He is a nice guy. He has a dry sense of humor but if you are not ignorant to him he won't be ignorant to you. He likes what he teaches and he is good with people.

He is a good teacher. He knows his material really well and he does his best to make you understand. I would recommend him.

He was a very intersting teacher. He made the class fun and not boring at all. I would tell people about his class.

Interesting Teacher, makes the class enjoyable

His class is interesting. He is very good at explaining anything you are unclear on. His tests are fairly easy. If you go to class he tells you everything that you need for the tests, there are no study guides though.

Pretty easy class...he explains things so you can easily understand everything...everything he explains in class is on the test so as long as you go to class and take notes it is an easy class

Awesome teacher! A former city manager so he knows and can apply to actual situations. Overall a really good guy and cares about the student and what they get out of a class!!

Kaatz is truly an effective teacher...He took a class that was normally a very boring gen-ed, one that I had absolutely no interest in, and made it an interesting class. He is articulate and intelligent, and I would recommend that anyone take him if they have the choice.

Dr. Kaatz is more concerned about learning then testing etc...which was great. Very few small tests, and then a presentation. PRACTICAL. However, Dr. Kaatz is really unorganized and busy with other life/job issues.

Dr.Kaatz probably works close to 80 hours a week with a second business. He is really easy going, and lets class conduct itself. He is an easy A if you come to class. He is a great guy, and only teaches practical comcepts.

Awesome teacher. I was not interested in the class at all prior to taking it but Dr. Kaatz made the subject pretty fun and interesting. He's pretty laid back and has a great sense of humor. I recommend him to all my friends

Easy A. Come to class and take notes,a dn memorize them

The only class I did not sleep in! He kept the class interesting and interactive. Fairly easy just show up listen and the test is short and practical and over what was covered in class.

He's probably one of the better teachers I've had. You have to take notes daily. And what he talks about, he explains very clearly and he answers any question you have. A good 25% of the tests come straight from the book that he doesn't cover. So you MUST read to get an A.

Easily my favorite PLS professor. This guy could climb Everest in a two-piece and not give a**** about it. Yet another badass PLS professor. (Alongside Brofessor Paddock)

You take notes every day. He grades on attendance. His tests are about 50 multiple choice questions. A lot of the questions come from his lecture, but about 25% come from the book that he won't even talk about. To get an A, you'll have to read the book.

Go to class and you'll be rewarded. Be careful some of his questions come right from the book. He made this class fun.

Wonderful speaker. Kept my attention and I absolutel abhor politics.

Great guy, extremely funny. But his class is a tad bit hard. You'll learn a lot from him, but sometimes the tests don't always reflect how much you've learned. I would take another class from him though. He really made me interested in poly sci

Excellent professor. Truly knows a vast amount of knowledge in the local government sector. I could see how his class would be difficult with a multiple choice test but with graduate school it is all essay form. Have not met a graduate student that has not enjoyed his class. May be a little high on himself but is mostly down-to-earth.

He is very helpful. He connects things from the past with things present, and makes jokes to help you remember information.

Dr. Kaatz always has something memorable to say, which makes up for the dryness of some of the lectures. Lectures are interesting once you talk about civil rights. Attendance is mandatory. If you leave the class after a few minutes, he will send the attendance paper back through. Read chapter summaries and go on textbook website for practice tests.

Kaatz is a pretty good teacher. There is a lot of note taking in class. He doesn't use powerpoints, he just reads and writes on the board as he goes so you have to make sure to take your own notes. Tests aren't very hard, just review notes. Pretty good teacher!

He keeps the material interesting and talks through the material instead of using a powerpoint. His study guides give a pretty clear picture of what the test will look like, but sometimes he will throw a bunch of questions on there that were not mentioned on the study guide, which is the only beef I ever had with him.

LOVED his class! His lectures were really interesting and he really knows his material! He's also really funny! I never had homework, just had to take 4 exams. Exams are easy though if you go to the lectures, read the book, and study.

He actually made political science interesting! He was hilarious! One of my favorite professors!

Kaatz is awesome. It's not necessarily an easy A, but it's probably the closest thing you're going to get in a PLS 101 class. Also, he's hilarious and makes class fun. He's very knowledgeable and explains things in a way that is very easy to understand. Definitely go to class and take notes, and you'll get an A or a B. Great class.

