Hard class but I learned a lot! She really wants you to learn and helps you understand so you actually do understand it and get a good grade in the process.

tough class, but appropriate for upper level. she really knows her stuff and is very interesting. go to her office hours and have her read your papers to do well.

Prof. Tafel knows her stuff. Class is hard, map quizes every week, mid-term is a hard, and 2 take home essay tests. Expects class participation, she talks very fast. Visit her office for advise on take home essays to get a good grade.

Very knowledgeable/intelligent. She can come off as intimidating but that’s only bc she really wants her students to do well. Tafel is very sincere/serious about her students success. She is pretty funny once you get to know her.

Excellent Professor...knows what she is talking about, not just reading it out of a book. Be ready to work hard for her...A's don't come easy

One of the best professors at GVSU, I've had her 3 times (PLS 221, 282, 339). Suggest you take 221 before/concurrent 282 or 339. High expectations, quick talker. Very funny, VERY concerned with helping students do well. Visit her office hours.

Tafel is the best poli sci prof at GVSU right now. She is challenging but her STUDY QUESTIONS outline EXACTLY what she wants you to know, if you do the readings, which at times can be challenging you will do fine and enjoy the class. She's great!

Very difficult class, be prepared to work. Her study questions are very good, if you do your reading and answer the questions, you should be good. A TON of reading though. Again, only take this class if for whatever reason you want to work really hard.

She's hilarious and a fantastic prof. She outlines everything you need to know to do well in her class in her discussion questions. All you have to do is do the readings and answer the discussion questions. If you don't do the readings, though, she'll know and she'll call you out.

A lot of reading expected, discussion questions do help guide it though. Very helpful and willing to help out of class. Make the effort, ask questions and you will be fine. Have her read essays BEFORE handing in final copy.

It was a hard and demanding class but I LEARNED so much and that is what we are in college for right. She is a great prof. and VERY helpful and willing to help to. Take her any chanch that you get, you will not be sorry.

Very helpful, the readings are long but not that boring, make sure you read

She lays out explicitly at the very start of the semester what is required-- do it and you'll get the equal grade. The subject matter is fascinating, and she is incredibly learned and passionate. Some found the class boring; it is because the did not do the readings or engage the material.

Her class is in no way easy, if you aren't good at political science don't take it. There is a LOT of reading and she is a very difficult grader. However, she is always willing to talk to students outside of class, and you will learn a lot if you are willing to do the work that she asks if you.

Tons of readings. Not for those looking for an easy elective

A lot of reading, class is a lot of work and she makes no bones about it. If you go in she will help you A LOT on writing assignments. Getting a poor grade on those is your own fault, see her and she will help you. Any one who says she is not helpful never went in and asked for help.

People who went into this class expecting to get an easy A and talk about international politics are idiots. IR is theoretical and political science in general requires lots of reading and good writing skills. If you don't want to work hard and learn, what is the point of taking the class?

This class is hard, but it doesn't make the professor bad. It makes me mad that people judge a professor based on their grade in the class. Professors who don't let you off easy allow you to grow. Professor Tafel is an excellent teacher. Just be prepared to work hard and learn a ton.

If you want an A, work hard, do the reading, and GO SEE HER DURING OFFICE HOURS. She is so helpful during office hours its almost ridiculous.

Professor Tafel rocks.

Tafel is an awesome professor. The writing assignments are tough, but she will help you like crazy if you go to her office hours.

She is Awesome

I'm not a very good writer and I didn't know anything about IR when I started this class, and it is very hard, but I learned more than I ever expected and got a lot better at writing papers. Her class was hard but worthwhile.

PLS is freakin' easy. People that whine about classes requiring work shouldn't be in college. I'm the laziest person I know but I don't blame the teacher for it. Tafel kicks ass. Some people think she is intimidating; she is young, female and intelligent. What's scary about that? Take her if you like to be challenged and treated as an equal.

