Mark Katz - George Mason University

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Mark Katz - George Mason University

Professor: Mark Katz

Department: Political Science

College: George Mason University

Rating # 1

Overview:

Course: GOV444
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 Katz is an amazing professor. Although his lectures are not PowerPoint-based, he is very engaging and makes sure to asks discussion-based questions. There are several papers in the class, no multiple choice exams. As long as you stay on top of the papers you will pass with an A.

Rating # 2

Overview:

Course: GOV444
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 Katz knows what he's doing. The lectures are not mandatory but I did enjoy attending them because he always kept them interesting. We were graded on only 3 papers for our exams. He was a fair grader on each of them and provided lots of feedback on the papers. Take him if you can! He's very kind!

Rating # 3

Overview:

Course: GOVT444
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I'll definitely take Prof. Katz again. Graded by 3 Essays. Ours were at home because of COVID but I think they're typically in person. He gives a variety of prompts so you'll find something you like to write about. It seems like he's looking for critical thinking more than anything. Most of the readings are articles online. Great guest speakers.

Rating # 4

Overview:

Course: GOVT338
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I really enjoyed Professor Katz. His knowledge of Russia is very impressive and the guest speakers were fantastic. My only complaint is that he just lectures with minimal visuals/powerpoints. I really enjoyed his lectures and took notes. Would've enjoyed more visuals to accompany it though. Three essays instead of exams was fantastic.

Rating # 5

Overview:

Course: GOVT444
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor Katz is a wonderful professor who truly knows his field. I would definitely recommend his War on Terror course or any course offered by him. He grades by 3 essays with clear criteria. As long as you do the work required, you will get great grades in his course! 10/10

Rating # 6

Overview:

Course: GOVT447
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He will lecture without any powerpoints and can be passive aggressive. The readings are meant to be about 80 pages a week, but his 2 midterms and final are based on his lectures (you CANNOT slack off or miss class). Still, if you don't mind putting in a little extra work and paying attention, it can be pretty rewarding.

Rating # 7

Overview:

Course: GOV338
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 1.0
Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Just grade based on his opinion and there is no clear rubric. Just take other professor.

Rating # 8

Overview:

Course: GOV338
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:

Hes the worst professor, Harsh grader and wont give you a chance to approach him about your grades. Avoid him.

Rating # 9

Overview:

Course: GOV444
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Katz is a very knowledgeable person in the realm of international studies. This class was about the War on Terror and he can be a valuable resource if you are interested in the area. The class is fairly easy, 2 papers that are the midterm and the final and 1 more for reading analysis. I missed 2 classes and he is very understanding if you talk.

Rating # 10

Overview:

Course: GOVT447
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Classes are usually just him lecturing from his notes and writing important details on the whiteboard. He provided all the information needed for the essays in his lectures, so showing up is critical, but I missed two classes with no issues. Readings were also rarely relevant to class. He is very knowledgeable and can simplify complex concepts.

Rating # 11

Overview:

Course: GOV338
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

One of the most interesting classes I've taken at GMU. Loved it. 3 take home essays and you have a week to complete them. Honestly he just wants you to come to class, listen, and learn. He's eccentric but is incredibly knowledgeable about Russia, has been there many times and has met many people doing research. Highly recommend.

Rating # 12

Overview:

Course: GOVT338
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

There are no power points or outlines. To do well you should attend class and read the Russian Digest Articles (not necessarily the textbook). 2 exams.

Rating # 13

Overview:

Course: GOVT338
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:

3 in-class essay exams; you choose 1 of several questions to answer. Pay attention during the lectures and he practically tells you what to write. Textbook not really used, and final group discussion counts towards participation. He is very humorous, knowledgeable, and interesting. I plan on taking other classes with him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

Course: GOV338
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 3.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

If you pay attention and take notes you learn a lot about Russia. However, for someone new to the topic sometimes his lectures are difficult to follow as he switches back and forth between events. For the 2 exams and final you get to pick one question out of a couple. Overall not too difficult. Role play game was confusing. Book not needed.

Rating # 15

Overview:

Course: GOVT338
Grade Received: N/A
Overall Rating: 4.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Extremely knowledgeable about Russia. Has real world experience and often tells stories starting with "When I was in _______." You'll learn a lot from this class and for me, it was the perfect difficulty. Take notes, read some of the articles / assignments and you'll be fine. Would take him again!! Lectures aren't boring - he's fun to listen to.

Rating # 16

Overview:

Course: GOV338
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Monotone. Boring. Didn't learn much. Very easy. Kind of a waste of time.

Rating # 17

Overview:

Course: GOV444
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Profssor Katz is a very good professor and he is very funny but you have to pay attention. I took him twice and I got an A both times but I came to all the classes. He knows a lot and he is very humble. He makes class fun as well and he helps the students out, but don't go in there like you know nothing or pretending because he doesn't like that

Rating # 18

Overview:

Course: GOV444
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 3.5
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very informed, nice, humble...! I would sign up for his class I again if I could.

Rating # 19

Overview:

Course: GOV447
Grade Received: A+
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Katz is a good professor. You should take him because he knows what he is talking about. Also, he is very smart and knows much more than other professors. You don't have to buy the books if you pay attention to the lecutre

Rating # 20

Overview:

Course: GOV447
Grade Received: A
Overall Rating: 5.0
Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Katz is well respected and he gives very interesting lectures. He knows a lot about Russia and he can tell you some very good details that not many people know about. All of his exams are taken from the lectures, so if you show up to class and take good notes, it is very helpful for the exam.

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