4.0
Quality2.7
Difficulty89%
Would Retake107
Reviews89%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
49
4
30
3
21
2
5
1
2
What Students Say
“his coughing is really annoying but you have to get over it”
RPOS101 - 5.0 rating“Great guy, had him for my writing intensive”
POS439Z - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.30 avg changeRatings by Course
POS101M
5.0
(1)POS100
5.0
(1)POLI101
5.0
(1)AMERPOL
5.0
(1)PRESIDENCY
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
POS101Y
4.0
POL101
4.0
POS439Z
4.0
RPOS101W
4.0
APOL101
3.5
Reviews (107)
horrible teacher, he's a schmuck, his class was horrible, he made the most interesting into a lullaby
unlike the other comment, i thought the class was relatively easy and although he coughs alot and can be a bit of a bore sometimes, he is very good teacher.
I had Miroff for 101 and for my honors seminar. He is that guy that makes you buy his books, because no one else is and has to learn that having different opinions other than your own is not a bad thing. Would never make it in real political world...
Aaaaaagggggggggghhhhh!!!! His throught clearing antic is the only thing that kept me awake in class. I enjoyed his sayings or what we called bruce-isms.
He was the reason I switched my major to Public Policy. I loved his lectures and the mandatory discussion classes - great debate oppurtunities. Awesome class! The throat clearing was really annoying though.
great class, if you go you do well. extrememely intelligent lectures
very great lecturer. he kept me awake for once. great insight and very helpful through discussions. would i stick to polly sci? i dont know, but he definetely knows how to get people interested in it.
Good teacher
great, smart, funny
the most intelligent man on Suny albany campus but coudlnt' stand the throat thing!
Miroff's throat thing was the worst. A VERY Liberal man, so if you are Conservative, be ready. Decent teacher, tests are iffy, discussion section of this course also iffy.
What throat thing? This guy was great! He treated the students with a real sense of respect for thier thoughts and opinons.
The throat clearing I could live without, but he is a brilliant teacher....very easy to listen to and pay attention to as well. Not a hard class if you are interested in politics. My favorite class by far.
this class is pretty easy and straightforward. he's a really good guy and his lectures are mad easy to follow...you just have to memorize a lot but it comes thru repetition. i definitely give him 2 thumbs up.
great class. Discussion depends on your TA. For fun count how many time he does the throat clearing thing.
What throat thing? Wish I could remember. Has the atypical look of a professor, pretty liberal but doesn't suggest it so much. Has lots of group activities, tests are 2 question so there's lots of writing but he respects different views.
very good teacher, class is very straight forward as long as you get your minimal work done and attend discussions
This man is lethally intelligent. Amazing lectures not just in content but also in form - he makes it very easy to take fantastic notes. And, because being smart is sexy, Miroff is hot in my book.
Amazing teacher
Classes were interesting, but you don't really need to go if you keep up with the reading. The only thing that is really mandatory is the discussion sections. It's easy as long as you read the book.
Excellent in Lectures. BUT - has absolutely NO interest in talking/emailing with students unless you are one of his scholarship students. And, unfortunately, the TA's are not very helpful either.
Good lectures. Going to class and taking good notes makes the tests a lot easier. Never really did all the readings and still got a good grade. Going to class is better than doing the readings. Pretty easy class as long as you do your work.
Very smart teacher. No need to go to class if you read the book(its boring im warning you now). No need to read the book if you go to class. but you need to go to your discussion. Make sure your TA likes you. They grade your tests. I got an A on every test and never went to lecture. Good class, easy
Brucey Bruce is the man
Great Lectures. Great textbook for the course as well. Unfortunately, it is true that he doesn't really want to talk to you unless you are in his special discussion group. Take good notes in Lecture and you are set.
Great lectures. I was in his discussion group, and he graded all of our tests rather hard, but fair.
Great lectures, pretty interesting discussions. There are 3 group debates in the discussion but they're easy, and you learn a lot. The tests are difficult - they're SA & essay. Pretty good class
was formally a poli sci major and switched majors after taking this class. boring material and boring lectures. u will most likely fall asleep in the class. tests aren't bad, just make sure u pay attention in lectures, and read the textbooks. test grades are dependent on your teaching assistants.
