2.7
Quality3.8
Difficulty18%
Would Retake166
Reviews18%
Would Retake
166
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
43
4
24
3
15
2
13
1
71
What Students Say
“Awful teacher, will not help you when you reach out and ask for it, he is rude and condescending”
POLI001 - 1.0 rating“Tests are timed 50 questions in 45 minutes”
POLI0001 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
51%
Textbook Required
42%
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B+
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5.0
(1)POLSC100
5.0
(1)POLISCI001
5.0
(2)POLISCI
5.0
(1)POLI15
5.0
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POLSCIENCE
5.0
POLYS1
5.0
POLSC100
5.0
POLONE
5.0
POLI
5.0
Reviews (166)
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He isn't very easy, but he is definitely a very interesting teacher. He is very helpful. He expects you to do your job as the student, which means you have to do the readings. His tests are all from the text, so if you don't read, you don't pass.
He is definitely not an easy teacher, but I feel as if I actually LEARNEd in his class. He is very educated and extremely opinionated. Personally, I enjoyed his class.
Very knowledgable and intellectual. A law school graduate, social justice activist, inspirational truth-digger. You learn in this class! Uncover the corruption and illusions. Several quizzes and a 5-page research paper (summer). Madisonian Model to 2004 Prez Election to Police brutality/ racial profiling to defects of direct democracy. PASSION!!!
if you have the opportunity to take a class with him, TAKE IT! he's the most well-read, intelligent, passionate, and engaging teacher i have ever had at deanza. he teaches you more than just what's in the book-- you learn life lessons and that's a real education. he's a rare teacher, i'm lucky to have been in his class.
his class will always stand out in my mind as a nightmare experience. he braggs way too much about his raggs to riches story. I hated his class. You read 300 pages a week and get quized on minute statistics. give a study guide for crying out loud!! UNFAIR!!! he is passionate though, and did accomplish getting me interested in politics.
good teacher that knows his stuff. BUT DONT BE FOOLED BY THIS! he knows his stuff but doesnt enable u2b graded well on it. his tests do not coincide with reading/lectures. his average on the tests were a 62% no joke. the focus of the class is black history and NOT the american govnt. he does manage 2 mke the racial stuff not condescending
he makes you question the book and opens your eyes to reality. america isn't want it makes out to be.
Mr. Tarikh is a rare teacher. You not only get a political science class, but a critical thinking, law, and economics class as well. Very knowledgeable and is always willing to share his knowledge, sort of like a modern day Confucious. Just show up to class. do the readings, and you'll do fine. Small fee for a class worth a million bucks.
Prof. Tarikh is the best prof I have had at DA! He is not afraid to speak the truth about politics. He has really opened my eyes and made me think critically about politics and life. His class seems hard in the beg. but at the end he is a very fair prof. He does have a term paper which is 30% of your grade and he is willing to edit it! GREAT PROF!
I have never been interested in politics until I took his poli sci 1. He keeps you interested and will call you on it if your statements or questions don't make sense but it's just to help you. Always willing to help you understand. Do the readings so you can makes comments in the class.-Participation means a lot to him. Very open minded
This professor doesn't make the class hard grade wise, but he's very one sided and closes arguments on opposing side if he doesn't like it. If you really want to major in poli sci, don't take him. He's way too one sided, and misrepresents a lot the way things are. He doesn't make it clear what he wants out of midterm paper either.
Although I agree that he closes arguments, I do not think he misrepresents the way our government functions. What he gives you are the facts, and it is up to you to interpret them, and that's what good professors do. Unclear about the midterm paper? He can proofread it and give you comments on improvement way in advance.
He is one of the most knowledgeable and intellectual professor, I ever met. He is an excellent teacher and outstanding speaker. I got highly inspired and motivated from his lectures. I will attend his class, just to hear him speak. Thanks Prof.
He is unique and extremely rare teacher. He is passionate about teaching and changing the life of people in positive manner. His lectures are very interesting and he made me think. I have learned my life lessons from his class and consider him to be my role mode. Prof, you are GREAT!
Interesting guy. You won't be bored during his lectures - he knows a lot about his subject, and shares a lot of stories. He can be pretty intense, so be prepared. We had a 25-question quiz about every other week, plus a 3-5 page research paper. Participation makes up some of your grade, too, so it's not hard to do well. Take this guy.
Interesting person. Half-hearted teacher. Easy class. Gives you the quiz questions beforehand. Reviews drafts of the research paper. Lectures have almost nothing to do with the questions on the quizzes (you have to look in the book for the answers) but they are mildly interesting if you're into poli-sci albeit repetitive. not challenging
He gives facts, but they're still one-sided and biased, not the complete story.He's arrogant(we get it, you have a law degree, you've mentioned it 100 times). Finds more pleasure in treating students like they're stupid then teaching them in an honest, open, respectful manner.
