*A 5 star workload is an easy workload; a 3 star is average; whereas a 1 star workload is extremely hard.
Comments:REL 1310 - Rios is a very nice guy and he is very good at teaching. My main complaint about him is just the way the class is structured as the quizzes are quite difficult and confusing and oddly placed. The readings are pretty interesting but can be fairly long. But I would still recommend Rios as he's an understanding guy who genuinely enjoys his job. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1350 - Do not take Dr. Rios unless you have a strong background in religion. Although his lectures are pretty straight forward, his tests and quizzes are difficult. A lot of the material on the tests are super specific information that is blown over in class. He cold calls every lecture by using the seating chart. - Grade In Class:B
Comments:1350H - Honors section: Rios's class is straightforward and fair. He is very clear about what his expectations are for the class, and if you understand the material, it's no problem. There is about a 20-30 page reading for each class-come prepared with a summary/thesis and some key parts of each reading to discuss in class and participation will come. You will get the most out of this class if you are eager to discuss the material, understand Rios's mindset/paradigm, and ask lots of questions to make connections. Rios is "not interested in tricking you but holding you to a very high standard." Tests were writing and synthesizing information; not bad if you've paid attention and actually done the readings and engaged the conversation. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - Dr. Rios is easily one of the best teachers I have had. While his exams can get a little bit confusing, if you put effort into his class you will get back what you give. As long as you do your work and participate in class, you should have no problems doing well in this course. He likes to make jokes and keeps the class pretty interesting, so it is pretty simple to pay attention. Mainly the grades for his class consisted of about 9ish quizzes (1 every two or so weeks), 2 exams, discussion posts, participation, and a final. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1350 - I loved Dr.Rios' class!! It was a lot of reading for each class, but it was an honors section so that was expected. He is very intelligent and I feel like I really learned the content and he could explain anything that confused us. The discussion aspect added to the class and it made sure that the work was divided evenly among the class. Even if we were completely wrong about something, he was understanding and always kindly pointed us back. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - I LOVE HIM He's funny, interesting, nice, and goes off topic sometimes but I love it(told us his son smokes weed and stuff). Class discussions were always interesting. Quizes and tests were super easy and straight from the lectures. A some readings and hw but not too bad. Tests have a ton of repeat quiz questions. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - Dr. Rios is an interesting guy. He's very entertaining, but not always intentionally (sometimes he goes off on tangents and it seems like he hasn't slept in a couple days. Once he told us a story in class about how his son got addicted to crack). But his expectations are simple and he grades fairly. If you pay attention in class and participate, you should be fine. He also coteaches with a graduate student (Anna Wells) and she is very helpful. Don't pay attention to ratings saying how anti-religion he is. He does have different views than students or other professors might, but they're well thought out and adequately evidenced and he doesn't force them on you. Just have an open mind and talk to him if you have concerns. He seems like a really smart guy. I'm retaking him for Christian Heritage. - Grade In Class:B+
Comments:1350 - Dr. Rios loves the subject and is very passionate about the subject. Pretty easy workload with only two tests and the final. The HW was basically reading to study for a quiz and if you talked at least once a week you would get a 100 on participation which was 10% of your grade. The only thing is he's not the most technology savvy so his canvas is a little jumbled. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1350 - this is a very hard class, especially for a required course. Professor Rios is definitely passionate about what he talks about but the structure of class is very difficult. You have tons of readings each day and a quiz each class. he calls on students to explain the readings which are often difficult to understand. the exams weren't too hard so if you're passionate about religion this is a good class but it's definitely not an easy a. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1350 - I love Baylor University! However, Chris Rios is the worst professor/teacher/person I have ever come across. As someone who is proud of my Catholic faith, I have never felt so hurt, judged, and ashamed to express my faith in a class. Dr. Rios was arrogant, rude, inconsiderate, condescending, ignorant, and overall just an incredibly terrible professor. I dreaded going to his class because I felt attacked every time because everything he taught was so anti-catholic and so pro-protestantism. I understand we are at a Baptist school, but the class was not even Baptist, it was just Dr. Rios' crazy religious thoughts. Half the time I wondered to myself if he was atheist because nothing he talked about seemed to add up. I also cannot stress how nervous I was during every class because I was scared he was going to call on me and let me tell ya he did not want to hear what I had to say about what he was talking about. Every time anyone would contradict him, he came back and belittled them and made them feel like a terrible person. No one likes to feel like that, especially young college students who are already having doubts and thoughts about their faith, but Dr. Rios makes it worse for everyone. I am currently writing this evaluation during his class, he just basically taught us that the Catholics never acknowledged or went against the Nazi party. Well, I'm about 99% sure they would never support the mass killing of a group of people, especially when people of their own faith were also being persecuted and killed in their concentration camps like the popular Catholic saint, St. Maximillian Kolbe. Also, what about the Lutheran church or the Methodist church? What were their views on Nazi Germany? Did they speak out against it? This is the unfairness I am talking about. I cannot believe I have to sit through this heresy as Dr. Rios disrespects my faith right in front of me. I am sorry that he had a bad experience with Catholicism, but that does not mean he has to talk bad about and tell all these other kids in the class (who probably don't know a lot about Catholicism) about how bad it is before they were able to learn about it in a positive light, which I have learned is rare down here in Texas. I would love for Chris Rios' employment to be ended here at Baylor University because he does not uphold the standards and values of this amazing institution. I would never write such a bad review about a professor, but I feel it is necessary in this situation because of the disrespect Dr. Rios has shown in his class. - Grade In Class:B
Comments:REL 1310 - If you believe in traditional Bible study then this class is not for you. It was a mix of Bible and fiction. I agree with the other recent reviews here. Wish I could have taken another prof. - Grade In Class:C+
Comments:REL 1310 - If you are extremely extroverted and prioritize this class over all others than you will do fine. No tests was a plus, he gave mini exams every week instead. However, with only seven or so questions it's difficult to narrow down about 3 hours of homework into specific enough information to do very well if you don't have a very strong background knowledge. Dropped this class due to poor grades, after I asked for help and an explanation of a participation grade that I found unfair, and got no response from him. He seems very nice at first, but if you are not the top participant in the class he likely will not be as friendly to you. He teaches the bible in a non-traditional, rather progressive way, which is something to consider if you like/agree with that or not. - Grade In Class:DROP
Comments:REL 1310 - Dr. Rios' homework is quite easy, though I know it is different due to COVID. We had a short quiz everyday that you could easily make a 100 on if you completed the homework. However, do not take Dr. Rios if you are a conservative or devoted Christian as he is progressive and will make bold statements without citing Bible verses to back up his claims. He taught his own views rather than give various different views or opinions on topics. Also, I honestly do not know what we were supposed to learn in the class as he is very scattered and gets off track easily. We spent around 7 weeks on Genesis and then skipped over books of the Bible and did not even read Matthew, Mark, or John, but ended with Revelation. He seems nice and would make funny jokes, but I would have wished for him to bring up other view points about the Christian faith. - Grade In Class:C+
Comments:FDM 2360 - First of all, Brian Elliot does not teach the course, three grad students do and they're pretty knowledgeable. On the first day you are sectioned off and put into three groups: studio, post, and field. These three groups cover what each of the sections entail. The workload is okay... You will spend at least 4 hours a week doing something for either section. Its an okay class, but not the best... Your group is what makes it enjoyable. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1310 - Professor Rios is by far probably the best person you can take for scriptures. I heard horror stories about other profs and was scared for this course, but Rios made it enjoyable. There are only 2 tests and a final, but you never feel ill prepared for them- he never tries to trick you. His reading load is very light compared to other professors. He tries to get to know every student by name, so be prepared for him to call on you... and answer his questions, participation is part of your grade. All in all, I would definitely take him again! HE IS GREAT! - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL1310 - First let me say how much I LOVED being in Dr. Rios' class. He's an amazing professor and I highly recommend taking any of his classes. I had him for Christian Scriptures and not once did I feel tired or bogged down with work in his class. You have little readings the night before his class, but he never quizzed us, instead just wanted to know what we got out of it. We had to major book discussions but they were supper easy and really cool books. He's such a fun professor, I don't think a day went by where I didn't have a laugh in his class. Truly cares about his students! His exams are a little hard, but if you study the notes and slides, you'll be just fine! So sad I couldn't take his FAS class. 10/10 recommend! - Grade In Class:A
