Easiest A ever. Out of 100 points, you need a 87.5 to get an A, and on top of that, he offers up to 14 points of xtra credit. Not to mention before the exams, he gives you the essay questions to prepare ahead of time. You have to work to NOT get an A here

Very easy teacher, all you have to do is show up. He gives you a study guide of what to prepare for on tests and gives you a chance to turn in extra credit work. You can aim for an "A" or just show up and get a "C".

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I had this professor for poli sci 2 and 7 over the summer. At first, the class was very hard and confusing. We had two papers and three exams. He is very strict about eating and other stuff, but as long as you show respect, he will take notice. I got 2 As

this teacher is so boring you might fall asleep. But the truth is that this may very well be the easiest A you will get at this school. so if you can stay awake you will get the grade. I gurantee you

The teacher appreciates those that study hard and are committed. He's very organized and particular. The material is exciting; however, he is an extremely boring speaker. To maintain an interest, one needs to be self-motivated.

this is a great class with a great teacher, i highly recommend this course.

Prof: Chalala is a master of middle /E Politics. He teach from passion and authority. You got to pay attention in class, show respect and do all.all your assignments and you have an A. If you cant learn from Chalala..something is up with you>

Boy does he know what he is talking about when it comes to the Middle East! Ask him anything on politics or even artistic subjects concerning the Middle East and he will give you a rich, detailed answer. He encourages questions, so go for it. Unfortunately, he is not clear about what will be on t

He is breath of fresh air for people who want fair, unbiased lessons. He is sympathetic to some more liberal views but manages the class well and is respectful, fair, and honest. I highly reccoment him for people who are tired of listening to their professors preach from on high.

He is old school. Lectures with lots of facts and information. Tends to allow a decent amount of discussion and doesn't push a view. Just the facts. Take him if you just want to get in, learn, and get out. It you want to have your views reinforced then take someone else.

If you take PS1, go for it.I recommend to take it short sems.5 quizes as extra credits and 3 exams(2 mutiplechoice;1 final which is 5 short essays-EASY!)and one resarch essay(free topic)all quizes/exams are straightfoward.I'm Int'l student but got an A. grading not too bad at all; he is super smart!

he is the best

a good teacher. easy test. very clear in his lectures. but booorrring. If you are narcoleptic dont take this class. But if not have fun.

WTF? I think he fell asleep before i did!

I learned alot in this class and am taking his other classes. His lectures are straight forward, he's easy to understand, although he speaks softly, and his exams are also straight forward. He allows for lively debate but is still in control of the class. He offers extra credit quizes, which help boost your grade..

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GREAT CLASS. Not the most charismatic character at SMC; however, possibly one of the most intelligent. Take him. He offers night courses. Take "1","2","7", or "14." I took him for "2" half a year ago, only to dislike him. However, after reflecting on what I had learned I concluded that he was GREAT. Not the easiest, but you will learn.

I was dreading this class but as it turns out... I really enjoyed the lectures: discussions were interesting and I got to learn about current issues in world politics. Tests were not the easiest, but the research papers were a great opportunity to learn. Mr Chalala is a friendly giant and really helpful. I would certainly take him again.

Elie Chalala is very funny and incredibly smart. Don't mistake kindness for weakness--Show this man respect.

A very intelligent man. Knows the material, integrates a lot of current world events with otherwise boring book material. Gives 2 mutiple choice and 2 subjective short answer exams. Also 2 research papers. Allows for class discussions and questions. Seemingly serious, and distant but after a couple lectures you realize he's a friendly guy.

such a great professor, he is very helpful.lotta chances for extra credits.he is clear. don't rely on the syllabus. you need to read the book. overall very good professor.

One of the BEST teachers I've ever met at SMC. Incredibly intelligent, keeps you up to date, and knows a ton about EVERYTHING. On top of that, if you take the time to get to know him, he is kind, caring and very sweet.

Adorable. Knowledgeable as hell.

He is smart, nice and boring at times. Comparative politics is his field and i heard that he doesn't enjoy foreign relations as much. Take Chalala for Pol2 and Buckley for Pol 7 and 1. Tests were easy. Gives xtra credit. Unbiased. Read the book.

love this Professor. A scholar! Attendance in class a must.

This man knows what he is talking about. He is very good at what he does and is good at answering questions. Pays attention to students, responds promptly to emails. Don't plan on ditching his class though, his lectures are very relevant to tests and quizzes. Good teacher, nice man.

i loved this professor. he's one of the most intelligent i've had. his lectures are clear and interesting, and he's so insightful. there are quizzes for extra credit, a couple tests , and a paper. take this guy!

The man is a true scholar. He prints out all the notes for you so you don't have to write them down. There are 5 extra credit multiple choice quizzes. His exams are extremely reasonable and don't have anything unexpected on them. Read the book though in order to do better on the exams, since a lot of the questions are from it. Easy class.