Because I attended every class, my grade went up significantly. Attendance does count for 10% of our overall grade so don't skip. His tests are very hard, but he was a good teacher and was passionate about the subject.

4 Tests plus the final exam and he drops the lowest grade, no homework besides that. He gives a study guide for the exams and the answers can be found in the textbook. You could do fine in this class without showing up too often, however, his lectures aren't that bad and he is a pretty good teacher.

Kaatz is generally awesome. He teaches in a way that reaches many students, because he tends to have a good sense of humor and isn't normally boring. Gave us four tests through the semester, and the lowest score was dropped from your grade. If you pay attention in class and take notes, you'll probably pass with flying colors.

The class itself is not hard, I just used flashcards to study. Your grade is based off of two test scores plus your final. If youre a good test taker, you'll be fine! He is super great though! He is really funny and will answer anyones questions, no matter how dumb. He really made class fun and i feel that i learned a lot

He's a hilarious professor that really tries to make a mandatory class interesting. His lectures are really clear, and he basically bullet points the book for you but make sure you attend lecture for notes because some of the material he covers in the test is not in the book.

His lectures are interesting and engaging. He is very straight forward about what is expected and enjoys what he teaches. Tests are all multiple choice and easy if you pay attention in class and read the textbook.

There are 4 Tests and then the Final and that's it. He did some extra credit opportunities and he drops the lowest test score (not final). Really funny and makes PLS interesting.

Professor Kaatz gives great lectures. He will always answer your questions and have a discussion with you if there is something you don't understand. The tests need to be studied for and while he assigns reading its not necessary to pass or done for a grade. Attendance is pretty important though because notes are essential to study for the tests.

Typically 10 minutes late to class. Attendance isn't mandatory but I would suggest going. The tests are exactly like the notes you will be taking and most the study guides are online. He also drops your lowest test score which is a bonus. Never opened my book, wouldn't waste your money on it. Could easily get an A if you study hard! Super nice guy!

He is great I would recommend taking his class to anyone.

Kaatz is funny and knows what he's doing. He drops the lowest test score of the three tests he gives during the semester (Not including the final). Dudes just funny and a good prof.

amazing

Dr. Kaatz was an amazing Professor. He had great and funny lectures. He will make you want to go to class everyday.

Lectures are excellent, he has tons of real-world experience to back up his knowledge of political science. Made a potentially boring class fun, I look forward to it every day. Tests are fairly easy if you attend lecture, take notes, and use study guides he provides. No homework, and one E.C. opportunity. Also, he's hilarious! Would take again.

Even though I'm not the biggest fan of government-related anything, I absolutely loved Dr. Kaatz's class. Not only is he experienced in the things he talks about, he is absolutely hilarious. He presents information in a way that is easy to understand. Classes are lectures and grades are based on three exams(lowest exam score dropped) and a final.

Only grades in the class are tests. He dropped our lowest test score and offered an extra credit assignment at the end of the semester. He gave out study guides, and all of the material could be found in the book, so attendance isn't necessary.

As someone who has an interest in politics, this teacher was amazing. He kept the facts clear of bias by being moderate when we discussed current affairs. He had genuinely interesting commentary and enthusiasm when lecturing. No homework. Your grade is 100% from tests, which he drops the lowest with the final. Extra credit gave entire letter grade.

If you're bad at taking tests, this isn't the class for you. He is a super funny and interesting teacher. There are 3 exams and a final. At the end of the semester, he will drop the lowest test. There's also one extra-credit opportunity that will raise you a whole letter grade.

There are 3 tests (lowest is dropped) and a final. I like politics, and he made it even more interesting. He is a centrists and not biased which is hard to find now-a-days. I loved this class and it was easy to listen to him for an hour and 15 minutes. Study the study guides for the tests.

Does not take attendance but will announce changes in the schedule and remind you of tests in class. Use the book to study and take notes from his lectures. He is very passionate about politics.

Attendance is not mandatory at all. Many students only came on test days. Study Guides are very similar to the exams. Three exams, he drops the lowest test score plus an extra credit assignment. His lectures cover not that interesting material but he makes them fun. Very glad I took his class.

