2.7

Barbara Koziak

Political Science - St. John's University - Jamaica/Queens

2.7
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
24%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

24%

Would Retake

86

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

21

4

14

3

8

2

19

1

24

What Students Say

She followed no schedule while teaching and the lectures did not make sense

GOV1280 - 1.0 rating

I feel as though she was not prepared for her classes

GOV1280 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

70%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
B (5)
A (2)
Not sure yet (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(5)C(1)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 16 reported grades
B: 5
A: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Common Tags
Get ready to read (5)
Participation matters (5)
Tough Grader (4)
Tough grader (4)
Lots of homework (4)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Jan
Jun
Oct
Dec
Jan
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

12601270

5.0

(1)

GOV27502

5.0

(1)

AMERNTNLGOV

5.0

(1)

WES101

5.0

(1)

GOVTWO

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANY

5.0

POLTHEORY

5.0

GOVT1000C

5.0

GOV175

5.0

WES101

5.0

Reviews (86)
5.0
4.0
GOV27502
Dec 8, 2002

very intelligent, a little snobby, she's a feminist so men watch out!

5.0
4.0
GOV1270
Mar 1, 2003

This hot teacher has my heart! Her attractiveness is only matched by her intellect!

5.0
4.0
12601270
May 19, 2003

Gotta love Barb, possibly the smartest person I've ever met, informed and excited, a professor that isn't to be missed

5.0
5.0
GOV1270
Jul 12, 2003

Hottest GOV professor, very smart, articulate, you learn a lot with her

1.0
5.0
THEORY
Jul 14, 2003

Barb? Who is Barb? Some students are on a first name basis with "Barb"? How special. Blatently biased.

3.0
3.0
THEORY
Oct 30, 2003

Good luck people with Koziak she's just really bad she makes fun of people in the class and gives pop quizes so really if u want to live then don't take her....

4.0
3.0
GOV1260
Nov 17, 2003

likes to put you on the spot but if you read you'll be ok,overall do your work and you'll do very well

2.0
4.0
GOV1270
Dec 3, 2003

Biased towards people who don't share her opinions, belittles people and is under the assumption that she's smarter than everyone else. She's smart, but can't spell.

4.0
5.0
ANY
Mar 15, 2004

she is the biggest B***h in the world!

1.0
5.0
THEORY
Apr 6, 2004

Thinks she's a genius showing all of us up in class when in reality if she were really so smart she would teaching at the Ivy League school she brags about having graduated from. Could use a remedial crash course on basic human relations. Argh!

1.0
5.0
THEORY
May 4, 2004

Koziak S*cks!

1.0
5.0
THEORY
May 6, 2004

No Comments

1.0
3.0
THEORY
Sep 28, 2004

She does believe she is smarter than most people, although she uses "uhm", "ye know" and "it's pretty straight forward". She does not know how to teach or explain or give a direct and clear answer.

1.0
3.0
THEORY
Dec 7, 2004

Worst professor I had in 4 years there. Attitude all the way.

2.0
5.0
FEMINISM
May 13, 2005

she is mean, she really nees to take a chill pill

4.0
3.0
GOV1260
Jun 1, 2005

She's not as bad as people portray her to be. All you need to do is just answer questions the way she wants them answered and you'll do fine. If you ever need help with any questions she is willing to help so long as you take the first step to go to her. She will also allow you to re-do your midterm.

2.0
4.0
THEORY
Jun 2, 2005

if u can avoid taking her class...DO IT!!! but if ur a gov major like most of us in the class there is no avoidng her.

1.0
5.0
POLTHEORY
Jun 9, 2005

No Comments

2.0
3.0
GOV1000C
Sep 9, 2005

No Comments

5.0
4.0
THEORY
Sep 27, 2005

Shes not as bad as everyone claims she is. Do the readings, do the work, and shut up. This is college, not high school.

1.0
5.0
GOV1030
Oct 1, 2005

THIS CLASS BLOWS

1.0
5.0
GOV1030
Oct 18, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
AMERNTNLGOV
Oct 24, 2005

I really am surprised at past reviews. I think she's a wonderful professor, she doesn't take attendance but still she makes me WANT to attend class. Classes are not boring, the conversations are good (somewhat funny too). Do the readings, take notes and u'll do fine; if everyone does bad she'll curve the test. She's great and pleasant!

