3.1

Boris Ricks

Political Science - California State University - Northridge

3.1
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
74%
Would Retake
116
Reviews
3.1
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
3.2
Clarity

74%

Would Retake

116

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

22

3

16

2

28

1

17

What Students Say

By taking this class I completely hate public administration

PUBLICADMIN - 1.0 rating

If you have other options, I highly recommend you take those other professors instead

POLI467 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

35%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
A (19)
A- (8)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(26)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(16)
Based on 54 reported grades
A: 19
A-: 8
B+: 8
Not sure yet: 7
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (13)
Get ready to read (9)
Respected (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (5)
Inspirational (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.78 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PS471E

5.0

(2)

540H

5.0

(1)

POLS361

5.0

(1)

POLS360

4.2

(6)

361

4.0

(1)
+20 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POLI467

5.0

POLS361

5.0

155

4.5

POLS404

4.0

POLS540F

4.0

Reviews (116)
5.0
1.0
POLS155
Dec 14, 2008

easy class. he is new, but his midterms are the 3 assignments. journal every week, but it's easy because you just summarize the chapter (in note-form if you want). he takes attendance and a take home final, which isn't so bad either. he encourages the class to express their opinions. overall, it's not a difficult class.

5.0
3.0
PS471E
Dec 26, 2008

great professor, really cares about his students. the class revolves around group work which makes the work load manageable. not a stressful class, but you will have to work for a good grade. if you like learning i would recommend taking him.

5.0
3.0
PS471E
Dec 26, 2008

Great teacher & very helpful. most of the work is done in groups which helps with the work load. over all the class is stress free, but you will have to work to get a good grade. if you like learning i strongly suggest you take him.

4.0
2.0
POLS155
Jan 21, 2009

He is very nice & intelligent. Most of his assignments are clear & reasonable. But the syllabus is not very clear or thorough. There is no grading rubric on it! He gives way too much group work with groups larger than 10 people. He takes attendance every class. He gives you very little time to complete his assignments & gets enjoyment from it.

4.0
2.0
POLS197
Mar 14, 2009

Class is easy, interesting. Gives out a decent amount of assignments, but will help if you ask. Really nice, doesn't disregard different points of view, good-looking :) and an overall balanced good teacher. recommend his class

2.0
5.0
POLS197
Mar 25, 2009

he is a show off kind of professor. he is not helpful at all. he does not answer your question. when you ask him something about the assignment, he shows no interest in your question. he just give you an answer to get rid of you. he shows no interest in his students.

1.0
5.0
POLS404
May 26, 2009

He could be brilliant. But when it comes to teaching and helping students, he has a lot to learn. may be he should start at high school or community college level in order to get some practice on how to teach and interact with students. Also, he has no interest in helping students. if you are taking his class you will find out when you go to his of

1.0
5.0
POLS404
May 28, 2009

worst teacher ever. You expect no reall help from him. always late in responding to his emails; that is if he responds.

3.0
4.0
MPA610
May 29, 2009

Not very well organized

2.0
4.0
POLS540F
Jun 1, 2009

I do not recommend taking his class. He does not respond to his emails on time. He is not organized at all. He wastes 25 minutes each class by going back to his office to print materials for us and end the class 30 minutes and sometimes 45 minutes earlier. He showed no interest in helping students. Do not expect a lot of help from him regarding any

2.0
2.0
POLS540
Dec 17, 2009

Do not take this person!Absolutely does not care about his students.Does not return work and at the end you get "surprised" with a final grade.He teaches and treats the class like you are in high school. He is lazy and never prepares for class, often doesnt even know whats the topic. Terrible experience, waste of time and money.

2.0
2.0
MPA610
Jan 16, 2010

Do not take him.

2.0
2.0
POLS155
Apr 15, 2010

He insists on collecting hw in a class of 300 people and the hw is collected online. If you have technical difficulties he doesn't cut you any slack. He never gives a straight forward answer and is the most unhelpful professor I've had. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS if you can avoid it. He uses mypoliscilab religiously and its horrible. AVOID THIS CLASS!!