No Comments
He's very insightful, but can put you to sleep. I could sit there and predict what he would say next and I was usually correct. But he's better than the other 101 teachers I've heard of. But a lot depends on your T.A.
This teacher could NOT BR ANY MORE LIBERAL AND BIASED. He is a Left WING KOOK. thank god i have a brain that read more than just CNN and his book. I exposed his lies numerous times in class and he hated it. Thank god out of 500 students about 230 were repubs or independent. He thinks Bill Clinton was some great honorable man??????????????????????
His lectures are extremely dry. He is very boring and it doesn't matter if you go to class or not because class content has nothing to do with exams.
Bruce is the man, but you have to read the textbook concidering he wrote the damn book. BRUUUUUCCCEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A liberal college politics professor, well blow me down! Didn't see that coming! Politics is not history. Politics by nature can AHEM only be correctly taught AHEM by someone with firm beliefs and fact to AHEM back it up. Prof. Miroff has both. AHEM. Seriously though, great professor if you're interested in the subject, boring if you're not.
I liked his a lot. Very clear in his lectures. Can get boring though. Very resonable, drop first test grade if you get a full grade higher on the next two tests. I would recommend him if you need to fulfill a GE requirement.
Good teacher. Lectures could get boring but he made an effort to get the students opinions in. Very helpful if you ask him for it. He clears his through every 3 seconds, so get used to it.
Good teacher. Has a bit of a liberal bias towards everything. Lectures are somewhat boring and mundane but tests are super easy, the essay is practically given away in class.
Great intro class to take though he has a liberal bais to him, class isnt bad at all if u just do the readings and show up to discussion
No Comments
overall the class isn't so bad, only 3 tests and in discussion 3papers(mandatory attendence in disscussion) def. democrat...only annnoying part is him coughing in the mic every 2seconds
would NOT recommend that you take this class for your GEN ED requirement.
I think that Miroff is an incredible professor and the class is pretty interesting. If you pay attention to everything in class and take good notes, you just need to skim over the text to do well. He's very thorough and has an extensive vocabulary. This class is long if you haven't had enough sleep, though... my only complaint.
I took this class thinking it would be an easy A, and boy was I wrong! We were forced to buy his books, which I thought were chores to read. The class material I found interesting. Again, if you want an easy A for your gen ed, look elsewhere!
You do not need to go to the lectures...I REPEAT U DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE LECTURES....just study be4 the tests and you'll be good...the lectures are dryer than a desert although he is a very smart man.my TA was very helpful.it was amazing how empty class was until u magically go take the class you and you see plenty of people u never knew existed
This is an incredibly intelligent man. His lectures are very well organized, so note-taking was very easy. If you can make it to almost every lecture and discussion class, you should do well (unless you're one of those people who suck at college).Also, i don't believe his lectures were very biased; they were pretty neutral for the most part.
One of the smartest professors at UA. Only lectures, no PPT or anything. Keep diligent notes, go to discussion sections, review key terms [particularly obscure ones], and you'll do fine. My TA was excellent, very helpful and clear. While Miroff is dry and coughs into the mic every 5 secs, he knows his stuff. Easy A for me, but I love politics
I have no interest in politics and I got an A every test. He gives review sheets, TAs are helpful if you get the right one. He does indeed coughs a lot, but if you try to ignore that you will actually learn. Great Professor pretty easy class for gen. ed.
the grading rubric the TAs have to use is harsh, but if you don't get a **** TA its pretty okay. Coughs about 5 times every minute.
your grade solely depends on your TA, its basically their opinion of your opinion, youll be fine if u have an easy TA which I didnt
Lectures vary from being interesting to boring. Goes over basically all the readings in lectures, so even though the lectures aren't requires, it's recommended to go. Discussion groups are required; if you participate and put a good amount of time in the papers, you should be good. An easy A if you regularly attend lectures and discussions.