He's funny and kind of a smart ass (typical PLS professor) haha but he tried to explain the material in a way you could understand. I struggled some because PLS isn't my strong suit, but it's required. Tests are your only grade, but he does drop your lowest. Don't underestimate the material!! The test questions are detailed and worded weird.

Attendance is not required, as long as you study before each test (which you don't need the book to do) and show up for them you never have to attend any other classes unless you want to

I had no interest in politics at all until I had Kaatz. He explains content in a way that someone like me would understand. He gives plenty of real-world examples that help you grasp the content better. He's got a great sense of humor and he is very approachable. The 3 tests are the only points you get, but he drops your lowest score at the end.

Kaatz makes PLS a lot more bearable because his great lectures! However he doesn't use powerpoint so it can be difficult to take notes. There were 3 exams (the lowest dropped), one extra credit opp, and a final.

I only used the book to fill out my study guides in detail. The grades are 4 tests where one is dropped and you get study guides. If you do them you'll likely get a good grade on the tests. He is pretty funny but the class goes my so slow.

He is straight and to the point. He assigns reading that would help understand the lecture, but covers all material you need to know for tests. Attendance is not mandatory, but being present helps you understand material for the tests. Rarely offers extra credit. 3 tests and the final, drops your lowest test score.

His lectures are actually pretty interesting. The only grades are the exams, but if you do the study guide, you'll do well on them. He drops the lowest exam grade. I didn't read the book, but took heavy lecture notes and did well.

He posts a study guide roughly a week before each exam. If you study that for a few hours you guarantee a 90% on the test. The remaining 10% is common sense type stuff (ex. who is the 45th president?). Kaatz seems nice but I found class pointless after a few weeks and only went on exam day and still finished with an A. Book was also a waste of $200

4 tests, he drops your lowest test score and gives out an extra credit assignment. Tries to make lectures bearable to cracking jokes and making relatable situations. Textbook may be helpful but not necessarily needed, I would get it if you don;t plan on showing up to every class. No powerpoints.

Kaatz is so funny and makes a subject that isn't everyones favorite somewhat interesting. Tests are the only grade in this class and to do well on them you need to go to class.

Study guides helped me pass this class! I personally feel like some questions on the test weren't on the study guide so beware of that. I didn't read the textbook at all, so you don't really have to purchase it in my opinion. He gives extra credit but it's literally one point. He drops the lowest test score too!

I had this professor for my introductory PLS 101 class and my municipal government class. The guy is amazing. He cancels class a lot, and gives clear instructions. He makes his students laugh and genuinely cares about them. He is not a tough grader. Show up to class, review your notes, and you will get an A.

The first teacher I've ever had that made me actually understand government. He's a really nice guy. The class only tests so make sure to study. I used by textbook a few times but not really. Use the study guide and quizlet for tests and you'll be fine

Dr. Kaatz has to be one of my favorite professors at MSU so far. I just had him for "Municipal Government", and I enjoyed attending his class sessions. He lectures pretty heavy but makes the lectures interesting. He is also pretty lenient, so if you try your best in his class and show up, you are almost guaranteed to walk away with an "A".

He is funny and good lectures, but he doesn’t respond to e-mails well

This guy is absolutely hilarious and makes the material more fun. Definitely the best PLS 101 professor you could have. Keep in mind the class is only graded by 4 tests

Great professor who tries to increase interest in the subject by being laid back and humorous, but overall, it's a pretty boring class and is difficult to get excited for, but he tries. Tests are the only thing that count for your grade and there is 4 of them total, your worst test score is dropped. Some test contents are not on study guides.

Kaatz is hilarious and overall a chill dude. He only grades four things for the whole semester, which are tests, but his lectures are straightforward to follow and cover everything on the test. They are always multiple-choice, and if you write decent notes and study, then you'll do fine.

Mr. Kaatz is a very funny man who is very well informed. He is good at teaching politics without becoming biased. And after hearing about some of the other PLS professors, I am so glad I got him.

AMAZING!! I recommend Kaatz to all my friends. He was a great professor. He was always willing to help and drops your lowest test grade at the end of the semester. During lectures he will also help you understand that if something is on the test, look for certain words in the answers and boom there you go you have the correct one. 10/10 recommend!!