1.0
4.0
MPA610
Apr 28, 2010

The worst teacher I have ever encountered. Disorganized, unclear in expectations and assignments, treated students like children. (The first day, he made us read the syllabus, in entirety, out loud.

2.0
4.0
POLSC155
May 13, 2010

Can not use a computer to save his life yet insists on making students use moodle (and mypoliscilab.com). I wasted so much time in that class actually doing the homework, which it seems he does not even read.

2.0
4.0
POLS155
May 15, 2010

he is so disorganized and insists on using electronic submissions for everything but he has no computer sense at all. He messed up our final and it was a hassle just to take the test. DO NOT take him...even if hes the only professir available, find a way out!!!

3.0
2.0
POLS155
May 16, 2010

An Honest review...Professor Ricks is really a nice guy once you get to know him. Sure, the amount of homework that's given can seem a bit ridiculous, but as long as you do all of them and still manage to get C's on your exams, then you'll end up with a B at the lowest! I AM DEAD SERIOUS. Do the work, put in some effort and be amazed! EASY CLASS!

2.0
5.0
POLS155
May 24, 2010

Honestly, he should be fired. HORRIBLE PROFESSOR

1.0
5.0
POLI155
May 25, 2010

He is always changing is mind, never give a straight answer and confuses everyone. He messed up with both the mid term and final exam.

2.0
5.0
POL155
Jun 4, 2010

Tough class, but I think his 200+ student classes were guinea pigs during Spring '10. Speaks quickly + changes slides fast = difficult to take notes. He offered a heck load of extra credit in order to make up for his failed midterm, and I barely passed with a C. Damn politics to hell.

1.0
5.0
MPA610
Jun 28, 2010

Avoid at all costs. Very disorganized, he was all over the place. If you want to learn, you're better off reading the book on your own.

3.0
3.0
POLS155
Jul 11, 2010

He is not the greatest pols sci professor. In fact, what he did to assignments and grading were unfair since some students put so much effort and get low grade but those who did not get higher. If you did the hwk and read the materials, you should be fine.

2.0
3.0
POLS155
Jul 12, 2010

I had him during summer and he wasn't helpful at all. His midterm and final are so unclear and too specific. about 10% of discussed materials in class are going to be on the tests. Not very helpful and unprepared. He just reads off slides and explains in small details. The textbook that i used was very bad. The book was kinna go all over the place

2.0
1.0
POLS155
Jul 27, 2010

He is a pretty laid back teacher but unfair in grading. The midterm was extremely hard because we did not have enough time to even finish all the questions. His powerpoint presentation do not help in the test at all. If you are taking this class make sure to do all assignemts to pass the class. I did all the assignments except for one and got an 80

3.0
3.0
MPA650
Oct 14, 2010

Considering this class is a seminar format, Dr. Ricks should allow students ample time to speak--he doesn't. The ten-page group paper for this class is an absolute joke! My four group members' work was either subpar or plagarized. I wrote the whole paper, and my "teammates" were allowed to benefit from my hard work.

1.0
5.0
POLS155
Oct 28, 2010

His requirement confuse me a lot. You will never know what the hell he wants in your assignment. He said we just need to do the pre-test on Polscilab website at the very begining. 2 months later, he said we should also do the Post-test. And just 1 week later, he said the we should do the chapter Exam~ Don't take him!!!!!

1.0
4.0
MPA650
Dec 15, 2010

Having earned a double major, a minor, and now half way done with my Master's degree, I have seen every type of professor. Boris Ricks is without a doubt the worst professor I've had in my academic experience. Avoid this professor! Or at least consider yourself warned. He's not interested in helping students, only in hearing himself blather on.

2.0
1.0
POLS155
Jun 4, 2011

Professor was unprepared to teach a class of 200. Gave away more than 100 extra credit points throughout the semester due to student complaints. PowerPoint lectures are useless in preparing for exam. Extremely easy A.

1.0
4.0
POLS155
Jul 12, 2011

Very unclear tells the class one thing then next week changes his mind and says he never said it. He will change assignment last minute and will not give you enough time to change. Midterm was online and most of the class failed and we found out that he also took the same test and got a grade of C!!!