Miroff is a genius. He understands American Politics beyond your wildest dreams. His lectures are great, and he actually will involve the students from the massive lecture center with opportunities for participation. Discussion groups and the debates were fun and provided practical experience with the material. If you love politics take him.
He is a good teacher, and he uses the textbook which he wrote, which during my semester was in its fourth edition. Though lectures can be boring and droll, and he coughs constantly. His tests can be hard. Though the big help in getting a good grade is the discussion section with a TA, and the TA I had was extremely great and helpful.
Okay what some of these people say, are just false. He does ask the people their opinion from time to time, but Miroff just talks at your for a good hour and you quickly fall asleep.. he isn't very engaging and its hard to tell what he is saying you should write down... his tests are alright, but you definitly need to study
Miroff is a very good speaker but the information is dry and uninteresting at times. He leans a little liberal but he is usually down the middle with his class lectures (I'm conservative). I thought the class had a little too much work for a 101 course, there are two regular papers along with a big research paper and very long tests.
Miroff is not a horrible teacher but has a monotone voice and constantly clears his throat which is a little distracting. The books used for class are ones he wrote (way to promote yourself and make some mula) His tests seem straight forward which is tricky at first attendance to lecture isnt necc but attendance to discussion sec is an is helpful
Very good and helpful professor. The best in the political science department. If you are not gonna read then don't take the class. If you read and take good notes you should get a solid B
This class was extremely boring. He clears his throat every five minutes and his voice is VERY monotone. I fell asleep every class. The discussion was no help either. Somehow managed to pull a B but I wouldn't recommend it.
He's a pretty good lecturer; he explains everything clearly. You have to make sure to read the two textbooks because the exams consist of definitions and essays. The class has a discussion section so your TA grades the papers and exams. You should get an A if you do the required work.
Miroff is an amazing professor if you have an interest in poli sci. He's VERY clear if you take good notes and go to class you will get 100's on every test. there definitions and essays from the two textbooks there easy reads and he gives you enough time to read them. the discussion is debates. I had this class a year ago & it was my favorite so fa
Did not like this class, required too much work for 3 credits, and the tests were all writing based. Definitely not guarenteed a 100 on the exams if you go to all of the classes, you have to read all of the boring material, would not reccommend him
If you are taking this class to fill the gen ed requirement, this may not be the best choice since there is ALOT of work. 3 tests (short answers and essay), 2 debate papers,3 debates, a short paper, and the final is short answer and 2 essays. It's a good class and he is a good teacher but you have to put some work into it.
Great professor, he is nationally known for his work on the Presidency, he requires you buy books he actually helped write. very smart and crystal clear, not an easy professor , but a very good one you will learn a lot from him.
Miroff is a very intelligent professor; very passionate about what he's teaching. Attendance is not mandatory, but he's a decent teacher, so you'll get a lot out of his lectures. However, you NEED to book in his class; its absolutely crucial. He wrote the books himself, and I'll admit, they are extremely high-priced but they help you pass the class
Good professor, knows what he is talking about. Very boring though. Read the textbook and essays, finish papers on time, attend class in order to pass. Take notes for EVERY lecture. I suggest outlining every chapter/essay he assigns, it will make papers easier.
was very boring cleared his throat over 200 times each class. discussion teacher grades all assignments so make sure you go to their classes and office hours
This man is a genius. He truly understands the material he teachers, so much so that he wrote the text book. The texts aren't too difficult if you study and attend lecture. The one downside is that it is a lot of writing and isn't writing intensive. In total (including on the tests) I wrote 7 papers. An A is very possible if you try.
There was a lot of writing and Miroff did cough about an average of 130 times a lecture, but he is intelligent and knows exactly what he is talking about. I came out knowing so much more about American Politics than I thought I was going to from a 101 class.
Miroff is a good professor who knows the material he teaches very well. The required text is a book that he wrote. The tests are very fair. Quite a few writing assignments but its almost better because you can elaborate on topics your comfortable with. The clearing of the throat does get old very quick but barely takes away from the actual class.
