Very thorough, difficult only if you fall behind.

Hard teacher, but very knowlegable. Makes to stay after the exam. Takes attendance. Loves to hear himself talk (and admits it). Bland humor.

Great Teacher makes you use your brain and your writing skills.

He is a very hard professor but he is always willing to help students. He is a brilliant and an inteliigent professors who make use of hard words and makes you read a really really hard book that no 1 can understand.

He is def boring and arrogant. However he knows his stuff. Explains everything but just take good notes. Tests are fill-in blank, multi-choice, short answer and then 2 essays. If you take good notes and study it should be no problem. And one 10 page paper u have to write.

Great "teacher" very informative no more that 1 a each semester, he is one of the ones behind revamping princeton's new grading policy. He was the most imformative teacher i've had but I wouldn't take him again because he is a ****

He is very smart and I find him very amuzing to listen to. He has a dry sense of humor which I always find entertaining! The material is rather boring but he makes it intereting and he is always available for office hours and responds to emails in a timely fashion!

He is a very good teacher, and although i am not doing great in his class i have learned quite a bit.

Prof. Ricketts kept me laughing for 3 hours! He is extremely knowledgeable and brilliant. He encourages you to come into his office anytime. Great professor!

He is an aquired taste. If you have an ounce of maturity you'll get on fine.

I enjoyed his sense of humor, though it's not for everyone. He explained the material well, though he sometimes had a tendency to repeat himself. If you hate to read and write, not only should you not take this class but you should consider avoiding political science and history for the remainder of your college experience.

He's an original. Doesn't try to be hip or well liked, and that's what makes him so appealing. Give him a try.

I dont know about anyone else, but I actually really liked this guy. He gets a little slow sometimes, but****, who doesnt?! He made me laugh every single class and thats not easy. Its hard, and a lot of work, and i failed anyways, but**** I had fun failing.

If you've got an ounce of maturity you will see that this man is a good teacher. He is unique to say the least, but that's what makes him so funny. He reminds me of someone out of a movie...I wish I could remember, but he really is a nice man.

This guy is a good teacher, and he knows his stuff. One of the smartest people I have met in my life. If you want challenge take his classes. I found them damn near impossible... and I'd like to think I have some brains. Good class though, great sense of humor.

His exams are straight forward and are based off his lectures. If you study (I would recom. flash cards), you'll do fine. If you don't study, then. well, you can guess what happens. His lectures tend to be somewhat long and tedious (unless you have a high interest in the topics). I woudl recommend taking the class in two day segments, if possible.

Extremely knowledgable. Difficult and definately pushes students above and beyond the standard. Makes corny jokes but a good teacher. If you want a good grade in his course you have to WORK for it. Dont take more than one of his classes at a time and try to take it on 2 days. International relations for 3 hrs kills you

The most challenging professor I've had, but I thought it was a good thing - it felt like an actual college level class. He has been teaching forever so he really knows what he's talking about, and he talks. A lot. You will definitely come out of his class knowing how to take extensive notes. Overall I think he's great.

Have to read "History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire": 760+ pgs, wordy & must write 6 summaries on it--REQUIRED for course, though don't count toward grade. Course tough. Strict grader, quirky, but good guy w/genuine concern for students. Clear about things, but have to listen, and make sure to take more notes than he writes on board.

Not a bad guy. It was harder work than my other classes, but I really didn't think he was unreasonable or insane or anything. Only take his class if you're genuinely interested. NOT the class to take to fill the general humanities requirement. I would probably take a class of his again.

The prof is not that bad, he is a walking encyclopedia! He is probably one of the smartest teacher I have ever had but also one of the hardest. This is not an easy A class or B for that matter. You have to pay attention from the get go and really take good notes because the tests are based on your NOTES. You have to put the time in this class.

The prof is not that bad, he is a walking encyclopedia! He is probably one of the smartest teacher I have ever had but also one of the hardest. This is not an easy A class or B for that matter. You have to pay attention from the get go and really take good notes because the tests are based on your NOTES. You have to put the time in this class.

International Relations... Kinda quirky, funny in a dorky way. Really smart, but gets off-track a lot (usually interesting, though). The tests are a little spastic, and the essays are really hard, but really really interesting. Really great if you're into the subject matter, a little tricky if you're walking into the class totally clueless.

Professor Ricketts is a very smart man. He knows his stuff and seems to not use notes at all. His class is completely lecture and does not really involve any discussion. The book is not used and if you listen to him and take good notes you should get a good grade. The tests are mostly short answer. He was overall an average teacher.

Very interesting lectures, although often off topic, and all tests are based completely on notes. His assignments are just too much - more than 100 pgs of reading from the most boring book I've ever touched. He says its good for you, probably is. Tough love...

Professor Ricketts is very smart, though he often says he has no idea what he is talking about. While the book is a good read, it's useless for this course since all tests are based off notes and in-class lectures. You also have to read and write summaries on the history of Rome, and there is a term paper or book review due as well. Hard, but good.