4.0
3.0
THEORY
Oct 28, 2005

Koziak is not the horrible person everyone says she is. She is a very strict professor and has high expectations...do the work, participate, give intelligent answers and you will be fine. This is definitely not a BS class, you have to work hard to earn a good grade.

1.0
5.0
GOV1030
Nov 10, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
WESTPOLITICAL
Dec 11, 2005

this teacher doesnt explain Jack in her class i dont advise anyone to take her her test are horrible. and her material and the way she explains it Sucks. it was one class i needed to graduate so i ha to work my ass off to get an A, wothout her help i had to hire touters to get me through her class

1.0
5.0
GOVT1000C
Jan 27, 2006

She said like something about politics and you know whatever and like I didn't get it because she ain't no teacher of goodness

5.0
4.0
GOV1250
Mar 30, 2006

GREAT PROFESSOR

2.0
5.0
GOV175
May 4, 2006

Worst Professor In my college and grad career, hands down. she is mean and does not care about her students at all, or our progress.

4.0
2.0
WPOLITICAL
Jul 13, 2006

Dr. Koziak is one of St. John's best professors. She keeps her subject interesting and does not cater to those students who don't want to do the work required of college students.

5.0
5.0
WES101
Nov 3, 2006

vERY COOL WOMAN WITH POWERFUL BRAIN..LISTENS TO WAT PEOPLE SAY AND IS NOT LIKE A MACHINE. SHE REALLY IS A GOOD HUMAN BEING UNLIKE SOME ROBOT PROFESSORS

1.0
3.0
AMGOV1030
Dec 4, 2006

Personally I don't like her. She smiles when she doesn't mean it, and always corrects your beliefs. If there's a discussion and she asks a question, you can't elaborate and share ideas, she'll PMS on your a$$ and tell you to answer the question. She's nice when she wants to be. She's pretty lazy. It takes her 3-4 weeks to return tests, assignments

5.0
2.0
GOV1250
Jan 10, 2007

I had no problem with her...she even forgave my really bad attendance. I thought she was really laid back and easy going, which made the class alot more fun. She knows her stuff. I never saw her correct people's opinions...so I don't know what people are saying or what that is about. Good prof, she has a sense of humor...not too hard. Take her.

3.0
2.0
GOV1030
Jan 18, 2007

She comes across as very fake, and that is because she is. Always a fake smile, especially if she disagrees with what you have to say (i.e. if you are not a feminist). This class was easy though, mostly because it was just a core class, and she probably doesnt want to waste her time on people who arent as enthusiastic about politics as she is.

5.0
3.0
GOV1250
Apr 17, 2007

I agree. One of my best profs. Defintely need to read, and think.

4.0
2.0
GOV1280
Mar 31, 2008

I had Koziak for Fem & Pol. I skipped a bunch of classes and barely participated and still got an A. Discussions were interesting for the most part. It was all about the 2 papers and group project..as long as you do okay on those then it's a pretty easy class.

2.0
1.0
GOV1280
Aug 19, 2008

Koziak is so unclear. She makes u purchase all these useless books that u may use 1 time each. She is very unclear withassignments. You have a short paper and a group assignment. Discussions can get heated. This is one of those classes where u wont know your grade til u get it. You can def get an A but the class is just annoying. I got an A-.

1.0
3.0
GOV1250
Jan 1, 2009

I took Koziak for Fem and Politics and for West Political Thought. Fem and Pol is def her easier class. She is very weird and very unclear. You wont know your grade til the end. honestly. I got an A- in fem and a B- in western polical thought. Attendance is not a big deal. She is very critical on papers you write. Work load not heavy just unclear.

5.0
2.0
GOV1030
Mar 27, 2009

She's a good professor. The class isn't too difficult, just make sure you at least skim through the readings and answer some questions in class. Make sure to remember which amendment is which in her American Gov't class because she'll ask about the bill of rights A LOT!!!

2.0
3.0
GOV1030
Apr 17, 2009

This teacher has you buy a variety of books instead of a one textbook. Most of the time you will only be tested on one particular chapter and waste your money since the books can be expensive. Koziak is very liberal with her opinions, and if you state something that does not agree with her, she does a horrible job of hiding it.

3.0
4.0
GOV1260
May 18, 2009

Don't take her unless you have to. She doesn't hide her political views and if you disagree with her she gives you a fake smile.

