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Interesting class so far.

I don't know if it's the professor, or the class, but I'm definitely not a fan of it. He's from Canada, and usually answers everything in terms of Canadian law. But he does make sure to find out the answers to any questions he doesn't know. Very helpful

Good guy, tries hard in class.

hes a nice guy but his test kinda sucked even if you did study hes one of those prof's that gives tests with questions that have more than one good answer- talks about canada a lot spends a lot of time writting and erasing the board...

He talks about canada a lot, but if he doesn't know the answer to a question, he makes sure he finds one and will tell the class what he learned. his tests are hard... especially if you slack off... 1/3 of grade is an essay while 2/3 of it is 2 exams. So it sucks if you do poorly on the exams.

Hard class but he does his best to help us understand it. We'll keep working on problems until the class gets it which is great because we'd be lost without doing that.

Really good professor. As long as you come to class & study for a little before the mid-term and final, you'll do fine. Not much outside work, the book isnt really necessary.

Very easy class, make sure you go to class and take his notes!

He is such a cool teacher. He is very helpful and will do everything he can to make sure you understand the material. Take a lot of notes; it will help you for the final.

CJ300 (Research) isn't a great course but Dr. Kierkus rocks!

Really good prof. Smart and interesting. Makes you think. Tests are hard though so make sure you study!

I wasn't forward to taking this summer class but he made it interesting and fun. Glad I got to write an essay on something I cared about rather than study for a stupid exam.

I tried taking SS300 last year and dropped it after 3 weeks cuz it was so boring. This guy makes it alright. He's actually excited about teaching research methods. I don't think I'll ever be but he makes the class about as good as it can get.

I hate writing, but I loved this class. Kierkus made writing easy by allowing freedom in how you write. He is also very understanding about need more time then what was give to write your paper. Take him if you can, he is smart and nice.

He grades decent on writing papers. He isn't very clear as to what he wants all the time. The final is made up of everything from the semester and no other tests in between. Don't expect to get an A without trying very hard. Good guy though.

Kierkus is a good guy. He's laid back and demanding at the same time. He asks a lot from you but not in an in your face sort of way like Crawley (who I took for CJ 300). Make sure you like to write because there's a ton in this class.

These were the two hardest classes I've ever taken but I also learned more than from any other professor. He's a great professor who expects the world from himself and his students. Slackers be warned: run, don't walk, in the other direction!

One of the best profs at this university.

Great prof! The class was interesting and he is very clear and helpful. I'd take another class from him. The tests are M/C and T/F and pretty short. Puts powerpoint up on BB so you just have to listen.

Prof Kierkus is a really nice guy and he knows the material very well. He seems to generally care about his students and their comprehension of the subject matter.

His class is very boring if you dont participate in the discussions. Really cares about his students and wants you to get a good grade. However, if you dont put forth any effort he will not waist his time. Honestly one of the best profs I have ever had. Has a way of making a hard class easy in a weird and boring way.

Really nice guy who knows his stuff. Breaks up lectures by presenting news stories and doing activities. Not boring at all. Take him!

Dr. Kierkus is a very intelligent, helpful, and straight-forward professor. He tells you exactly what he expects and tries to make the material as exciting as possible. He takes general interest in the well-being of his students and wants to see all of them succeed in school.

Methods classes aren't that interesting but Dr. Kierkus is a great teacher. I've heard horror stories about other methods teachers at Grand Valley I'm glad I took this class with Kierkus.

Really nice guy. His exams are a little tricky, but if you memorize his power points word for word you're good!

Dr. Kierkus is a both smart and a really nice guy. It's obvious he really cares about his students and is into the material he's teaching

Very nice guy. He made the class interesting even for a graduate level course. So helpful and will work with you if you're having a hard time with the class. Very passionate about his job and CJ. Sometimes hard to sit thru a 3 hour 6-9 class, but he makes it interesting and lets you out early most of the time. Take him if you can.

I love this professor. He makes class fun and the material interesting. He is definitely my favorite.

Easily the best Prof teaching in the graduate program. His class should be the first you take when you start your MCJ. Then you would understand the other classes they make you take.