One of my favorite professors to date. She is very intelligent and knew what she was teaching. She has a good sense of humor as well. The papers are semi-easy as long as you are willing to put some effort into it. I wouldn't say she's hot, but she's definitely not bad looking.

Professor Tafel is easily my favorite professor.

Holy balls is her class hard. When she says that you have to work to get an A she means it. Stop by her office, though, and she'll just about do the work for you. Meet with her and be prepared every day or expect your grade to suffer.

Assigns alot of work, but this could be good if u bomb the midterm, assigns extra credit. Have some kind of clue about the reading for every class.

Clear, well spoken and intelligent. She requires you fill out reading questions, which basically makes keeping up on the reading a requirement, but it makes you learn the stuff. Yeah, you've got to try, but if you actually want to learn, its well worth it. (And in my experience, she's not intimidating, she just doesn't baby students.)

Dr. Tafel is a great prof. Yes, her class is very challenging and yes, you will have to work very hard, but if you are a poli-sci or IR major it is worth it, this is stuff you should really understand. I have found her to be very helpful outside of class.

People who complain about her must not be poli sci majors. She is pretty tough, but you will definitely learn more in her class than a crappy 103 class. Great preparation for future classes. Just do the discussion questions and come to class. Really not hard.

Dr. Tafel is one of the best profs in the department. She makes you work for you grade, but dude welcome to the real world. Great prep for what to expect in grad school. Loved her class, very interesting person, and really really cool to chat to.

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I had Tafel last semester and she is a certifiable badass. Her classes are hard as heck, she's tough as nails and doesn't take any crap, but you learn a lot and she's good and knowledgeable about the subject. One of the best profs in the department, from now on she's my PLS professor of choice. See her in office hours if you have trouble!

She's a tough professor, but she's super helpful and would rather her students understood the material than to keep trudging on knowing that they don't. It's a TON of work, but I've never learned so much in 16 weeks! TAKE HER!

dont take this class unless u have to hardest gen ed there is tafel's structure makes it easier than some other teachers attendance participation map and online quizzes (really easy) make up 45% of ur grade then midterm 2 papers and final hard class have to work ur butt off in this class to do well

I love this lady. she is so smart, and knows when to be nice, and when to be a badass. She knows like 20 languages, and is seriously the smartest lady i have ever met. Yeah, it's a lot of work, but really not that hard. Overall expirience ---- A+

A+. Really not that hard.

She has a sense of humour, and a really cute laugh (unless you get her to laugh AT you). There is a lot of reading, but its interesting if you take an interest in it, and well, if you're not interested, why take the class in the first place to complain about it later... hello! And I agree with those you who said : she's like the smartest lady ever.

she's a tough teacher, and expects you to know your stuff before class. is very smart and you will learn in this class, but can be stressful. i've never been more nervous to get a paper back then when she was handing them back to us. work hard and it will pay off.

Very tough class. A ton of readings, especially online journal articles (there's about 35 posted on Course Reserve) and you'll be required to read most of them. Weekly map quizzes and sporadic (timed) reading quizzes done on BlackBoard. She grades papers very critically, so know your stuff and don't b.s. Read your discussion questions for exams.

Not easy at all, but worth it. It is possible to do well, but you must work for your grade. I learned a lot, enjoyed the lectures, and found her extremely helpful during office hours.

A lot of work goes into this class, and Tafel does not let you just slide by in this class. Expect to do a lot of reading and weekly quizzes on geography. She is a hard grader when it comes to your paper, so be prepared to spend a decent amount of time working on it.

Very good teacher if you do the reading. She expects you to keep up on the reading. Take your papers to her office, she will help. Just get to know her she is cool. I learned a lot in her international relations class

You will learn a lot. Prof. Tafel is probably one of the most intelligent people in the department; lectures are engaging and easily followed. One needs to understand that she is impossible to please- A's are few and far between and she expects a lot out of her students (it's a tough course). You will feel both smart and defeated when its done.