1.0
5.0
GOV1260
Sep 1, 2009

Koziak is extremely intelligent, but it seems like much of what she says goes over your head. She needs to teach Graduate level. I do not recommend this class, as it is primarily discussion, midterm and final. Though she gives you the questions well in advance, you can never be too prepared for her class. She favors, and unapproachable.

2.0
5.0
GOV1270
Nov 16, 2009

Mrs. Koziak is not at all helpful, I wish I had read through these reviews before taking the class because they are all very true,and its pretty obvious those she FAVORS. So if your looking for a teacher whose aim is to help you understand and encourages participation then keep looking.

2.0
3.0
GOV1260
Nov 19, 2009

I do not understand why people continue to take her. listen to these reviews. she favors students and doesn't hide her biases. don't take her.

5.0
1.0
GOVTWO
Dec 10, 2009

Dr. Koziak is an easy "A." Yes, she is a bit on the liberal side as others have said, but do the work and you will walk out with a great grade. I had her twice - on undergraduate and graduate levels, and if you don't walk out with an "A" or for goodness sake, an "A-, re-evaluate if you should be in college. She's an easy "A."

3.0
5.0
GOV2000
Dec 21, 2009

I was so afraid of Koziak's class. She gives a midterm, final, and one activism project. That's it. She's a tough grader but as a gov major you have to take her b/c she is the only one who teaches poli-theory.

4.0
3.0
GOV1250
Apr 28, 2010

Koziak is a great professor. In the begining you have to get used ot her style of teaching and her interaction with the class. You actually learn in her class and she makes you think. Its not an easy course but its definately worth taking.

5.0
1.0
GOV2
May 16, 2010

Took for undergraduate and then a graduate class. Got an A and never had to exert myself too much. Take!

5.0
4.0
GOV1270
Jul 10, 2010

I had Prof. Koziak for political theory last fall and I loved it! It was legit the only class I had any interest in. She's funny and very kind. She even took the time out to learn everyone's names. She's also helpful and even held a study session for the final. GO TO CLASS and take down her notes and regurgitate them on the test. Guaranteed A. ilh!

5.0
1.0
POLVARI
Nov 4, 2010

Take! Excellent! You learn a lot and your GPA will thank you - the perfect combination!

1.0
5.0
GOVTHRY
Nov 17, 2010

She is one of those "open-minded" liberals who takes comfort in oppressing those with whom she disagrees. The modern liberal hypocrisy! A disgrace to academia: will inflate your grade if she likes you, and will deflate it if she does not like you. Pretentious, but not very intelligent - she has a one-track mind.

2.0
5.0
GOV1260
Dec 18, 2010

She is very fixed in her opinions and is very elitist. She likes to initiate class discussions, but just ends up being annoying to anyone who might disagree with her. I strongly advise not to take her, if possible.

3.0
4.0
GOV1260
Jan 12, 2011

Lots of work. Loves the Republic. most of the class focuses on that. If you do the readings and particpate an A is possible. i got an a- barely. oh well. shes actually a really nice lady if you know her. take her. shes a chair too.

5.0
3.0
GOV1260
Jan 14, 2011

This professor's ratings make her look horrible, but she's actually quite good. She's extremely knowledgeable, kind, and good at what she does. Those who say she's closed-minded, I am tempted to think just don't like thinking about their beliefs. She'll make you do that. Take her, participate and read

1.0
5.0
GOVPOL
Jan 15, 2011

I would definitely not recommend. One need not look further than this contradiction: she is apparently an open-minded leftist, though in reality is the most elitist person you will meet outside a meeting of the West's richest. Also should not be in academia, as amount of knowledge is questionable.

4.0
3.0
GOVTHRY
Apr 4, 2011

This professor is much better than her ratings make her seem. She's definitely knowledgeable, she's definitely open-minded. Just read for her class and participate once in a while, you'll be good. I got an A, put a moderate amount of work in

2.0
5.0
GOV1250
Apr 17, 2012

If you want an easy A, this isnt the class for you. She has her downside (i.e. answers questions with questions, tough grader) BUT she is very well educated and you can learn a lot from this course. I got an A, and I really have no idea how I did it. Its possible!