I think he's an amazing teacher, I am BEYOND not a morning person & he makes me actually interested in an 8:30am morning class. He has strong views but he doesn't sugar coat things & encourages you to look them up for yourself if you don't believe him. He's made me more interested in politics then I had been before.
Not sure why people state he is so easy. His lectures have nothing to do with his quizzes, he gives you a 12 page study guide that is a bunch of mixed chapter quiz questions that he will pull from when he makes the quiz. Don't get me wrong, he has VERY interesting things to talk about.Now if only those two guys in the class would be stop talking.
GREAT TEACHER!!!he made political science intresting. before taking his class, i hated govt.that was because i did not understand it.now, i understand it, and like taking part in it.his class is hard if you do not study. just read and do the hand out, and you will pass.5 quizes, 1 research paper. i got an a-doing all work.not hard just stay on top
very interesting professor! he gets you engaged in the material and will open your eyes the the sucky government around us. stay on top of the reading and do the 15/16 page study guide and youll pass!
Ishmael Tarikh is one of those professors you only encounter once in a bloody lifetime. I'm seriously going to miss his lectures and this class. His class was INCREDIBLY dynamic and very very intresting; captivating really. He's actually quite inspiring whether you're conservative or liberal. I'm gonna miss his confrontations w/ John W. too. lol
Do your work for once, A
He is one of the best teachers in De Anza. He can be quite opinionated at times but he is non-judgmental. He bravely speaks about prevailing injustice in our society and opened my eyes to knowledge. His lectures are unforgettable and greatest treasure I ever found. I will cherish them for ever.
The best! This guy keeps the whole class on its toes. Seriously high octane.
Very easy A. Lectures are interesting, but not necessary. If you read and do the study guide his lectures just become discussions about his ideas of how things should be, or what is wrong now. Sees nothing positive about the US.
The midterm was a fill-in, rather than multiple choice; so hard (my lowest grade). He gets soooooo strict on his teaching style that I wasn't able to pass the class (grade a "D"). Don't take him & he never uses charts & videos to explain the lessons in the text.
This class was life changing. Make sure you do your readings and trust me you will want to come to class. This man is truly an incredible teacher with a lot of knowledge. You may not agree with him all the time but what he says always bares listening. If you are looking for a poli class you are really going to learn something in TAKE THIS ONE!!!!!!
If your up for learning then take this Class!!! Hang in there and take good notes on everything he says. Study the study guide and don't be scared to ask questions! Great Teacher! Great Class! Learned a lot!!
Tests are so difficult
NEVER take this teacher! His course content is NOT easy and he only lectures & doesn't use videos in his lectures. There is no extra credit, volunteering opportunities, etc. He takes the quizzes & final off of the study guide & the midterm is only fill-in the blanks. He also disciplines you if you're text messaging on your phones or not focusing on the content during lectures. I took him & nearly failed the class because of the exams. He only teaches early mornings.
Great teacher. The class isn't easy and requires a lot of work and group effort. The lectures are VERY interesting. Learned a lot from this class. Take this guy!
Don't take this class if you want, like I wanted, to learn about the American Political system. His lectures/sermons are about his political beliefs, little to do with the book. Don't take this class if you are an ESL student.
Highly recommended. He is the best teacher i've ever had at De Anza. you will be amazed with his knowledge. His lectures are very interesting. If you are a political science major, take his class and you will never regret it.
I don't understand why there are so many negative ratings. I know he seems mean at first, but he's really a good guy. His tests and such are very reasonable. ALL the answers are right from the text. Also, complete the study guide he has on his website. All questions on his tests are from there. Cool guy!
Honestly, even you got study guide questions, you can't get a good result. There are 30+ pages of study guide. Also, he usually off the topic when someone asks irreverent questions. You must not depend on lectures. For people who reli want to learn, then just buy a book. For people who want to get an easy A, you'd better blacklist him.
He's a great prof and a great person, but if you are a lazy student he is hard, no easy A's. He has an outstanding knowledge about politics and laws. Disagree he goes out of topic, if you're paying attention you'll see that everything he says IS politics. He doesn't teach useless political concepts, he opens your eyes to what politics really are!
Awesome teacher! If you show up, pay attention and participate you will get a B minimum. Very clear and insightful and I would take any class he teaches.
this professor is awesoem.I was never interested in taking the class but my two friends took him and told me to take him. This professor is intelligent, looks at things in diferent perspectives, he tell lots of interesting stories and its hard for you to forget. He has a study gide and if you go to his office hours, he will help. got an A
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!Take him and you will see!