Upon reading the previous reviews, I assumed his intro class would be terrible on all levels. Although his exams and assignments were challenging (so what this is college...)his lectures were informing, and fascinating. Also his exams were based right off class notes. Guy is funny, and a walking encyclopedia...Highly recommended.

This was the best prof. I had last semester. He was a bit difficult, but he was the only guy yet who really taught me anything.

Very good professor. One of my best ever.

A brilliant professor, from whom if you are willing you will learn very much. He knows his subject perfectly understand Latin and expects you to do your work. After all this is college. His tests are centered around the class notes and reinforced by the book, however if you are good at lectures you wont need the book.

I really like this professor. He really knows his stuff, and once you get to know him he's nice. He doesn't use the text books, except for the Federalist. Only buy that one. He's great about taking late assignments. I didn't find his tests to be too difficult, but it's tough to figure out what to study.

Awesome teacher. Moderate to difficult work load. (6 pain in the butt summaries of an unrelated history book), but other than that no complaints. Learned ALOT.

Hard teacher, but this is college - what do you expect? Extra credit assignments are for middle school students, high school at best. In college, we're all adults - it's OUR responsibility to see that we pass the class, not the teacher's! Kudos to teachers who still have standards and don't cater to whiners. In a job, attendance is mandatory!

Sorry everyone this class is not and easy A. But mr Ricketts is a beast and awesome. You will take a lot of notes and his test are all off his "notes". So if you write exactly what he puts on the board and actually study you should pass all his tests. Mr. Ricketts is so funny and extremelly helpful. If you ever have a question he will answer it.

This is one of the hardest classes I've ever taken in College. Ricketts is a nice guy but you really have to work your ass off to do well in this class. Don't even dare missing one of his classes, you could be potentially dropping a letter grade off of your next test. Once again, he is VERY TOUGH. Stay FAR AWAY from this class if you are a slacker.

Ignore the bitter comments, these are obviously from people who refused to put work into the class and were angry when they didn't get a good grade. If you are a hard worker you will do fine in this class and you will come out with a lot of interesting knowledge. Glenn Ricketts is a brilliant man! Just realize this is a very tough class.

Yes, this class is difficult but if you put in an effort you will pass. Professor Ricketts is a nice guy and will go out of his way to help students understand material He is funny in a quirky way and is extremely smart. The required book review is an unpleasant 7 pages but this is college. Overall this class is challenging but you will learn alot

Recommended. Pros: Organized, intelligent, humble, great storyteller (reenacted Shays' Rebellion), makes cute jokes & lapses n2 Jimmy Cagney impersonations. Any1 interested n politics will b rewarded. Explains both sides to every story. Cons: Doesn't go over exams- expects u2 prioritize his lessons- take thoro notes on main ideas & use flashcards!

He makes sure students understand the lesson material, if they take the initiative to ask questions. Mr. Ricketts is very strict about grading, especially with writing assignments, but that makes the student an even better writer and test-taker in the end. He may be a tough teacher, but he is by far one of the best I had. Loved the class.

He is always willing to answer questions, if students take the initiative to. He is strict with grading, especially with writing assignments, but this just makes the student a better writer/test taker in the end. College isn't 13th grade, so expect to be challenged. Mr. Ricketts was an extremely tough professor, but amazing. I loved his class.

Recommended. Pros: Organized, intelligent, humble, great storyteller (reenacted Shays' Rebellion), makes cute jokes & lapses n2 Jimmy Cagney impersonations. Any1 interested n politics will b rewarded. Explains both sides to every story. Cons: Doesn't go over exams- expects u2 prioritize his lessons- take thoro notes on main ideas & use flashcards!

lectures.. but not really about anything that you need to know for the exams.. although his lectures will keep you entertained.. you have to teach mosst of the material to yourself by reading the text book. you are also required to read and summarize a book throughout this course which is a pain. but besides that hes not too bad.

He is by the far the most difficult professor I have ever dealt with. You will learned a lot though. Take good notes and go see him when you don't understand something. He will answer you questions through email or in person. Just don't take him if you're a slacker because you will fail. Stay away from him unless you're a major in global politics.

Really good professor. Initially comes off as harsh but has a very dry sense of humor. Get his humor and you'll understand his underlying humanity. All exams taken from notes so attendance is extremely important. Study notes and use text as a back-up. I like him but the semester project is horrible but an easy way to increase your grade.

A scholar and intellectual of the old school. Not an easy class at all but he's knowledgeable, informative, and professional. Best for those who really care about the subject matter. He's everything a college professor should be.

Great teacher! I have taken additional classes that he teaches for fun. Classes are difficult, but if you do some time working on the assignments you'll be fine. Tests are based almost 99% on what he writes on the board. No trouble getting an A.

Great teacher. He expects effort on your part, and with some work it's a pretty easy A.

