Learner Reviews & Feedback for Luther and the West by Northwestern University
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This is a well-planned course that I learned a whole lot from. I was curious about Luther and church history to begin with, and this course satisfied that curiosity.
Excellent course covering the complete historical, political, and spiritual development of Martin Luther and his influence on Western intellectual thought.
1 - 25 of 27 Reviews for Luther and the West
By Jp C
•This course was not overly interesting, it felt more like listening to someone wanting to paint everything with a socialist brush. I had better things to do. This has not been a class where I learned much. Its structure of super short videos (~4mins) with easy "tests" was neither challenging nor useful to confirm the value of the content, in fact a number of tests quiz you on material not yet covered (usually in the next unit). Not the best class there is.
By Robert H
•I was puzzled by the course at first: the 4-minute lectures, one question quizzes, and initial focus on Nazi use of Luther's antisemitism. But I soon caught the drift of the course's peripateticism: the various historical and doctrinal issues, links to Spinoza, Kant and King, the terrific Luther readings (now I see why the nuns in grammar school warned us against reading anything by Martin Luther) and the many excellent encyclopedia entries (skimmed)--all put Luther and the Reformation in historical and contemporary context. Good job. The 3 paragraph essay was also an excellent teaching device. You asked, 'Do you understand Luther's concept of freedom?' and I had to admit I was befuddled. So the essay and grading others' was spot on. Thanks. Bob Huberty (I met you at the CUNY conference. I was with David Lott, formerly of Fortress Press.)
By Tona M
•This course is well organized and thought-provoking, with very short lectures (around 4 min. or so) and lots of supporting materials, much of them Luther's own writings! Dr. Helmer's analysis of Martin Luther in his own time and cultural context would be reason enough to take her course. What follows, from Melanchthon to Kant to Martin Luther King, Jr. and beyond brings the echoes of the hammer blows to the Wittenberg door into sharp focus as they resound today. Anyone who lives in the " Western World" should take this course as a foundation for considering religion, race relations, civil rights, political realities or philosophical constructs active today.
By Michael P
•Great course. Gives great insight into the person and beliefs of Martin Luther as well as the effects of his ideas on the Western World. I very much enjoyed having access to so much of Luther's writings. Additionally, the 2003 movie "Luther" was fantastic. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in the Reformation, Western Civilization, or the study of freedom.
By Paula C
•This is an excellent course. Not only it is a very clear and complete introduction to Luther and his times, but also includes a couple of units on the reception of his thought, both in I. Kant and M. Luther King. I thoroughly enjoyed Professor Helmer's lessons and learnt a lot from them.
By Anne H
•Quick, useful overview, even if you've read about this time in history before. The peer-graded writing assignment also helped me articulate what I learned from this course. Highly recommended for anyone, especially those living in the Western world.
By Ying X
•very packed course....full of very dense information in the reading....the reading load is very heavy, especially for the first two weeks......it's more like two months...... but the assignment is very moderate.....just one....
By Claudia M
•The course is extremely informative and I appreciated, above all, the continuous links between Luther's theology and its implications for social, economic and political choices in our contemporary world.
By Hank S
•This is a well-planned course that I learned a whole lot from. I was curious about Luther and church history to begin with, and this course satisfied that curiosity.
By Randy B
•Excellent course covering the complete historical, political, and spiritual development of Martin Luther and his influence on Western intellectual thought.
By Greg M
•I really enjoyed the course, and think it is very well thought out and paced. I appreciate the access to additional reading materials.
By Vladislav L
•Christine Helmer's classes opened me a whole new, rich and very useful world of Martin Luther. Great course. Thank you!
By Rafa M
•The course is not only amazing, but also interesting, because of the matters it treats and the things it brings along.
By Julian M
•I loved this class. I learned a lot, became a better person, and have cited it a couple times in other classes.
By William M
•Very good and well-presented introduction to the works of Luther and to his impact.
By Joy S
•Very interesting class. Very well presented. Enjoyed it and got good information.
By Eleazar V A
•Un curso extraordinario que amplía la óptica de la religión. ¡Muchas gracias!
By Lisa C
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By JOHN Q
•Fun and interesting course. I was exposed to info all new to me. Thanks.
By Melchisedec S
•Excellent course, Perfect for one who studies the Bible.
By FRANK A
•AN EXCELLENT COURSE.
By Linda H
•An excellent course!
By Mauricio Q
•excellent !!!
By Vivian-Rose G
•I think this is a very good cours. I learned a lot of details about Luther and his influence on the european history and culture. The only thing that I regret is the lack of response to questions. Maybe this is du to a reduced noumber of participants at this last serie. Good luck for future courses.
By Olaf D
•I think this was a very interesting and informative course, although the lessons could have been a little bit longer! I do recommend this course strongly
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