It is one of the very few classes I've taken that I walked away learning new things. Fantastic content and discussion. Class is extremely stressful but if you are interested in the subject you'll find it rewarding. For those aiming for A's, take his instructions literally. Don't over think things. And no books required. That's always a plus.
OMG. His class is extremely hard! My friend warned me about his class. I really wish he would've taught more on the board, keynote, notes, videos, etc. Hes a great person in general, very very nice person, but his class is nuts. NO WAY is it easy. 30 pages of study guide? REALLY. Nu-Uh.
He's a pretty tough teacher and wants things a specific way. Not exactly the class to slack off in, but make sure and be ready to do some work outside of class and you should be fine overall.
Mr. Tarikh is the MAN! For people complaining about the study guide: yes it's around 30 pages. But so what? It's basically all the questions to his test. And it's for the all the exams combined. Not 30 pages/exam. I just googled most of it anyway. If you have anything to say, say it. Easy participation points.
Along with Wendy White, Mr. Tarikh is one of the smartest, most enthusiastic teachers I've encountered during my 5 quarters at De Anza. Sure, I've had other good teachers, but Mr. Tarikh really knows his stuff & is more in tune with the younger generation. It's very easy to fall behind in his class, due to the reading, so keep up and you will pass.
Such an amazing professor! He DEFINITELY knows politics and law. I see that his lectures go in-depth on the subject that you should have read in the textbook the night before. Reading the textbook is mandatory if you want a good grade! This class is VERY interesting, but you need to work for it if you want a good grade. SHOULD DEFINITELY TAKE!
He is very smart but he doesn't really cover what you read in the textbooks this is the kind of class where the book teaches you instead of the teacher. He doesn't like repeating himself and gets frustrated when students ask again. He has this huge Mock Congress project which I hated because you need to meet with 20 students outside of class. CRAZY
Tarikh for president!! Amazing teacher and very knowledgeable about...almost anything. People who don't like him, don't seem to like the truth and reality of society. Tarikh is very blunt about what he feels and will say anything on his mind. He is an amazing teacher and probably the best one I've taken at De Anza. TAKE IF YOU HAVE THE CHANCE!
He will make you smart, he shows you how to think different. that's all about his class. dont expect easy A. read a a lot. 6 quizzes 1 essay 1 mock congress no final. be sure stay to the end you will have at least B. 50 people enrolled only 17 finished.
Excellent professor. He is especially suited to teach political theory as he has an outstanding grasp of it.
Excellent professor. Engages students, and effectively utilizes the intimidation factor; this is not a silly class by any means. He knows what he's talking about, and his tangents are (unlike some professors) engrossing. Very 'out-of-the-box' approach to teaching, in some regards. Give it a try if you're serious.
Very engaging class and professor. The class may seem overwhelming at first, but if you stick with it and put in effort, you will begin to thoroughly enjoy going to class. He teaches you to really think critically and clearly state your positions. Recommended.
So far this is the hardest class I've taken since I started college. The professor is very open minded, and smart, but uses too many big words, and NEVER stays on topic, if some student asks him something, we spend the WHOLE class period discussing only that question
Professor Tarikh is extremely intelligent and a great political scientist. I didn't like his way of teaching this class at all though. Doesn't really go over the readings, and has a huge mock congress project that was extremely hard considering its a group project with about 30-40 other students. Take if you're a poli sci major, otherwise don't
He is very intelligent person but don't let his lofty rhetoric scare you off. He has high expectations but is very achievable if you follow his simple phrase "proper preparation prevents poor performance". His tests are easy if you follow what he says to do. The class is only hard if you don't follow directions. Essay was hard because of formatting
Rents out main texts but have to buy his book written by him, weekly quizzes made me want to pull out my hair! 15 mins for 20 questions, HARD specific questions! Class based on weekly quizzes, 3 written assignments & final research 3-4pg paper. Not the easiest class
Great professor and guy. Extremely intelligent and is a practicing lawyer. I learned so much while in his class. Only issue is he is a bit to vague and relies on you to study on your own decide what you want to study from cause there is no textbook.
Do yourself a favor, and don't take this mans class. Very intimidating, and unrealistically difficult. On a positive note, he does mention valuable things politically. How people like this get opportunities in this world beats me, find yourself a better person to learn from.
I took his poli 1 class online and it wasn't too bad. Lot of reading but the quizzes were directly based off the study guides. You still have to read if you want an A though. He responded to my emails very quickly which was a plus. Overall, the class was a good one. I recommend taking him online if you can. It just seems less intimidating.
I can not wait to transfer to SJSU and take Mr. Tarikh's class again. He was very inspirational and cut throat on the statistics, facts, and observations in life that it made you open your eyes and mind to the world. I am very pleased to have taken him and learned a great deal of myself. I always encourage people to take his class.
