Hi, I'm thinking of taking Philos 1e03, but I've read some reviews that say the reading load is heavy and it's helpful to have knowledge in old philosophical texts. I've never taken philosophy before, so would it be a bad idea to take this course?

I don't think it would be a bad idea. It will be quite a learning experience for you. Of course I've never taken any philosophy courses so I wouldn't know. My sister is taking that course and she has no philosophy experience...

I had that course 2 years ago (taught by B. Allen) and thought it was very interesting. I had no philosophy previously. I got a 9 in there and truthfully could have done better had I attempted to write more for the TA and not for myself.