1.0
3.0
POLS404
Jul 22, 2011

Does not care about teaching or students. To back this statement up with empirical evidence, the only reason why he teaches at CSUN is because his USC loan will be subsidized by the government for teaching in a public institution. I took this class so Mr. PhD and MPA could teach the class, not my colleagues. Disrespectful, lazy, and condescending.

3.0
2.0
POLS197
Oct 13, 2011

Wow, I am surprised with all the bad reviews! He is a very cool professor.He was very clear the first day about class expectations and so far everything is on schedule. It's college, of course it can be difficult, but its your responsibility to ask for help if you need it. Go to office hours and do all the work.

5.0
1.0
POLS155
Nov 18, 2011

Dr. Boris is a great teacher. He's funny and allows for connection with the students. His lectures are clear and as long as you pay attention in class you are good for the semester. You do need the book for midterm and finals. Assignments every week, but not very time consuming.

2.0
3.0
POLSC155
Nov 29, 2011

He as a professor is awful. The class is relatively easy to pass, the midterm and final are on-line but very difficult. There are a few papers to write but easy. He is just very uncaring about students and about his class. I would suggest another Professor if you really want to learn.

5.0
1.0
POLS197
Dec 1, 2011

Professor Ricks is a great teacher. It just might be this class that he's good in but he seems very interested in the course subject. He really does care about his students and wants you to get a good grade. You have journal entries every week that are not hard at all. Overall a good professor.

4.0
2.0
POLS197
Dec 11, 2011

He does not teach. The students teach everything. SInce this is a politics class he takes advantage of having class discussions. Easy class, all group work

2.0
4.0
POLS197
Dec 13, 2011

This professor is the worst professor I've had at CSUN. His homework is easy, just two page journals a week. But he is VERY unorganized. He gave my freshman level class less then 24 hours to write a paper he was expecting 20 pages for. Doesn't teach. Stay away from him if you want to pass with a good grade. Doesn't post grades at all.

2.0
4.0
POLI155
Dec 15, 2011

Not the greatest teacher in CSUN. He is not even organized. The first day of class he was showing us a syllabus from his previous semester with different days on it. There is not even enough time to take the midterm or final. I wouldn't suggest taking him even if its the only class available.

4.0
2.0
POLS155
Jan 18, 2012

A lot of reading required. Only gives midterm and final which are online and based off the book. Very interesting class. It is really up to the student to check moodle and keep up with assignments. Very nice and sometimes funny professor. I learned a lot. I felt like he gave a lot of busy work, but not too bad.

5.0
1.0
MPA650
Oct 5, 2012

Dr. Ricks without a doubt is a great professor, very knowledgeble on subject matter and able to utilize real events in applying them to theories not only learned in the MPA 650 class but the other classes that have taken as well. Considering you only have 8 weeks per course,we were given enough work that required time management which is a plus.

2.0
3.0
MPA650
Oct 29, 2012

Dr. Ricks is by far the worse professor that I have ever had in my undergraduate and graduate studies. When you ask him a question he gives you and answer on something else. Do not take this teacher if you can avoid him. As a cohort we had no choice but to take him. MPA 650 is an important class. Learned nothing in his class.

5.0
2.0
POLS155
Jan 12, 2013

Do the homework (not alot), read the book, and at least get a C on the midterm and final and you will guarantee to pass. Very funny

3.0
3.0
POLS155
Jan 14, 2013

He has a good personality, learning government unless you are really into it is always difficult. Have to write a 2 page review on the chapter learned each week, but that's really simple. You have to be not paying attention at all not to pass. All in all i would take it if you want to learn and pass...

4.0
2.0
POLS155
May 9, 2013

very easy professor. he is funny and teachest in a very understanding manner. homework is very easy, no tests only midterm and final. you are good to go.