I wish I listened to the other ratings that warned me to say away..
Mr. Tarikh is an excellent professor. He's very clear and concise. He tells you explicitly what will be on each quiz and test. You really need to read his text and do the chapter quizzes at the end because it'll be on the quizzes and tests, as well as important notes from his lecture. As long as you show up, take notes, and read, you should be fine
Tarikh is BRILLIANT!! Highly recommended him. His lectures are never boring. He does talk a lot about himself like Im a Lawyer, Im a Political Scientist, I'm a Marine, I was a radio talk show host. Sure a lot of reading to do, but hey no one said it be easy. Read well, do the Study Guides, you'll do fine in the quizzes. Best professor I've had.
TAKE HEED Hes a cool guy and seriously brilliant but he does talk a lot about himself and the past I like him but be warned... he gets off topic quite easily, especially if you or your peers ask him questions. save questions for later so that youll have time to learn the material in class. if not, then you have to self study the material.
He should be Jon Stewart's Replacement! (Kidding) Tarikh is cool, brilliant, and amazing at delivering lectures. The quizzes were not that bad, just read the text and act like a college student, do the study guides, his goal is that he wants you to leave his class, thinking critically. Which he accomplished with me. Highly recommend him!
When I met him in person, he seemed like a decent guy who would teach a pretty entertaining class, but if you are ever cursed to be in one of his online classes, I sincerely wish you good luck. He is unresponsive to emails and his syllabus is unclear, plus he has a strong hatred for anything fun or unique in your assignments, so be boring.
I wrote my response in an objective manner, seeing the President's view at the time versus the peoples'. His comment on my response was biased because his view of the topic was biased. How can you grade something based on your point of view. Shouldn't a teacher grade professionally and objectively? But I guess that's politics for you....
Very sarcastic when responding back to emails and even in the feedback given to writing assignments. Unclear directions for assignments given, but still a do able class to take online. If you have a better 1st choice go with that if you absolutely have to take him get ready for a crazy ride.
need to get specific textbook and his own supplemental book that he bases tests off of, super passionate about what he does, would take again if I could
His quizzes don't match up to his reading and the study guides don't match to the text in his textbook. Very sarcastic, rude and demeaning when grading you. The class it self would of been fun if it made sense. His quiz time are to rushed for the amount of questions given.
Great class! Attend and listen and you will change your perspective about the U.S. government. He keeps it real and hold nothing back. I would take him again!
i emailed this teacher the first week of class and wanted to let him know that my books will be sent in a week. I didn't get a response back, which I thought I would since we are in college and the students and teachers should have contact with each other if something is wrong. Clearly this teacher doesn't understand the meaning of communication.
Ishmael Tarikh is the worst professor I have ever had. I have taken many online classes being a junior currently and have never encountered anyone like Tarikh. He is extremely unhelpful when you send him emails and does not give constructive criticism to assignments but instead likes to attack your character and work ethic. Stay away at all costs.
Solid professor. He doesn't mess around if you don't do the work, but if you do the work, you're golden. Lectures are always captivating and controversial--can't remember another professor being this outspoken. The readings aren't super easy but one-on-one in office hours has been my saving grace. Thank god he's a good lecturer and not monotone.
This guy degrades your whole being. He probably feels like he's the dominant species on the spectrum. He will beat you down until you can't get back anymore. His lectures are all egocentric. Only he is obsolete. If you go against him, then it means you're going against your grades.
His class is super hard. You get a sense of unease when ever you walk into the class. It's a very intense class full of assignments, so prepare yourself for a storm. You have to study basically every day if you want to pass this class, because he is unforgiving. You'll be lucky if he replies to your emails. Good luck!
This teacher is ABSOLUTELY AWFUL. If he does not agree with something you say he will scold you and belittle you with politically motivated outrage. He is easily triggered. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
Probably the worst teacher ive ever had. stay away at all costs
Had him for fall 16 poli sci 1. He doesn't baby any students and he expects you to act like a college student, which you should. He can be intimidating because he's so intelligent however he can be a big sofite because he cares so much about the material and your success as a student. The quizzes and test questions are in his books. Not hard at all
He's not that bad of teacher, he's expects you to ACT and STUDY like a college student, there's no excuse for you to slack off, its not just about studying hard in his class, but in any class you take. He's very outspoken in his lectures, especially with what's going on with Trump, at least he does it with a passion and not boring.
Had him for poli 1 & 16. He's organized, thorough, and is very passionate about what he teaches. He's very clear about what you're being tested on but some people just dont prepare and then complain. This is college lol. He might be intimidating bc hes effortlessly intelligent but hes not even strict. Take the time to do your hw and you'll be fine.
