Javier Oliva - University of Texas at San Antonio

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Javier Oliva - University of Texas at San Antonio

Professor: Javier Oliva

Department: Political Science

College: University of Texas at San Antonio

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The number of times that I cried in this class were not normal. The tests gave me anxiety because of how poorly worded they were. Pass the class so you never have to take him again. Never responds to emails. Its not impossible to pass the class it can be an easy A but I just did not like the way he ran the class. Seemed to not really care.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: PAL3013
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Many exam questions were poorly worded. Minimal participation from the Professor; delayed or absent email responses, promised reviews that were never posted, and inconsistencies with the syllabus and materials due to them being recycled from his past courses. The exams are "easy" and minimal participation required but an A+ is basically impossible

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Had him for three courses and his courses are pretty easy if you read the lectures.

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: POL2623
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Really looks for the perfect paper for a 100. Other than that super easy going, he explains everything concise and passionately, makes sure you have a concrete understanding and concepts just flow through your head. Just listen to his lectures, read up, and participate A

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: PAL3413
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

All around a very stellar professor who teaches to prepare students for their careers postgraduation, and for graduate school. I've enjoyed all the classes I have taken from him.

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: LGS2013
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 1.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Hes really sweet and genuinely cares about his students. His classes are pretty great i took a intro class but have had him for many other classes.

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: A-
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

If you're thinking about going to law school or being a lawyer some day, you absolutely need to take this class with this guy. He tells you all the ins and outs of law school and practicing law that you can't get anywhere else. The tests are multiple choice but he gives study guide and if you go to class you'll understand. Final exam was open note.

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: LGS3213
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He's a lot tougher for the summer law academy than he is in the fall/spring semesters. Attend class as much as possible, read the cases carefully, and study hard for the exams bc he is a meticulous grader. He's funny and really helpful if you want to become an attorney. This class will give you a good survey of what to expect in law school.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: POL2623
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Easiest POL prof at UTSA. No attendance mandatory, 4 exams, and 1 paper assignment - easy af. Show up to class one meeting before each exam and he'll spoon-feed you what's going to be on it. Don't bother with either of the textbooks. "Extra-credit" is available but beware: I've taken him twice and he never actually keys it in for your final grade.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: LGS2013
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Hearing his insight is especially great when thinking about becoming an attorney. If you need time off because of work don't worry not mandatory for attendance. Ended up taking two more classes with him after this course. He does go off topic at times just as long as you pay attention in class you will do fine.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: PAL3023
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

His tests are all T/F, multiple choice (3-5 choices) and free response. He typically gives reviews which is the only way to pass the tests. He tells you to read the book, but that won't give you a passing grade because he writes his own tests (usually cover over 100 pages of the book) Assignments seem to be busy work and graded easily.

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: A-
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He's alright as a person, but he seems a little strange. As far as a teacher goes, its super book heavy. If you're like me and you learn from being taught, then he's not the professor for you, most of the stuff you'll learn in the class is from the book. He's not a heavy grader or anything but he just doesn't teach much.

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: LGS3213
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Good Teacher, good experience, there was a lot of reading but for a legal studies class, it is expected. I would take him again.

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: POL4123
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Oliva is by far my favorite professor I've taken. He has a genuine want to help all his students. However, you must read the assigned reading because he does have a tendency to go on tangents in class. All around good guy and an easy A if you work for it.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 2.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: No
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Took Oliva for two classes in the same semester. He tends to go on tangents and just CONSTANTLY talk about his personal life, and gives poor reviews for his tests. The essay tests were easy and open book, but his multiple choice he gave was hard because of his poor lecturing skills and review. Overall very unhappy. He canceled class all the time.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: POL4123
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 2.0

For Credit: Yes
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: Yes
Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I've taken Oliva for 3 classes because his classes are an easy A- however he does cancel class a lot, but I didn't mind most of the time. He's nice and approachable, and you can learn a lot from him. I recommend him to anyone interested in law school.

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 1.5
Course Difficulty: 4.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Oliva's tests are very tricky. Plus his reviews aren't very helpful and he was usually not available during his office hours.

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: POL2623
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 1.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: No
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Oliva is one of the nicest teachers you'll meet at UTSA. He's genuinely interested in his students and their future careers. His lectures can be confusing (he has a tendency to go on tangents) but the assignments are generally graded easily. Would definitely recommend.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: POL3013
Grade Received: A-
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 1.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Oliva really makes the concepts involved in the class easy to understand by attributing them to real life situations. The little bits of humor also lend a hand in staying captivated and not drifting away from the topic. All in all if one is able to pay attention and use the book for reference , there is no reason why an A isn't attainable

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: LGS3013
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

For Credit: N/A
Textbook Used: Yes
Would Take Again: N/A
Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Oliva is a great professor. He is very insightful and knows what he is talking about. His test aren't easy but if you study you should do fine. His group project wasn't too hard. Although he canceled class at various times and didn't pay too much attention to our presentation he is overall a good professor.

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