I don't love research methods but Dr. Kierkus is a really cool teacher. He has a neat sense of humor that makes this class as fun as it can be.

My friend said I'd like this class and she was right. This is what a grad class should be like!

Dr. Kierkus is a great Professor, he's an easy going guy but is really smart. Cares about students his but doesn't hold your hand. I'm taking two more classes with him.

Good prof for a summer class. Easy going.

Brilliant teacher, he is really smart you can tell right away as soon as he talk. He very interested in the students opinions in the class. The only thing i may say kind of negative is that don't understimate how easy he teaches the class because the exams are not as easy as the class is.

Great guy. Keeps things interesting. I'd would recommend him.

I'm in his class right now and I love going to this class. It doesn't matter how tired I am I am awake as soon as I walk in the door

Dr. Kierkus is extremely helpful. I struggled with this class and talked to him in office hours and after class a bunch of times. He was patient and helpful every time. He doesn't just give out A's if you don't do the work though.

Switched my major to CJ after taking his class. Brilliant and passionate teacher.

Great Professor. Final paper is due before class lectures end. If doing serial killers, remember to (read ahead) use typologies available only in his PowerPoint lectures. "Read all PowerPoints!"

Dr. Kierkus is an absolutely amazing professor. I had a very high interest in Criminology before the course, and he made me that much more excited about studying CJ. Exams can be difficult if you don't attend class or read the book. He is very willing to help you out, but only if you ask! I would recommend him for ANY of the CJ classes he teaches.

Awesome Prof. Will make you want to be a criminologist.

Probably the best professor I've ever had. He knows his stuff and makes the class VERY interesting. I'm an accounting major and this is class made me want to get into cj.

Scary smart and a great teacher. Take him you won't be sorry.

Overall a wonderful professor. He's a great guy, very intelligent, very helpful and makes class worth going to. He certainly knows what he is talking about and is always willing to help you and break it down in terms for you to understand. Highly suggest taking him!

I was not a fan of his teaching style. I was hoping for a more research-based look at juvenile delinquency, but we spent much of our time looking at individual cases and discussion our opinions.

Best Professor at GVSU. This was my second time taking him. He's very intelligent and involves the class in his lectures. He exams come right out of his notes and his study guides really help.

Second class I've taken with him. Yet again, great professor. Always willing to help students with class material as well as anything CJ/School related. I wouldn't advise buying the book - I barely used it. Pay attention in class and study your notes and you will do fine on the exams. Also, don't procrastinate on the application papers. start early

Great class and a great professor. He takes a boring subject and makes it bearable. I would recommend him to anyone taking CJ 400. His class has a lot of writing, but he breaks up the due dates throughout the semester so no one is overwhelmed.

I thought this class would be awful but Dr. Kierkus is a great teacher. He has a kickass sense of humor that actually makes me look forward to learning stats and methods.

Prof. Kierkus is easily one of the best professors that I've ever had at GV. He is very interesting! You have 2 papers, one is a book report and one is a part 2 to the first, they aren't hard though. Only 2 tests. Don't buy the book you really don't need it! If you can you should take him!

Professor Kierkus has always been one of my favorite professors here at GV. He is very relaxed in class, and his lectures are always fairly short and too the point. I had him for a 6-9 this semester and we always left class by 7:45 pm. I would recommend taking as many classes as you can with him!

He is a very funny guy. He keeps this boring subject interesting. There is a semester long project. If you keep up with that project this class is a breeze, if you get behind you may panic. His project dates are not set in stone, he changed the due dates 2 or 3 times throughout the semester. The tests are not that bad.

I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my criminal justice degree until I took Dr. Kierkus for for criminology and research methods. Now I know I want to become a criminologist. Take any classes you can with him you won't be sorry.

Easily the best professor I've had here so far at Grand Valley. His lectures are detailed and very interesting. He always welcomes students' inputs and any questions. The downfall of this class is that it is only out of 100 points, so every point counts. Other than that the class, in my opinion, was essential to my education.

Great prof! They should make you take his CJ606 right at the beginning of grad school, then you'd understand the stuff in the other classes you're taking.