He's not biased, some people just get triggered easily. He's actually impartial and doesnt lean left or right in on the political spectrum during class. As a practicing attorney he just raises counter arguments a lot and gives the straight up truth. Tests and quizzes are in textbook and there's like up to 10% extra credit. He's awesome!
He comes off cold and unkind to his students. He seems to take pleasure in putting students on the spot and actively tries to belittle them. There definitely is a sense of unease you get when you walk into his class that I've never had in other classes. I usually don't complain about professors but, personally, I wouldn't recommend taking him.
He comes in as a professional, he's very well prepared and organized; flawless. He's very intelligent but he came come off as rude sometimes due to his political views. He cares about the material he teaches and he wants you to be able to express your views/be a critical thinker like him; that's his overall goal as teacher. THINK BETTER.
He's not the professor for you if your someone that procrastinates or rather play video games than to devote study time for not just his class, but all your classes. Professor Tarikh made me want to be more of a critical thinker like him, I even want to be able to express my views like him, whether you agree or not. He's not all that bad.
If you have to take political science, do not take it from this Professor. He is by far the worst professor I have had in my many years of education. As people have said in other posts, if he doesn't agree with you, even if you are allowed to agree or disagree, he will belittle you and spread his own ideologies, even you have similar views.
He's not the worst teacher I'd ever had, or the hardest. He cares about the material he teaches, I've never seen a teacher being as outspoken as he is. He can't stand how America is right now, especially with Trump. He wants his students to be better thinkers. Exams can be tricky cause you get that feeling that it wasn't covered in the books.
Hes a captivating individual. Hell come in wearing a red velvet suit, and talk about the American Promise. The course is interesting, and when you ask him about his personal experiences, it gets even better. To be honest, he doesnt like it when you disagree with him in class. Tests/assignments are easy. Do the readings; theyre 2 pages each.
He's a really fascinating guy. The course is interesting, and he ties the material to all that's going on nowadays. If you ask him about his own experiences, he'll have some great stories for you. The only thing is that he'll sometimes be a little too elaborate on certain points and won't realize that he's beaten your attention span.
I. Tarikh is spectacular and idiosyncratically formal. Ever seen the movie Higher Learning? He's basically Professor Phipps. He even calls you by you last name. He pays attention to things like spelling/grammar, but that shouldn't be an issue if you've been doing ok in English classes. And he knows a lot about history. Definitely would take again!
Tests are timed 50 questions in 45 minutes! If you are republican or dont think like a Democrat you will essay grades will suffer. I went from a C on my first essay to As once I started lying. How ridiculous!! He should retire or stick to law because he isnt a good teacher.
Lectures are really passionate which keeps you awake in class. He knows a lot about history, which is quite interesting. He gives a lot of extra credit too. If you can't pass his class, good luck
Awful teacher, will not help you when you reach out and ask for it, he is rude and condescending.
he is a serious attorney, does not teach this clASS as an intro course, do not take Him if you dOn't know anything about poLitics or kEep up w/ it. There is a lot of reading (2 chapters read by the beginning of ea. week). And 2 homework questions a week that require additional research, quizzes are online (40 questions 45 mins. to answer)
I took his accelerated course by itself with no other classes. It was tough. Started with 50 students, ended with 20. There is a lot of reading and outside researching involved, and if you're taking this course online, expect to be surprised by some quiz questions as they're never discussed. All he does is give you study guides and writing prompts.
THE WORST!!! do not take his class. He is one of the rudest and most unprofessional people I have met. He only gives 5 assignments and 5 quizzes throughout the whole quarter, and the ONLY book he provides is not related to the material asked in assignments/quizzes. He doesn't help! he can't even answer a question nicely and he HATES extra credit.
I dont know where to begin with him! I took him late into the qurater and his assignments had nothing to do with the readings. The readings were intresting and the book was free but his assignments were diffcult because he graded tough and again it had nothing to do with the readings. He is bias, so for the sake of your grade, TAKE HIS SIDE.
I took his online Poli class in the fall quarter and I have never hated a professor more. His deadline to turn in papers was in the middle of the day and doesn't accept any late work at all. He is a very tough grader and very rude. I hope no one ever takes his class, The textbook is useless and has nothing to do with his class.
The professor is not compassionate and considerable. De Anza has a lot of International Students not everyone is born and bought up in the United States. There would be people who have no knowledge of the American Government. It was a mistake that I took his online class without checking. Will never refer it to anyone. His textbook has nothing.
The class is an easy A as long as you can write with proper spelling/grammar and you answer his test prompts. Readings are required but theyre really short, so that shouldnt be an issue for most people. Hes an interesting lecturer, but hes really opinionated, and I would take a lot of things he says with a grain of salt.
