Sometimes funny, gets off topic easily, has extra credit, 3 tests, 1 paper

Really good teacher. Gets you interested and shows interest in the students

She's fantastic. She enjoys her work and in turn makes you enjoy the subject.

Great Proff. My fav class last sem. Take her, she makes Gov. interesting!

great teacher, gets off track easily, just go to class and you'll be fine

She is an inspiration. A wonderful teacher. YOU MUST TAKE HER. She teaches about life, not just about government.

She knows her stuff, but gets off topic very easily. You kinda have to ask questions about the notes just to keep her on track.....a little absent minded, but also funny and really sweet!!

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awesome teacher!! loves what she does and it shows. may get off topic, but all stories are relevent. i honestly learned about GOV in here.

Great teacher, Passionate about her subject. Interesting class

I loved her class

She is an excellent teacher!! She's really cool, down to earth and makes u give a damn about government!! i highly recommend her!

Class is great, you learn!! I have to say that she is a must!!

Pretty easy class, assignments aren't hard and she grades pretty easy too. The tests aren't that hard either, just read and go to class and you'll do fine.

awesome teacher! i loved her class. easy tests.

Very good teacher. Her tests are easy if you study hard, read the book and take good notes. There is also extra credit available if you need it. She has her ****y moments but overall should help you if you need it.

Take the web class and you'll only sit in class one day a week for 50 mins. One of the easiest and most interesting classes I've taken.

You learn alot from her but the test are really hard. She gives like tricky questions, where like it could be this answer but it could also be this one. Study ALOT for this class.

Very good teacher... Good note giver... very organized... BUT tests are pretty hard and tricky.

This is in no way an easy A class, BUT getting an A is possible if you study. She is such a wonderful, bright, compassionate teacher and you will learn so much. Show up every day and take good notes, you'll do fine!

She is the sweetest and most caring professor I have ever had. I enjoyed her class very much and she was a great professor.

She's the best professor at UCF, hands down! I went from knowing nothing and caring less about politics and government - dreading this course - to looking forward to it and learning so much. Easy A - just pay attention and takes notes! She makes it easy!

I loved this class. I thought she was great. You do have to study some but not that much. Take this class.

If I had teachers like her before, I would be a history major now.She puts things from hundreds of years ago into perspective today.Way inspirational, you will leave wondering why you were so bored by politics and history before. Awesome hippie chick.

Mrs. Benson is a well-qualified and fun-loving teacher who does an excellent job teacher American National Government (POS 2041). Even having this class at 7:30 in the morning is worth it.

Ms. Benson is a fabulous professor. She is very insightful and her class - although sometimes very hard to be awake at 7:30am for it - is very educational. Very to-the-date (current with issues going on in the world). Would recommend her to EVERYONE! :)

Professor Benson is absolutely wonderful. I didn't care about government and did not want to take this class, but she makes government come alive. I would recommend her to anyone in a second...don't miss this opportunity...TAKE THIS CLASS!!

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! :) STRONGLY recommend! For more specifics, read everyone else's comments.

Greatest teacher I've had at UCF yet! Funny, passionate, and dedicated to teaching you how to learn. Easy assignments, just have to keep up with the reading and understand the material, not even memorize most of it. Gets off track bad sometimes.

When I started this class I was between 2 majors and she hands down made my decision to be a Polly Sci Major. Wonderful teacher!!! If all teachers were like her I would stay in college forever! Very helpful also, she will do anything in her power to help!

Although I had the class at 7:30, she is always energetic and lively to keep the class awake. Very interesting, knowledgeable, and overall WONDERFUL teacher! HIGHEST recommendations! Makes students want to learn!

Very Boring class, I had trouble attending. Goes off on tangents or fills your head with her stupid propaganda. Tests are more detailed than she makes them out to be. Assignments given are easy A's and she's helpful.

An Excellent Teacher. Even though I had a 7:30 class I still enjoyed going. The tests are extremely easy, Just STUDY. She gives you every opportunity to get an A or atleast a B, anything less is ridiculous in this class.

great professor.... tests are easy as long as you study. explains material very well.

Very good teacher. I love government even more after her class. I got C's on the test (I did study, she words them weird) but got 4 extra credit points and the assignments are easy so I ended up with a B. She does ramble, but very helpful and energetic.

Good teacher. Very passionate. Goes off on tangents, but they are relevant to what she is teaching, and if you are paying attention you will understand why she is talking about it. tests need to be studied for, but arent impossible. Hippies rule.

Her class is interesting, but the tests are very difficult. She asks weird questions on tests, but gives easy extra credit which helps alot. Her lectures are hard to follow and take notes on, it's hard to prepare for what she will ask questions on.

I didn't like Ms. Benson and dreaded going to her class every day. If you don't know a lot about American Government then do yourself a huge favor and avoid taking her class.

She is kind of funny, but at the same time boring. She talks about history and politics but also about the times when she was a hippy and real high and trying to take notes for her class is not possible. Her tests are extrememly hard

Easy enough, go to class though or you will get behind. I had an 89.5 and she gave me the B even though I had near perfect attendance. The tests confused me sometimes though.

I liked her class, and she warns you she'll go off the subject. She gives you a term list to study, some are on the test, some aren't. I got C's on tests (they are kinda hard) but did all extra credit and assignments and got a B

Hard class. The teacher talks about herself the whole class and about the material for like 10 min. I got a C and only passed one test though. There's e.c. and 2 assignments.

Nice lady....tests can be very tricky...go to class notes are imperative and please do read the book! Oh she has a tendency to be boring also so sit in the back!

the tests are tricky. take notes in class and study the book. the teacher takes a lot of class time talking about pointless material that is not related to class. but she is very into politics.