4.0
3.0
POLS15512501
Sep 30, 2013

so far the class has been easy and fun. i really enjoy attending his class even though the semester started 1 month ago

1.0
5.0
POLS155
Dec 12, 2013

awful teacher. doesnt grade anything until the very end so you never know what your grade is. He doesn't make his own test but instead uses tests from the book publisher. the questions on the tests have nothing to do with what he says in class and the assignments are pointless because its just busy-work. Terrible teacher, terrible class

4.0
2.0
POLS355
Jan 18, 2014

Pretty easy class. Weekly essays on the chapters but you can BS them and still get 100%. Only difficulty comes in taking the midterm and final. It seems completely off topic and Prof. Ricks doesn't even know whats part of it apparently. PS: dont waste your money on the PoliSci Lab. Never used it.

3.0
2.0
POLS155
Grade: A-
Jan 22, 2014

During the lecture, Professor Ricks reviews superficial information on each chapter. Having said that, it's your job to read and to really understand what you read. Moreover, tests are generated by the authors of the book; his lectures are not beneficial in the event of the midterm and the final. Class is doable, but you just have to put the effort

4.0
1.0
POLS155
Feb 27, 2014

Didn't really used the book. One page summary response about the chapter due very week which wasn't a big deal. Easy class! Take him!

5.0
3.0
POLS155
Mar 1, 2014

I absolutely LOVE Professor Ricks. He is by far the most amazing professor I've had at CSUN. He is a very thorough and passionate guy when it comes to what he teaches. If I could have him for all of my classes, I would. Plus, he's not bad to look at. :)

2.0
4.0
155
Oct 7, 2014

don't take him if you have other options

2.0
5.0
155
Grade: C+
Nov 9, 2014

Midterm and Final were unnecessarily hard and I will never take this professor again. He does explain pretty well and he is VERY FUNNY, but it is still very tough to pass his class. There are a lot of assignments.

1.0
4.0
PUBLICADMIN
Grade: B+
Nov 17, 2014

This guy was terrible, he only lectured for about 5 minutes at the beginning and for the rest of the class he would just chill. He messed up everyones grade by not grading a small, but point worth portion and messed up everyones grades and never actually corrected it. By taking this class I completely hate public administration.

2.0
3.0
POLISCI155
Dec 11, 2014

He's a pretty laid-back guy but lectures get boring at times & he goes through the slides way too fast which is especially bad because therye not on moodle. Two full page, single space papers due each week which can be a pain but its not too hard. Topics he discusses in lecture are not on the final or midterm. Take if hes your only option.

5.0
1.0
540H
Dec 19, 2014

Very knowledgeable in City Politics. His lectures are interesting informative. Grades based on Peer Evaluations(all students in class), Presentation, Annotated Bibliography, and Policy Paper.

3.0
3.0
POLS155
Jan 10, 2015

His assignments are really easy, I got a 100% in all of the assignments but what I struggled with were the midterm and final. They are 50 questions each and they are done on moodle.

4.0
3.0
POLS155
May 15, 2015

DONT SKIP CLASS. His lectures are long but worth the sit in. DONT BE LATE, he will kick you out. ASSIGNMENT EVERY WEEK - 1 page summary of chapter discussed in class. A few projects - they are tedious. MIDTERM AND FINAL ONLINE (open book - yay!) Lots of work, but is an easy grader. The only hard parts were the midterm and final.

4.0
1.0
POLISCI155
Grade: B+
May 22, 2015

Dr Ricks is easy. All you have to do is do the weekly assignments and the tests are on moodle so its clearly a no brainer. Also go to his office hours and if he recognizes your face he will help you out if you seem interested in the class.

4.0
1.0
361
Grade: B+
Jul 5, 2015

A great professor. Everything was done in a group. Every week a new group would teach the class from the reading. Had one group easy that was easy. Its an easy A class. He gives you 3 policy papers to do which are really fun and easy to do. I would take him again. He's very funny; I didn't learn that much from the class but still got a B+ an 89%.

3.0
3.0
POLS197
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2015

His PPT's may be a little long and have too much text but as long as you understand the material you will pass; take good notes on them and you'll breeze right by on his assignments. He does not try and trick you; on his assignments he wants you to get straight to the point.

5.0
3.0
MPA650
Grade: A-
Mar 29, 2016

Great professor! As a matter of fact, when compared to the MPA Program Professors. One of the best...