5.0
3.0
GOV1250
May 16, 2012

She's great! Extreme Feminist so you'll enjoy the class more if you were also a feminist. She really makes you think and she questions everything so be prepared to be able to defend any arguments you make. She's a tough grader on papers but she'll give you chances to redeem your work. If you're a great writer you'll excel in her class. Participate!

5.0
4.0
GOV269
May 11, 2013

Dr. Koziak is definitely not the easiest of professors, but she is extremely helpful. If you want an “A” in this course you must work for it. She is a tuff grader; and unlike most professors, she really reads your papers!! I had her for 2 diff courses in one semester; wasn’t bad at all. I would take her again if I wasnt graduating this May.

5.0
2.0
GOV269
May 16, 2013

I enjoyed the class thoroughly. The professor allowed and facilitated discussion more than most, which I found created an engaging semester for the students. If you're expecting a class where you can skip readings and skip class, this isn't it. If you do the readings and think critically, you'll be fine.

2.0
4.0
GOV1250
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Oct 28, 2013

she is the worst teacher ever. She isnt understanding at all and will give non stop quizzes till you see your GPA drop ..Don't Take Ever !!!!

1.0
5.0
GOVFEM
Nov 5, 2013

Dropped class mid semester(thats how bad it was) has no idea what she wants to talk about or what direction the topic is going .. makes a nasty face when you answer her questions or make a comment in class.. has no people skills.. depressing because political theory is required and she's the only one who teaches it... WOULD NOT RECOMMEND GPA KILLER

4.0
3.0
GOV1250
Dec 15, 2013

I guess she changes from year to year because she was great to our class. The only problem was that she did not go over everything she said she would on the first day. YOU NEED to read all the books she assigned, but she always asked if we had any questions. No papers, two test, and a few quizzes(mostly group work). She's not terrible take her

3.0
3.0
GOV1280
Aug 11, 2014

I feel as though she was not prepared for her classes. I took a summer online course and she didnt even go along with the syllabus. If you don't have to I wouldn't. She expects you know a lot of stuff, not cool. Was was a little helpful, but did take some time to get back to me.

4.0
3.0
GOV1270
Feb 3, 2015

For 1270 I loved her mainly because it was never dull. She did offer extra credit when the class blew the final and has a democratic approach towards teaching. She is a tough grader and you will have to work, but it's worth it and considering you need this class as a major requirement I think it's worth it. Bonus point for being a feminist.

4.0
3.0
GOV1280
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2015

gives out quizzes based on the readings and lecture! her exams are take home and fairly straight forward. there is a paper but it is not super hard or complicated. her lectures are pretty interesting. I've had her before but i liked it better in this class. would take again

3.0
4.0
GOV1280
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 25, 2016

As someone who took this as an elective, I had to withdraw due to personal problems and the amount of work load she gave. I enjoyed the material, but the volume at which it was given was a lot and she did not give clear grading criteria. She was not very consistent and left me pretty baffled how I was doing in the class and assigning random papers.

2.0
4.0
GOV1260
Apr 30, 2016

Posts lectures on Friday afternoon and wants all assignments completed by Monday. Unresponsive and takes a long time to grade assignments, if they're graded at all. While she sometimes will let you retake quizzes for a better grade, don't expect this to be the norm. Try to avoid.

3.0
4.0
GOV1260
Grade: B
May 25, 2016

Dr. Koziak is a very nice woman however she is a tough grader. She is especially very critical of those who don't agree with her ideologically. Her politics of feminism class is very one sided and she rarely presents articles from conservative viewpoints. Her class is interesting but it is not an easy A. She does offer forms of extra credit though.

2.0
3.0
GOV1030
Sep 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

boring lectures. but at least she likes america

2.0
4.0
GOV1250
Grade: C
Nov 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Nice person at times, however she is quite the difficult professor. Grades very hard and always is looking for a specific answer. VERY, VERY SPECIFIC answers. Her comments on papers do not really help, plus half of them are condescending. Participation is key in her class. Overall, I would not take her again.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
4.0
3.0
GOV1030
Grade: B
Dec 5, 2016
Would take again

Seems distant but really cares for students that want to learn. Likes when you have tolerance for others but also shows own political views, but doesn't enforce her own views.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
2.0
4.0
GOV1030
Dec 21, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Her lectures were very unclear and we tended to not come to a consensus at the end of class and most lectures would turn into heated debates that got nowhere. I would not recommend this professor to anyone

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
3.0
GOV1030
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Her class isn't hard to get a good grade in. However, in terms of teaching, she's subpar. Oftentimes her lectures are unclear and all over the place. Additionally, her thoughts never seem collected which makes it hard to receive good answers from her when asking questions. Do your best to keep up with her and you should be alright.

