Lawrence Becker - California State University - Northridge

Professor: Lawrence Becker
Department: Political Science
College: California State University - Northridge
Rating # 1
Overview:
  • Course: POLS446
  • Grade Received: A-
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Not sure why Professor Becker received harsh feedback for his 446 class. He wasn't CRYSTAL CLEAR about what he looked for in the midterm/finals but he's definitely not a tough grader either. If you follow his instructions and reference the readings well, you can definitely get at least a high B. Nice guy too. I'd definitely take him again.
Rating # 2
Overview:
  • Course: POLS446
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
I was really interested in this class but he made me regret taking it. I never learned anything at all. Like one person here said, there are tons of videos on YouTube that'll help you better understand the topic. I always leave his class even more confused. The subject was not supposed to be hard, he made it seem like it. He made me feel stupid.
Rating # 3
Overview:
  • Course: POLS446
  • Grade Received: Not sure yet
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He sets you up for failure. His instructions for the paper were very vague and when you don't do what he expects, he'll give you a lower grade. Exams were stressful: 3 questions (2 short answers and 1 big essay question) that is limited to 65-70 minutes. He doesn't give you the essay question prior to the exam but expects a perfect essay.
Rating # 4
Overview:
  • Course: POL446
  • Grade Received: Not sure yet
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He is a tough grader for all the wrong reasons because, like others have said, he isn't clear on what he wanted to see on the papers so goodluck on that. Midterm/final essay is timed for an hour but doesn't give you the topic beforehand so if it's a rushed essay, you'll be graded accordingly. I'd take another professor if you care about your grade.
Rating # 5
Overview:
  • Course: POLS446
  • Grade Received: B
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
I learned more from watching YouTube videos on the topic because his teaching style doesn't make it interesting, he made it difficult to learn. He wasn't very clear on what he wants on the paper and gives you a bad grade for it. He doesn't give you copies of the slides or record Zoom classes, so if your computer freezes, good luck. Stay away.
Rating # 6
Overview:
  • Course: POLS155
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Professor Becker is a solid, nice guy. Extremely clear and thorough. My only complaint is he didn't give the students a full two hours for the final, and many other tests we had limited time, but he took students into consideration and made the questions shorter to provide assistance. He's a very laid back, respectable man. Very safe choice!
Rating # 7
Overview:
  • Course: POLS155
  • 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:
Not the most exciting person in the world, but he's a real CHAD. Honestly just pay attention and you'll pass. The lectures weren't really mandatory, but I recommend you still attend them. I'm pretty gifted in government classes, so I had no trouble really, but many people seemed to struggle on his exams. You'll be fine, he knows his stuff.
Rating # 8
Overview:
  • Course: MPA610
  • Grade Received: Not sure yet
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
My only real criticism of this class is that for the exam and final paper he expects you to answer very vague questions in a very specific manner. The exam and final paper make up 85% of your grade, so if you don't understand the questions or how to answer, keep asking him to clarify. He was very good about answering emails and gave good feedback.
Rating # 9
Overview:
  • Course: POLIS443
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He adjusted to the Coronavirus crisis quickly and effectively. Dr. Becker suggests edits to papers if you bring/send them to him early. His feedback is clear. He gets things back to you on time, toooverall nice guy.
Rating # 10
Overview:
  • Course: POL446
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Dr. Becker helped me so much! I sent him my papers before they were due, and he gave me edits and advice. He also adjusted to the coronavirus shutdown quickly and effectively. He was kind and willing to work with me on material outside of class. He knows the material and cares about it. Ask questions, and he will happily answer them.
Rating # 11
Overview:
  • Course: POLS155
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
If you are a political science major and really want to learn about the subject, beckers class is for you. If you are lazy you will not do well
Rating # 12
Overview:
  • Course: POLS446
  • Grade Received: A+
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Look, his class isn't exactly a rock concert, but he's a solid professor who knows his stuff. If you are interested in the subject matter and come ready to learn a little something, you'll do fine.
Rating # 13
Overview:
  • Course: POLI155
  • Grade Received: A-
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He was the best teacher I have had in a looooong time! Very excited and knowledgeable about the topic and his enthusiasm was infectious. He made me interested in a subject I dreaded by instilling humorous clips from pop culture television. There is a good bit of reading, so if you are lazy, pick another professor.
Rating # 14
Overview:
  • Course: 650
  • Grade Received: B
  • Overall Rating: 2.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Class was tough, too much information to cram into 8 weeks. Feedback was always negative. Was always snarky when contacting him for questions even though he constantly would encourage you to ask him questions and use him as a reference. Would not recommend him as a professor, worst 8 weeks of my life, still traumatized.
Rating # 15
Overview:
  • Course: 540E
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
I learned so much from Professor Becker. There was a ton of challenging reading that required time and energy. Success in class required effort. However, the reward for the effort was high - not an easy A - but if you're willing to work for your education, and you should be, this is a great class.
Rating # 16
Overview:
  • Course: MPA650
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
This professor was so frustrating. He lectured, but not in a way that brought the subject to life for the students. At the end of the course, many students were still unsure of the subject matter. He had no concept of real world applications at the state or local level. He continually referenced ObamaCare as his only example for policy formulation.
Rating # 17
Overview:
  • Course: MPA650
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
This professor was aweful! He was not clear in the subject matter and expected the students to teach themselves. He was not able to discuss topics at a State or local level, but kept defaulting to ObamaCare as examples. Out of touch with local government.
Rating # 18
Overview:
  • Course: MPA650
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 3.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He is not an easy instructor, his feedback is vague and not too helpful. Cant wait for this class to be over! The exams are ridiculous, I don't recommend him at all! He expects you to know what he knows and teaches as if the class is for a PhD.
Rating # 19
Overview:
  • Course: MPA650
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Worst instructor yet. No room for discussion or creative thought. Prof. Typically wants his own thoughts repeated back to him. Assignements are ridiculously crowded into 8 weeks and the workload is unmanageable. His instructions for assignments are vague & feedback is snarky & unhelpful. Halfway through the course and I can't wait til its over.
Rating # 20
Overview:
  • Course: MPA650
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Dont know why people are rating him harshly. He's a good professor!
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