Great professor! His classes are very interesting and he's very intelligent when it comes to Criminology!

Kierkus is a MUST TAKE professor! hes an extremely intelligent, fun prof and youll always be interested in what he has to say. He genuinely cares about his students and is passionate about teaching. Maybe the best prof ive had a GV ever and ive scheduled more classes with him for the future.

Great Professor. Really cares about students and understands what they are going through during grad school, so many lectures are cut short and deadlines are flexible. I will definitely be taking him again, and I look forward to it!

Dr. Kierkus is my friend and mentor in criminology and in general deep thinking. Take every class you can with him. He is fair and able to take your mental game to the next level. He really cares. Spend his office hours seriously and cherish them. He will support eager young minds with direction and compassion. -Sgt. D. Anderson, MHPD

I had to miss a midterm. He did not let me make it up for reasons that to me were nonsensical. I am irritated by that but ultimately I do think he was a good instructor and I am sure you will like him.

I wish I could have taken more classes with Kierkus. He is a good man, and cares about his students. Participate in his class and you will learn a great deal.

Awesome. I was a social work major with a minor in CJ. After taking this class I switched to CJ. Great professor. My favorite class so far in my college career.

Dr. Kierkus is a real gem. I love his lectures and he clearly defines his content and what he expects from his students. He's super funny and easy to get along with. He's pretty easy when it comes to grading papers, but the tests will be pretty tricky. Totally worth it though!

Professor Kierkus is a good professor to take if you are looking for an easy A. He puts all of his lectures on Blackboard at the beginning of the semester and class is not mandatory. He is very knowledgeable of his subject and knows how to relate the course content with everyday life so it is easier to understand.

Great teacher and an amazing mentor. Dr. Kierkus is an excellent classroom teacher but where he really shines is as a one on one mentor when you do your project or thesis with him.

Dr. Kierkus is probably my favorite professor I've ever had at GVSU! I had him for CJ 201 and CJ 355. He reminds me of someone's goofy dad and is super easy going. He engages the class in discussions as he gives lectures and he puts all lecture slides and content discussed in class on blackboard too. I wish I could take more classes with him!

Surprisingly not as good as hes rated. It's a good class but entire grade is based one paper and 3 exams each worth 25%. Exams are not easy even though you think they will be as how the class is ran pretty relaxed. Better than most but not the best.

A real critical thinker. Doesn't just parrot the same liberal social justice stuff most other Profs do. Makes you think about and question everything you're taught. Take him if you want to learn to think for yourself.

This is the best teacher Ive had at gv. The course is already interesting but the way his lectures are set up makes you want to go to class and learn. He only grades on test and a paper but offers extra credit. If you pay attention in class and read over your notes youll get a good grade. Some test questions from book but you dont need it.

Dr. Kierkus was a great professor! The class has one paper and a few exams, all of which are multiple-choice. He offers extra credit opportunities throughout the semester and is accessible outside of class. Very entertaining guy!

Overall he is definitely a great guy, but in my opinion, these ratings hype him up. The whole course is only out of 100 points and is only based off of 3 exams and a paper, so it is nearly impossible to get a solid grade since losing a few points along the way dramatically affects your overall grade in the course. Great guy, but not enough points.

awesome at teaching, the class just sucks.

Best professor i've had! His power points could use less words, however, he does an amazing job at making sure everyone understands so it makes up for it. Very engaging and makes a class about theories interesting! I would recommend picking him

I'm really disappointed this class went online. I love Dr. Kierkus' lectures. He really makes you think about why the theories are important. His tests aren't easy but the paper he assigned is fun to write. Do your work and study and you'll do fine.

If you're doing the BS degree and you need to take the research classes 300 and 400 take them with Dr. Kierkus. He doesn't just teach you the material he helps you understand why it's important. I never thought I'd be saying this but I think I'm going to go to grad school to be come a criminal justice researcher.

Professor Kierkus does an exceptional job tying in lectures with real-life examples. He makes learning about the different criminal theories interesting. His lectures are very helpful, and serve as a reinforcement to the material. The exams were on the harder side, so study everything! There are few things to be graded on, so every point counts!