4.0
1.0
POL155
Grade: A-
Apr 26, 2016

I took this professor for 197 and then found out that I needed to take a 155 and I loved how easy his 197 class was and when I got into his 155 it literally is the easiest class on earth. Midterm is on moodle and I got a B on it w/o needing to study. You have weekly journal but take good notes in class from the PPT you'll be fine. Teaches fast!

5.0
1.0
POLS155
Grade: A
May 3, 2016

FABULOUS! I got 100% on every assignment. He requires a journal entry every week but as long as you take notes and type them out you will be fine! He only has 2 tests which are both open book. His lectures are a little long but they are definitely tolerable. He is also very nice! I would definitely recommend this class if your looking for an easy A

1.0
5.0
POLS155
May 14, 2016

The professor was not good at all. He read straight off of the power point and then the tests had nothing to do with the lectures. He assigns a lot of work but that is what saves your grade. The class is basically self taught. Just get the book and read it you don't have to show up to class. It was a waste of time but I passed with a B.

2.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: Not sure yet
May 19, 2016

Although I enjoyed his class because he was funny (at times), I wouldn't recommend him only because his lectures aren't really helpful towards the midterm or final. The questions of the midterm and final are super specific, so all you really need is the textbook. There was no point to attend class because none of the notes are helpful. Good Luck.

4.0
3.0
POL155
Grade: A
May 24, 2016

Honestly thought this class was an easy A and given how big the class was I didn't really show up. The lectures honestly aren't very relevant to the tests but the tests are all online so not impossible. All the work is submitted online and totally easy! He's a pretty cool guy as well.

5.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: B+
May 25, 2016

His class had weekly assignments that as long as you did them you are guaranteed at least a B in his class. But make sure to do THEM ALL because the midterm and final are really hard. Each test is different because it comes from a 1000 question bank. He's an awesome professor and the class is designed for you to at least get a C.

1.0
5.0
POLI467
Grade: C
May 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

If you have other options, I highly recommend you take those other professors instead. Boris Ricks was lazy, unorganized and absolutely horrible at teaching. I learned nothing in the class and the grades were all over the place. I had fulfilled the requirements of everything he asked for and got an A on all of it but somehow ended up with C

1.0
5.0
POLI467
Grade: B-
May 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This professor is not up to par with his grading. You have several presentations in the class, paper after paper and a final that's 25% of your grade but the professor decides to post it 2 days in advance! I would not recommend taking this class with this professor. It was a nightmare the whole semester.

4.0
3.0
POL155
Grade: B+
Jun 14, 2016
Would take again

Show up to class, don't snooze, and pay attention along with some notes and you'll be fine, the only tests were the midterm and final which were both online. Since they were online and made up of random questions the test can be very easy to very hard, but paying attention and learning key terms will really help.

2.0
3.0
POLS355
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 16, 2016
Would take again

Uses slideshows, and they are never available on moodle or outside of class. I dont bring textbook with me to class. Take notes. Writing assignment on the summary of each chapter turn in through moodle, just one page. Doesnt like electronics. Tests are online. He's fine, gives a 7 minute grace period to enter the class late.

Get ready to read
3.0
2.0
POLS355
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2016
Would take again

Boring teacher but easy A He doesn't take attendance because its a 100+ person lecture, so I skipped over a month of class and didn't miss anything. Only assignments are a journal summarizing the chapters we went over, but you can easily just type notes from the book and still get 100%. Class is basically pointless. Only 2 tests and both are online

Clear grading criteria
2.0
5.0
POLS355
Dec 15, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Do not take Poly sci with this professor. The midterm and Final are very hard and you dont know what to expect for his tests. Avoid taking him!!