I think Heather Tafel deserves a HOT HOT HOT! The woman is brilliant and one of those women you could hang with (after you are done with her class) Take her, you will learn for once!!!!

She is a gorgeous person(ie: she is very inteligent and a total hardass)If you get a terrible grade in this class it's because you didn't do some kind of work or allocate an ample amount of study time. Weekly readings and map quizes, timed bb quizes and arbitrary collection of discussion questions. Stay on top of this class and you will get an a.

Anyone who takes Prof. Tafel will learn more than they bargained for. She is an amazing professor who pushes you to make sure that you do your best. See her during office hours on papers, it helps! She wants you to do well, and will go out of her way to help you. She came to campus on her day off for me!

Is incredibly knowledgable. If your looking for an easy class, do not take her class. Will really make you learn. I definitely felt a lot more politically intelligent after taking her class. Can be very intimidating, but is nice. Don't slack of in her class, and you will do fine.

Great, incredibly knowledgable professor! Difficult class, though if you go talk to her during office hours she'll go out of her way to help you. She knows her politics, is enthusiastic, and brings the themes to an understandable level without being patronizing. A hard class, but well worth the trouble!

It has been written many times that you should see her during office hours. Definitely. I heard lots of horror stories, but personally I didn't think she graded that hard. An invigorating challenge.

She is one of the finest teachers I have ever had. Her class is difficult, but if you do the work and just LISTEN to her advice you will excel. I am a Political Science Major, but I learned so much about comparitive politics from her class, and still use information learned there to back up my statements in debates. A+ teacher.

Okay.... yes you will work hard Political Science 102 is hard but you will LOVE her. If you want to take a class that will push you so that way classes in the future will be A LOT easier then take her. Tafel is just AMAZING. Everyone should have to take her because she will prepare you for the future please trust me!!!!

The professor that had the most impact on me during my time at GV. I learned so much from her, she has gone out of her way to be helpful outside of class, and is extremely nice and funny. She is also one of the hardest professors I've ever had, and my A was the most satisfying I ever got because I earned it through hours of reading and hard work.

She is an amazing professor. She does require a lot of outside of class work but it really helps you understand. Shes amazingly interesting and is my favorite professor so far at GV. you will not regret taking her at all

Very knowledgeable professor. Very difficult class. Requires a lot of outside reading. Wouldn't recommend her.

very nice person. extremely helpful especially in her office hours take advantage of that

Professor Tafel is not that bad! Her class does require a lot of work, but if you do what you are asked you will do really well in the class. She knows what she is talking about and can be very helpful. The class was really enjoyable!

Dr. Tafel is a very good teacher. However, I found it extremely difficult to ask her questions because she is VERY intimidating. She's very smart, and she knows it. Class was extremely interesting, and I've learned more in this class than any other I've taken. She pushes you, but not a good class for the meek.

Difficult professor, but will help you out a lot if you seek it. Make sure to form study groups for the exams.

Very informative class. Material load is VERY heavy. Expect to read a lot, and answer questions on all of the readings. Class periods are supplimented with notes. You must participate every session, and be active in every aspect. This will not be easy for most, but it is easily passable.

Not an easy class, interesting subjects, some work needed outside of class, a lot of attention needed in class with lots of notes to take

She's extremely interested and knowledgeable for the courses she teaches. You can tell she has passion for her subjects, which is important in a good professor. She's intense, but she means well by it.

Definitely not recommended for a non-PLS major. Unless you're passionate about the topic & willing to devote a heavy load of work into the class, try not to take her. I'll second that she's a bit mean-spirited & also sarcastic. Some of my questions were more mocked than answered. Definitely the deep end of PLS103. If you don't swim, you will sink.

She is a great professor! Extemely helpful if you go to office hours. She is sarcastic and very funny. A lot of work but through that you learn the topic extremely well. Pls majors will have an easier time. LOVE HER!

enjoyed the class just requires a lot of reading.