Wonderful professor. She really makes you think.

I totally disagree - I had no interest in politics until I took this class & since that time, I've been inspired! She opened my eyes to a whole new world. Anyone who didn't learn didn't care to learn & no one is to blame but themselves! Great Teacher! :-

She is such an intelligent person, and really teaches you how to think for yourself. I'm taking her class right now, and really enjoying it! If you read the book, go to class and take notes from her lectures, you will do fine on the tests. A great class overall!

If you are intersted in politics and have an open mind, you will love this class. She has the right idea to just get you thinking for yourself. Overall, if you go to class, take notes, and study the text...you'll be perfectly fine.

Prof. Benson is an excellent instuctor. To do well, go to class and use her studying tips. Topics in class usually consist of current events more so than book info so it is easy to stay interested. She does not teach by the book but it is not hard to do well. She is a great prof. Just go to class!

I think she is an awesome teacher.She gives assignments that are closely related to current events.She is easy to get interested because she has an awesome wacky personality.I took the RST and wish I had more face time w/her but she's great,if you're interested she's completely a hippie!!!

Dr. Benson is a great teacher. Her lectures are engaging, her notes helpful and supplemental, and her hours acessible. She refers her students to great sites, one of which made me think enough about my choice for president that I changed to a different candidate two weeks before election day.

She's a fun teacher and doesn't just lecture. She brings in current events and makes paying attention a little bit easier.

Talks extremely loud so if you have sensitive ears, do not sit in the front. She adds points to tests and offers extra credit assignments. There is only one assignment that is not due until near the end of the semester.

I thought she was a good teacher.She goes off on stories but they are meant to be helpful.The class is relatively boring b/c it's just like highschool govt.If you did well in highschool government you won't have any problems but boredom.It's not the teacher it's really just the material that stinks.

I loved her! she was great the class material was sort of boring but she did her best to spice it up. she goes off on stories but they are funny. she cares about her students and their grades. i would take her again anytime! her test are sort of broad so study and go to class or you will fail!

She was an easy instructor and very nice. The majority of the class time was spent discussing current events and listening to quasi-amusing stories about her life. Most of what you learn in her class is done from the book, though. Be careful-it's easy to skip her class so make sure you know the info

She's an awesome professor. I had to connive my way just to get into her class. That's just how good her reputation is. You learn a heck of a lot, and she really makes you think about politics and government, and whether or not it fulfills its designed purpose.

I liked this class alot. Lecutres go on forever, but I truly ate it up, because I have a passion for politics. She is Liberal, but presents both sides of the spectrum. She has a great reputation. Take Her, she may spawn a new interest in politics. The trick for an A is Read the BOOK!!

You'll either love her or not. She doesn't teach to the test, but warns you exactly what to expect on the first day of class. If you don't waant to think, stay away _ I loved the class! Best in 4 years at UCF!!!!

I loved the class!!! If you just want to blow through the course and get a grade, you won't!She really cares that you learn how to think and understand and has made me want to find out even more about politics. I also voted for Bush, but found her bias intersesting - she doesn't test on it, and has a great sense of humor. Great Class and teacher!

Wonderful class, I loved Cindy so much. She makes it interesting even if it can get quite difficult at times. But she really juat cares about her students learning something. Take the class, unless you're one of those lazy people who just likes easy A's. Then this is not your class because you will actually have to learn something.

Her reduced seat time class was great. She cares, and works with you. The key to passing is reading directions and following them to a T. If you attend class and do the Modules(Which are by no means impossible) You will have no problem. No busy work. No quizes. Verry staright forward.

This is a great class! I highly recommend taking with Mrs. Benson. She really cares about her students and does her best to help them out whenever she can. Although she doesn't teach to the test during class so the key to getting a good grade is participate, READ, and go to class. If you do that, you'll be fine.

She's very different than anyone else I've ever had here...but its a good thing. Tests aren't really hard, and the online assignments (for reduced seat classes) are very easy. But NOT an easy A.

Reduced Seat time. Tests are alright. The key is to do the questions on the companion site. i didn't study for the first one and did bad, used companion site for 2nd and 3rd and got an A and a B. Do the modules and don't post the minumum on WEBCT. U can easily get a B

She's definitly hip for her age. Cares about you, and not hard. Not an easy A. She's a liberal, and respectful to everyone. One con was the tangents she would go on. Reduced seat time was ehh. She does know her stuff though and good humor. Kinda goofy.

I recommend her. She is a great prof. and really knows this subject well. It's easy to make a B in her class, and she makes everyone feel comfortabe. If you read and use the companion site you can get an A.

She is the best teacher I've ever had. She is really funny and always keeps the class interested. The hardest part about the class was the final. Just do all the hw on time and study for the tests. It isn't hard to pay attention in lectures since she's a great teach!!!

She is a really great teacher, VERY FUNNY, and knows what she is talking about. BUT, she does go off topic a lot so you need to know when to zone out and when to pay attention!

Seriously, easiest class in 4 years. She GIVES a list of all words on the test. She adds points to the tests. She gives Ex. Credit for reading a book or watching a movie. Seriously, kids, if you can't handle this - you should quit now. Everyone at a college level should make an A.

The pevious poster needs to grow up. Ms. Benson tells you stright up front what her class will be like. I found it wonderful to be treated as an adult, and not just expected to memorize things. She assumes you can read a book by yourself and says so. One of the best teachers I've had!

Awesome!!! A REAL TEACHER. makes it fun, intersewsting and tells you from the start what to expect. I've got her at 7:30 AM and haven't missed class yet!

A GREAT teacher! Lots of fun to be in class with, she makes government interesting! I highly recommend her to a student who attends class and is willing to do work. She is the best teacher I have had at UCF!!!!