Liked his class. I hate history, but he made it kind of fun. Lectures are important to go to. Textbook is mandatory. Tests are based off lecture and textbook. There are 4 tests with the final and will drop one test. One advice i would give is: STUDY, do not wait until the day before to study.

Dr. Kaatz is my second attempt at taking PLS101 and has made it infinitely better. You are only graded by 4 tests, so make sure to study for them. But he's a caring guy who is an expert on his subject matter.

He makes the class fun and interesting. Sadly only graded by a few test so you must do good on them. Few opportunities for EC so take them. Can easily get an A if you go to class, take notes, and understand the material presented. Test are in person on scantrons.

He is so nice! I had a death in my family and he let me make up a test later. I think this class is not for me as I am someone who needs assignments to help comprehend the material. American government is not my thing, if you like it and understand it, YOU WILL DO WELL. Love the teacher, just not a good class for me.

He is a really good teacher and you can tell he likes teaching the material. He just writes on the board during lecture and you just have to copy that and add some more details sometimes. his test are reasonable. No homework/ attendance grade. Just 3 tests and a final. Go to class and take good notes and you will be fine.

I love the way he lectures because he makes it easy to follow along. You need to show up to class and take good notes because the only things on the tests are what he lectures about. You're graded by 3 tests and 1 final and one extra credit assignment. The final is optional and will replace the lowest test grade.

Kaatz is a very nice guy and a great lecturer! He uses a lot of anecdotes when it comes to lecturing, and the actual material you will need to know for the test is not super clear, but he gives great, in-depth study guides that (so far) have made me successful on his tests. Read the book if you feel like it, study hard, and you will be just fine!

If you want to take this class with an easy professor, take it with him. Your grade is only made up of 4 test and he drops your lowest one. He posts study guides a week before the test that have every topic on the test. I would make Quizlet's from the study guides and study them a little bit only 2 days before the test. My lowest score was an 84.

Kaatz is cool I guess. Graded on few tests.

There are four tests over the course of the semester including finals and midterms. These are the only things that will go into the grade book for the whole semester. However he also drops your lowest grade which is nice because it makes the final optional.

His class is completely based on lectures and tests, and the lectures feel very long and boring, but he does his best to make them funny and interesting for the topic they are on. The tests are pretty tough, but he's a great professor and generally pleasant to talk to and ask questions.

As someone who dislikes political science, he was able to make it interesting. But, the whole grade is based off of tests only. He doesn't post any lectures, so if you miss a class you lose out on those notes. The tests are written based on everything he said in class, not just his study guide, so while attendance isn't mandatory it hurts to miss.

Great professor honestly, he's a funny guy as well. There's no homework and your grade is based off 4 exams total, but he drops the lowest exam score- so technically 3. Just read the textbook and come to class and you'll do fine. The final, for me, was the easiest. So I recommend taking it rather than skipping because you're content with your grade

Dr k is a great teacher. His class is ALL LECTURE, it's only 4 tests and he drops the lowest including the final. No homework and if you pay attention TAKE GOOD NOTES and know some basic political science knowledge you will do fine on the tests. Even tho it's very lecture heavy he tries to make them funny and engaging. Solid teacher.

I enjoyed the lectures and the content, and the online class was fairly easy. There was pretty much zero communication with the class, so you have to be responsible for remembering deadlines. The written assignments are graded tough with almost no instruction. Besides those things, I learned a lot and the professor was helpful when needed.

2 tests, 1 case study pres and participation pts. This class was easy due to the lack of hw but his lectures are mostly anecdotal from his career so it can be hard to know what to study. He is a pretty lenient grader though and the lectures were always interesting. Cancels class a lot too.

The professor is engaging, but the class is test-based. Attend lectures, read the textbook, and use ChatGPT and unstuckstudy to prep - you can do well.

Dr. Kaatz is a good instructor. He's funny, a good storyteller, and very down to earth. I enjoyed his class. He does assign a couple of textbooks, but I never once opened either. The exams are based either primarily or exclusively on the lectures. There is no term paper. And he's a fairly lenient grader. Just take good notes for studying.

Dr. Kaatz is a really amazing professor and is very knowledgable in the fields of local government and planning/development. His lectures are very interesting and I learned a lot from them. He only has two exams (mid-term and final, both all essay/written response), which is the only reason I didn't get an A in the class. I recommend him for sure!