Alan Epstein - Oakland University

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Alan Epstein - Oakland University

Professor: Alan Epstein

Department: Political Science

College: Oakland University

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If taken as an online class, this professor has in person (synchronous) and two to three hour long lectures (asynchronous) which is a ridiculous amount of study hours for a 1000 level course. The comments he makes on papers are unprofessional and overly rude, not even close to constructive criticism.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: PS1400
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:

One of the rudest and most disrespectful professors I have ever had at Oakland Univeristy. Treats his freshman level course as you would a graduate level course and will absolutely ruin your night with his comments on your work. Hoping he sees this

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: PS3050
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

3 takehome papers 3 quizzes & 1 term paper; have to do readings to pass; extremely dry way of talking; well structured and gives extra material to study from; doesn't require that you be there but it would probably help to understand the readings; cares about his subject material!

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: B-
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The rudest professor I have ever met. He talks down at you and makes you feel dumb. If you ask him to repeat something he does it in a rude mannerism. He grades too hard for a gen Ed course. I have never met someone more disrespectful.

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof Epstein is really knowledgable and nice guy. There is a ton of material to learn and it's all on the test, but I didn't study that hard. If you pay attention in lecture, it's pretty easy to absorb. He is specific about how he wants you to write the final paper, DON'T save it or the draft for the last minute. Easy Gen Ed, would recommend.

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Epstein is very knowledgeable in the field of global politics. While he leans to the left on most issues, he does not let this bias interfere with his teachings. I have learned so much from his course, even though I took it as a Gen Ed. I highly recommend Epstein for any class you can get him for. You will learn a lot and have fun too!

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: PS3435
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Epstein is such a good professor! He knows a lot about China and will make his lectures very interesting and filled with information. Theres not a question you can answer to which he doesnt have an answer. There are a 4/5 quizzes, midterm, final and a research paper. Go to class and show that youre participating!

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: B+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Epstein is a wonderful teacher. He is kind, compassionate, and extremely intelligent. He is like a walking encyclopedia and his lectures are filled to capacity with information. If you are interested in learning and love history, take his class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: PS1400
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

We had 3 tests, 3 quizzes, and 1 paper for the grade. Very caring and willing to accommodate your schedule if you need help or just want to chat. Definitely need to do a quick review of notes each week depending on if you are a quick learner or not.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: POL131
Grade Received: D+
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

It was a hostile learning environment. I was treated like an idiot whenever I participated. It led me to start skipping. I liked the world politics content, but it didnt have to be torture learning it.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: PS377
Grade Received: B
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I wish I would have taken more classes in my undergrad with Professor Epstein. He is simply the best professor. The class was challenging, but if you show up and listen to his lectures, he clears up all of the material. I had to really read and work in his class, but he is so helpful in and out of class to all of his students! Highly recommend!

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: PS114
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Epstein is very caring, but lectures most of the class so be prepared to take lots of notes. Memorize the material for the exams which are multiple choice, short answer, and an essay. A lot of writing and material, but if you work hard you should be able to get a good grade. He's willing to answer any question and clarify material!

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: PS131
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

PS1400 (formerly PS131) Alan is a great professor. He is very accessible outside of class, answers emails in a very timely manner. You are graded based on quizzes, exams, and a paper for a book read in class. He is very knowledgeable on the subjects he teaches, and while he is definitely more liberal, he is very open to any other opinions.

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: PS377
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Alan is the best professor I've had so far. Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the material he teaches. He genuinely cares about student success, so he offers extra credit opportunities and is pretty generous with his grading. I look forward to having more classes with him in the future.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: PS101
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Here's a tip: The more information, the more long winded sentences u have as ur answers to questions, the more points you can earn because he looks for what to give u points on. Just be sure most of your information is right and you are trying. I once never finished a writing portion for the exam but got full points b/c it was chock full of info.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: PS3940
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Epstein goes above and beyond in his commitment to academic research, his students, and to the courses he teaches. His notes are such a valuable resource in studying for his classes, but the accompanying lectures and the conversations that they provoke are why one should really try to take at least one course with this professor.

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: PS3940
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I have taken Prof. Epstein twice now, and plan on taking him again. He is the man. His courses are inspiring and eye-opening to world issues. I would recommend him to anyone as he is knowledgeable about what he teaches and cares about every student. His courses are based largely on lectures with take home examination papers for a midterm and final

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: PS308
Grade Received: C+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Epstein lectures the entire class period, so there is a lot of material. He isn't specific about what will be on tests so you have to study everything. There is also a very long paper. He is definitely a GPA dropper. Even though he is a nice guy, I do not recommend.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: PS131
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's a great professsor, love the class just be prepared to work you butt off for a good grade.

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: PS0131
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's a great professor! but get ready to be there the whole time with little to no breaks. The work load is super super heavy. You will have huge timed exams. The Essay is super hard and he does not give a clear idea of what you need to write about.

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