She is an awesome teacher. If you are looking for someone who is easy, teaches the book, and reviews the test before giving it then she is not for you. But if you actually want to learn something then she is awesome. She forces you to think and make opinions for yourself. Def. have to read but if you ask for help she is willing ot offer it.

Made government interesting. In a reduced seat time class most of work was done through webct, which at first sucked, but it really isnt too bad. she gives you key terms to study for each test so just read about those and you should do fine. the tests arent that hard/detailed. overall good teacher and I recommend

she is a great wonderful teacher .... if u want to get a good grade and learn in a good pace this is the teacher for you .... she is great!!!!

She is very interesting. She lays out everything she expects and it isn't too difficult, just time consuming but you learn a ton about the government and politics. I took a reduced seat time class with her which was a bit more difficult, I wish I could have seen her in class more often, she was very interesting and funny.

She is easy, but she often goes out on a tangent, when she does this just zone her out. Test review days are absolutely worthless because all she does is focus on one or two subjects. If you are a liberal you will love her class. Conservative... not so much

if you are a hardcore liberal like her you will love this class because all she does is trash the right while tryin to open your eyes to why the left is right..even the book is liberal....papers and discussion posting are way more work than they should be and she never will give full credit...at least tests are easy but modules are big part too

This class was super easy. Read the text and you will get an A. You don't even really need to pay attention to her speak, I used the class time to read the text and got an A! She's a smart, opinionated hippie!

I totally disagree with a previous opinion. I consider myself a conservative, but I heard no right bashing in class - just warnings about intolerance and extremism from either end of the spectrum. When did compassion and civic responsibility become "liberal"? She's a great teacher- I recommend her to anyone who wants to actually learn something

Knows her stuff, funny, and a great c;lass. Made a boring subject interesting. I'm a sophomore and this is the first time I felt I was actually in a college class and not still in High School. She gives lots of real world examples, encourages you to think for yourself, and expects you to understand things - not just memorize them.

I took her RST class and it wasn't too bad. She's curved every test by 6% min. Making online posts is a pain and so are her written assignments but do them an you usually get full credit. She's a good teacher.

Great teacher!!! She likes to take things from the class and compare them to real life, which makes it easy and helps to actually understand it. She is very helpful outside of class if you need extra help. Take advantage of her office hours if you need help, she has no problem explaining something a thousand times until you understand completely.

She is an amazing professor and very clear, but in order to get a good grade you need to study - use the terms and reviews on WebCT and you will do fine. I advise attending class because most of her test are from the notes, not the book.

Awesome Prof. The class is not the easiest, but the professor is great. She helps you whenever needed, she is fun and keeps your attention. You have to attend class, but she makes it worth your while. I never read the book, but used it for definitions for the test. Take her!!

Cynthia Benson is a good teacher. If you're looking for an easy A in this class then don't take her. Tests are hard. She makes you do a lot of writing. She does tend to get off topic ALOT! Any little thing can send her off topic for a good 40minutes. Attendance isn't mandatory but it's strongly recommended. The book is necessary. Do the extra credi

If you just want to get thru a Gen.Ed.clas without thinking or working, avoid her. Otherwise, she's the best! very intelligent, great sense of humor, helpful ...- I'm now taking a political science minor because of her

Quintessential ex-hippy government professor. She's really funnny, makes you think, and is good at explaining all the concepts. I got a low A, all the test material is on the review sheet and she curves the grades. Reduced seat time was tedious and extra work, otherwise I'd highly recommend her.

Coolest lady IN THE WORLD

Very good teacher, really knows what she is talking about...not an easy class though, takes time and effort to do online part. She has really good lectures and is very interesting. If you are lazy this is not for you.

Excellent teacher. Highly interested in making students learn, even if it means making the class easy. I recommend her.

I took the reduced seat time class and it was great.She is a really good professor and doesnt believe in making a class impossible. She is really easy going and curves every test pretty much. Most people dont think this is an easy A but I thought it was. Posting online is easy and the tests are not bad at all. Take her you will not regret it!

I took her RST class & it was definitely a breeze! The online postings were based on relatively interesting topics & once they are completed correctly & on time you will receive full credit...I failed her first test, passed all the others, did well on the modules & got an A+ in her class. I highly recommend taking this class!

EASY PROFESSOR!!!! talks a lot and loves her job. this class is a breeze she makes you buy the book.

Very good teacher, maintained interest throughout. Very fair on tests and grading. Bonus points on tests for various reasons. Will need to read the book, take notes, and study though. It's not a"gimme" course. But if you do the work, you'll get an A and it's not a huge amount of work.

Great teacher. She is very understanding and really loves her job. She wants everyone to learn, but she wont hold your hand. Take some time to read the book, and you should be fine.

Great teacher! She makes the material interesting and fun. Very fair on grading and gives easy extra credit.

RST class was great! i thought she was awesome, a liberal hippy! i just read the text before the test and glanced at the notes and got an A. she leads some relevant discussions to current events which can be cool, but you really dont even need to go to class. TAKE HER

I'm not sure who the previous person to, but it wasn't thw Mrs. Benson I had. She tells you everything up front, stories are and help alot to understand the material. It doesn't get better than her

Had her this summer - wish I could have had her for a longer class. I understand so many things I never did until now. She's funny, knows her stuff and truly cares about her students! Take her!!!

kind of boring but i was never interested in american national government. she does lecture evey class and go off on tangent a lot but the review sessions she does are really helpful. just ask her about any word on the word list and she'll explain it more clearly than the first time.