He's not very good, but I didn't have a choice as he was the only one "teaching" POLI 16. There were no lectures, he just gives you a bunch of tedious writing assignments. He grades them pretty harshly and leaves very little room for anything else. I've met him before in person and I'm glad I'm taking this online as he seemed very condescending.
soc mvmts >60's online i'm a B+/A student (gpa 3.7) & i dropped bc he sucks. graded harshly on the first assignment, but he wasn't clear on the criteria. marked me off for word limit even tho i was under(?!?) didn't respond to my email asking 4 clarification & another writing assign. was due a few days later. he doesn't care about his students!!
Made you turn in multiple written assignments that asked super broad questions where he looked for extremely specific answers and he was never clear on what he was looking for. Also came off as incredibly condescending and arrogant. Take another professor if you have the choice and want a decent grade.
He is just terrible, how he still is a professor is definitely crazy. Taking his polisci class right now and it is not helpful at all. His study guides aren't relevant to the readings which makes the quizzes even more confusing,because there is nothing about what you need to study for. His grading is even worse, if I had to choose him, I would drop
Don't take this instructor. There is no rhyme or reason to assignments. He wants something specific but doesn't give you enough information to give him what he requires. Then he dings your grade. This is a time consuming class. There also isn't anyway to study for quizzes, you will have no clue what will be on them, and I read everything.
No lectures or guidance offered. A few weeks in, he requires 3 new textbooks that weren't mentioned initially.. and assigns a few readings from each. Otherwise, you're completely on your own. Submit an assignment, he decides your grade, and has suddenly altered the "meaning" of the assignment/rubric. This class is a waste of time and resources.
If this had been my first experience with college, I would have dropped out. Expectations are completely unclear, grading is personally biased, and Ishmael is condescending and egotistical. He's the reasons that there needs to be a system of checks and balances within higher education. #powertrip
This Winter quarter, Prof. Tarikh was the only POLI 16 instructor so I had no choice to take him. There were no lectures nor clear directions; the class only consisted of 10 writing assignments that are graded subjectively. I ended up with a B+ in this class, my lowest grade ever (I'm a sophomore with a 4.0 GPA). Avoid his classes if possible.
I took Prof. Tarikh's Social Movement class because it's a requirement for my major. Honestly, his grading process is pretty unclear. He also assigned "required readings" during the middle of the quarter, so I spent a lot of $$ to get the books on time to complete assignments. Do the work and do not miss ANYTHING or your grade will tank.
This professor needs to work on how to describe thoroughly what they want us to talk about in the discussions or assignments. Also, either way, you are turning in your work so why does it matter where we turn our work in BE SPECIFIC if you want things done your way!!! If you want respect from your students treat us the way you want to be treated.
I took his Poli 1 class (in person) in fall and it was incredible. Read the textbook and youre set for exams. Lectures are super interesting if youre into politics or history. Also, ask him to share some of his own personal experiences. He has a lot to share.
For everyone thinking that you have to take this guy because all the other GOOD polisci teachers are full, DONT. JUST WAIT FOR NEXT QUARTER. This guy is actually so bad. He gives you 10 written assignments and only gives you the rubric that he uses to grade the assignments AFTER he grades your assignment. Not worth the headache skip him hes bad.
If you're looking to learn, don't take this guy. He's just a corrector not a teacher. He literally had 0 classes this quarter. He is completely disorganized and just sent out expectations for assignments after 1/3 of the quarter is done. His study guides are unrelated to course content, and writing assignments have no context given. Seriously Avoid
Up to this point I have never had such a confusing and worse teacher like Tarikh. All His assignment directions are ONE sentence and expects your response to be perfect. Although one can email him for directions, his responses will be the same one sent length too. Please dont take this class unless your trying to lose money.
THIS IS THE WORST PROFF IVE HAD AT DE ANZA. Confusing with directions Does not respond to emails Does not give good feedback Work confusing Hw Does not have anything to do with textbook Overall hard IF I COULD GIVE HIM A 0 RATING AND GET MY MONEY BACK I WOULD PLEASE DONT TAKE THIS TEACHER
I dont understand the Teachers grading system, very confusing and difficult.
If you're looking for an easy credit INTRO class. Look elsewhere. Don't waste your time with this professor. You will have no idea what he wants on writing assignments which is ridiculous considering the book supplied (although free) contains no information that helps with the writing.
I'm glad to see other ratings, and that I'm not alone in my opinion of this class. If you are considering this professor - don't! Maybe he's good for an in-person class, but his online class is nonexistent, and he does NOT respond well if you email him a question. He's not clear on assignments, and study questions are not in the book or online.
Very sarcastic and rude in his emails. Im a first time college student and this is my first semester. Really regret taking his class because he Does not elaborate on what he wants when assigning work. I emailed him a couple of times and hes only answered once. Worst part of all is his responses are 1 sentence. This guy shouldnt be a teacher...
