Michael Tierney - College of William and Mary

Professor: Michael Tierney
Department: Political Science
College: College of William and Mary
Rating # 1
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT204
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Tierney is a solid intro teacher. He synthesizes complex theories and case studies well. 6 total papers (3 guest speakers + movie analysis + midterm/final). Exams were half essay and half exam format. Lot of content here, but manageable if u work with ur peers. Also, he offers extra credit on both the exams and for watching 6 outside speakers.
Rating # 2
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT204
  • Grade Received: B+
  • Overall Rating: 2.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: No
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
I didn't enjoy this class with Prof. Tierney. His lectures were fine and the ideas were clear, however we barely got grades back. I had no clue how I was doing in this class the entire semester. We started reviewing for the final before I even got my midterm grade back. I would not recommend him in a large class. He's prob better in a smaller class
Rating # 3
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT204
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Loved this class! Wasn't sure about studying IR but he really made it worth it! He gets the best guest speakers too!
Rating # 4
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT150
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
I took his 8 am this semester, and despite not being a morning person this class was definitely worth it. The class content is super exciting and Professor Tierney is a fantastic teacher who really cares about his students. There is a lot of reading so you do need to put a decent amount of time outside of class.
Rating # 5
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT150
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Probably one of the harder COLL 150's you could take, but I found Intl Development to be pretty interesting. It's a small class and there are plenty of group discussions so can't really get away without doing the readings. Super knowledgeable and caring Professor, tough grader but you are rewarded for putting in work. Worth the 4 credits for govt.
Rating # 6
Overview:
  • Course: COLL150
  • Grade Received: Not sure yet
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
For those with no gov't or econ background, its a bit jarring to jump into the readings, but you get used to it quickly. Mike understands that COLL classes are meant to improve writing skills & grades with that in mind. He also provides great feedback on assignments and gives unique opportunities for students. If you put in effort you will be fine
Rating # 7
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT325
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Tierney is a very intelligent professor with extensive research experience. International Organizations covered a variety of topics with a research paper, group presentation, and final exam. There are also some unannounced reading quizzes and participation matters. He's respected, caring, and reasonable.
Rating # 8
Overview:
  • Course: COLL150
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Professor Tierney knows a lot about the field of international development. Expect a lot of reading and writing for his freshman seminar, but it is very rewarding. I think everyone in my class learned a lot about not only International Development, but also critical reading and thinking. I would recommend this course to anyone.
Rating # 9
Overview:
  • Course: INRL300
  • Grade Received: A
  • Overall Rating: 4.0
  • Course Difficulty: 1.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: Yes
  • Attendance: Not Mandatory
Comment:
Tierney is a busy guy who heads many research projects at the school. As such, he grades slowly and doesn't have time for too much outside-of-class interaction. While this may be bad if you need help, it also means he gives out few assignments and evaluates more on if you had an interesting answer rather than if it was a perfect paper.
Rating # 10
Overview:
  • Course: IR300
  • Grade Received: A-
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
He convinced me not to transfer and then got me involved in a research project that changed the way I thought. He changed my whole approach to learning.
Rating # 11
Overview:
  • Course: GOV204
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
He is simply fantastic. Explains things clearly. Helpful in office hours.
Rating # 12
Overview:
  • Course: GOV204
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: Yes
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Took two courses with him. Best I had in four years
Rating # 13
Overview:
  • Course: GOV204
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
The class was excellent. I am Government Major. Engaging lectures and a great simulation. The exams were fair. If you do the reading you will do well on the assignments.
Rating # 14
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT204
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 2.5
  • Course Difficulty: 4.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: Yes
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Professor Tierney ensured this class for complete disaster. He himself estimated that a typical night’s homework should take “between 4-5 hours.” He does not grade assignments in appropriate time, handing back our midterm one week before the final. The structure of the class is nonexistent. My experience was absolutely ridiculous.
Rating # 15
Overview:
  • Course: INRL300
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.5
  • Course Difficulty: 2.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
His lectures were dry and tough to understand. He wasn't helpful outside of class either. The tests were pretty easy though.
Rating # 16
Overview:
  • Course: GOV204
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 1.0
  • Course Difficulty: 5.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Professor Tierney isn't clear in lectures or in grades. It's like he doesn't know how to communicate with his students. His class is a waste of time.
Rating # 17
Overview:
  • Course: INRL300
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: N/A
Comment:
Tierney is a great professor. The course itself is rather boring and a bit of a hodgepodge of information. That being said, do the readings, take it seriously, and come prepared. The guest speakers are knowledgeable and engaging. Tierney is fair and knowledgeable, not to mention a cool dude all the way around.
Rating # 18
Overview:
  • Course: INRL300
  • Grade Received: N/A
  • Overall Rating: 5.0
  • Course Difficulty: 3.0
  • For Credit: N/A
  • Textbook Used: No
  • Would Take Again: N/A
  • Attendance: Mandatory
Comment:
Overall an awesome guy. He acknowledges that you go to W&M and is very fair - but expects a lot from you and demands perfection, giving it right back. Lots of guest lecturers that talk about a variety of subjects to keep you interested. I would take him in another class in a second.
Rating # 19
Overview:
  • Course: GOVT203
  • 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:
Extremely helpful, great guy and awesome to talk to. encourages great debates and discussion in class. Brings forth a wide range of perspectives in IR theory. stays unbiased for the most part. You won't sleep through lectures even at 8am, he keeps you on your toes and interested. Be sure to do all the readings (a lot ) or you'll sink.
Rating # 20
Overview:
  • Course: INRL300
  • 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:
This course confirmed my desire to study IR. Outstanding.
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