Class is mostly lecture but often we talk about current events for the 1st 1/2 of class. She doesnt teach what is already in the book, you do that yourself. Class is sometimes boring but you do learn a thing or two you havent before. xtra credit opportunity, 3 tests, but doesnt give you a test review, you ask your own questions. She a little quarky

I took Government in high school but I definitely didn't understand it. I do now. Professor Benson is totally clear, and even though she doesn't teach straight out of the book, and even her rambling about current and past events helps you understand what is going on in the Lecture...My advice is that if you need this class....Take Benson!

I thought she was great!!! Mkaes everything clear in the syllabus and first day of class - you know what she expects from you, and what she expexts from you. Deeply cares about the course and students. Funny, helpful and a little crazy - but it makes it fun to go to class. She really knows her stuff too! Take her!!!!!!!

Best in two years at UCF!!!! Attend class, read, follow directions and have a great time. Easy A and entertaining!

Had little interest - but WOW!. Learned so much, lecture examples were very useful! great sense of humor and it was nice to be treated as an adult!

Such a great professor. You HAVE to read the text and her notes go along with what you're reading, but they aren't notes from the text. She definitely loves the subject and you can tell. Political discussions before lectures. Very interesting and useful.

I took her reduced seat time class so I'm not sure how much diff. it is from the regular class, but she was pretty easy if you read the notes, book, and studied the study guide before the exam. She def. expects you to be a responsible adult. If you use Web CT, it isn't hard,just a little time consuming, but it's worth it!

1st day of class she told us were all going to die and only coach roaches would be left. She was hilarious, and will open your eyes to new interests. I had her reduced seat time and loved it. Class was pretty easy. Pulln a B on tests is easy! Modules very easy! I got a B could have been an A with the extra credit. Totally recommend. :)

I always took AP classes and managed to scrape a B in highschool but didnt have much understanding of government, I just relied on the government and cram sessions before the tests. Ms. Benson is totally different, she is a "leftover hippie" and I totally love it. She explains things that most teachers would gloss over. pretty easy A if you try

Great teacher, really in-tune to current pressing issues in the world and how they relate to sections of the course.

From what I've heard, he only people who don't like or "love" her teaching are those who just want to get a grade and get out. She makes it clear that this is a university class and you will need to UNDERSTAND things. She's on point most of the time - the stories etc. are to help you relate lecture, text etc. to the real world. Best teacher yet!!!

I couldn't disagree more with the last post. She's knows her stuff, explains well using examples, has a great sense of humor, and kept me awake and interested at 7:30 in the AM! Only missed class once.

Benson is a pretty good professor but has a hard time staying on topic. Often goes off on rabbit trails; I think she just likes the sound of her own voice. Has a hard time staying objective in the classroom. Obviously very liberal. Grade is based on four pretty straightforward exams. Not a real hard class.

Great professor - she actually treats you as an adult. Funny, always willing to help. I'm a major who put off 2041 until my 3rd year and learned a lot of new things and understood things I already covered much more. To each, his own, but I loved her!!

Cynthia Benson is definitely one of my favorite professors. She treats students with respect and is a very down to earth person. Her class is totally fair and simple: get some notes, read a little, take tests. Sometimes she tends to ramble, however everything she teaches is relevant and informative. Really nice lady-take this class!

She is AMAZING. Awesome prof, so excited about her subject, actually made ME care about politics! TAKE THIS WOMAN'S CLASS!!!

she has no structure and will never teach to the book. when reading the book along with other 4 classes, its hard to remember little facts. her test questions are very vague. lectures are interesting.not my extra credit. tests are very vague. reach each chapter 3 times at least. participate in class andin inline discussions.

Best at UCF!!! the class IS structured - just not like a High School course! She brings things to life with examples - funny, knows her stuff!!!!

I couldn't agree more - for me , I learned the most by listening to the examples. The course material worked out just like she said - the beginning linked to the end. a real TEACHER!

Her lectures are very interesting - maybe even fun to attend. However, i felt that every tests had a handful of questions that were either plain silly, or could be subjected to opinion or was worded in a unclear way. An A is still moderately easy to attain.

What a TEACHER!!! Cares more about student understanding ( not memorizeing) than any others I've had and - I really LEARNED. She's quirky, entertaining and knows her stuff, Take her!!!!

This professor is awesome! She really makes class fun, and her lectures are interesting. She always throws in jokes here and there, and they are all hilarious. Class consists of three tests, and extra credit which is 3 points added on to your final average. I always hated govt class, but in her class, it made me somewhat interested. TAKE HER!

Didn't want to take it, but ot turned out to be great. I actually learned and understood alot in the class. She's funy, really cares about the subject and her students!!!

The class was small enough that you had a surprising amount of student-teacher interaction. Her stories of the 60s and 70s are fascinating.

Great Professor her tests are HARD though! take lots of notes and go to class!!

Professor Benson is probably one of the best teachers I've had. She's definitely very in touch with what she's talking about and her curriculum in general. If you go to her office hours she tries her hardest to really help and be there for her students. I would say to absolutely take her class if you need POS 2041. She's awesome.

Good teacher.

I couln't disagreemore with the previous ratier.I haad an RST sectionas well and my ony regret is that I didn't take the lecture section so I could have had even more contact. Yes, she missed classes due to pneumonia, but she was more than fair in grading ( added points to tests, dropped questions that weren't covered etc.)

Great prof! She loves teaching and it shows. She really cares that students understand the material and was very helpful when I had questions. Definitely recommend her for this class!!!

