty will have students over to their houses, but that only happens with small seminars usually.

The academics are great!!! They're what originally attracted me to the school and out of 19 professors, I've only had 1 I didn't get along with. Even classes I had to take for requirements weren't bad at all because the professors are so knowledeable about their field that they really try to make the students excited to learn about what they're interested in. The 18 professors I've gotten along with have always been willing to help me out when needed. I recommend any class by Tazewell for drama, and I've heard Kramer is excellent as well. Lester and Reinhert are also very enjoyable and knowledgeable!! For English, I've had Mason, Matz, and Mankoff, and they're all been incredible. Some people get competitive about grades, but no more than at other schools. I'd say the most competetive aspect of Kenyon is getting into the classes you want. English and Art can be difficult (unless you're a major). Also, music groups and plays are competetive to get into, but if you're persistent and get your face out there it's totally possible to do.

Classes are small. I've yet to have a class with more than 22 students, and many classes are much smaller. The professors are great; they all have lots of office hours which students are encouraged to come to. The atmosphere is probably not as competitive at comparable colleges; student work hard for the sole purpose of learning. The difficulty of the grading varies a lot from major to major and professor to professor. Some classes are an easy A-, while others require a lot of hard work just to get a B. Sciences tend to be harder than humanities and fine arts.

Professors Know your name. Even in intro classes, just a small effort can go a long way to getting to know a professor. You don't have to put up with bullshit professors, usually you can transfer classes easily and most teachers have their reputations so picking classes is pretty simple. Lots of participation, even lecture classes become participation grounds, and most teachers have at least 10{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the grade riding on participation. Students are competitive, but no overly zealous. There are those few cut throats, but generally if you want to find someone to study with or get some info from it is possible. Political Science is a great department, lots of neo-conservative opinions within the teachers, but for a very liberal college, this supports a lot of political dialog.

It is important to know that Kenyon is an intellectually challenging school. The teacher are very personable and love to get to know their students. The teachers also hold you to a high standard too. They know what you are capable of and they expect you to accomplish it.

Great academically, one of the best. English major may be TOO hard. Professors are great, take you out sometimes. Definitely liberal "learn for learning's sake" pedagogy.

Also, I have to say that I have gotten along very well with all the professors I've had. I am also in two majors (PSCI and MLL) where the classes are usually smaller. However, I have found professors here to be exceptionally approachable and encouraging. And of course, it is always nice to meet people who actually care if you study or not (again home-trauma...) I love all of my PSCI classes. I feel very lucky that I could take political science at Kenyon. I had no idea of the fantastic professors when I applied, but I guess I lucked out. I am also pretty impressed with the number of intelligent conversations among students that I've heard. It is definitely not uncool here to be smart and to like your classes. From this point of view, I think Kenyon is a special place and is doing a good job of maintaining academic standards, as well as creating an environment where learning is important.