Very liberal but he teaches a fair class. Good for freshmen year
One of the worst political science teachers I have ever had the displeasure to learn from. Intelligent about presidents, but terrible communication skills with students. I asked for help and he told me to just do better. I had concerns about the grading system and he told me no one ever complained and that he was going to stop emailing me. Really?
Very intelligent prof, knows his stuff like the back of his hand. Interesting lectures, grade is based on a midterm, a final, and a short essay with pop quizzes sprinkled throughout the course. tests are based on lectures and key term definitions, if you go to every class and pay attention you will ace this course.
Very intelligent and passionate, if you pay attention to the lectures you will do well. Attendance not mandatory but there are pop quizzes so it is strongly encouraged that you go. The tests are fair but you really have to study the vocabulary since it isn't multiple choice. There is also a short essay you have to write
I took a independent study this semester. I must say he was very understanding and involved which im very greatful fot. Ive taken many other classes of his, he`s great and very helpful. I`ve never had such a understanding curtious professor. Top professor at Albany just do your readings!
Miroff knows what he is teaching. You will easily pass the class if you attend it and go all his readings. The TA's are super helpful and nice.
It was an honor to take The Presidency with him. He is very knowledgable and keeps the class very interesting. I entered the class already having studied a lot about presidential history, but every day he seemed to be able to teach me something new. Highly recommend him.
Professor Miroff is one of the best you will ever have in your academic life. He knows his politics. His classes are the so interesting and he has a wicked sense of humor.
Loved this class definitely Miroff is an absolute genius though he coughs a lot you'll get past it. Going to class is a must if you choose not to do the readings his lectures are the best. By far the only class where I've actually learned something useful. Great insight, awesome professor!
He does cough a lot, but you get over it. Attendance is not mandatory - the lectures are not utilized in the testsquizzes, only the reading - but he does give pop quizzes in lecture that are a big part of your grade. Lectures are quite boring. Regardless, he's an extremely intelligent guy, who definitely knows his stuff.
Politics is boring but this teacher is inspiring. His lectors are the key in passing with high marks. Knowing the information in the text books is not enough. you have to go to class. Plus you can tell that he still loves teaching. He also very helpful. He is also the co author in the textbooks for the class.
By far the best professor I've ever had at University at Albany.
Bruce Miroff is the best professor I have ever known. He is brilliant, inspirational and so very good to his students. He is fair, even-handed and just has a lovely way about him. His lectures are outstanding - you will walk away from his class informed and inspired.
Great professor. Open-minded and willing to keep learning new things. Is a little formal (won't let students use the board to explain something when it is their turn to speak), but in general is a great guy. Fun classes with a lot of student discussions. Allows diverse opinions and outside-the-box thinking.
His lectures are good. I didn't realize how good they are until I took a different class where the professor didn't lecture as well. Really knows his stuff. TA's are also very helpful. Try to keep up with as much reading as possible. If so, you'll see how reading relates with his lectures. Overall good professor.
BRUCE IS THE MANNNN HE IS SO SMART AND AMAZING
Great professor. The pop quizzes are really easy and only used for attendance. Go to lecture and discussion and You'll be fine. easy to follow. the book is 100% necessary. Tests and quizzes are simple and go with the lectures. definitely go to class so you can keep up. Really interesting class if you enjoy politics. Midterm and final are easy.
Professor Miroff had a clear agenda and stuck to it throughout the semester. The work load was a little heavy, there was a lot of reading for quizzes, however plenty of time to prepare. Lectures are a large part of class, take diligent notes or your grade will suffer. Overall a very interesting and informative class.
Must attend all classes in order to pass. Goes over everything in class in order to pass. Lectors have all the info you need for all his tests. Pop quizzes are easy.
Miroff is an awesome teacher! The class is very straight-forward, no pop quizzes or any homework. you have a set amount of tests, papers, and group activities. He lectures all class, almost never writes anything down, if that's a problem you shouldn't take his class but literally everything on the test he's said in class!
his coughing is really annoying but you have to get over it. hes a really good teacher he knows the information really well. you have to go to lecture cuz he has pop quizzes discussion is useless but mandatory
Absolutely amazing professor. By far one of the most intelligent and established professors I have ever had. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in politics and even if you are not he breaks things down to a very simple level. Really, really knows his stuff.