I never ealized how much I didn't know until this class! Finally a class that makes it all clear and shows how really important the material is. Just follow instructions and you'll love her -does everything possible to help you if you ask for it

I'm not sure which classthe last poster is in, but I disagree!!!I believe the course has gone above my expectations. It's not just memorization. Class lectures and discusions have given me a greater understanding of everything

Ms. Benson is very cool. She's kinda stuck in the 70s but in a good way. She's very helpful and nice. She has a sarcastic sense of humor and truly loves this subject. The course was 90% online. The only reasons to go to class were to have an interesting discussion on whatever and to take the tests. Awesome class though. Definitely recommended.

read the syllabus and you will know exactly what you can expect from her and wht she expects from you. Goto class (lectures are informative and entertaining) and it's a breeze! Always willing to help if you bother to ask!

Great class! Professor Benson really knows and loves what she is teaching. I took her for a mixed mode class and ended with an A. Like she says the first day of class, you will have to work, but it is definitely not hard. Just read the chapters, do the discussion postings early, and go to class. Also, do the quizzes on the companion site!!!

The only thing that bothered me about Benson is that she would waste 20 minutes talking about how we had no time to discuss thing in a mixed-mode class EVERY TIME WE MET. She is REALLY long winded and easily distracted. She really cares about her subject and makes it interesting. I'd recommend her, but bring a book or something to class.

Class kind of hard but she is very passionate about the subject and is always willing to help. I never even took a gov't class in high school but I ended up with a A+. Just go to class and use the book's companion site and you should be fine.

Great teacher. TAKE THIS CLASS! She tries to teach objectively as well as she can. Tells you what tests are like (some from lecture and from online companion site ). Just show up and take notes. Gives extra credit on days lots of people don't show up for class. I highly reccomend taking her. I didn't like politics before this class now I love it.

Fantastic! best I've had in 2 years at UCF. If you don't care about the subject or expect to be taught for the test, don't take her. If you want to understand things,you can't do better

Great teacher!! took her for the summer and was great. Apart from the fact she is very nice, helpful and funny, she makes the subject interesting to learn. READ the chapters, follow the word list, take notes and GO TO CLASS.!! Catch my drift? (lol).

Awesome! knows and loves the material and teache with a passion. Great sense of humor too!!!

Yes, she is very funny and passionate about the material but you will have a LOT of work in this class and tests are a little hard. 3 tests with multiple choices and essays. She gives opportunity for extra credit but still a hard class with her. If you can take someone else for CON LAW.

Took for the POS 2041 and it was a very easy class as long as you go to class and read the chapters. Lectures stay interesting because she is very passionate and gives her own opinions. I advise taking this early morning though as the subject itself is rather dull at 9am.

Loved the class. It is difficult to be sure, but it's a 4000 level class! her passion for the material and sense of humor are catching. Prepare to actually Study and be treated like an adult. I learned a lot and plan to take C. L. II - just wish she taught that too.

She shows a hefty liberal bias in lectures. Very easy class. 5 total extra credit very possible, and 10% added via easy, easy pair of quizzes. 1st test was curved %8 pts and the next ones were about %4. Went to half of sessions and aced it. Study guide given for test - know that and your golden. She was extremely nice.

Amazing professor! I loved taking this class. She is very knowledgeable and very helpful to the students. She teaches very well and communicates the information clearly. Their were breifs for each class, she would randomly call on students to brief cases, and there were 3 exams. Would highly recommend her and would gladly take her again.

Hard class! Her tests are difficult because she gives you a list of a lot of words and you still have no idea what shes putting on the test. I always went to class but still had a hard time with her tests. couldnt get above a C!

Great class if you know how to think or care to. Interesting and not difficult at all if you attend class and read!

Both the hardest and best class I've had. Great teacher - funny, nice and super helpful! Material is difficult, but you will really learn! You earn your grade in this class

She was a good teacher, make sure to use the companion site and do the word list with time. 3 test 50 questions each. If you study and read the chapters you will be able to get a good grade on the class. Attendance is not mandatory, however I would not miss the class because notes are important.

Not an easy class by any means. She offer extra credit, definitely find the time to do it because it could make a HUGE difference in your final grade. Other than that there are 2 quizzes and 4 tests (she drops the lowest grade from these). Go to class because she references lectures on the test. She's helpful, but don't send e-mails, just go to her

I had Mrs. Benson my freshman year for 2041 and again last spring for 4603. I'm graduating this summer, but not without saying that she was the best teacher I"ve had at UCF. She really cares, knows her stuff and is always willing to help. She is " quirky" but in a very good way. It doesn't get any better!

Amazinggg teacher! Extremely understandbale and generous. She's like a modern day hippie :)

She has a great personality and is clear in her lectures. She keeps her lectures fun so it isn't hard attending class every time. You need to read the chapters and go to class but if you do that and study you will do fine. No tricks on tests just facts.

She's super fun and will hold your attention easily. She'll make you laugh. Hr test are straight forward and has no problem giving curve or admitting her mistakes and giving you extra point for it! SHE'S GREAT!

She is an AMAZING teacher! You will learn a lot from her. She is easy going and makes coming to class fun....never boring and likes to joke around with the students. Great teacher, I totally recommend her!

I can't believe the previous poster is in the same class I'm in! I totally disagree with those coments (to each his own I guess). All the others that I know in here have expressed how much they love her teaching and the class itself. There is NO grade invoving opinions = do you expext a copy of tests in advance in a 4000 level university class?

I'm a major, so I have had many great profs in the pol.sci. department, but she is definately one of the best. She teats you asa though you actually have a brain and are an adult!!

Looooove her. will easily keep your attention. very funny and opinionated, her tests are not very straightforward, you have to really think about the questions. otherwise an amazing teacher!

she missed many classes at times, which was aggervating. I also didnt like when she had the TA teach for her. the class isn't hard, it's pretty straight foreward.I did like the way she trated us like we were intelligent adults. She's slioghtly opinated but makes you think about politics in a way most haven't before. I would reccomend her.