Comments:FAS 1308 - I took Rios for a Religion & Science class as a replacement for Christian Heritage and I can honestly say it was probably one of the best academic decisions I made my freshman year. To my surprise, this class was undoubtably the most interesting and relevant class of the semester. I learned so much and honestly feel more prepared to take on the world. This is the kind of stuff that I would expect from an elite university. Nothing will replace my experience with Rios in this class. He was a fantastic professor, take him if it is at all possible. Like seriously work your schedule around him if you have to. He takes his students needs & desires into consideration, is prompt with his grading, fair, respectful, and entertaining. Go in ready to focus and learn and you won't be disappointed. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - First of all: TAKE HIM. I don't care that I ashamedly got a C in his course. I learned a lot, and he has a great personality. He is not a stuck up teacher. He has an awesome attitude and cares about his students learning. - Grade In Class:C
Comments:1310 - Mr. Rios is a super cool guy! he comes off a little weird at first but as you get into the material, he will slowly grow on you for sure! He really tries to have a relationship with all his students and has a super quirky sense of humor! he grades fairly easy and the work load isn't bad! Slack off in studying and have a solid B so if you put your mind into it you be fine! would definitely recommend! - Grade In Class:B
Comments:1310 - Dr. Rios is the sweetest person. He always wants to help and he offers extra credit opportunities. It is easy to get a A on his tests if you study. He does give daily quizzes which gets annoying, but he is freaking awesome and if you take him you will love him and he will make sure to take care of you. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1310 - Rios is a GREAT guy. He's great to have conversations with and he's funny and kind. HOWEVER. His lectures are going to be the end of me. He goes through the PowerPoint like he's racing it to the end of class. You will not have time to write everything down. Also, although he says it doesn't matter, I would not take him if you didn't go to Sunday school as a kid. Not only does the course move rapidly through the stories most people read, he is so smart and such a deep thinker that he always ends up losing me. I eventually gave up trying to learn anything and just memorized the notes I took in class and ended up passing the tests. In class everyday somebody flips a coin and depending on which side it lands on, there will be a quiz. I guess it's FAIR, and if we don't have class it's a fun way to start class. He might not do it next semester though, we haven't been taking many quizzes recently... - Grade In Class:B
Comments:1350 - Heritage is much more difficult than Scriptures, as you are introduced to many new people/ideas that you have never heard of before. Dr. Rios gives you a big list of almost 100 people/groups, but luckily you only need to know the basics of them. His tests are multiple choice and 1 short answer question, but he is very lenient for the short answer question. He gave us the question for the final before hand and even allowed us to type it up and print it out so we wouldn't have to do it during the final. He can get on his high horse occasionally, but he is very nice and wants you to learn and become a better human being. I would definitely recommend him. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1350 - First let me say the cons of taking Rios. 1)He only has 2 tests then a final, so you have to be careful not to do too bad on either of them. 2)His test are MC, T/F and then one essay question (but he does give them to you at least one class period before) 3) He does give 4-5 reading quizzes, but you know when they are so if you read the assigned reading for that day you should do okay. 4)He tests over the lecture not just his PPts so you need to attend class. Now to the pros: 1)His very thorough syllabus allows you to know what is expected and what to expect each day you came to class. 2)He is very well organized. Having talked to many friends, I have realized that I am fortunate to have been in this class because he is a fair grader, and knows a lot about everything he talks about, but on those rare occasions where he is asked a question he does not have an answer for he admits it and comes back with answer at the next lecture. He also cares a lot about whether or not his students succeed. 3)The best thing is he does offer an extra credit seminar worth 30pts so it helps your grade A LOT. Finally, I appreciate his understanding that most of the students in his class are in there because it is required, not because we want to be there, that understanding is hard to find in a teacher especially one so passionate and knowledgeable about his field. - Grade In Class:B+