Really great prof, he cares about every student and is very understanding. The class wasn't too hard and he made it enjoyable.

There are very few assignments so the ones you have are worth a lot. The lectures are very interesting and the professor is really invested in helping students do their best. He is understanding when it comes to needing extra time for certain assignments but you have to have a good reason. I highly recommend taking this class with this prof.

Kierkus is a great professor! His lectures are super interesting and engaging. He explains things super well and encourages discussions. There are 2 papers, 1 is the final. There are two discussion boards and 3 midterms. The questions are worded hard increasing the difficulty. That is all you are graded on so the tests are crucial to your grade.

He's a nice guy and very knowledgeable. He made quantitative research methods interesting. He has very clear criteria on what you need to do to succeed. He is willing to work with you and is not a stickler on the 11:59 time for due dates. He remind me of a dad and has dad humor too. I would recommend taking him for this class if you want to learn.

I really enjoyed this class. Professor Kierkus made it really interesting, with his upbeat personality and funny comments. He did a good job at engaging the class, which helped me learn a lot better. He doesn't give much work besides tests and a couple papers. Make sure you study well before tests.

Best prof I've had at GV. Lectures are smart and funny. Cases and examples make the material come alive. Tests are no joke so make sure you study but he gives a study guide and is super helpful if you talk to him. Take all the classes you can with Dr. K you won't be sorry.

Dr. Kierkus is one of my favorite professors in the CJ department. If you actually want to learn, take Dr. K. He is super knowledgeable and he is an incredible teacher. He is a tough grader, so make sure you take your time on papers. He is super cool guy and he is honest and fair. I cannot recommend him enough.

Best class I've taken at GV hands down. Think I'm going to get my masters in criminology. Dr. Kierkus is a brilliant guy and awesome teacher (Dad humor that's genuinely FUNNY!) Paper in this class is fun too but watch out for the tests, they are not easy, so make sure you study!

Excellent professor. Really makes you think critically. Makes sure you study for the exams, they aren't easy.

Definitely of my favorite profs. The subject matter is quite boring but he does a great job of trying to make it interesting. The lectures relate directly to the exams so as long as you study those you'll be fine. Also there is a big project but he breaks it up and makes it super clear giving examples. He makes a hard class as easy as possible.

Really interesting class. Dr. Kierkus gives the best lectures! Not a ton of assignments or tests either. Three mid terms and a two part paper. That's it.

One of the best college professors I have had. This class is challenging. He definitely makes you work for your grade but in a way that you end up proud of yourself. If you ever need help he does not mind making time to meet with you. Dr.Kierkus definitely sets the bar high for other professors to meet. I DO RECOMMEND!!! Take if you love dad jokes

Honestly, really liked the class. There are 3 exams and 2 papers. Tests are really difficult, but he gives a study guide and as long as you do the notes and study them, you will be fine. He offers and extra credit assignment, I would take him up on the offer

Professor Kierkus is a brilliant professor. He introduces all the criminological perspectives in contrast to their opposites in order to provide students with multiple perspectives for discussion on application or effectiveness. His examples were generally easy to understand, or Michigan-centered, and he kept things simple but very relevant.

Prof Kierkus is an amazing professor with a lot of personal experience. His lectures are very entertaining and even when going over material, he draws from real life. He is an open and honest professor. Definitely will be taking one of his classes again.

Professor Kierkus is a brilliant lecturer who brings real-life experience to the classroom. The class is challenging but rewarding - engaging with the material and using tools like Unstuck study helped me stay on top of the difficult exams.

He's one of the best professors I've had throughout college so far. Lectures a lot, but he's not monotone at all; he's very entertaining. He uses real-life situations, which makes the class a lot more engaging/enjoyable. There are 3 exams and 2 papers, as well as an EC opportunity. If you go to class and do the study guides, you will do great!

Dr. Kierkus is a great professor; the class is fairly easy to get through because he explains everything you need to know. There are 3 in-class activities that contribute to your grade, but they are all pretty entertaining and easy to complete. A paper takes place of a final exam, and the first two exams are easy to do well on if you come to class!