Those who complain about her missing class may forget that she experienced two close family deaths ( including her mother)during the semester. She is an excellent teacher who truly cares about her students and their understanding of ccourse material! A bit eccentric but in a good way. I'd take her again if I wasn't graduating this spring

The class was fairly easy as long as you attended the lectures, took notes, and read the textbook. Overall the teacher was pretty laid back and helpful. She missed a couple of classes but for important and understandable reasons. the class was intriguing and became my favorite class. I love the class!

She explains lectures in an interesting way. The tests can be a bit tricky so make sure to take lots of notes. She usually does not round grades, but if you do all the extra credit and show that you care, she will.

As A a ploitical science major, I may have a bias here, but as Ms. Benson said in class, this course is no wqalk in the park. It was challenging, but her lectures were great, she always had time to talk with you if you had questions. I loved it and learned a lot! The "hot" rating is there, since for an "old Hippee" she still looks pretty good.

Interesting Lectures. Passionate educator. Very Liberal. Got a C in the Class. Tricky test questions. Quizs are easy 100s. Review session kind of helpful. Attendace required to do well. Also you read the whole book.

AMAZING TEACHER! Loves what she's talking about, knows all her information like the back of her hand, hilarious. Makes you interested in Government, I recommend it a thousand times over.

I was interested in this class anyway before I took it, but Benson is a good teacher, sometimes she gets rambling, but overall teaches what she needs to. You will need to at least skim the chapters because there is info in them that is tested. Drops the lowest test if you take the final! Three quizzes, lowest one dropped!

She is very energetic and passionate about the subject. She provides a word list for each of the three tests and if you stick to that, and read the book, you can get an A very easily. (You HAVE to buy the book, you will be lost without it.) She focuses more on understanding than memorizing, so the courses stays interesting and keeps you informed.

This is not an easy class but Mrs. B. makes it great! She tells you exactly what to expect on the first day of class and on the syllabus - BELIEVE it! She has an approach to teaaching that is truly reefreshing - relaxed funnny, articulte (she does "space out" on occassin but she's the first to laugh at herself) A real UNIVERSITY course!

I didn't think I'd enjoy this class as much as I did. She makes it understandable in ways you can relate to. The cases become more interesting than just text on a page. You do need to brief every case, but it gets easier. She will call on you in class, but she is not menacing! Great class. Take it for sure. (Even if she does rant on occasion).

Shes a very energetic and fun teacher. You have to stick to her word lists and read to get an A. I went to class occasionally and never read and I got a solid B.

I tokk pos 2041 from Mrs. Benson two years ago and 6603 ( Con. Law) from her last spring. I was amazed at how well she adapted her teaching fron a freshman class to a Jr./Senior class. She is fantastic!!! I would take any class she taught Tt's not easy, but if you follow her advice, see herif you have questions etc., you can't get better! she cares

Former hippie teaching con law, so lectures are hilarious. If you hate profs that go off on a tangent in lectures don't take her, but she's super nice, and doesn't pick on you if you're wrong when she calls on you. Tests are easy. Read the book, DO THE BRIEFS, and go to lecture.

I had no idea I would enjoy this class and I didn't expect to do well on it. But she's really cool and helpful. She gives you the word bank for all of her exams for extra help. I recommend filling it out along the way. Don't wait until the weekend before the exam like I did for the first one. Buy the book! I really learned a lot. Thanks Benson!

She is a highly educated woman that knows her stuff. She's a hilarious old hippie that says what's on her mind. Her class grading is simple to understand. NO ESSAYS. I didn't like that she expected us to teach ourselves certain things from the book, when it's her job to teach us. Just pay attention and take good notes and you can pull an easy B.

I really enjoyed going this class. Prof. Benson is a wonderful woman who speaks her mind and is always full of energy. The textbook is pretty useful, and there are several things that you will need to learn on your own time, so GET THE BOOK. All in all, its a great class, even if you're not very interested in government.

She was great! I loved her class! I'm not really interesting in Government, but she made it clear and understandable. I would definitely take her class again. She's fair and reviews tests before and after. She is very open to questions. Great teacher!!!

I took two classes that she teaches-2041 in 2009 and Constitinal Law this last fall. I'm amazed how she is able to understand the differences between the level of uderstanding between freshman and seniors and adjusts her teachng to each. She is GREAT! Just follow directions, understand the material and have a good sense of humor. She truly cares!

Nice lady willing to help but you must put in the work.....sylllabus doesnt have test dates on it, and you must complete the case briefs. Tests are difficult

I'm ayear late (I took her last spring) but she was great!!!! Really knew her stuff and made it easy to understand. I learned soooo much! She really cres about students and can be hilarious - great sense of humor

She is really intelligent and knows the material and will teach it well but you better be prepared to study. You need to take good notes and you HAVE to read the textbook. A pet-peeve of mine is that she's very opinionated and doesn't hold back, but I mean, hey she has every right to say whatever she wants. I don't regret taking this.

Professor Benson is incredibly knowledgable and truly wants her students to succeed. That being said, her Con Law class is not easy. You must work hard for your grade. Sometimes she goes off on a few too many tangents, but otherwise an excellent professor.

Mrs. Benson is so smart! She's an old hippy woman with a wonderful sense of humor. She doesn't take attendence, but her lectures are fabulous. She really knows her stuff. I'm so glad I took her class.

Great!!!!! Knows her stuff, funny and she really cares!

Professor Benson was really funny which made her class interesting. If you take good notes the tests shouldn't be hard and she gives a lot of opportunities for extra credit. Overall good experience. I would definetly recommend her!