Do yourself a favor and take this course! He is a tough essay grader, and his quizzes are kind of hard, but he is AMAZING! best professor I've ever had, his lectures are awesome. He is so smart, he knows everything in his field.
Take "The Presidency" taught by Bruce Miroff. Professor Miroff is extremely knowledgable and gives great insight into the American Presidency. Be ready to read in this class, as exams and papers focus equally on lectures and readings. He knows if you've used the textbook, as he's taught this course for 30+ years. Overall BEST professor I've had.
Professor Miroff while great is incredibly biased and it shows. Smart but won't give the other side of the argument a chance. Incredibly liberal and a very tough grader. I came to class every day and still struggled. Not a teacher that lets the students speak with their own beliefs. As a Republican, I found him incredibly difficult to deal with.
Professor Miroff is the greatest professor I have ever had. He is extremely approachable and willing to help students to succeed. He draws equally on both the lectures and textbooks for papers and quizzes. He gives clear criteria and grades tough, but fairly. He is extremely smart and was able to answer every question people in our class asked.
Solid choice. Enjoyed my discussion section 10x more.
Lectures about concepts in the book, but it can get very boring, sometimes it is hard to stay concentrated in class. Pop quizzes are easy, the discussion section is important to attend.
Professor Miroff was great! Enjoyed my discussion section more however! Personally I sat there reading the assigned readings and thought it was kinda pointless since the exams are all vocab base, and any political science major has seen these words since birth, literally. Good professor.
Professor Miroff is amazing. He understands what it is like to be a college student and really helps you to get as high of a grade as possible. His lectures are hard to get into at first since he doesnt use a visual but if you listen to what hes saying its really interesting. Taking another class with him next semester. 10/10 reccomend
Took American Politics with him , easy A if you pay attention to and show up to classes, he has a constant urge to clear his throat tho
Great guy, had him for my writing intensive. A couple 5 page essays, and a 10 page final. Also have reading responses for every class which can get annoying. Tough but fair grader. Attendance and participation mandatory. Everything important he writes on the board. He is always willing to help. I recommend
Professor Miroff is an outstanding professor. Class can be a little boring but he really knows what he is talking about and it is not very difficult to get a good grade. Lots to learn in this class, and 10/10 would recommend. Political science majors will wish more teachers were like him. Best prof I've had.
He is the classic professor you will have to take no matter the major, college, or year. He's just old school lectures,4 quizzes and drops the lowest. Quizzes are on about 100 pages of reading & lectures but there are usually no surprises. Midterm & final paper. He uses his own book & texts written by close friends so he knows them inside and out.
He's an ok professor, but I liked the discussion section way better. I also learned way more in the discussion section than I did from his lectures.
His test are based on his lectures. If you do not go to class, you will miss the important information given out. He gives six pop quizzes based on the previous lectures. He does not have power points, so be sure to take notes in class. Whatever he writes on the board, will most likely be on the exams.
This class was way to difficult for someone who doesn't know much politics. Professor Miroff just talks and barley writes any notes to follow along. Its hard to follow his lectures. Complete liberal teaching. His tests are all written. Part 1 is define the 6 keys terms and part 2 is respond to the 3 part essay question. Theres no multiple choice
His lectures can get extremely boring but if you read the textbook, it makes more sense and is more interesting. He is very lenient with grading and it is really easy to get an A grade. Would highly recommend if you are in need of a U.S history gen ed.
Awesome professor! Had to read a book, but no actual textbook. Professor lectured and did group things on Zoom, synchronously, while also being able to post lectures that supported what we were learning. Very fair grader, quizzes, and exams. Would 100% take again.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
68%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.30 avg changeRatings by Course
POS101M
5.0
(1)POS100
5.0
(1)POLI101
5.0
(1)AMERPOL
5.0
(1)PRESIDENCY
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
POS101Y
4.0
POL101
4.0
POS439Z
4.0
RPOS101W
4.0
APOL101
3.5