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this class. Professor Ricketts truly loves what he does and it is evident in his lectures. The class can be challenging at times but for those who value an education over an easy grade...this professor is for you.

An awesome professor, I learned a lot.

I DISAGREE with the other reviewers on here. Yes, Prof. Ricketts is a hard grader BUT he gift wraps the answers directly to you! If you make flash cards and actually STUDY a decent amount of time you will get the grade! I did not get lower than 91s on all my tests! He is a great teacher who will help you. I would recommend this class to anyone!

Funny and eloquent. WORK. But worth it. Overall, loved the class... exams are a mix of open ended and multiple choice. STUDY. NOT AN EASY A.

Ricketts is a great teacher who seems very well informed and knowledgeable about what he teaches. Not the easiest class in the world but is not even remotely hard. If you are a good worker and study well, you should pass this course with no difficulty.

Prof Rickets is the kind of guy you want to be educated by. If youre not serious about school or want an easy A this class is not for you. However, if a decent amount of effort is put forth an A can come from this class. I would recommend taking a class from Professor Ricketts, the guy is a genius.

Take notes on whatever he says, study those notes and you'll do fine. The class is all lecture based, with a few short assignments now and then. He is a very polite, formal guy and will not hesitate to help you, you just have to ask. The class really is not tough if you just pay attention. Ignore all the bad reviews, it's a good class.

Fantastic professor who is very enthusiastic. Has some interesting quirks but by far the best teacher I have had at RVCC thus far. I think he is a reasonable grader and the HW is farily light. He assigns readings which are extremely helpful for the tests but he does not give quizes so you do not have to read them. He deserves a high rating.

His classes are short so he starts his lectures immediately, expect to learn he is very knowledgeable and is interesting. This is college so expect to work, however he is not nearly the toughest most burdensome teacher I've had.

This professor absolutely deserves a higher rating. He is incredibly well-versed in the subject, and is exactly the type of instructor that history professors should model themselves after. He is very professional, while strictly keeping his opinions out of the subject matter. The lectures are broken down very easily. Pay attention, work for an A

One of the best professors I've ever had the pleasure to be taught by, either in the U.S. and overseas. This is the type of education you might expect at college level and not the dominant mediocrity of most of the classes in U.S. colleges. He's exactly what a university professor is supposed to be: smart, verse in the subject , strict and sharp.

I'm seeing quite a few sour grapes reviews on this page. Professor Ricketts taught my International Relations class, and he was easily one of the best teachers I've had at RV or elsewhere. He's an old-school academic, so show up to class and remember that your lecture notes will be your lifeline. Study & do the readings. If you do, you're good.

Prof Ricketts can be difficult at times, however, his lectures are very interesting to listen if you're interested in political science and foreign affairs. He knows the subjects extremely well and is very educated. There are only a few homework assignments, however, they may take a while to complete as they involve some reading.

Best professor at RV. He is evidently passionate about the subject, and teaches you a lot without making it overly difficult. He gave a few quizzes and one out-of-class essay. Getting an A was straightforward: just pay attention, do the homework, and take notes.

I enjoyed Professor Ricketts's class. He lectures for most of the class period, but they're entertaining. Pay attention to what he writes on the board and take good notes. Don't put off the semester project, especially if you choose to do the research paper. The federalist readings are hard, but he goes over them in class. Interesting course

He is INCREDIBLY knowledgeable in his field (it's astounding how much info lives in his head). Requires 300 pg biweekly reading (ungraded ugh!). Be warned, Gibbon reading material is dense! Sometimes the lecture notes won't be enough for the tests so read the textbook! Is open to dialogue/questions & is impressively unbiased. Tough class for intro!

I was skeptical about Ricketts considering the negative reviews he had. Its true hes all lectures but his lectures are always interesting. Ricketts is very well informed and unbiased when lecturing. He always has interesting stores to tell when lecturing. Only 5 grades through the semester, 3 tests, a book report or research paper and the final.

Everyone who is complaining about bathroom/devices is 100% right, he doesn't like people leaving class and he doesn't allow any electronics (laptops, phones) during class. He lectures the whole time too. He can get a little repetitive sometimes sometimes in the lectures, but if you take notes and do the reading/summary assignments it's not too bad.

I took his American Government class back in the Spring of 2012. Class was difficult at first but if you study what he writes on the board youll do fine. I ended up with a C because I wasnt serious at first. Failing the fist exam was a huge wake up call. After that I put my head in the game and was determined to pass. Thats what you need do.

Pay attention to lectures and notes. He gives very interesting lectures and is extremely knowledgeable.

If you really enjoy political science and history, then you'll enjoy this class to some extent. However, if these subjects aren't your bread and butter, you may struggle in this class. Professor Ricketts is a very traditional lecturer and harsh grader, especially compared to other professors at RVCC. Pay attention to his lectures and you'll be ok.