Awesome professor! Funny, smart and very knowledgeable about the subject. (I took her for Con Law I). Her class isn't easy - you must memorize a lot of cases with specific detail. If you are expecting an easy A, stay away. She requires five case briefs, and there are four tests - she drops your lowest one, so if you do poorly on one don't sweat it.

I really enjoyed this class. Not especially interesting material but she is great at making the info relevant and intriguing. She really wants you to learn and think, rather than just regurgitate useless info. I barely studied and got an A. 3 tests, 2 quizzes, and an optional final as a grade boost. Overall very nice, entertaining, and considerate.

She is a very interesting women. Class is not mandatory but i found that the class is much easier if you go. The material is not very interesting but she makes it relevant. I definitely recommend her if you are looking for an easy GEP class.

You must read the book. She's a great professor who makes the material interesting. I would recommend taking her. I learned a lot. I read the book and took notes then went to class and took notes at the lectures. Listen closely to what she says in class and you'll do fine.

Had her for both the Intro and Con. Law and she's the best!! Just follow her syllabus, read the text and listen

Professor Cynthia Benson makes American Constitutional Law I very interesting and gives all a chance to participate. Besides her clear knowledge on the matter, she is a very sweet and approachable individual when she walks around campus with her rolling backpack. Unfortunately she does not teaches the sequel due to restrictions in her department.

I didn't have much interest in the course, but took it because I'd heard she was a good teacher from friends. They were right!! Great professor she cares about students and her subject and you have to understand not just memorize the material - a real "university" course. I learned more from her than I thought was possible!

If you only want to "get a grade" and not learn anything, don't take her. No home work and lots of grades to help you get by But if you want to actually understand things, she's the best, Funny, knowledgable and really cares about her students.

Course takes a lot of time and I was lost in the beginning. Mrs. Benson brings the class along so well that I've finally got it and her examples (not tangents) really helpedgreat topic and great teacher - she cares and is always there to talk to.

Definitely go to class if you want to do well in the class - all the notes are what you need to know for the test. But also read through the chapters, it clarifies a lot of things. Professor Benson has a great sense of humor & some stories. If you show up & pay attention, you can do well! She drops the lowest exam grade so I got to skip the Final.

She is a wonderful professor with priority being that her students perform well in what she is teaching. Genuinely cares about all of her students and how they do and she is always available to help. Attendance isn't mandatory, but it definitely helps because what she says ends up on tests sometimes. Reading the book is a MUST. Would take again!

Prof Benson is a good teacher, attendance isn't mandatory but the test is from the book and her lectures. I took her over the summer and the only grades we had were the 3 test she gave us. She is helpful if you ask and tries to make class interesting. Just go to class and read the book and you'll be fine.

The Best!!! A real TEACHER!!!

She was great and very helpful. She also made it very interesting. I had her during the presidential election and she treated us like we actually mattered!

She's funny, but her lectures tend to be very boring even if she puts a humorous spin on it--not to mention her notes are really unorganized. The fact that there was no homework did not motivate me to study for tests. She throws out questions if a lot of people miss them, though.

She is so funny! A great teacher. Her lectures tend to be a bit off topic at times, but are definitely important if you want to get an A. I skipped my classes in the beginning, and got a C on the first test. When I started going to class i got an A, without studying at all. Such an easy class, seriously take her!

I love hr. She's never off topic - she elaborates with stories and examples. She always gives students the benefit of the doubt and you can tell she really cares that we learn. I'm a sophomore and she is the bes real "teacher" I've had so far

Course was recommended by a friend and I'm so glad I listened. I first thought it would too hard, but Mrs. Benson takes you trough it one step at a time She was great!!! funny, knows the subject and I really feel like I LEARNED a lot. She's the bst!

One of the best at UCF. She truly cares that you understand - a real teacher. Funny, knows her stuff!!!

Professor Benson is a really nice woman who genuinely cares about her students and making Con. Law as easy to learn as possible. My only complaint is that her political views (She's quite liberal) often get in the way of her teaching the material.

I'm a graduating Pol. Sci. major and Mrs. Benson is one of the best profs. I've had. She makes a difficult course understandable, has a great sense of humor and never talks down to her students. She loves to teach, it shows and she's great at it!

This teacher really knows how to teach and does not assign homework though you do need to read the book. Highly recommend coming to class because test questions are similar to what she talks about in class. Her lectures are always interesting and made government enjoyable for me. Show up, listen, take notes, and read and its an easy A.

Highly recommend!!!! Go to class because test and quiz questions are similar to what she talks about in class. Show up, listen, take notes, and read and its an easy A.

Older hippie, great sense of humor, great orator. A bit of a libertarian bias that will show in her test questions, but other than that very unbiased. Textbook borderline useless, just look up vocab terms online. Very simple. No classwork/homework. Only the quizzes and tests.

She is an amazing and a hilarious professor! attendance is not mandatory but she gives a lot of hints as to what is going to be on the exam and does not tell you when she collects briefs so its better to go! ! She collects 5 briefs and any other briefs that are collected are extra credit and can go towards tests. Drops lowest test grade!

Love Prof Benson! She's amazing and hilarious! Highly knowledgeable, plus adds her personal experiences. You leave the class knowing so much more than when you came in. Tests are super easy! Highly recommend going to class since she gives hints, recommend outlining the chapters of the book with the outline of topics she gives. Would take her again!

Really good teacher. Good sense of humor, helpful, and nice. She made the class super interesting by adding personal stories and some of her own experiences to certain topics. Attendance isn't mandatory but its recommended since she gives out hints to the test in class. Also read the book, its really helpful to understanding her lectures!