Knows her stuff, but hard prof

Very good professor if you like Polisci. If not, I suggest someone else. She is very intense and demanding, but I learned more in my world politics class then I have in any other class I have ever had. Totally worth it if you really want to learn and apply yourself.

Had Tafel for a many classes. I think she'd be better off teaching grad school since that's the work ethic she expects from students from the start. She can be funny, cool, and interesting but she also makes people cry. Make sure you can handle figuring a lot of stuff out on your own because she has no problem making you look like an idiot.

She is the best professor I have had at GVSU. If you are not interested in the topic, you will be at the end of the course. She is difficult, but you can do it if you do the reading. Highly recommended, but not for people looking for easy A

She has map quizzes because its a WOLD politics class. You need to know where the countries you're talking about are in the world to talk about them. She gives a lot of reading questions, and if you do them its really easy to get your participation points because she asks questions in class directly from those and the terminology sheets.

Her class was extremely challenging and you need to spend ample time doing discussion questions and reading if you want to do well in the class. That being said, it was worth it for the amount I learned. One of the best professors I've had at GVSU by far, just don't take her if you want to slack off.

Guys, you're in college, not high school. A heavy workload should be expected. Personal attacks are a poor way to say that you didn't work hard and got a bad grade because of it. That's a student's fault, not the teacher's. Tafel is awesome for students who take school seriously and work hard.

Tafel is extremely difficult, but I've probably learned the most from her as any other prof at GVSU. Expect exhausting amounts of research, reading, and projects, followed by lectures that summarize it all in no time at all. Get to know her personally, and she will help you tremendously. If you're up for a challenge, you will love Tafel.

Tafel is great. sure she expects a lot of you but it only makes you a better and stronger student. I learned tons in her class and she has helped me the past three years and I can't wait to have again right before I graduate. I highly recommend her!

Dr. Tafel's method of teaching really separates those who are willing to work hard and think critically from those who don't & aren't. Although she assigns a lot of reading, she is very devoted to student success. Recommended for those who are willing to devote a lot of time to a 100-level class.

Professor Tafel will challenge most students, but as long as you keep up with the reading and review her lectures after every class, there's nothing very difficult about it. I took her course last semester, and it's just a matter of committing things to memory. If you ever have problems, she is always more than willing to help. Stdy Gds useful!

The key to succeeding in the course is to do the work she assigns. Discussion questions just meant to make sure you read the assigned material. Don't be lazy in this class, that's for sure. But it's definitely not impossible; you just have to work hard. Devote much time to reading and homework.

I learned the most in this class then any other classes that I have taken. She is a difficult professor and a lot of work goes into this class. If you are looking for an easy intro class to take, this is not the one. However, I would take her class again.

One of the smartest women I have ever met. She is a tough teacher but if you really want your money's worth and truly want to know world politics she is the professor to have. If this is just a random GenEd for you,probably not your best way to go. Not an impossible class, she makes it clear what she expects of you. It's just a lot of work.

If you don't mind a bit of extra work, are interested in the subject, and want a VERY knowledgeable prof then Tafel is the prof for you.

Tafel is the best professor I've ever had at Grand Valley. I've heard a lot of negative things about her but just because she expects a lot from her students does not make her mean or rude. This is college, not high school. It's not her job to hold your hand. If you need help, ask her. She will work with you. Stop complaining and start working.

The class itself is hard - no going around that. If you want a good grade, prepare to put in a semester of hard work and dedication to the subject. Professor Tafel is a good professor, and truly wants her students to succeed. However, you have to jump on the opportunity to go see her with questions. The help is there if you need it.

She is smart, helpful and knows well what she teaches.The class is really interesting but there is a great amount of readings to do! Put in hard work and you will get off easily.The downside is that Heather can be really tough in grading and expect more from her students.