I was never disrespected in my entire life. The professor is extremely rude and not treating students like humans. Happy to see other people speaking up as well! Would not recommend it to anyone.
Where do I begin? My first W with this class even though I've already transferred (taking this class along with other classes to pass the summer by and raise GPA). He's not clear on any assignments and berates your attempts at writing. I'm seeing new reviews dated recently that have all probably dropped from his recent summer quarter. Ridiculous.
This is the first time I am writing a review for a prof, but Tarikh is so exceptionally awful, that I had to. He has writing assignments with vague instructions and expects a well-thought-out response without a rubric or guide. I've also emailed him and he comes off as rude and condescending. I would not recommend him. Stay away if you can.
One of the worst Professors I've ever had. I'm halfway through the class right now & it's just awful. Professor Tarikh doesn't lecture AT ALL for the online class. His homework is easy enough if you follow the directions. Tons of weekly readings that are long & boring. He's rude, abrasive, and his feedback is vague. He doesn't reply to email either
I urge you to consider another professor for this course; especially if you're interested in learning the material. This isn't even a class - it's a read the book, and google hundreds of word-challenged questions that are not in the reading. No guidelines, no guidance, yet particular in what he expects, and controlling, and condescending
Prof was never specific with with his expectations for assignments. After assignments were graded, he then releases his "rubric," which were vague and oddly subjective claiming that there was a "correct" response to an opinion essay. If I did not take AP Gov in high school, I would have failed this course.
This course has a lot of exams and very, very much reading. There is only one chance and a short time for the exam. The exam questions are very difficult. After submission, you can't see the answer, and even the wrong questions won't be displayed. The course design is harsh, cold and can't get any help. I'm just being tortured by machines.
We had quizzes, a research paper and one final which was worth 200 points. The prof says we can contact him with any doubts we have but when we do he does not answer properly and treats it like a dumb question. Is not at all cooperative even during these tough times. Made a HUGE mistake taking him. Don't repeat what I did!!!
QUIZZES 100% have nothing to do with the readings. He assigns readings with irrelevant quizzes that you will 100% fail if you arent willing to google the answers. Beware of teacher. Seems tired of teaching because he is extemely defensive when his teaching technique is questioned. Horrible professor. Not passionate. Looks to fail everyone.
I took this course online due to COVID-19. He never answers emails and can be extremely short and rude at times. The quiz questions are rarely ever taught in the readings. You can get a B without a problem but it is not enjoyable and honestly ruined any chances of learning being enjoyable. Never taking a course with him again.
His quizzes do NOT align with his study guides and when you try to let him know, his replies are pretty passive aggressive. He claimed that his students cheated during his quizzes so he removed all of the study guides before our final. He acts like this class is the only possible thing we have going on and he has no regard to our personal lives.
Not the absolute worst but you should take other professors if available. No homework to turn in, free textbook and accessible during his office hours. However, he does not show correct answers after we take a quiz so you're left in the dark with nothing to improve on. You can try to remember and ask but otherwise, take others if possible.
Quiz questions hardly aligned with the weekly reading. He claimed that if you read everything, you should get good grades. The only thing that actually helped was the study guides, but he took those away because he thought students were cheating.
Worst professor ever. He treats students as if we're all cheaters and gives out mass punishment (taking away study guides). Graded on only quizzes, tests, and one paper. Sounds simple but the questions were more about specifics than main points. Mistakes on quiz/tests can't be seen after and even with the paper he wasn't clear with what he wanted.
Drop if you can. Arrogant guy that rants instead of teaching during his lectures. Like others have said his readings have absolutely nothing to do with the tests or homework. Doesn't offer extra credit. Also, he's super anal about word count. Go under or over word count immediate point deduction even by 2 words. Avoid at all costs.
He seems to relate to the Marxists. He claims to be a moderate but acts like he has a narrative to push. When you have a counterpoint to his arguments, especially in regards to his anti-Trump agenda, he will either go through mental gymnastics to win the argument or change the subject. He has an arrogant demeanor and lacks manners. Don't take him.
he's a very tough grader andstrict, not worth to take if you're only on it for GE.
Lots of reading, but if you do it all then almost all of the quiz questions are ripped straight from the book. He's generally pretty arrogant and condescending and very inflexible (e.g. didn't show up to his own office hours, penalized the students for it). Anal about word count. Tends to go on long rants out of nowhere.
The finals is not about studying, it is about how strong your guardian angel is :'(. Tests are always cumulative, with no Final review and Study Guide. He gives out extra credit though, that's helpful. But he's a touch grader, be careful.