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
POLS355
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Do not recommend to take his class. His lecture is boring. Mid term and Finals are on online but still its hard. Attendance is not a mandatory. Journals and homework every week. His grading is kind of clear but he post grades so slow.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
5.0
1.0
POL155
Grade: A
May 10, 2017
Would take again

This class was the easiest class I have taken so far! Midterm and final is online because the class is 100+ people. Journals are due weekly and they're just an overview of what you learned during the week and you can talk about whatever that was discussed during the week. Sometimes there were documentaries or other write up assignments but easy to

Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
POLS155
Jun 2, 2017
Would take again

The professor made class very interesting and easy. You do have a journal every week to post online as well as the midterm and final are online and we have a couple research assignments throughout the way. I very much recommend you to take him, this class isn't set up to make you fail its very easy to get a good grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: A-
Jun 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The company that creates the textbook also creates the slides as well as the exams. He reads off the slides and elaborates a little bit here and there. There are many other means of earning free points like journals and documentary write ups which are easy As. You can pass with a B or a C if you do all the work and do average on the exams

Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
POLS155
Grade: B+
Aug 24, 2017
Would take again

He is an amazing professor! Don't be afraid of him. All the assignments, midterm and final are online. Make sure to show up to class & take notes because he doesn't post his lectures online. With lectures, that is how you will write a one page and single spaced journal about your thoughts once a week. Just study for the test and you'll do fine.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 28, 2017
Would take again

He is an great professor for the subject! He has a lot of assignments but it helps build your grade. You need to show up to class for notes because he won't post them but he is engaging and keeps your attention. If you do all the homework and do average on the midterm and final which mind you are online and the final isn't commutative!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
POLS407
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 17, 2017
Would take again

Put us into groups & had to present one chapter of the book. It seemed intimidating at first but it's a group so you're not alone up there. He gives you positive feedback & supportive. Must attend class. He's a good professor. I recommend him.

Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
5.0
POLS361
Grade: A
Nov 15, 2017
Would take again

He everyone he is great Prof at CSUN and I passes the class with an A.

5.0
2.0
POLS355
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2017
Would take again

If you do the assignments and do decent on the tests you'll get an A. Interesting lectures but attendance isn't mandatory. The assignments are all on what he lectures (that match with the text book chapters). The assignments take 30 min tops to do and they are due once a week.

Clear grading criteria
3.0
2.0
POLS197
Grade: A+
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Professor is a little intimidating. Asks many questions during lecture, and expects you to respond. Most of the time when he asks a question there is an awkward silence because no one really wants to speak, and then it just gets weird because no one talks and you really don't want to raise your hand/speak. other than that. easy class.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Would take again
5.0
3.0
POLS360
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Prof ricks was a super cool dude. His final requires both a hard copy and an online submission and when i was at school about to submit mine, the word got corrupt and he was cool with me emailing it to him from home. He's a super understanding prof and his method of teaching is awesome. 1000% would take him again.

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Would take again
5.0
2.0
POLS197
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2017
Would take again

By far the easiest professor I took this semester and I enjoyed the lectures. If you do all the homework and pay attention to his lecture's it's an easy A. Just through the lectures I was able to learn a lot to write for the journal entries (homework) that I didn't even bother reading the book.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Amazing lectures
Would take again
3.0
3.0
POLS355
Grade: A
Dec 22, 2017
Would take again

Overall it was an easy class. There are several busywork type of assignments, but they aren't hard. 1 midterm and 1 final, but they are online. Not the most entertaining lectures, but not bad either. I would take him again.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Tests? Not many
Would take again
2.0
1.0
POL155
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Easy class. everything is power point based. His lectures are boring and basically reads from the ppt

Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
POLISCI155
Grade: A+
Apr 16, 2018
Would take again

Professor Ricks is awesome! He understands that his class is not our only class, unlike some professors. If you show up to class, take notes, and do your weekly journal submissions, it is an easy A. I was intimidated by Political Science but it has turned out to be my favorite class! Definitely take him!

Clear grading criteria
5.0
2.0
POLS155
May 10, 2018
Would take again

Boris Ricks is the realest professor you will get at CSUN. He's so interesting which makes the class interesting. Always willing to help students however he can and of has "easy money" assignments. You don't have to show up, ever. But he's definitely worth going to class for!

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
POL155
May 14, 2018
Would take again

Hell make you buy a textbook but you wont need it. I pass this semester 2018 with a B due to missing one assignment! I did not use the books beside having to take notes during class! The test are online! So youll definitely pass!

5.0
1.0
POL155
Grade: A-
May 23, 2018
Would take again

Easy class. He tells you to show up to class but his powerpoints where on Canvas under files. I would take it again.

Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
POLISCI155
Grade: A
May 23, 2018
Would take again

Super easy class, everything is online including midterm and final which is found on quizlet. Do not buy the book I got an A and didn't purchase it but if you don't buy it go to class. Main class I skipped would really recommend him.

Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
POLS155
Grade: A
May 31, 2018
Would take again

I would HIGHLY recommend this professor. All that is required for this class is to complete journal entries on the reading but he goes over the readings in the lecturer with power point slides. the journal entries are only 1 page. I say textbook is required but not necessary, you can definitely pass without it . Two midterms & Final online at home.

Inspirational
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
3.0
POLS465
Grade: B
Jun 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Grades all work at the end of the semester. Group work HEAVY- group presents 2 ch in book- material hard to understand b/c students presenting info- they don't know what they're presenting. Policy paper is 25% of grade (group project) and hurt my grade dropped me down to a B. If ppl in group don't care about grade then expect to have a hard time

Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
1.0
POLS155
Grade: B+
Jul 11, 2018
Would take again

This class is easily passable without showing up, which definitely requires you to stay on top of your game if you decide not to show up frequently. Both the midterm and the final were online and the only other grades you receive are the weekly summaries of the textbook chapters.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
2.0
POLS355
Grade: A
Sep 1, 2018
Would take again

I HIGHLY Ricks for politics! Its an easy A, Its 9 1 page assignments outlining the chapter, another field research assignment (summaries of people) 2 test both online. He has VERY clear grading criteria and for someone who dislikes the subject he sparked interest to it! Take him you won't regret it! He understand most people are taking it for UDGE

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
POLS355
Grade: A
Nov 29, 2018
Would take again

Super easy class. He is very passionate about politics. Attendance isn't mandatory but it is suggested to help understand the class. The textbook isn't required (since he goes over every chapter in class) but it is suggested. 2 exams: midterm and final, BOTH online. Take him ! You will learn a lot about politics just by listening !

Inspirational
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2019
Would take again

Great professors who truly cares about you & your success. He has very interesting lectures and because of him I'm now genuinely interested in politics, he also inspired me to vote for the first time! The assignments he gives really help you to grasp the knowledge. Only note, not a fan of how he does tests, they don't match the reading or lectures.

Amazing lectures
2.0
1.0
POLI155
Grade: B+
May 24, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class was an absolute joke for an honors class. Attendance is mandatory but the lectures and interactive assignments are so boring and dont aid In helping for the exams. Even though my grade was an A on canvas, I still ended up getting a B+ in the class. Easy, but you wont learn anything.

Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
MPA650
Grade: A-
Oct 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Joke of a grad school class. Lectures had nothing to do with the readings, just about political opinions. Instructor had no classroom management skills so discussions turned tense quickly. Group Heavy and no you can't choose your groups. Did not get any feedback on assignments.

Group projects
2.0
3.0
POL155H
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Makes us sign attendance sheet but doesn't record it for a grade? Midterm isn't based off of reading at all. Professor is disorganized. Lectures are all online so showing up is pointless, straight from the book, no extra info. SO boring. You waste your time with easy assignments full points just for doing, but will be unprepared for midterm/final.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POLS155HON
Grade: A-
Dec 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

To get an A in Professor Rigged's class you have to average a 95 overall which is just clownery. The lectures do not really help to prepare you for the final exam and midterm. The class overall was super boring and everyone appeared to be mute. Both of the exams were online and we only had 50-60 minutes to take them. The hw assignments were easy.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
POLS155
Grade: A
May 6, 2020
Would take again

He has a true passion for what he is teaching. Not only that, but he also has a passion for the process of teaching itself. His lectures are coherent, well-paced, and easy to understand. He also went out of his way to let our class know how much he appreciated us in our last Zoom meeting. He's a wonderful professor and human being.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
4.0
1.0
POLS155
May 20, 2020
Would take again

Very interesting class and material, I really enjoyed coming to this class and learning. He is a super easy grader, as long as you keep up with the assignments and the readings you will pass. It is super lecture heavy, so be ready to take notes. Midterm and final were straightforward and simple. Great class overall!