Well, she warned us in the beginning of this course. saying it is not High School part II but College. I guess from this experience I received a better education than I anticipated from Dr. Tafel. Go see her if you have questions, her door is open during office hours. Very helpful with concerns and comments, goes above and beyond.

I received a lot more knowledge than I anticipated form Dr. Tafel. In the beginning of her course, she told us this wasn't high school part II but college. She always helped me when I need it, and even gave suggestions and encouraged me to do better. Her intelligence is only intimidating if you allow it to be.

Lots of "busy work" - i.e. discussion questions that she gives daily. While helpful on exams, even studying these alone didn't help me much. Lots of material that is covered, but it all builds on itself.

She is a great teacher. The class itself is kind of difficult, for a level 100 class, but it is manageable. If you are not a PLS major, don't take this class. If you are a PLS major, the class will be interesting to you, you just need to make sure to stay up on your reading. Also, follow her guidelines explicitly, especially for the final essay.

Super nice & really knows what she is talking about. Homework for every class, weekly quizzes. Personally, i thought the work load was a bit intense for a 100-level class, which most people were taking for gen-ed... but still learned alot. If you're not ready to spend 6+ hours of work on this class, i recommend a different professor.

All around, not a terrible class. Could get boring at times as I am not a polisci major. Tons of reading and busy work for a 100 level class, but doing it makes tests very easy. As long as you keep up and pay attention in class it's an easy A.

If you want a gen ed that is an easy A, this class is not for you. She is by far the toughest prof in the department and you have three exams, map quizzes, pop quizzes, reading quizzes, and a group project. She was tough but knowledgeable and I liked the learning. Otherwise she can be degrading and it is hard to approach her.

Everyone is whining. She is tough but she outlines exactly what she expects and it is possible to do well. Go to her office hours if you are struggling! She helps so much and really respects students who show they care. Do the homework, read the assignments, and give time to your paper. You will learn so much that will stay with you past the tests.

In this class she does map quizzes that are pointless to the class but really can boost your grade. The group project for this class is a nightmare. She really puts a lot of pointless assignments related to the group project. Her exam study guides are helpful. She gives you the short-answer questions that are on the exam.

Dr. Tafel is very inspirational in the fact that she is so knowledgeable of the subject matter. Despite the fact that this was a really tough course, as long as you are interested and willing to put in effort, you will learn a TON. She is very willing to meet with students and help best she can. One of the most fascinating courses I've taken.

Dr. Tafel can be intimidating at first, but she knows her stuff. Her quizzes and pop quizzes aren't difficult as long as you do the reading (and for some students may help cushion their grade) but she is very particular with essays. She wants you to succeed, but you'll to work for it.

You must read, you must take notes. A very tough professor but it made me work. I've never put so much work into a paper and been so proud of the result. She knows her stuff so well it makes you wonder why she's at Grand Valley. Wonderful professor, but one of the hardest I've ever had. It will not be an easy a, you will do the work of two classes.

This class is a tough class for a Gen Ed, especially if you are not in political science. However, Professor Tafel is very knowledgeable of all the information and will try to teach it to you in the lectures. There's a lot of reading outside of class and the group project will make you cry. It is possible to do well but you have to work hard.

She can be very hard. You have to do the reading and participate becuase it will make the class a lot easier. If you ask a question or say something wrong she might make it seem like it was a dumb statement but don't take it personally, I don't think she intends it. Interesting class at parts.

She assigns a lot of work, reading, and is generally a hard grader. However, she knows her stuff and is really good at keeping you interested in the material. It's a lot of work if you're taking her class for gen ed, but overall she's a good prof and I'd take the class again.

The subject was very interesting and I learned a lot of new information. Although there was a ton of reading, a bit too much, and if you didn't do it, it's very easy to fall behind.

Good prof overall, but she is a hard grader and you really have to study for her tests. Assigns more homework than I anticipated for a 100 level course, but she knows a lot and welcomes questions. A general warning however, there is a crazy long and hard group project for this class, so be prepared.