1.0
4.0
GOV1030
Grade: B
Mar 27, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She has no respect for anyone with a different political background. She is very one sided and she tries to argue everything from a progressive side of politics. She tries to engage the class and get into debates that end up going no where. Her class is nothing but boring. Also, this professor is very arrogant and disrespectful.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
GOV1270
Apr 27, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Koziak is a really nice lady and accessible outside of the classroom. She let us re-do our midterm paper for more credit and the final is composed of a group work blog, 4-page paper, and online test. She has a lot of class discussions which is super useful and on current events. She does take attendance and makes sure everyone participates.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
1.0
5.0
GOV1280
Grade: A-
Jun 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

It is unfortunate that Professor Koziak was so unorganized because the subject matter was interesting. She followed no schedule while teaching and the lectures did not make sense. Overall very disappointed with how this professor and class turned out.

Get ready to read
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
3.0
GOV1250
Feb 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Subject material isnt hard at all but she does nothing to engage students. In times like this, you would think shed make an attempt to be kind or approachable but this isnt the case. Never acknowledged email sent and was rude throughout the class. Will call on same students so be prepared if youre one of them. Overall shes very critical.

1.0
4.0
GOV1250
Mar 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Class instructions were unclear and GPA killer but, if you enjoy being miserable, go for it.

Tough grader
2.0
5.0
GOV1270
Grade: B
Mar 2, 2022

She gives a lot of homework, she is rude and if she doesn’t agree with your opinion, she will ignore you and won’t allow you to participate in debates. Very one sided with politics, arrogant, class is boring as a whole. It sucks cause the topics are actually interesting but the professor is not

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
GOV2
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 6, 2023
Would take again

Professor is Intelligent and always available for discussion.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
FEMINISM
Grade: Rather not say
Jun 1, 2023

Participation mattered a lot and she would call on every single student each class time to speak. She is definitely knowledgeable about the course topics. She seems helpful when it comes to assignment expectations.

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
AMGOV1030
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 20, 2023

The class is a lot to handle if you take it asynchronous online. She assigns work through Pearson and Packback. There are no indicators for when things are due. She is like that with most things until it gets out of hand, and she sends a mass announcement. Just a bunch to keep up with that she won't even tell you about.

Lots of homework
4.0
4.0
WESTPOLITICAL
Grade: A+
Dec 30, 2023
Would take again

I know reading these reviews can make you scared but the lectures are interesting, hw is not bad just follow directions and actually pay attention.She is straightforward and is not purposely trying to fail you and will answer questions as long as you ask.Having a quiet class will not help your experience so make sure to participate. It'll be fine.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
GOV1250
Grade: D+
Jan 28, 2025

Worst class/professor I've had. By the end of the semester, I was in a group chat with my classmates commiserating over our impending doom. The sheer amount of homework and reading coupled with her rigidity about makeups/late work is awful. My advice: stay on top of the assignments. It's hard to course-correct once you begin to fall behind.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
GOV1270
Grade: A
May 2, 2025

She is one of the worst professors in the department. If you can take anyone else, do it. You'd think an online-asynchronous class would be easy, but she knows how to make your life a living hell. She posts lectures, readings, and tons of assignments. She uses tons of outside platforms, so be aware. Once again, if you can take anyone else, do it.

Lots of homework
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

70%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

83% confidence
Based on 11 grades
Most common grades:
B (5)
A (2)
Not sure yet (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(5)C(1)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 16 reported grades
B: 5
A: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Common Tags
Get ready to read (5)
Participation matters (5)
Tough Grader (4)
Tough grader (4)
Lots of homework (4)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Jan
Jun
Oct
Dec
Jan
May
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

12601270

5.0

(1)

GOV27502

5.0

(1)

AMERNTNLGOV

5.0

(1)

WES101

5.0

(1)

GOVTWO

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANY

5.0

POLTHEORY

5.0

GOVT1000C

5.0

GOV175

5.0

WES101

5.0

Similar Professors