Professor Chalala is very fair and knowledgeable. Lectures are based on the textbook and outside articles. All the lectures are done by power point and also provided in class. All the quizzes are extra credit and all of the exams are fair. Go to class and read the book for a guaranteed A. Participate too, the man is hilarious.

Very knowledgeable and nice guy,but absolutely no interaction with the class, no group projects or in class discussions; only lectures. If that works for you, take him and you'll learn. But you're honestly better off buying the book and reading it on your own.

Too much material in too short a time frame. Very difficult grader on essays. Not a good experience, take someone else.

Professor Chalala is an interesting man...He knows his stuff and wants you to know it too. 2 Mid terms and final. YOU MUST READ THE TEXTBOOK. Do not think his in class lectures cover everything. Also be a strong writer who can write 2 essays in 2 hours. Attendance is mandatory otherwise you will be dropped, he is not kidding. Good guy.

Follow these steps: DoNot cut class, be late, txt, or ask stupid questions. When you participate by answering his questions, you had better be 95% sure you are correct or get verbally smackdown. This class is Hard and requires EFFORT. Presentations/lectures are very clear and concise but he won't help you if you have difficulty in class. Good Luck.

Easy... I took chalala for PS 2,7, 14 and all three classes were easy, I can't see why people complain about chalala, if you study you'll get an A and if you don't you'll get a B.

He's strict in class, nice in person, and the best Poli Sci professor I've had. Very fair in grading, offers extra credit quizzes, gives clear, thorough lectures (and prints them out for you to take notes on!) I learned a lot so I don't know why people complain. His Lebanese accent is fine and isn't any harder to understand than Berman's accent...

Make sure you attend class, listen attentively, study the handouts until you know the info like the back of your hand, and read the textbook. If you do all that, you'll get at least a 'B.' If you choose not to, it's just your fault and your fault only.

DONT ARRIVE LATE TO CLASS!he gets really annoying if you do.overall really intelligent guy,his accent is not hard to understand,and has a better vocabulary than most of class combined.read read read the textbook whatever is in the notes will be there,and def uses specific info from book on the tests.can have an attitude,but u def learn in his class

Very straightforward guy. He's pretty strict and has his set rules, if you follow them you'll be fine. He knows a lot about the Middle East and I learned so much from him. If you take notes and pay attention in class, you'll pass the tests no problem. Lots of extra credit quizzes which help your grade. Pretty easy class if you show up

Very good professor. His lectures can get very boring but he knows all his stuff. You really need to keep up with the notes and make sure you take the time to learn what he's talking about (everything in the middle east can sound confusing or the same, haha). Other than that, the class is interesting and you can learn from him if you pay attention!

Great Class, Great Professor. Took him twice for two separate classes and once again was phenomenal. class out of 110 possible pts, 88=A, 78=B etc... extra credit comes in 5 pop quizes, 3 test, 2 essays. super easy, learn a lot, take him now!

He's very intelligent guy. Getting an A in the class is obtainable as long as you keep up with the reading and study everything on the handouts he gives out each class. Seriously everything. He doesn't like tardiness and will stop to address to you the importance of being on time. Overall its a great class to take if your into Political Science.

He's a good guy, passionate about teaching. He gives you an entire 8% extra credit opportunities, and simply expects you to keep up with the reading. He basically gives you the answers to all the tests in worksheets, and has an optional final review session. Pay some form of attention, and read every now and then, you'll pass with a B like I did.

Honestly, Just do the readings and pay attention in the lectures (which may be a challenge to some) and you'll do fine. Looking around the class during his lectures, I noticed that most people were bored. His class is very Theory-Heavy, but if you like these kinds of things, then you'll learn a lot. I certainly did. He has some anger issues though.

Took pol 14 got an A, taking pol 7 now. Great professor. I care about my grade but what I care more about is to learn politics and he is the only one who can teach you real politics.5 quizzes considered as extra credit(2 points each)3 tests 1st Multiple choice 2nd Multiple choice and one essay question final Multiple choice and 2 essay question.

Prof. Chalala is highly intelligent, with vast knowledge of the Middle East. Was initially very intimidated by his strict manner, but grew to enjoy his class. Heavy on the theory, and not the most dynamic lectures, but a very fair and generous professor. Show interest and respect, be on time and study outside of class and you'll reap the benefits.

took 14, 7. 4 quizzes 2 points each as an extra credit.1st exam 20% (100 m/c). 2nd exam 30% (50 M/c and 1 essay question). 3rd exam 40% (100 m/c and 2 essay questions).10% 2 assignments.I wish that I didn't open my mouth in 2012 when I took pol 14 I made a mistake but people change and their political view also change overtime. People change!