This was my first year at college, and I was honestly disappointed with some of my class choices: chemistry, algebra, really boring classes. But if there was one saving grace for my very first semester, it was taking her class. You are never bored, she tells you what's going to be on the test, she rarely lectures to the end, EXTRA CREDIT! TAKE HER!

Read the portions of the textbook she asks you to read, take good notes in class, and you should get an A. she doesn't give any papers. and she also gives you a term list for each test that tells you exactly what you need to know for that test.

NOT AN EASY "A"! Come to class every time, be involved, look her in the eyes, take good notes, and supplement with some reading. If you don't come to class, be prepared to read the chapters she assigns. She is very old school: No powerpoints, notes on slides on the projector, no electronics whatsoever. SILENCE YOUR PHONES. She goes on tangents.

Best class so far at UCF

Very difficult. You'll have to write a ton of briefs and study hard for the tests, but you'll definitely learn a lot. She really knows her stuff and she can explain things clearly; she also happens to be hilarious, adding interest to what could easily be a boring class. The extra credit opportunities make it very possible to get an A.

Benson is straightforward. I took this "upper-level" course beginning of my sophomore year and got an A. It's not as intimidating as she makes it sound. She is extremely helpful and gives a lot of hints to exam questions during lectures. GOING TO CLASS IS A MUST! I wish she taught more upper level courses because she is absolutely wonderful

Super easy class! Professor benson is hilarious and very interested in government. Take her!

Professor Benson is one of the greatest professors at the school. For Con Law you must show up ever day and DO THE BRIEFS! This is where you can score a lot of extra credit! She will also give you a "Cough, Cough" or "Wink, Wink" or "Eye Twitch" write this down! It will be on the exam. Pay special attention to the person who wrote the case too.

I have no idea who posted below, but their opinion was not shared by anyone I knew. I had been told by others to take her and they were right. She's great!! She doesn't give exceptions to class requirements - maybe that's what happened to the poster below - and she said "no". That's just a guess. I'm a sophomore and this has been my favorite class

I'm a nursing major and needed this class for GED course and I got an A. If you go to class and read the book with emphasis on the terms she gives you then you will pass. her in-class notes help a lot but class is not completely terrible because she tells a lot of entertaining stories.

Benson is on my favorite teachers so far. Wish I could take her again. Lectures easy to follow. Although some test might have been challenging, if you study the briefs, keep up with her "coughs" during class, you will not regret taking this class

She's absolutely fantastic. She makes the lectures interesting and often talks about things the book wouldn't cover. I almost switched my major to something law or government related because of her.

I thought the class was going to very boring but it was very interesting. THis was the only class where we actually discussed the issues going on around the world. It sometimes even took up the whole class. Definitely a class I will remember for the rest of my life . Never even bought a textbook

She's a great professor who's very knowledgeable with very easy tests. Three tests with an optional final, three quizzes with the lowest one being dropped.

If you go to class and listen and do you homework you will do alright. But you need to study outside of class to do well in the class. One of my favorite professors I have ever taken. Definitely would recommend taking this class or any of her classes she offers. She will help you if you go talk to her

I took Professor Benson's class over the summer and found it extremely interesting and just the right amount of challenging. Attendance is definitely mandatory, as she tests heavily on lecture material, but class is more than worth it with her personal anecdotes and encouragement for debate and student input.

BEST prof I've ever had. Con Law I is easy... if you put in a little effort. All you have to do is keep up to date with readings and cases and you WILL get an A. DO ALL YOUR BRIEFS and you'll get extra credit. She doesn't use slides or a white board so you have to pay attention, but she's so engaging that it's hard not to. 4 tests, top 3 grades.

She is nice but gets carried away and repeats herself a lot lol. Go to class, take notes, and do the word list before the test and you'll get a good grade. 3 tests with an optional final, 3 quizzes one is dropped, and she gives extra questions on the quizzes, and she throws away a question or 2 on the tests.

This is my first semester in college, but she is definitely the best professor that I have so far. She cares about actually getting her students to learn, and she makes the class super fun! She's witty and engaging. I definitely recommend taking her courses.

Great teacher. Show up to class, take notes, study before the test and you're good. I took this class in my first semester in college and it was a relieving class to have. She never gives out homework. She likes to talk about current events and cares about her students. Drops your lowest quiz and lowest test grade. Wish she taught more classes.

relatively old and outdated professor; cares about her students and how much they actually get out of the class; grade is 3 quizzes and 4 tests (3 tests and 1 final) but the lowest quiz grade is dropped and the lowest test grade (or final grade) is dropped; only learning material is lectures that aren't posted online; I would definitely recommend

Pretty funny but tend to repeat stories a couple of times. attendance isn't mandatory but the tests and quizzes are based off her lectures so make sure you have the notes.

Not a bad teacher. Loves to talk about current events. Test are based on what she lectures, as well as material in the book. Do not expect powerpoint slides, she projects her notes.

Took American Government in High School the year before so most of the material was similar. Shes a bit old fashioned with her teaching, I.E projected notes and all content is derived from her lectures. I would highly recommend showing up to class. Take decent notes and read the chapters if you miss. Tests are easy and multiple choice. Take her

Really friendly and informative professor, but certainly not an easy A. You have to stay on top of your reading- she assigns a substantial case load than what you may be used to, but she teaches with a purpose and not just "busy work". I received a 96 in the class because I turned in all of the briefs and received extra credit.

Had Prof. Benson for American Gov't freshman year and Constitutional Law I & II my senior year (1990-91). She was great back then, too!

I took American National Government, and I served as Professor Bensons TA (Supplemental Instructor). I will say she is one of the best educators I have ever met. She has the unique ability to breakdown complex topics and concepts so that anyone regardless of background can understand and retain the information. Definitely take any of her classes.