Lots of homework
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POLS197
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2020
Would take again

Super passionate about political science. Makes sure everyone understands everything. Just do your assignments and its an easy A. Super understanding about the pandemic, cares about his students.

Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POLS197
Grade: A+
Dec 21, 2020
Would take again

He is passionate about this class and cares for his students. Just make sure you do all the assignments because missing one can bring your grade down with the number of points. He is an amazing professor you will no regret.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Clear grading criteria
5.0
2.0
POLS197
Jan 25, 2021
Would take again

He's such an inviting and caring professor. He does everything possible to make sure his students pass. He's very understanding and accepts late assignments.

Respected
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
POLS360
Grade: A+
Feb 4, 2021
Would take again

COVID-19 era show up to class and pay attention, you should get nothing less than a B in the class, if not an A. class itself consists of writing assignments, newspaper analysis, and a take home final essay. prof ricks lectures were a blast, and he was even accommodating during the pandemic and election season. take his class if u get the chance

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
4.0
2.0
POLS360
Feb 8, 2021
Would take again

The book is online for free. Ive taken his classes before but this one might be the boring one out of all of them. Hes a good professor and is passionate about what he teaches

EXTRA CREDIT
Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
POLS360
Grade: A+
May 16, 2022

Boris Ricks is very inconsiderate when it comes to the final exam he posted it 12 hours before the due date and expected 12 pages. He is very repetitive, he will just extend his sentences when he just simplified it. Unreasonable grader and not helpful towards students. I would not take him again.

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
POLS360
Grade: A
May 25, 2022
Would take again

He is genuinely so kind and cares about the students. A lot funnier and engaging in person than online. Put in effort and he will grade generously. Don't have to go to every class but keep up and do the work on time. He is so understanding and easy to approach. The content is a bit repetitive but pretty easy A.

So many papers
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
POLS360
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

Professor Ricks is super caring and knowledgeable. He genuinely wants students to learn and pass their classes. In order to pass you must attend and do the readings, yet as long as you do your best, you will be fine. You really have to try to fail to not pass. He is always available to help.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
1.0
POLS197
Grade: A+
May 6, 2023
Would take again

Super easy. This class is so much easier when you enjoy what you are talking about! I personally love talking about political issues so this class was a breeze for me. Two page papers every week, very easy. Make sure to prepare for busier weeks because during the end of the semester there are a couple more assignments to do than usual!

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
3.0
1.0
POLS197
Grade: A
May 21, 2023
Would take again

this professor was very unorganized. he would change due dates randomly and wouldn't explain something that is due until the due date. poor guy fell asleep during lecture multiple times. 2pg double spaced journal entries every week about the chapter. easy class, but idk bc it was online if yk what I mean. it was super boring I always had him muted.

Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
POLS197
Grade: A+
Jun 27, 2023
Would take again

Ricks is kind but very unorganized. There was a lot of confusion due to technical issues and his communication skills. He is not the most straightforward. He tried his best though, and he was not a tough grader at all. This class was almost an easy A.. just a lot of writing (1 entry a week, a few doc write-ups, 2-3 projects, written final).

2.0
3.0
POLS404
Grade: C
May 2, 2024

An essay a week on chapters of the book which is good if you want to learn. Biased political views in class. Very disorganized. Be careful because he is inconsistent in explaining assignments. Made me drop from an A to a C because of it. Forgot to grade an assignment but I didn't tell him b/c it was just a GE and didn't want to deal with him

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
So many papers
4.0
2.0
POLS197
Grade: A-
Dec 26, 2024
Would take again

The professor was super passionate, but a bit disorganized at times. Lots of writing assignments, but the workload was manageable. Ended up doing well with the help of Unstuckstudy and regular study sessions. Overall, not too difficult of a class if you stay on top of it.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

35%

Textbook Required

38%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 47 grades
Most common grades:
A (19)
A- (8)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(26)B(2)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(16)
Based on 54 reported grades
A: 19
A-: 8
B+: 8
Not sure yet: 7
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (13)
Get ready to read (9)
Respected (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
LECTURE HEAVY (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (5)
Inspirational (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
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