Very rude and condescending when giving students feedback on their work. Not flexible and does not really teach in the lectures, just tangents, but expects you to have a perfect analysis of the textbook in assignments and focus on minor details that don't really have to do with actual concept of the textbook material.
Avoid this professor unless you absolutely can not. His grading system for written assignments is atrocious. On quizzes, midterm, and the final you are unable to go back to previous questions to check your answers. His files that contain the awful study guides and other files are poorly organized.
There are online Canvas quizzes every other week. Don't rely on the lectures to get you through the quizzes as they are not always very informative. Most of your grade is weekly quizzes that do NOT allow you to go back on questions once they have been answered. If you are late to take a quiz make sure you have a good excuse. Has extra credit.
Run, don't walk away. Avoid at all cost!!!
doesn't care about students, rude replies, non-considerate, doesn't help at all, limited time for quizzes, do not take this class even if you have to!!!!!
TERRIBLE! Quizzes are open at very inconvenient times if you work on the side this course is not for you!!! The quizzes are literally only open for 1 day for like 5 hours, like BE FR! Like I WORK!! Also, the quizzes are not multiple choice you have to type your answer in, and if it's not exactly what the textbook says it'll be marked wrong.
He will try to deny every bad rep on RMP by saying that we should speak up in class if they were true. All of these reviews are an accurate depiction of his class and who he is as a professor. DO NOT take this class unless it is your last resort.
This professor runs a tough class, but unstuck ai helped me stay on top of the material. The workload is heavy, but the textbook and study sessions are worth it.
STAY AWAY!! I took his online course. It was supposed to be entirely online, but once you start the course, he requires Zoom calls and will give you a 10-minute notice! He is dishonest, disrespectful, and NOT accommodating. He brings his political views into the course, and it's not enjoyable. I had to withdraw, do not take his class!
horrible so disrespectful and mean and was the least accommodating professor i've ever had. he does not care about his students and their success
If you want your grade saved, don't take his class. Zero tolerance no matter what happens. Lec
His lectures have nothing to do with whats on the test and quizzes. He doesn't let you go back to the last question on quizzes. average quiz score is 14-16 out of 25. DO NOT TAKE
Save your GPA and do not take, you wont learn much either
out of 100, 60 dropped and out of the 40 left he failed around 17-20.
He is the most uncaring professor I have seen. He does not care about student success.
Take another professor
The facts from the reading and lectures that needed recall were unclear without a good way to synthesize (and get checked for correctness) from the material; I felt blindsided a few times on the quizzes.
Professor Tarikh is a smart and passionate teacher who really knows his stuff.His lectures are interesting and easy to follow, and he makes sure students feel comfortable asking questions.While he can be a bit headstrong at times,it's always for a good reason, he genuinely cares about the material and his students to learn.Overall, great professor.
Terrible professor. He should definitely look for another job
It was a hybrid course with both in-person and online meetings. There weren't many chances to synthesize beyond quizzes, an end-of-quarter research paper assignment, and the final exam, so mastery of the material is reliant on hoping that you read the text closely enough. His lectures often go "off-script."
Do not take this class! It's an asynchronous class but the quiz is only available Fridays 2pm-7pm. They are 25 questions in 20 min (only 48 seconds per question). He changed the entire syllabus right after the W deadline and took out all the discussion posts which were half the weekly grade and made the quizzes double points. Plus removed EC!
If you want to save your grade don't take this professor. The class is fully online, he makes us read the whole chapter in a week and do the quizzes. Each quiz has 15 questions with the time limit of 15 mins, and each question is worth 5 points. He won't let you review what you got wrong on the quiz!
Worst prof ever dont take him pls
awful awful professor. I dislike this professor very much. His ego is too high. Don't take him if you can. He gives out quizzes and two writing assignments. Quizzes are only open for one day and closes at 7pm? like what and time limit is extremely low??? Plus the writing assignments, he just grades them, gives no feedback.
On the 4th of 10 quizzes decided to make quizzes 7pm to 9pm on Sundays, then on quiz 6 changed the date from sunday to some other random day so many people missed it and couldn't make it up. As for the final paper, it was graded AFTER he dropped the class from canvas so we couldn't even check why this grade was given to us or make it up...
If i could give this guy a 0,i would.I have never had a worse instructor in my life.Grading criteria for written assignments are extremely unclear.He expects writing and wording that are way beyond the level of anyone being exposed to gov for the first time.He will take off huge amounts of points for the smallest things.LISTEN TO THE REVIEWS.AVOID!
You can't coast through life by taking the easy way. There are some things he can improve on; responding and treating students with respect. Don't let his ego get to you. With everything going on politically, he wants you to think better. Not like him, for yourself.
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Attendance Mandatory
51%
Textbook Required
42%
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