She was probably the most difficult, yet best, professor I've ever had. She is so knowledgable about this subject and she is also extremely helpful if you go see her during office hours. Because of her I am seriously considering a career in politics and I would definitely take her again.

Convinced me to pursue a degree in her field. Go speak to her during her office hours, she's one of the nicest professors to work here at GV.

Dr. Tafel is a great professor. She is very professional and knowledgeable about her subject and encourages class discussion. She does assign a group project, which is spread out throughout the semester. Beware of pop quizzes, but they are generally over the easier concepts and you can use her notes. She is very approachable and is willing to help.

Highly interesting class considering it is a gen ed. However, there is a significant amount of reading involved. The reading is really important to understanding the concepts discussed in class- but it should be noted that the reading usually isn't very long or difficult. Be prepared for quizzes (which are usually *very* easy if you've studied).

I did 3-4 hours of homework for each class period, which was kind of terrible, but it was definitely worth it. Prof Tafel is an amazing professor with a lot of intellect and passion about what she teaches. The group paper is a little overwhelming, but eventually you can get through it. There is a map quiz every Thursday that are easy if you study.

Phenomenal professor. Go to her office hours -- you will succeed in the course if you do. There is a semester-long research project, and she provides very clear instructions on how to do well on it. While we read one book, almost all class readings came from scholarly journals, which made the class extremely interesting.

Dr. Tafel is an excellent professor. Her passion for the study of comparative politics is contagious. She is always willing to help. She encourages students to really reflect on their writing, unlike many professors. Make sure to go to her office hours if you really want to succeed, though.

HARD but I learned a lot. Very professional lady, but not mean. There are also a lot of extra credit opportunities.

If politics and international relations aren't your thing, do not take this prof! If they are, you will certainly learn a lot. Try to get on her good side and she will help you with absolutely anything. She doesn't like "dumb" questions and she's pretty tough, but she cares a lot about her students' learning and success.

I've taken Tafel beofre, be ready to read and make sure you take noted. She is a hard prof and be a little crazy sometimes, but you will learn so much. I have met only a few profs who are as dedicated and knowledgeable about topics like she is. Take at your own risk but she is an amazing prof.

Tafel is genuinely one the most knowledgeable and helpful professors I have ever had. She expects a lot from her students, but she WILL help you get there if you ask for it. She gives phenomenal feedback and really helps students to develop their semester long research papers. She is hardcore, no doubt. But you learn a ton from her.

i genuinely enjoyed taking this course and Dr. Tafel is an extremely caring and understanding person, but it is very difficult!

I loved Dr. Tafel! She is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she teaches. It is quite a lot of work for a 100-level class but I really felt like I learned a lot. Definitely would take if you are at all interested in PLS as a major or minor. Be ready for a big team project, weekly quizzes, 2 exams, and weekly Prepnotes/Videos.

I still don't understand why her rating is so bad. I love prof Tafel. Yes, she is a tough grader who assigns longer papers, but the classes are so interesting and she is wildly knowledgeable. I always enjoy when you can tell how much of an expert a prof is. Not for the weak, but the class made me feel super smart and was very intriguing.

As long as you keep in touch and do your homework, Dr. Tafel is a fine professor. She is a bit lecture heavy, expecting active participation, but is also open to questions about individual or group work. If you have a bad player in your group (like I did), she will not mark you down for the bad player's lack of work. Strong professor!

One of the best professors I ever had in my life. She will make you understand political science, and the world of politics like no one else. If you want to learn and be challenged, which is required for the process of learning, you must take as many courses as possible with Dr. Tafel.

Dr. Tafel assigns groups for 90% of the assignments, which is probably why many of her ratings are so low. Her lectures are pretty straightforward if you have some prior knowledge of the subject, and her exams are notorious for being hard. I would recommend taking her if you're a PLS or IR major but probably not for gen ed credit.