Comments:1310 - Young and persuassive professor. He is also bi-polar. At the begining he is the charming professor who all girls have a crush on him. By the middle of the semester, that attitude is gone. However, at the end of the semester his smile comes back since it iss time for students to do their evaluations. Workload is high. If you are very interested on learning about the subject, take him. If your idea is just to get rid of that unnecessary university requirement, this is not the right professor for you. Lots of reading assignments. His extra credit was reading an entire book and discussing it. It was kind of ridiculous. I was like.. really? I\\\'m trying to keep my head clear of this ridiculous subject and you want me to reinforce this torture? Anyway, glad I am done with this class. Secular mode back on. Hurray Tertullian! Peace! - Grade In Class:B
Comments:1310 - Awesome teacher! The reading that is assigned isn't much, but hardly anyone does it anyway. You don't really have to read out of the bible because the other book he assigns summarizes it. The tests are mostly questions from the quizzes (which also are not difficult) and what isn't from the quizzes he warns you about. There is plenty of opportunity for extra credit and really no reason to make below a B much less fail. There is 1 paper and he gives the prompt to you in the syllabus to be turned in with the final test. Definitely get him if you can. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:Scriptures - Best religion teacher there is! He is so passionate about what he is teaching and wants to get to know everyone in his class. I did very poorly on my tests and went in to talk to him, he help me raise the grades a little. He is hilarious when teaching and there is no homework except reading which nobody in class did. So upset I did not get him for heritage because his class filled up too quickly. TAKE HIM IF YOU CAN!! You won't regret it! - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1310 - I love Dr. Rios and think he is an extraordinary professor. His class covers a lot of material but it is very managable. He has around twelve quizes throughout the entire semester with most all of them including a bonus to give you a 120/100. His test come straight from lecture. 40 multiple choice with three bonuses giving you a possible score of 107.5/100. If the quizes and test weren't easy enough he will hold a seminar in which you read an assigned book, take notes, and talk about it. If you skip class do not take him because attendance and participation is key in is scoring system. Besides the class, he is the nicest man at Baylor and really cares about his students. He is always up for having a meal at Memorial too. I highly recommend taking him. His class is not a cookie cutter Jesus class. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - Dr Rios is far and away my favorite professor. He has a passion for the subject and is very entertaining. The workload is very manageable and the tests are very easy. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1310 - Scriptures - The tests are 40 MC questions, very easy - even though I never did the readings and didn't pay attention much. Rios is a very helpful and nice man, and he obviously cares about the subject. However, the class still gets boring and it's very easy to get tired and fall asleep. A good choice, not outstanding. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:Rel 1310 - Dr. Rios is passionate about his subject matter and it shows. His quizzes and tests focus on over-arching themes instead of trivia and scripture memorization. If you do well absorbing lecture material, then this is the class for you. However, if you don\'t attend his classes or pay attention, you might have trouble catching up as it isn\'t as simple as just re-reading a textbook before the final. He\'s genuinely friendly and he encourages questions and discussion. Although I disagreed with some of his points of view (often), I still thoroughly recommend you take his class. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:Scriptures - Dr. Rios is absolutely awesome. He makes it so clear that if you ever have any questions on his grading he will sit with you for was long as you want. He is probably one of the nicest teachers I've ever had. He grades on participation so you have to have a brain and an opinion to do well but he class is pretty easy. He quizzes on the reading sometimes but the quizzes and tests are never unannounced so if you read the night before you'll do perfectly. He brings his adorable son the class sometimes and he tests over his lectures which are always entertaining and straight forward. I would take him again if i could get into his class but they fill up so quickly. He really is such a cool teacher and keep you laughing and awake during his classes which is perfect because most of his classes are later in the afternoon. He also gives out really simple extra credit and help out a ton if you need any help in his class or in any other class. GET HIM. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - Dr. Rios is a very interesting and stimulating lecturer. His workload is very minimal and if you listen in class you will do very well. There were 2 tests, 7 quizzes and obviously a final. They were all multiple choice and essentially straight from his lectures. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:REL 1310 - Dr. Rios was an awesome teacher. He kept the class interest and always open for discussion. He did have reading assigned for every class but it was never overburdening. His quizzes were never difficult as long as you did the reading. Before every test he had a review session in which he told us basically everything that was on the test. Probably one of the easiest A's I ever earned. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:1310 - A very friendly professor. lots of reading, but you learn what you can skip and what you shouldnt. Encourages people to ask questions. tries to keep the class interesting. Pay attention to his lectures and pay attention to what he talks about concerning the reading, because often questions on the tests/quizzes deals with what he has said in class. I recommend him for christian scriptures - Grade In Class:A
Comments:Heritage - Mr. Rios has been my favorite teacher so far in my Baylor experience. His love for the subject and his enthusiasm made me look forward to his class every MWF. The homework was typical. Just read the chapters assigned and listen to the lecture and you'll be perfectly fine. His tests mainly came from the lectures. The tests had it's fair share of difficulty for me personally, but that's because I reviewed all of my notes at the last minute. He's great! You will not regret choosing him. - Grade In Class:B
Comments:Heritage - Christian Heritage covers a ton of material, so all professors will go as fast as Mr. Rios did. He was a great teacher, and he kept all of the students interested with jokes and stories. You will have to study to make an A. Our class had the opportunity to get 30 extra points added to our 500 point class total, which boosted my grade to an A. I would definitely recommend him. - Grade In Class:A
Comments:Christian Heritage - Rios's class isn't easy. There is quite a bit of reading and quizzes over them, but as long as you remember key terms, events, people you should do fine on them. He goes through his lectures quick and you have to rely on other students if you miss a class to get the notes. His tests are difficult, but he sometimes has review sessions which, although terribly unorganized, are somewhat helpful. - Grade In Class:B
Comments:Rel 1350 - Chris Rios is a young professor who makes class confusing and teaches in a manner that makes it very difficult to take notes for. Your notes from class are really all you have to study for his exams, and if you want to do well you better have stellar notes as his exams are very difficult. Additionally he called me out one day for a few minutes during class over a lack of effort even though i had a B in the class at the time... so unless you miss middle school or want to work hours a week do not take this class. - Grade In Class:C
Comments:1350 - I did not enjoy my time in Rios' class one bit. Some days he was funny and kind and seemed genuinely interested in teaching us and making sure we understood, and then he would do a 180 on the class and be rude and sarcastic as to why we were unable to grasp whatever point he was trying to get across. He tends to sit up on a soapbox which can be positively rude and intolerable. There was no homework but expect an extensive amount of reading that you will be quizzed on once or twice a week. Take advantage of the extra credit seminar because it seems you have to jump through hoops in order to get the full participation points in his class. The tests were fair for the most part but there is never a written review and review sessions tend to be quite broad so set aside the time to review everything extensively to get the grade you want. Learn the format of his quizzes and you should be set for the tests. - Grade In Class:C+
Comments:Christian Heritage 1305 - Chris Rios is one of the best professors in the Religion department available to freshmen. He requires that you read and work for your grade but this is college and that is expected. If you're looking for an easy "A" look elsewhere. But if you want to learn, and you have a passion for knowledge then Professor Rios will deliver. - Grade In Class:C+
Comments:1350 - Overall this Mr. Rios is just alright. He tries to make Heritage as good as it can get but he doesnt do that great of a job. There is usually at least 1 quiz a week and sometimes 2 over an extensive amount of reading. If you do all that he asks and participate in class you'll do fine. But, when it comes to taking notes good luck writing everything he says down because he says a million words a minute and he doesnt put any of his powerpoints up on blackboard. I'de avoid taking this guy if you want an easy A or B. - Grade In Class:C